Topic: '74 550 - Patience and Wisdom Project

[Jay D.]

Following a tireless search I purchased a ’74 550K0 in March. Enduring patience paid off and I scored a great bike from a friendly seller about two hours from home.  The Craigslist post went up, I called about 30 minutes later, and the deal was done following a good old fashioned verbal agreement.

On several occasions I have picked up vintage bikes, starting working on them, and got frustrated.  I always broke even or came out ahead when selling to the next ambitious enthusiast, but I found myself disappointed with my sloppy approach.

This time I was determined to take my time, plan carefully, and get an old beauty back on the road.  It has been a slow process so far.  I am in the middle of a basement remodeling project so much of my free time has been occupied with that.  Although I won’t be able to get the CB on the road this riding season, I should have plenty of time over the fall and winter to dial her in.

Warning: This build thread will not be extensive, overly detailed, or even interesting to most readers.  I decided to start it in an effort to keep me accountable and get my butt (and the bike) in gear.   

More pictures and history of the work so far to follow.

(Pictures from original Craigslist post)

[Mcwilliams570]

Goodluck to you. Let me know if you need any help I am right by you..Will be watching this one getting ready to start on my 74 550

[Jay D.]

Goodluck to you. Let me know if you need any help I am right by you..Will be watching this one getting ready to start on my 74 550

Lunch at Charcoal Pit once we've got them both back on the road! 

[Jay D.]

The bike was a bit grimy but I was quite pleased with its overall condition.  Popped the seat over and found the original manual and tool kit still in place. 

She looked better after just a quick wipe down.  Without room in my garage at the time I had to leave the bike at my parents house for a few weeks.  During this time I started ordering critical items I knew I'd need - air filters, oil filter, and carb kits.




The biggest concern was the fact that the bike was stuck between gears.  After a quick hunt through this site I was confident that it was a broken shift spindle spring.  After dropping the oil and pulling the clutch basket it was clear that the suspected spring (or lack thereof) was the problem.  Eventually I dropped the oil pan and found the remains of the spring.  Honda does not offer the spring any longer, so I bought a few from Sears Hardware and cut one down to fit.  It was a challenge finding a spring with the correct about of tension in a manageable size.  I am a bit nervous about its durability, but it was the best solution I could think of at the time.




Next - carb work and polishing aluminum.

[hondasl70]

It is always refreshing to see solutions to problems that go way outside the box of ordering a new spec part (in this case they weren't available).  In todays world we throw stuff away because it is easier just to order a new part.  Creative solutions are really cool and embodies what most racers (cars, bikes, boats) are really good at. 

In my spare time and in the past I entertained myself by being a mechanic for a number of SCCA race teams.  The guy I worked for had S2000, Continental, Formula Mazda, CSR and Formula Atlantic customers so I saw all kinds of challenges.  I was part of the only team to ever win the National Run-Offs in Formula Atlantic and CSR using the the same chassis (Swift 0012).  Converting from one class to another with all the body work and suspension settings was killer gruelling.  We found a way to do it and got featured on SpeedVision.

Sorry, I got wrapped up in the moment.  My point is it takes a real enthusiast/racer to solve problems rather than call a shop or order a part.  Kudos my friend!

Peace,
Jeff

[Jay D.]

Started polishing my pitted side covers over the summer.  Not a big fan of shiny bits on my bike but something needed to be done and I am happy with the results so far.  I still have some fine scratches I'd like to eliminate but I doubt I (or anyone else) will really notice once they're back on the bike.  Not a huge deal if I decide to yank them again and have a go at the scratches over the winter.

Essentials: various grades of wet/dry sandpaper from 200 to 2000, #0000 steel wool, rubbing compound, polishing compound, 4 grades of buffing wheel dressing, a Craftsman bench grinder converted to a bench buffer with one spiral sewn wheel and one loose wheel, beer, time.

It's taken me longer than expected but that's par for the course.  Last weekend I worked on the stator cover.  It is rashed but looks much better in its polished state than it did pitted and ugly.  (The Honda logo cover was not completed when the stator pic was taken.)

Although it is fairly rewarding I am getting sick of standing at the buffer and hope to have these parts back where they belong soon. 

[Mcwilliams570]

Looking good Jay. You need to teach your wife how to buff. I just taught mine there is something very rewarding drinking a beer and watching your wife polish a fork

Matt

[Jay D.]

Patience has definitely been the key to keeping this project alive.  It was a very busy winter but I finally had some time this evening to get things rolling again.

Started reassembling the carbs.  First one took me a little while as I had to recall where each bit went but the second one was much quicker.  Two down, two to go.  Looking forward to hopefully building some momentum and finding a few hours each week to sneak off to the garage.

[WhyNot2]

Goodluck to you. Let me know if you need any help I am right by you..Will be watching this one getting ready to start on my 74 550

Lunch at Charcoal Pit once we've got them both back on the road! 

Hey man, is that the Charcoal Pit on Maryland Ave?

[Jay D.]

Hey man, is that the Charcoal Pit on Maryland Ave?

Not aware of that one - my spot is on 202 North of Wilmington.

