Author Topic: Newbie to an old bike  (Read 825 times)

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Offline Diggers

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Newbie to an old bike
« on: July 24, 2017, 02:37:54 AM »
I've had a few bikes since I bought my first one 9 years ago. Mostly been 80s but I've just bought my first one from the 70s.
It's a CB550K. The Rego papers say 77 but from what I can see it looks like a 75.
It's been off the road for awhile, almost got it going tonight but didn't quite fire up. Now the starter is just clicking. Try again tomorrow.
It appears to be in great nick.
Hi from NZ.

Offline jaynatola

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Re: Newbie to an old bike
« Reply #1 on: July 24, 2017, 10:08:10 AM »
Welcome from vermont!

Offline MD

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Re: Newbie to an old bike
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2017, 07:16:31 PM »
Welcome from MN.

-MD
1975 CB550F Super Sport;  Lake Superior Circle 1000, 45-90 Saddle 1000, All in Yooper 1000 and SS 2000 in 48 hrs:  1985 GL1200A, MN in State SS1K

Offline spotty

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Re: Newbie to an old bike
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2017, 07:46:26 PM »
welcome from across the ditch

the clicking starter motor is probably a flat battery from trying to get it started yesterday. you might have a chance if its recovered a bit overnight and you hit the carbs with a can of Start Ya Bastard, otherwise it'll prob need a good charge. is it a new battery or been sitting in the bike for a while, if so it prob won't hurt to get a new one anyway

good luck, spotty
i blame Terry

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Newbie to an old bike
« Reply #4 on: July 24, 2017, 09:03:21 PM »
Welcome from Texas...

I want a can of the Start ya Bastard!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline spotty

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i blame Terry

Offline Diggers

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Re: Newbie to an old bike
« Reply #6 on: July 25, 2017, 01:55:53 AM »
I was using a car battery with jumper leads to provide enough power to try and start it. The battery will be toast, the bike has been sitting untouched for 18 months before I got my hands on it 2 days ago.  I was trying to find out if I could get it started before I start spending $$ on it.  I think I have a similar product to Start Ya Bastard - Carburettor Cleaner.  I'm going to try and apply some tomorow night and see if I get any more action.

All the lights and instruments work.  Brakes appear operable.  If it starts then all I need will be a battery, tyres, one indicator, oil and filter, plugs.  Pretty much just regular maintenance items.

Cross fingers!  I'll have t0 dream up a couple more posts so I can include a photo.  I know we all love photos!

Offline Diggers

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Re: Newbie to an old bike
« Reply #7 on: July 30, 2017, 12:59:09 AM »
I finally got hold of a can of Start Ya Bastard. True to its word it did the trick! With a little encouragement it fired up. I need the choke on it else it will die off, but I took it for a run down the road and back and it went fine.
Very pleased! Might be off to the tyre and battery shops this week. Any wisdom re why it won't idle with no choke?

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Newbie to an old bike
« Reply #8 on: July 30, 2017, 03:23:29 AM »
clean your slow jets









ya bastard
If it works good, it looks good...