SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB500/550

CB550 refurb

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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  :o

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 8).

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.

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