Topic: Reviving clasic bike

[Bandit18]

Hey guys,new to the forum .I have talked my father inlaw into giving me his late 70's cb550 four.It has been stored in his shop for over 25 years.I would appreciate any tips on starting this beast for the first time.I dont want to rush it and risk screwing something up,also can you install fork gaiters on bike that didn't originally come with them installed.I like the look.Thanks for all your help.Robert

[ekpent]

Start out at least removing the spark plugs and if it has been sitting that long try getting a little lube in the bores and then begin to gently turn it over. Lots more to do but will save some for the other guys to chime on.

[jonboycox]

Cool bike. I just got a 400 Four running after a complete tear down. Seems like every bike guy has a checklist that they go through before trying to start an old bike. So much depends on how the bike was stored. Mine was on it's side in a barn for 25 years and needed a ton of work before I could even hope to start it.  If the motor turns freely and there is new oil in it of the correct type, the next thing to look out for is that gas is getting to and through the carb. That can be tricky as old gas is a lot like glue on all those tiny carb parts. Also critical is that there is spark at the plug. Easy to check by pulling each plug out and watching it as you turn the motor over. I found having the manual essential. Good luck, its worth every minute once she comes to life!

[Tews19]

Congrats and welcome to the site... Discard any gas in the tank and clean it out...


 

Start out at least removing the spark plugs and if it has been sitting that long try getting a little lube in the bores and then begin to gently turn it over. Lots more to do but will save some for the other guys to chime on.

PICS?

[Danno]

you should pull the float bowls off and look for sludge if it is there then take the fuel lines off and with the float bowls off try to rinse out the lines with carb clean then put the bowls back on fill up the bowls with carb clean through the fuel lines and let it sit over night
drain the bowls and hook up the fuel lines to a clean source and try to fire it up

[70CB750]

Pictures?

[Bandit18]

Thanks guys,I haven't picked the bike up yet,but when I do I'll post some pics.