Got my first bike, a '73 CB450, a month ago and got my second, '78 CB550K, 2 weeks later. The 450 is mint so I couldn't cut it up. What follows is my progress on the 550. I have learned loads from this forum and you guys have been a huge help. Thank you.
For the 550 I want to trim all the fat. Get rid of everything I feel is unnecessary. Parts are being bead blasted and waxed to a matte finish. Frame is cut up and slimmed down. Electronics simplified. I've purchased some new things for the bike but I am going to try and modify the stock parts or build new ones myself. What follows is my progress of all modifications and issues related to mechanical, electrical and metal.
Vitals Before / AfterModel: 1978 CB550K
Miles: 8,000+
Carbs: Keihin PD46C
Main Jet: Was 90 / Now 105 (may change)
Pilot Jet: 42 (stock)
Needle: 2nd from top (stock) / Now 2nd from bottom
Float: 14.5mm (can't find a definitive answer on this. Others say 12.5mm)
Exhaust was: Stock 4-4 / Now: Mac 4-1 with slight mod
Air Intake was: Stock air box / Now: K&N Cones (the 35mm do fit)
Battery: Ballistic 8 cell EVO2 LiFe
Electric: New regulator and rectifier from Oregon Motorcycle Parts
Bars: Renthal 7/8" Road Low
Dyna S ignition and 5ohm coils
I will update the list as I go.
The bike as I got it![](http://nickvanwoert.com/550/photo.JPG)