New CB550 owner.

[Oldiron550]

Well I am new to this site but have been hanging around for while, my name is DamianC from Co Armagh, N Ireland. (first post was about a 750f2) 
I've own a dozen or so bikes over the years, my teens & early twenties was all Honda's 50cc, 80cc, a few 125cc and a 250VT sold that got married as you do! I was without two wheels for about 5 or 6 years until I need transport to & from work a wee Suzuki GP125 fill the need. I run a Harley in my 30's and 40's (gone) a 59 Triumph (gone) all I have now in a girder forked 1947 BSA M20 a 1972 SWB R60/5 and now a good old CB550!!
I'd been searching for a 550 or 750 for about 6 months, some ones I'd looked at suited my pocket but I didn't think I was up-to a complete rebuild or some of my finds unfortunately at the time I couldn't afford.
After running a wanted advert on Gumtree for about 3 months a Belfast man got I touch said he had a Honda 1976 CB550F that might be of interest. He'd owned it for about 20years but parked the CB in 2000 after Joey Dunlop lost his life racing. It's had three owners last time it was taxed was 1981 it still got its original Belfast number plate (MOI) and green tax book.
To me the CB looks not too bad and fairly original bar the black paint job changed sometimes in the 80's it should be blue.
I don't know much about restoring, repairing or building motorbikes but I am looking forward to learning. The bike doesn't run, but the previous owner promised me it will she needs a battery, carb clean, and a good service. we'll see!!!!!!!
I am planning to keep the found in a shed look and getting her back on the road this summer, next winter I'll look at taking on a strip down rebuild if I've gained enough experience.

Keep it between the hedges!
DamianC





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[Johnwebley]

welcome,

 this is very friendly supportive site,

 lots of experience and help,

 
have fun,

keep the wheels turning !!!

[Norniron]

Nice find damien.really envious of those header pipes.this site will be able to answer anything.some really clued in people on it.

[ka-ja]

Hi Damien,
                 Welcome to the group-----Ken

[Ewan 500 K1]

Great place to come to Damian, the forum's been invaluable to me. Best o luck with the 550

[hairygit]

Welcome Damian, and nice find, 550F1/F2 are very hard to find with original pipes now, hope they are salvageable for you (they tend to rot out inside long before decomposing on the outside!)

[mickwinf]

welcome mate and good luck with your new bike

[Trigger]

Welcome the the world of SOHC UK.

[Oldiron550]

Thanks for all the replies so far. I need to buy a service kit before trying to start the CB, so if anyone wants to make suggestions as too what I'd need to buy or do before firing her up I'd really appreciate the help.


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[Trigger]

You will have to buy a tin of Start You Bastard.

[LesterPiglet]

Welcome.
Air filter,plugs and oil/filter, possibly points. Drain the carbs and check for debris. If the carbs are really dirty all the jets would need to be cleaned but I would try starting it first and see how it runs.
MOI=76. It should be the same colour as my side panels.

[Oldiron550]

Good suggestion, already have a tin on standby!! But the instructions have faded a little.


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[Oldiron550]

Thanks LP, I'll start a shopping list. Nice looking side panels mine are both cracked so I'm on the hunt!


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