Hello Everyone

[Johny Boy]

Hi there, I have been a member for a few weeks now, lots of useful info already absorbed, but first post today.

I'm John and I live in Red Lodge, Suffolk

I recently bought a very tatty but cheap CB550 K3 from Ebay, obviously without seeing it.
It is similar to the one I had when I was 21 (Some 33 years ago!)
My plan is a full strip and resto, but I'm afraid not back to full original (Sorry), Matt black with newer lights etc.

I am keeping a record of the Strip / Resto, attached here and I am sure I will be looking for lots of advice / parts when I actually get to the re-build stage.

My first question, given that the front fork tubes are bent, is does anybody have any experience of these TNK Made in Italy ones?
I have looked around at second hand ones, but they all seem to be rather rusty and I'm thinking that new ones might be better?
Any other options welcome.

Thanks in advance for any replies / advice

John

[Oddjob]

Depends on how bent they are.

Companies like Philpotts and Dynasurf an straighten them out if they are not too bent and the metal isn't creased, they'll then hard chrome them, which as the name implies is a LOT harder than the standard chrome and is almost impossible to chip in use, all for less than £200. Rust isn't a problem with the process.

Original is better than aftermarket in almost every instance.

[Johny Boy]

Thanks Oddjob, they have about a 3 to 4mm bow in them, I'll send them some photos and see what they think, because other than being bent they are in quite good condition, no creases in them [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[Nurse Julie]

Welcome to the forum.

[Athame57]

Welcome here Johny Boy
You're in the right place to meet expert advice, good luck with your restoration.

[Bryanj]

Philpotts definately and send the top nuts as well.
Biggest problem with K3 is getting carbs to run right as they hate being stood and if you want anything other than standard airbox you are in for grief

[Johnny4428]

Hi Johny Boy, welcome to the forum. This is for sure is the right place for loads of very valuable help. Yes agree with Bryan, am still got a bit of a flat spot at 4000rpm with my K3, although sorted cold starting issue with slightly increased pilot jets. Next move clean up old main jets and needles and take out the Keyster replacements. (Winter job) Good luck!

[Matt_Harrington]

A long time ago I had some forks from my Suzi GS750 straightened/unbent and  I'm sure they were bent more than that. Chrome was good so it was merely a 'press' job. Hope yours turn out OK and they don't need rechroming.

[philward]

Welcome to the forum! I've used philpotts - they give a great service including a pick up service and as Bryan says, send the top nuts as they re-chrome them for free

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Welcome I used Philpotts for my 500 forks that were badly rusted
- they came back looking like new. IIRC the cost was £220 incl VAT,collection & return service in 2022.

[Johny Boy]

Thanks everyone, I have emailed Philpots with pictures, I have heard that putting electronic ignition on can help with the flat spot issues? Something I am planning on doing as points always seem to cause issues on old motors

[Nurse Julie]

Thanks everyone, I have emailed Philpots with pictures, I have heard that putting electronic ignition on can help with the flat spot issues? Something I am planning on doing as points always seem to cause issues on old motors

Usually best to get the bike running spot on with the points before changing to electronic ignition. It may be a fuel issue so best to resolve the problem 1st. All our CB SOHC/4' still run on OEM points without issue. But I appreciate some owners much prefer electronic ignition.

[Johnny4428]

Thanks everyone, I have emailed Philpots with pictures, I have heard that putting electronic ignition on can help with the flat spot issues? Something I am planning on doing as points always seem to cause issues on old motors

I have electronic ignition on mine! Still flat spot!

[Johny Boy]

Thanks everyone, I have emailed Philpots with pictures, I have heard that putting electronic ignition on can help with the flat spot issues? Something I am planning on doing as points always seem to cause issues on old motors

I have electronic ignition on mine! Still flat spot!

That is disapointing, still it will be a few months before mine is on the road, given the carbs a good degreasing and planning on putting all the parts through an ultrasonic tank before I re-assemble.

[Nurse Julie]

PD carbs on the K3 are notorious for being a pain in the arse.