Topic: New guy from Orlando- cb550 project underway

[CBertels]

Hello everyone,

I'm a long-time lurker and just joined up.  I've build and restored a number of classic cars but I'm new to the bike scene.  I'd love to meet up with some other members and learn as much as I can from all the knowledge from others locally and the community.

I recently acquired a '75 CB550 project another guy had started a cafe' build with but didn't really finish.  Its in good shape overall but definitely needs some work to get it to level I expect.  Any suggestions on where to start, it would be appreciated.  I'm currently trying to get it running right and stopping properly.  Given all the prior owners mods, I'm still figuring out whats still CB550 and whats aftermarket, modified, donor parts, etc.  I welcome anyone interested in coming by to swing wrenches or have a few beers anytime.  I start a proper build thread when tedious stuff is finished.

[Stev-o]

Welcome from Texas.   I suggest get it running first, then brakes will be easy.

Start a build thread now, you will get more response. 

The rear swingarm, when'll and brake assembly is not stock, you prolly knew that. 

Good luck, 550's are fun bikes!

[calj737]

Welcome!

Swing arm pivot bolt is not stock, and should have a grease fitting in the end. Drive chain master link is installed backwards, wiring looks shot, don't care for the shift lever contraption, and who would cover a seat with a bathroom rug in FL? 

Look like stock pipes that have had the mufflers cut off, shame really, your bike will run better with some type of baffling.

I'll be in the Orlando area the week of the 10th on business, give me a holler, I'll stop by and see if we can make heads or tails of some of it.

[CBertels]

Thanks for the replies guys!  CalJ7373, I would definitely appreciate any info you may have when you're in town.

I knew the thing would be a bit of a basket case going in, but the price was right and I like  a challenge.  The hardest part will be figuring out what exactly I'm starting with in order to go forward.

After a quick oil change and some new gas and battery, I got it fired.  It is REAL loud with these awful straight pipes.  It will only rev to about 2.5k and will do so only at wide open throttle.  Let off, and it dies immediately.  The prior owner attempted to re-jet the carbs and I'm not sure what all else has been done to them.  There are also four small rubber hoses hanging from them, 1 attached to each at the bottom assumedly for vacuum what would go to a sync tool.  The other two are attached towards the middle of the banks as well and not sure yet what these are for.

I plan to take them off and sort them on the bench closer to the stock configuration and tune as needed.  I've read through the forums and know what a headache that will be.  I don't have pods or the stock air box so I'm looking forward to a headache.  Not sure if I will need to get a proper exhaust before attempting to tune.

I'm going to start a "build thread" to get a wider audience and get additional ideas.  Thanks all!

[calj737]

Those 4 small hoses from the bottoms are overflow tubes. The intake manifolds have a small screw in them between the carb and the head where the vacuum gauges attach.

You'll definitely want some type of induction filter to tune the bike. And the open exhausts will be problematic. Here's the stock carb config table with jets, needle and screw positions to keep you sorted.

From your description, a good and thorough carb cleaning is in order! And check the interior of the tank for any rust or debris. That will plague you every day going forward if not resolved.

[Stev-o]

Cal gave you some great advice, I only have this to add: buy a good exhaust system

[CBertels]

Stev-O- Definitely plan on putting a proper exhaust on this thing.  The work from the prior owner is super sketchy and I'm finding new stuff the more I really dig.

Cal- thanks for the update on the carbs.  Can you you recommend a good manual and/or guides on tearing this thing down a bit?  I've got an old Clymer book but it seems a little thin.  The prior owner emailed a detailed list of prior work done and its got me a little worried on the whole thing.  I'm starting a build thread as well to detail the adventure. 

I've got title issues with the bike at the moment so I didn't want to get too deep until that resolved.  If I can't title it, I plan to get it running/driving if possible and unload it for a better project.

[calj737]

You can go the Cermint Registration route and then get a Title in FL. "Hotwheelbill" is a member near you, and literally just did the same thing- you can do a Google search on "Vermont vintage title" and you'll see the paperwork. Fill it out, send it in, then use it to transfer ownership to yourself in FL. Perfectly legally, perfectly legitimate.

Here's a free and complete list of most of what you need within this forum:
http://manuals.sohc4.net/cb550/
And here's an online Honda parts list with original factory part numbers, exploded assembly diagrams, etc.:
http://partstream.arinet.com/Mobile/_jW4wl5TyaiQ0tR6p7m6xs6vHATys4XAHmeNF66czCJ3E44ivRR2FKs8NJJ2o3OJ11dlF9XoZKKom3cnLSnKfyu5iY4ENVVIICw9GLRyiwd4Jdz_GLEMEsQZkB5jmZKr0.html#/Mobile/d4Sr5oUDVk-PElfxZuBGZEYVEcrdYVMLwB2xlzYcBipf-56D5LrvZa6lMmP6m6Fly3xk3u5P25Un5IRWmMlSTg2.html
If you find a part number you need, "Google" it alone and you find an alternate source.

[CBertels]

Thanks, I've read on the Vermont route and thought about it.  I went the bonded title route here in FL and now have the title in hand.  All in, the fees totaled $240, including the cost of the bond, sales tax, and a title.  It was SUPER quick and easy.  I'm not sure the time frame for Vermont or the associated fees, but I doubt it would beat the bond route.  I may do a quick write of on the forums here to help anyone in FL needing to do the same.

Thanks for the manuals and parts sources.  Now that I've gotten the title, I'm ready to dive in head first!

[Stev-o]

Said and done, the VT route costs about $200.

Good idea - do a write up the bonded title process for your fellow Floridians.