Topic: [pics added] So I've got the bike, now what?

[stereosilence]

Well, I think kicking it is cool. I have, however, already experienced the being-stuck-in-the-middle-of-the-road-kicking-it-like-an-idiot-until-I-realize-the-gas-is-off feeling.

I live and ride in downtown Atlanta where squids are everywhere. It is not uncommon to be passed on the highway by a group of guys going 150+ on their crotch rockets. So, I think it is cool to have an old bike with a kickstart (I'd never even seen a bike kickstarted in person before). The folks I know my age that might have a bike that old don't know how to work on them anyway.

A few clarifications: the starter is still there. The PO told me something along the lines of "the switch needs a new solenoid which costs about $2 at radioshack". I don't think he knew what he was talking about (college kids...), but whatever. The starter was rewired to a toggle switch on the left underseat fairing. Since the whole blocky kill switch housing on the handle bar is doing nothing, I think it would look cleaner if I could remove that bulk (unless I put the switch back on the bar). I don't anticipate having trouble fixing it as I have a degree in electrical engineering and work with a bunch of electronics techs.

I don't have to skip second gear by any means. It only slips if I stick it in second and open the throttle all the way. Not worth fixing if I have to tear it all to pieces, IMO.

I added photos to "My Gallery" here...but I can't figure out how to add them into  apost. I'll modify my first one when I do.

[AbbyRider]

I personally like kick starting, probably because it makes me FEEL cool. But honestly - who cares what people think? Well, I guess a lot of people care, which is why so many people buy big HD's.
As far as the original question - I agree with riding the bike until you get a feel for what needs to be done. Valve adjustments are easy. Once you get into the carbs, it can be a lot of work, and you have to be thorough, but anyone with good mechanical sense can do it (including sync). If you're willing to live with a bit of oil leaking, then don't touch the engine. But if it gets bad, then you should take the plunge and do it yourself. It's rewarding to ride something that you've worked on yourself. Just takes patience.

[bluezboy]

Nice bike and welcome to the club. I'm in Stone Mountain, so let's go for a ride soon. There are a few other forum membera in the atlanta area, say hello in the Georgia riders thread. Vern 4045525155

[72500john]

welcome!! fix the starter as it will give you a second way of getting home..pushing a bike sucks! as far as fixing the second gear/tearing the engine down goes. do a compression test. if all looks good and the missing second gear doesnt bother you( it would me..but thats just me) let er eat as they say. enjoy the hell out of the bike and fix what needs fixn. you will always find something to fix on it..if you go too bat #$%* crazy about it it will sit being "fixed" and not ridden!!

[Danno]

I have an extra starter motor for the 550 I think it is still good and will check it out of you are interested but before you blame the starter check out the seleonoid on the left side of the bike under the cover they often get choroded and often times can be taken apart and cleaned

[Trav-i]

Forgot to add I'm up in Gainesville.

[nancy]

Is something wrong with the angle on the rear shocks?

[stereosilence]

Is something wrong with the angle on the rear shocks?

Hope not.

[nancy]

Just when I look at the pic from Arblebang and look back at yours - it looks as though your shocks are on a more acute angle?

[dave500]

the lower mount on those has in fact been moved back,it helps to impress when kick starting,how about fitting some mufflers?over here we wouldnt get ten feet without being stopped by a cop for that racket,if you remove the starter you have to install a freeze plug in the hole.

[the technological J]

i would think twice about removing the right hand controls... i did mine and added a key setup with a start on it(like a car) but i miss the kill switch.... its like pull in...  find nutrl.... wait thats not it... oh heck im just stalling it... the switch is on the left side under the seat... and now im looking for something i could use as a kill switch some where slick... but i would never have done it on the 550 i think finding n to kick it was annoying.... but on the 750 you can just pull the clutch

[Rigid]

Had a kick only, bored, Shovelhead stroker with timing adjusted slightly off.  It kicked back and hit my leg so hard I thought it was broken.  I tried to kick it to get home ahead of a thunderstorm and I couldn't overcome the pain enough to do it.  I ending up rolling it down a hill and starting it in 2nd. gear.  That bike cured me of the desire to kick start anything.  BA? well, I got a long list of things ahead of kick starting a Honda.............

[Xnavylfr]

I'd ride it and just keep an eye on the leaks. If it gets bad enough it WON"T take long before you'll know it "OIL AND RUBBER AND ROAD DON"T MIX WELL"
Here's is the wireing color codes for HONDA
http://www.satanicmechanic.org/wiringcodes.shtml


Xnavylfr(CHUCK)

[stereosilence]

Just when I look at the pic from Arblebang and look back at yours - it looks as though your shocks are on a more acute angle?

Sure enough! There is plenty about my bike that is not stock (the engine and frame VINs don't match). So, maybe somebody put a diff. swingarm on it that is longer?

[Rigid]

Just when I look at the pic from Arblebang and look back at yours - it looks as though your shocks are on a more acute angle?

Sure enough! There is plenty about my bike that is not stock (the engine and frame VINs don't match). So, maybe somebody put a diff. swingarm on it that is longer?

Engine and frame vins never match..........

[mrbreeze]

The engine and frame numbers aren't supposed to match. If you post your numbers .....someone will tell you what year the frame and the engine is or you can do it yourself. Go th the Honda chopper forum and they have a cool chart that tells all. Oh and welcome to SOHC4 and "FIX YER STARTER PROBLEM!!!!"

[Stev-o]

Numbers won't match

[lone*X]

The rear shock angle affects the handling of the bike.  Can't tell from the pictures, black paint and in the shadows, but many people used lowering blocks made to set the bottom mount back behind the axle which is what yours looks like.  If it has the lowering blocks they can be removed for a more level stance and improved handling.  Some people like the lowered back end, but most will prefer better handling.