[WhyNot2]

I used to work at Charcoal Pit on Maryland Ave in Richardson Park, way back in the late 60s early 70s.

Didn't know (or don't know) if it's still there, let alone the strip mall that it was in.

And I've lived pretty much all over the country and overseas and have never seen or heard of Charcoal Pit restaurants, anywheres except there in Delaware.

Loved that place.

[Colorprinter867]

I used to work at Charcoal Pit on Maryland Ave in Richardson Park, way back in the late 60s early 70s.

Didn't know (or don't know) if it's still there, let alone the strip mall that it was in.

And I've lived pretty much all over the country and overseas and have never seen or heard of Charcoal Pit restaurants, anywheres except there in Delaware.

Loved that place.

(Please excuse the hijack) i live in delaware and there isnt a charcoal pit on maryland ave, but the whole time ive been alive (20 years) there has been one on kirkwood highway by prices corner

[Mcwilliams570]

Good to see you back Jay..Anytime you need help let me know wouldnt mind getting out of the garage and checking out your project..

Yeah no charcoal pit on Maryland ave the one on Kirkwood is where we go to...hmm I see meeting all you at the charcoal pit one night

Matt

[WhyNot2]

Sorry.....didn't mean to hi-jack either............................just get excited knowing people on here are in or about my old stomping grounds.

Good looking bike, and good luck with it. Hope that spring holds out.

Wish I was still up there.....................................at times.

[Jay D.]

Carbs rebuilt and ready to be racked! 

While taking pics I realized I had the bowls on the wrong side, making future draining difficult.  Now fixed.

Looking a little nicer than when I started...

[TwoTired]

Did you put any clear coat over the shiny bare aluminum?

Or, are you planing to re-polish it every 6 months or so?

[Jay D.]

Caps and bowls coated with Eastwood bare metal spray.  New fasteners are stainless.

[Jay D.]

Got some garage time in this week.  Had to wait for new bare metal coating from Eastwood - came in today.  This weekend I hope to spray all my polished bits and start reassembling the bottom end. 

Organized all my new stainless fasteners, installed oil pan, new oil filter, and did a lot of cleaning and degreasing in little nooks.  Popped the tank off and noticed how bad the breather cover was so that got a good polishing tonight.  Removed stock bars and did a dry fit of the set that I'll probably start with.  If I squint a little bit I can actually see a bike that I would be proud to ride!  Looking forward to more progress this weekend.

[fastbroshi]

I think you may have incorrectly routed the #4 spark plug wire.  I don't have my bike in front of me right now but I'm pretty sure that's wrong.

[Jay D.]

Thanks, I'll take a look. That area is still as-is from PO do I will do a thorough review prior to firing up.

[fastbroshi]

I just double checked, that bracket is actually for the clutch cable.   If you check the back of the manual there's different diagrams that show the different routings for cables and hoses.

[Jay D.]

Recently decided to make a to-do list and tackle one step at a time.  Although it's taking a while I feel accomplished and motivated.  Installed remaining case covers last night and wrestled the carbs back in tonight.  I am happy with the smooth operation of the carbs and they look much better, too.

Couldn't get the 75mm bolt on the clutch case even close to seating.  The 80mm bolt went in fine but I am scared to force the 75.  Think I will pick up another shorter bolt for that position.

So far my replacement fuel lines are working out despite the larger OD.  Will cut, mount, and route the drain and vent lines this weekend.

She's starting to look like a motorcycle again...

[Two-Bit]

Got some garage time in this week.  Had to wait for new bare metal coating from Eastwood - came in today.  This weekend I hope to spray all my polished bits and start reassembling the bottom end. 

Organized all my new stainless fasteners, installed oil pan, new oil filter, and did a lot of cleaning and degreasing in little nooks.  Popped the tank off and noticed how bad the breather cover was so that got a good polishing tonight.  Removed stock bars and did a dry fit of the set that I'll probably start with.  If I squint a little bit I can actually see a bike that I would be proud to ride!  Looking forward to more progress this weekend.

Hey, what exhaust did you put on?

[Jay D.]

Hey, what exhaust did you put on?

Bike came with junk turnouts so I decide these were the best replacement. https://www.denniskirk.com/mac/4-into-2-chrome-flare-tip-slip-ons.p25567.prd/25567.sku
 
I did not want 4-1 and OEMs are expensive and/or questionable internal condition. I think these will do the trick while maintaining aesthetic balance.  I am hoping to install the full set with new crush gaskets this weekend.

[Two-Bit]

Hey, what exhaust did you put on?

Bike came with junk turnouts so I decide these were the best replacement. https://www.denniskirk.com/mac/4-into-2-chrome-flare-tip-slip-ons.p25567.prd/25567.sku
 
I did not want 4-1 and OEMs are expensive and/or questionable internal condition. I think these will do the trick while maintaining aesthetic balance.  I am hoping to install the full set with new crush gaskets this weekend.

I have 4 into 2 Jardines that I bought off craigslist. They look almost identical to the 4 into 2 Macs. I do wish that the Jardines were a little louder sounding though. The baffle isn't removable either. How do the 4 into 2 Macs sound? Is the baffle removable on them?