Topic: New to Hondas in Austin, TX

[Icarus]

Hello folks,
     Today I picked up a '77 CB550K and a '75 CB400F, both are sort of basket cases but that makes 'em cheap!  the 550 was a daily rider until a couple months ago and then it failed in a few ways and the guy gave up on it.  The 400 looks like it was last registered in '93 and has been sitting inside somewhere.  The 400 has a title and the 550 doesn't so I don't know how mucha of a paint it will be to get that straight.

Anyone have an opinion on which to mess with first?  I might just start tearing the 400 down completely to blast and re coat the frame and do a top end rebuild.  The wiring is all crusty so I am tempter to tear it all out and make my own harness but i've only done simple ones for bikes without turn signals/electric start/neutral/oil lights.

Anyone have a tank for the 400?

Anyways, lots of Qs, will be sifting through the threads for advice and maybe someone in Austin wants to have some wrenching days!




Wavy 4-1 on the 400

[Stev-o]

Welcome.   Since the 550 was a more recent runner, I'd start there, get it running and then decide what tho do with it. 
I had one just like it, was a good bike.

[Icarus]

Yeah the 550 is close.  I got it to fire up a couple times after doing the oil, timing, points, plugs and new gas treatment.  I think the carbs just need to be rebuilt and synced.  Other than that, the wiring is a mess but it shouldn't take much.  The annoying thing with that one is i'll have to go the bonded title route, never done it before, will have to look into how to do it all.

The carbs for the 400 were totally shot, took the float bowls off and they were hard packed with white powder and the float bowl pin holders were snapped off.  Going to just salvage the usable parts for future use and grab some another set through ebay or something.

You coming down for the eastside classic or whatever is going on next weekend Stev-o?

[Stev-o]

Sounds like your slow jets are clogged on the 550, pull em and clean.

I saw those 400 carbs on that other thread, unreal!

Eastside Classic is this Sunday, would like to take my 550 cafe but can't, Fathers Day plans.