Topic: Pulled the trigger! pics included

[ifly60s]

Hey guys, long time listener.......first time caller. I have much respect for the knowledge in this forum, and wanted to run an idea by everyone. Back story first, I am an American living in Germany. Before starting my current occupation (about 10 years ago) I was an auto mechanic and love wrenching on things....a regular gear head with a passion for all things with a motor. So a few days ago (Christmas) my wife told me that I need a hobby, and she said that spending hours looking at bikes and projects on sohc4 is not a hobby. So she has saved her money and found a 77 550F for sale here in Germany, I just have to pull the trigger.

The help that need, the bike is pretty clean, minimal surface rust, and all there (plus some aftermarkets ie dual front brakes?). The PO says the bike runs, but has clutch problems. After replacing the clutch, the bike will quit when releasing the clutch, regardless of RPMs. "If you make it at 5000 RPMs, and let out the clutch in gear 1, it will die"........ his words. He says all electrical works also, but I can not verify this because the battery is dead. The asking price is a firm 500 euros (that's about 660 US dollars) and the bike has about 29000 km on it (or 18000 sm).

So is it worth it? If so, expect this thread to continue, while I look for a lot of help. For I have no 2 wheel experience aside from riding.

Also, expectations, I am only wondering if it is a fair price. I intend on a cafe project, with no intentions of selling. So not looking for a super cheap bike, just want to make sure I am not getting ripped off.

Thanks for any advise.........Cheers!

[Greggo]

$650 for a running bike, that likely needs a clutch?  Sounds okay to me.  Especially if it looks good and doesn't need much otherwise.  The fact that it runs is promising.  You could bring a battery to hook up and test everything when you go to buy it..

[SGTBob]

To me, it sounds more like the sidestand safety switch is working incorrectly.  Usually, when I find things "wrong" with my bikes, I more often than not, find  that the solution more simplicistic than  than complicated.
I agree that $650 for a running motorcycle is reasonable.  I would "pull the trigger" if i were you.
In short, "Go for it!!!!"

[ifly60s]

Thanks for the advise, that's what I was thinking too. The PO has a trickle charger, I asked him to hook it up for my return trip. But bringing a battery just in case wouldn't hurt. I think my fear is a transmission problem....is it possible for a clutch to cause this type of problem ( or an incorrectly installed clutch?)

Sarge: side stand safety switch? I like the sound of that.....I like switches

[Stev-o]

Welcome fly. +1 pull that trigger.  Clutch cable could also be stretched, obviously something is wrong and the owner cannot figure it out.  We can.

PS. Sounds like you have an awesome wife.

[ifly60s]

Thanks for all of the advise gentlemen, and the quick replies. I think I will make the phone call tonight and hopefully delivery will come soon.......and yes Steve-o, my wife is pretty cool, and thanks for the welcome. Now to start the planning........

[Johnie]

Welcome fly...I agree with the boys...go get it man and start that hobby like your wife said. 29,000 miles...she is just barely broke in. Send us some pics when you bring it home.

[ifly60s]

Thanks Johnie, yea....it's time to be productive. In the last 6 years, I've spent 3 in third world countries, and had two daughters. It didn't leave time for much else, and I now know more about formula mixtures than fuel/air mixtures. It will definitely be fun to get grease under my nails again! You guys have me excited about getting it here and tearing into it!

[Johnie]

Remember...a camera is your best friend when you start to pull it apart. So nice to refer back to pics to make sure stuff goes back the way it came off. 

[ifly60s]

I will deffinitely be taking pictures and posting them once I figure out how. I made the call last night, and expect delivery sometime next week.....now I just search for inspiration in anticipation. On delivery day, I will throw pictures up with lots of questions, trying to figure out what I have on my hands......

In other news, I started my first home beer brew last night.......so looking forward to that too!

[Stev-o]

Sounds good fly, I can sense your excitement! Posting pics is easy, open a free acct at photobucket.com. Then search for the additional info.

Where In the US are you from and where in Germany are you now?

[ifly60s]

Thanks for the info Stevo-o, I will have to get the photobucket thing going.

I was raised in the ATL Ga area, and then joined the military and lived in upstate NY (REALLY upstate) for about 8 years. And then moved here to Stuttgart Germany in August. So I live in the "black forest" now.

I guess that stuff would be better suited for the intro forum, I will have to drop by there and introduce my self to the whole sohc4 world!

[rb550four]

Welcome Ifly, wouldn't hesitate , they are getting pricey in the US. You'll never know what was wrong with it until you take it home. Like you say, you want to get some grease under your nails,pull the trigger. If you just want polish under your fingers, get a Harley. I'm interested to see what the decision will be, keep us updated.              RB

[swan]

Do it. Be sure the paperwork is legit, though I have no experience in titling or transferring a vehicle in the EU, I am sure it is a headache if the paperwork is not correct.

You sound busy with career and family, but a little cycle therapy will do you good!

[TwoTired]

This model bike never had a side stand safety switch.  You could waste a good deal of time looking for a problem there.

If the clutch discs were installed properly, then poor adjustment may be the "stalling" problem, if it engages too aggressively.

There is a clutch switch to allow estarting while still in gear and the clutch pulled in.  However, it effects only the starting circuit rather than the sparking circuit.

Clutch actuation does change the cable tension/position.  And, the F models have a key switch plug near where the clutch cable is routed.  If the plug is loose, clutch operation can break a power connection causing the engine to quit.

