Topic: video/question of my first bike: cb550 four

[psycherhexic]

cool.

now it won't even start 

[Nortstudio]

You can use photobucket - which seems to be easiest for upload and code transfer.

That carbtune will work, and there are even cheaper ones available.  Just search some of the sites that specialize in our CBs (Z1 is where I got mine). 

Wait!  What happened?  Did you check the battery like TT suggested?  That's step one...

[psycherhexic]

thats what I was trying to do... fire it up and test it... it starts to turn over with a battery charger/jumper.

pretty sure I've flooded it by now.

[Nortstudio]

Sounds like your battery may be depleted my friend. Test it while it's not on (no key either) just to see were you're at.

[psycherhexic]

ummmm yeah    turns out I just needed to flip it to reserve. I guess I didn't reset the trip when I filled up after buying it.

just shows how paranoid I was of getting ripped off. still don't think it was worth 1600.

so I took it to the mechanic... they say a dirty shop is a working shop right!? he seems like a really good guy. he rode it a couple blocks and claims there isn't much wrong with it other than the dry rotting tires and a standard bolt where a metric bolt should be on the rear brake section.

don't give up on me because of the one dumb mistake! I'm sure it won't be the last! 

[Doggie]

When I watched the video, I first thing I noticed was that your petcock was in a different position than mine. I know that the arrow points down ( don't ask how I know, I had the same problem, took the tank off and found it out).

                                      Doug

[That 70s Bike]

Is it just good lighting (sun) because that silver metallic paint is glittering like a bass boat. Nice! Polished covers too. Once you iron out the needed adjustments you'll have a good looking & running '77cb550. Check the Service Bulletins on this site and you'll see what's great about the '77 & later sohc550 motor.

[psycherhexic]

When I watched the video, I first thing I noticed was that your petcock was in a different position than mine. I know that the arrow points down ( don't ask how I know, I had the same problem, took the tank off and found it out).

                                      Doug

I'm not sure if I understand what you mean?

[psycherhexic]

I have a couple more questions:

Riding at 65-70 mph the bike is running at 5,000 rpm's is that normal?

I was told (and can feel) that I need fork oil pretty badly.. by reading the manual it looks like I need to take apart the entire front end, then the 77' addendum section has one line that appears to say there is a spot where you can add oil without disassembling?

[TwoTired]

Riding at 65-70 mph the bike is running at 5,000 rpm's is that normal?

If you are thinking that's too high, it isn't.  Look how far away red line is.   If you think it is too loud, then get quieter or stock exhaust.

I was told (and can feel) that I need fork oil pretty badly. by reading the manual it looks like I need to take apart the entire front end, then the 77' addendum section has one line that appears to say there is a spot where you can add oil without disassembling?

You should check the owner's manual for fork oil changing.  Routine. There is a plug near the bottom for draining.  There is the big bolt/plug on top that does both fork spring pre-load and access for filling the fork.

Cheers,

[Roach]

dont take the oil out of the forks without putting the front wheel off the ground.
you wull end up with a big oily mess on the ground.

[psycherhexic]

thanks guys.

cheers..

hopefully I can record the process in HD, I've been thinking about documenting everything I do... no matter how simple a task is it is always easier with video example.

[psycherhexic]

if I take the front end off the ground won't I have a hard time pumping the forks to squeeze the oil out?

[TwoTired]

if I take the front end off the ground won't I have a hard time pumping the forks to squeeze the oil out?

You are correct.  But, after you have them drained, you have to prop up the front end.  Because to fill them, you must remove the top caps...which also hold the fork springs in the tubes.  The springs normally hold the front end up.

Cheers,

[psycherhexic]

thanks old timer! 

just got hooked up by the in-laws big time!

brand new/boxed/never used ac delco bike jack rated at 1500 lbs...

sweeeeet.