Author Topic: New Cb550 owner in the SF Bay  (Read 1034 times)

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Offline Torino69tap

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New Cb550 owner in the SF Bay
« on: February 14, 2018, 11:31:52 AM »
Hey everyone, how's it going?
First time posting, but have already used this site quite a few times for help the past month or so and figured I'd introduce myself. Just acquired a 1975 candy jade CB550 from a one owner family this past month. I have #3 cylinder that wouldn't run at idle, pulled the float bowl and found a bunch of rusty gas,  so currently have the carburetors off for cleaning and tuning. Which then led me to a slightly rusty gas tank and petcock which will get cleaned and sealed. Slowly going through all the systems and refreshing what appears to be a completely stock bike with original components. Fairly new to the motorcycle world so I appreciate any input anyone has, and also any leads on a set of jade green battery covers (missing right side, and left side is cracked). Thanks everyone in advance, I'm sure I'll be using this forum more often as I dig through more. -Tim

Offline Stev-o

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Re: New Cb550 owner in the SF Bay
« Reply #1 on: February 14, 2018, 02:43:46 PM »
Welcome from Texas.  %550's are a fine bike, I bet you will like it and then want to get a 750 too!

Your tank just may need to be derusted, try "Prep & Etch"

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klean-Strip-1-gal-Phosphoric-Prep-and-Etch-GKPA30220/100406369

Will be difficult to find good side covers, Frankie sells after market side covers, check the "For Sale" dept.

Good luck!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Andych

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Re: New Cb550 owner in the SF Bay
« Reply #2 on: February 14, 2018, 04:06:50 PM »
Welcome aboard.. wow that is a nice bike.. you can tell its a one owner job..
What "plans" do you have for it once its running, other than enjoying it of course.

Offline MD

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Re: New Cb550 owner in the SF Bay
« Reply #3 on: February 14, 2018, 06:38:10 PM »
Welcome from MN,

It is good to see another 550.

-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 Torino69tap

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Re: New Cb550 owner in the SF Bay
« Reply #4 on: February 15, 2018, 08:52:49 AM »
Thanks everyone! Looking forward to connecting with everyone and usin this site as a resource. As I said, still pretty new to riding, but have White a bit of experience working on my classic cars so the knowledge will carry over. Once I get some time in the seat I'm sure I'll eventually want to move up to a 750 or something similar. My original plan was to modify the bike into a cafe, but after looking at it and seeing just how original everything is, I'm inclined to keep it more or less stock. Maybe put Euro bars on and maybe put pod filters on, though I'm sure that's another headache of tuning them properly. I'll be on the hunt for some stock greeen side covers, but if not may just opt for some black reproductions. I'll run a compression and leak down test, especially on the problem #3 cylinder to see if the rings are sound. This weekend I hope to check valve clearance, cam chain tensioner, timing, oil and filter, and change out the points and condensers with the new ones I picked up. Anything else I should be doing, it'd be a great help if you guys and gals can let me know. Thanks everyone! - Tim

Offline Torino69tap

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Re: New Cb550 owner in the SF Bay
« Reply #5 on: February 15, 2018, 08:56:58 AM »
Oh and I forgot to mention, I probably could get away with just a thorough cleaning and etch  of the tank, but I found a POR 15 clean and seal kit for a good price so picked that up. Heard mixed reviews about it, but figured I'd give it a whirl. My main concern is spending a lot of time covering and masking off the tank. Paint is damn near perfect for 43 years old and I don't want to screw it or the pet threads up.

Offline Johnie

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Re: New Cb550 owner in the SF Bay
« Reply #6 on: February 15, 2018, 11:29:46 AM »
"Paint damn near perfect"...are you sure you need to line that tank. Have you thought about trying Metal Rescue first which will not harm the paint? I have had good results with it. You may not need to line that tank. Might be worth a try. Welcome to the board!
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Stev-o

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Re: New Cb550 owner in the SF Bay
« Reply #7 on: February 15, 2018, 01:25:19 PM »
...a bit of experience working on my classic cars so the knowledge will carry over.

Let me guess: a 1969 Ford?!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Torino69tap

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Re: New Cb550 owner in the SF Bay
« Reply #8 on: February 15, 2018, 07:45:36 PM »
Johnie- Didn't think of it, but I'm willing to give it a whirl. Can always save the other stuff for another future project.
Stev-o- how'd you guess?   ;D

Offline DurangoCB

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Re: New Cb550 owner in the SF Bay
« Reply #9 on: February 17, 2018, 07:32:48 PM »
Nice bike!  Welcome!
1971 CB500 Four- current project http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170622.0.html
1978 CX500- next in line