Honda-SOHC

Hi all, anyone know what an appropriate colour would be for a 1977 CB550K3 handlebar control paint would be. I read somewhere that it’s more an orange rather than a red. I’m not sure so I appeal to the knowledge and power of the forum.

This I discovered last night checking the electrics, timing etc. Trimming the HT leads and reconnecting, this screwed off with the cable, not much holding it!

Very nice bike! Great restoration and lovely colour.

Thanks for replies Julie and Ian. Interesting. I read on different forums that as soon as a bike is 40 years old it is eligible for VHI. But not the case. Was yours taxed from the beginning of October as well Ian? Yes I don’t remember any K4s about here Julie. In fact I think I have the only K3 that was in Orkney certainly in the late 70s and 80s. The 400s and the 750s of the era were very successful. I don’t think the CB650 that followed was all that popular either. Possibly Ian regarding Stevie. Good call, I will enquire.

Hi, Can anybody shed any light on this 40 year old bike rule for gaining status of VHI. I have just taxed my CB550K3 and it set me back £66, despite declaring the bike to be 40 year since first registration. (Feb 1979) Although strangely enough I managed to tax a vehicle that didn’t have a current MOT. Not wanting to question the teller in the post office I thought I would contact DVLA when I arrived home. I contacted the very helpful assistant on the online chat facility on DVLA web site and after a few lines back and fore she informed me that my bike would eligible for VHI IN April 2020. I informed her that I was not any clearer on the 40 year old ruling reminding her that my bike would be 41years and 2months old then. Although my bike was actually built in 1977. Which I am now in the process of having to prove.
Anybody else faced a similar dilemma.

Yes I did wonder about making new ones, information regarding felt thickness and whether low or medium density felt and so on would be appreciated also a source for material. There appears to be several online company's that would make seals if the correct size is known. Perhaps they might also supply material only. Any thoughts anyone.

Had a thought this morning about something I seen which involved the removal of a bearing from a casing using water pressure, simple hydraulics I guess. Looked at the underside of the carb casing or the top of float chamber and thankfully the recess where the stuck wire was is a lovely round hole, had a look around the workshop and found a bit of rod which just fitted, a little engine oil in the hole and using the rod then like a punch and hey presto, just a small tap and out came the wire like a tiny bullet from a gun. Couldn't believe how well it worked. All four carbs now air vents cleared. One happy chappy.

Here's photos of carb float vents.



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Trying to upload pics but haven't figured out how to do it off iPad. All photos taken with iPhone or iPad forum site tells me they are wrong file type, tried converting to different file type still no luck. Don't have half a day spare to fire up old laptop but will keep trying.