You didn't state whether you want a bike primarily to work on or ride on.  Working-on-the-bike hobby takes time, and can be enjoyable in its own right.  Can you easily wait to ride until it is ready?  Or, are you buying the bike primarily to ride and show?
In either case, be prepared to spend another $1000 on the bike to make it into a reliable rider.  And don't expect to ever get your "money back".

Please, at least sell the discarded stock parts to a restorer, rather than tossing them in the bin.  Those aren't made anymore.  When gone, they're gone.  Antiques are more valuable (and more interesting in my view) when in stock configuration.

[ifly60s]

Swan: I will definitely stop by the US customs office again to make sure. But the last time I was in there, any vehicle over 25 years old can be imported to the states with no problems. But I will need to get the proper paperwork on this side. The German "DMV" is a strange cat though. When I bought my German spec car (which unfortunately I can't bring back to the states), the title was never put into my name. That is basically done via vehicle registration with a bill of sale. There is no requirement to have your name on a title.

Two tired: thank you for the places to look with the clutch problems, once I get the bike here and charged I will obviously verify the fault....and then figure out where to start. I.e. pull the cover and check proper clutch installation, check proper adjustment, or check possible electrical problems first. That is where I will need everyone's expertise.

And as for your very good question, my expectations and goals.... I will be here in Germany for about 3ish years. I have given myself that much time to get the bike where I want it, and expect it to take every bit of that (with 2 beautiful daughters that I am trying make up for lost time with, exploring a new country, and a job that keeps me traveling). I will be just as happy to wrench as I will to ride at this point. I do not have a particular budget in mind, but do expect to spend 1000+. But I also tend to be someone that never leaves well enough alone, and know that a good build is never complete. I could see this turning into a complete restomod over time, as it is the nuts and bolts that I am interested in. Having said that, I am also a function over form type of guy. So detailed plans will come with my first post with pics when the bike gets here. But I never intend on showing the bike, and realize that any sell that I make will be with a lost. But for me, money can not by the satisfaction of a project like this......

And I can promise that no parts will be harmed in the making of this movie  I also enjoy restored antiques....especially ones with wheels! But do not feel that this particular specimen is the proper place to start.

For all that show interest in my new toy, thank you. Your interest is making my anticipation grow unimaginably..........now where is my 550!?

[goldarrow]

Bring it on.  We're waiting....

[ifly60s]

Happy New Years sohc4 guys! In Europe I am 4 hours deep in 2013, and it is looking pretty good so far! Great beer, and a 550 on the way!

[krusty]

Re clutch. How long since it was last on the road? If its been a long while then it could just be a simple matter of the clutch plates stuck together due to lack of use. To test this start it up on the centre stand, select a gear,  then ease out the clutch. If the plates are stuck it will start spinning the rear wheel and not stall. Remedy this by removing clutch cover, dismantle the clutch, separating the plates. generously oil all the plates then reassemble. This should fix it.

[Garystratos201]

First let me thank you for your service. I`m also from the Atlanta Ga area, Covington about 40 miles South East of Atlanta. This should be an interesting build I`m in for it......Gary

[ifly60s]

Krusty: Thanks for the tips, I will keep it mind when racking my brain over what to do!

Gary: Thank YOU for the support. I am very familiar with Covington. I actually grew up in the Jonesboro / McDonough area, and have grandparents that use to live in Conyers. I'm glad you are in too, cause when this bike gets here (still waiting) I will need all of the help that I can get. But it will be fun!

[Garystratos201]

Check out some of the build threads and you will probably see just about anything you would come across, if not dont be afraid to ask. I got a lot of good advice on my build...............Gary

[ifly60s]

Gentlemen, I apologize for the delay in news. Work took me away from home for quite a while, but I returned from my trip and about 2 hours later my new CB550 was delivered! So I picked the bike up for 500 euros (about $660) and I think it was a pretty good deal. As you will see in the pics, it is in pretty good shape. Everything is there, plus some. But I will need a little help in identifying what I have.

I immediately started playing. First, ignition on....I am happy to report that all electrical works, idiot lights, high/low beams, turn signals, brake lights, and starter. Speaking of the starter, next step...give it a little fuel. It took quite a few turn overs, but she runs! It will not idle on it's own, but I am happy none the less. In doing some quick diagnostic stuff, I found that pipes 1 and 4 were not getting hot. This led me to pull the plug wires from 1 and 4 and there was no change in engine noise. So I am guessing that I have a spark problem on 1 and 4 (don't they share the same coil?). So I am figuring contacts or coil could be the problem. I will do more trouble shooting soon.

Clutch problems; the PO claimed that there were problems with the clutch, however when up on the center stand I can run it through all of the gears with no issues (aside from being on 2 cylinders of course). So if there is a problem when under a load, I think it may just be stuck as Krusty suggested, or maybe an adjustment issue.

Overall I am very pleased with the bike and can't wait to tear in! So enough talk, let's get some pics up! Again, I would like to remind anyone who is looking at this stuff, I have no idea what I really have here. So lets play a game, if you notice something that looks off and not a stock 77 CB550F piece, please point it out.

[70CB750]

You are correct, 1 and 4 share the same coil.

The clutch - it could be fix as easy as oil change.

Good luck and your wife is a keeper for sure 

[ifly60s]

Testing, Testing



Is this thing on?