CB550 refurb

[Johnny4428]

Well after a nice run out on this machine on Sunday (although it drizzled the entire afternoon) I came back and parked bike on the bike lift and have decided to start a bit of resto work. I don’t know how far this one is going to go in cash pit terms. I think it is mostly a cosmetic project as the engine runs great without any clattering or rattling. There s the usual head oil leak that I will sort so hopefully just a top end rebuild. Not decided whether I will remove engine from frame or sort with engine in place. I have done quite a bit to this bike already to put back on the road such as swingarm bushes, brakes, new handlebars clutch basket rubbers. Looking forward to all the fun ahead! Winter project? Maybe more than one winter, I’ll see how thing go on the expenditure.😜

[taysidedragon]

These projects grow arms and legs as you go on. It doesn't look in bad condition as it is.
Apart from cleaning and polishing, what do you think needs doing?

[SteveW]

I got my 550 out of the garage last October, just for a wash and polish.
By the end of the day the engine was out, it just sort of happened 

Slowly going back together now.

[Laverda Dave]

It will go one of two ways Johnny and usually the more expensive one once you dig into it! It is surprising though what a strip down of wheels and guards off etc followed by a good clean getting into the nooks and crannies with a final polish can achieve with no big expenditure, just hours of time.  My VFR came up like new with the same treatment .

If I can offer one piece of advice though following a very painful experience last week......use ratchet straps on the bike whilst it is on the lifting bench to secure it. I put my Triton on the lifting bench last week (it only has a side stand) and went to tie it down but the straps were under the lifting table. I jacked the table up about 300mm to get my hand under to reach the neatly rolled up straps and whilst I was down there the bike rolled off its side stand and went crashing to the floor hitting the nearly completed Ratty on the way down. Damage to the Triton was two badly dented mudguards, Bent number plate and taillight, bent clip-on, bent headlight bracket, twisted headlamp and indicator with a pint of oil leaking all over the floor for good measure. I was very lucky to have removed the alloy fuel tank and seat before I wheeled it onto the bench otherwise the tank definitely would have been toast.  Damage to Ratty was a gouged generator cover and badge. If I had reached to get the straps from the other side it would have fallen on me (a softer landing )! A very expensive lesson learned, I should have taken the bike back off the stand to reach the straps.

[taysidedragon]

Ouch! Sorry to hear that Dave. Just think, it could have been worse. It might soften the blow a little.

[Johnny4428]

Holy shit Dave! Was going to say at least nobody hurt! Very easy overlooked, thanks for advice “belt and braces”of course. I have started with the wheels for some reason, new bearings and seals, new rims and spokes and new tyres of course. I’m not going to fix what ain’t broke as far as engine goes. Ash has kindly got hold of paint for me which will be picked up in October by Ian, and that will be a job for next spring. I’ll see how it goes, some bits and pieces to re chrome otherwise maintain patina. Yes I probably will overspend on it I have with every resto I have done so far! Going to juggle garage work with a bit of house decorating too just to keep the peace.😂

[Bryanj]

OVERSPEND.    Never, just dont settle on a budget till you have finished mate, or matbe day before!

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Bryan is right lol -  I estimated what mine would cost to rebuild based on my 400. I was close enough - about £700 over in the end as there were some unexpected costs. It's probably worth half of what I'm into. My last major project I've told she who must be obeyed.

[Mike_Berkshire]

I have started with the wheels for some reason, new bearings and seals, new rims and spokes and new tyres of course.

Are you planning on rebuilding the wheels yourself Johnny? My 550 needs new rims and spokes but as I have never worked on a wheel before I’m thinking that for my build this is a job I won’t do but I would be very interested to read about any work you do on the wheel rebuilds.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Some good videos on how to lace the wheels on Utube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-Ifu56dxv0

[Johnny4428]

Yes Mike I will do the wheels myself, very satisfying job. As Ted says some good videos on YouTube. If it’s something you think you could have a go at it’s a very handy skill to have. I thought if I can do it anybody can. Many years ago I read a bicycle maintenance book which contained a section on wheel truing. After mucking about with bicycle wheels i managed reasonable results in straightening and truing up.

[Bryanj]

Somewhere in tricksntips i did a write up on the easy way to do it

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Here is the link to Bryans tips.



.https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23835.0.html

[TezzerTel]

I'm looking forward to building my wheels but what should I do to the hubs first? I was thinking of throughly cleaning it, giving the outer flanges a bit of a polish and then getting them clear powder coated?

[Mike_Berkshire]

Here is the link to Bryans tips.

.https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23835.0.html

Thanks Ted! I have a lot to do before I get to that stage but I may have a go. I have read elsewhere about making sure the offset is the same; is there any info that also explains that?