Topic: 73 CB550 resto build project! - In my living Room

[dune]

To introduce myself a little, Im a relatively young guy.. or atleast thats what I keep telling myself...

Grew up on dirtbikes and 2 strokes even have one my first beginner bikes (83 PE 175! - which could also use a resto job)

travelled the world a little on bikes, moved to Germany and bought a KTM there and toured as much as I could among a few other bikes...

been back long enough to go through a few good bikes, build up a couple with minor paint mods engine / and or frame clean ups but nothing from the frame up vintage style...

As I have lusted after a vintage bike for sometime and in looking for the 'right' bike - I came across a 73 CB550 that I just couldnt pass up!


the bike:
1973 CB550
2000 original miles
stored indoors for over 30years
in some pretty good need of complete overhaul, polish, shine and some loving - by no means a 'wreck' but by no means anywhere near pristine condition...

so due to the relatively good natured condition of the bike my plan is to keep it 'mostly' original with the addition upgrades of a few minor updates - probably more functional than anything - yet TBD...

My intent is to get the bike put together (step 1) and rideable - comfortable and of course reliable. So I will notbe looking to make it the fasts 550 out there OR necessarily the coolest one either... Probably a combination of the two!

so here are a shots of the original bike all together... Windjammer and luggage long gone.





2136 miles!






gas tank after 30 years...







Now in 'my room' of the house... frame all painted and engine mounted!









Carbs need rebuilding, anything related to fuel has turned to a gob of solidifed 'goo'...

anything that resembled anything close to a 'shine' is in severe need of polishing... and or chroming?

[HAIRHEAD]

You Have a Sweet Bike to Start with,I wish my 750 tank was "shielded" from the evils of the road and the smite of the sun by a massive windjammer for 30 years.My tank is crusty, inside and out.

[traveler]

Looks good!

Welcome to the forum!

~Joe

[fastbroshi]

  Welcome to the forums!  I think you had what was THE most decked out 550 on this board.  I don't think I'd seen one with a complete Vetter setup w/ bags.  Man that thing must've accelerated like a slug. 

   I wonder if that's the original paintjob.  Most likely I'd say it is. Was that the same color as the Sunrise Orange?  I had no idea the flake was that big.

[dune]

thx guys.
I dont know about the windjammer doing any shielding as it sat in storage pretty much the entirety of the bikes life... which I am planning to change of course!

yeah thats the original paint! nothing custom about this bike... the gas tank and side covers although they look OK in the pictures are in actual need of sanding and repainting.

Im not sure yet if I will stay with the original colors....

rear shocks were suggested here... looks to be unbeatable prices...  (thx SohRon)

http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/rear_shocks.htm

I was planning on using the original front forks that the bike came with unless anyone has any other suggestions for functional upgardes? I will be going to tapered bearings...

front and rear fenders and such are in need of some good polishing if anyone has any suggestions for cleaning up 30yr old dust / dirt / and grime?