Hello from Somerset

[dellenty1234]

Hi all,

My Names James, I'm 25 and from Bridgwater, currently working in Bristol.

I ride a 2010 K9 GSXR 1000 and now i have my head stuck into a '77 CB550.

I bought the bike/shed from Filton, from a guy who had pulled it from a barn and didn't know what to do with it. So with the offer of £350 i was shortly arranging a van to go and collect it right away hoping i could get it home, tinker and fire her up....Didn't happen, 1 seized starter motor, 1 bent valve, 2 seized piston rings, 1 broken cam chain tensioner and an ignition retarder that came in 3 pieces.

Its OK, i keep telling my self its worth every penny...

So i stripped the bike of all its dignity, i have just fitted up a set of Kawasaki 636 gold front forks, and I'm half way through rebuilding the engine (back to manufacture spec)

My knowledge is increasing, by funding drastically decreasing and yet my enthusiasm remains that off a small child with a new cardboard box.

Moving on, i now need to post in the "wanted" section for a cam chain tensioner!

[Nurse Julie]

Welcome James.
I also have a 1977 550 purchased a few weeks ago for a handfull of loose change. Yours looks positively concours up against mine  . May end up doing some parts swaps with you further down the line......good luck.
Julie

[dellenty1234]

It's something Julie! not sure about concours tho!  haha

And i actually have a lot of spares due to me going for more of a custom cafe racer look, although, the condition of some parts need some serious attention!

I will start a progress thread when i get time so people can follow my progress!

Best of luck to you too with yours!

James

[Bryanj]

EBAY US is a good bet for the tensioner but watch out for postage cost as there is only airmail now. New (if you find one) is well over £100, Used in good order upwards of £35

[Trigger]

Welcome to the mad world of the SOHC. Looks like a challenge to me, love the 550 engine's.

[philward]

Welcome James - looks a challenge but certainly easier (and less costly!) if your going for non standard
Phil

[JustcallmeMrT]

Working on a 550 custom myself at the moment, the guys on here are top notch.  Welcome, and keep in touch!

[Tiny Tim]

Hi James, good luck with the 550.
Your get plenty of great advice from the guys on here.

[mick]

Hello James and welcome  , good luck with your project  cheers Mick.

[matthewmosse]

Welcome to the forum, that is a smart cb550 - compared to my first one! When mine first arrived, the camchain tensioner was not only broken but wrapped around the insides of a gearbox and the engine was in a series of mouldy collaping cardboard boxes. Good luck with the project. Going non sstandard looks thr best route for a bike in that shape. Some of us have some decent spares stashes if you get stuck for a part.