Topic: 76 CB550K in Mid-Missouri

[NShahdadi]

Hello everyone,
New to the forum and new to motorcycles. Bought my first bike on August 17, 2012, a 1976 Honda CB550K for $650. Taking the FORR course in September.
Not mechanically gifted but not a complete idiot, either. I'll try to do what I can on my own but will be taking it to a shop for anything that I don't feel safe about (which will probably be a lot). Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of bike shops in the city I live in and the few that are here don't like to work on old bikes. Already learning a ton from reading FAQ and searching posts for the topics I need. Will definitely be sure to make a donation to the forum when I'm a little more financially stable. Thanks!

[Schnell]

Hey, welcome! I'm just 2 threads later than you.

[Gurp]

Well I'll have to say im very jealous of your bike and the price. It looks geat and i wish you good luck with it. I have a 74 550 it no where near as nice as yours.

[NShahdadi]

Hey, welcome! I'm just 2 threads later than you.

Thanks! And welcome to you, too!

Well I'll have to say im very jealous of your bike and the price. It looks geat and i wish you good luck with it. I have a 74 550 it no where near as nice as yours.

Oh, thanks! I feel like I got a pretty good deal on it. Of course, I've already spent a small chunk of change on tires and a few other small things, but all in all, I think it was kind of a steal. My buddy is picking up a 75 550 this weekend for $700 that needs a few things but is in otherwise great shape. It'll be fun to have a friend to learn/work with who has a bike that's nearly identical to mine. He's got some funny chopper bars and a West Coast Choppers seatback on his that he'll be promptly removing, I believe.
Getting a few parts in the mail this week (clutch, speedo, and tacho cables, air filter, and oil filter) that i'll try to install myself. And a few others (tires, tubes, rim strips) that I'll have worked on professionally. Any tips for those small jobs I'll be tackling this weekend?
Take care!

[Gurp]

Just take it slow and if you start to get mad walk away.  Check the forum it likly someone has had the same issue befor.and keep your #2 phillips handy its the closest to the jis heads on the bike.

[Rev]

Where are you in Missouri? I'm in St. Louis. You should take it up to the Vintage bike night at Moto Europa on Monday night.

www . facebook .com/#!/groups/194862127217186/

[NShahdadi]

I'm in Jefferson City. Wish I could make it up for that but I doubt I'll be able to. Let me know if you take any rides to central MO this fall.

[Stev-o]

Welcome.  Have you downloaded the service manual from this site yet?

It will cover the relatively easy tasks you have in mind. 

I prefer to have others change my tires too.

[NShahdadi]

I downloaded the Honda service manual but I can't recall which site I found it on. I ended up just asking my mechanic to take care of those little things while he was changing my tires. It needs to pass inspection so I can get it licensed and out on the road before the season ends. I'll have plenty of time to learn/teach myself over the winter and I don't have some of the tools I'd need yet, anyway.

Aside from the Honda manual, which other manual do you prefer? I've heard mixed opinions on the Clymer.

[madScientist]

Welcome to the site and nice bike! You're already doing yourself a big favor by joining the forum. I've been on here 3 months and learned more than i have in 15 years wrenching on my 750F.

Anything you do take your time, put bolts/screws back in original holes, keep track of everything. If you get confused, lost, or frustrated take a beer break and come to the forums.

[Stev-o]

BTW, your bike is a 550 K model, not an F.

Learn here...

http://www.sohc4.net/index.php/cb550/cb550-model-guide/

[NShahdadi]

Yeah, I found that out the other day. Thanks, though! Just kind of assumed it was the "F" model since the side panels that read 550 Four have the "F" on them so large. What I get for assuming...