Hello, good to be here! Old new bloke incoming

[sluey]

How do?
I'm down in Exeter, Devon.
I've owned my '76 550k since 1987 but it's been locked in the shed since 1999. I know, what a waste! last MOT mileage was 24358, current mileage is 24444.
Short story is it broke down after a top end rebuild and as it was my only transport I bought a (cough!) '78 Suzuki GS1000. That's also now in the shed since I got my Harley in 2018 as a treat after being made redundant. I needed the fix, don't judge me.
My ADHD works this way: I really want to keep them and fix them, but that's never been anywhere near the top of my 'to do' list. I'll get 'round to it, unless I don't. I'm in my late 50's and will need to keep me busy if I ever get to retire.
Anyway. Hello.

[Johnny4428]

Hi Sluey and welcome to the forum. I am intrigued to know what happened to the 550! When you say it broke down did it just ut out or was it something more catastrophic? I guess it’s a while ago so you may not even recall. Never mind loads of help on here if you get it out for a tinker! Any pics?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Welcome to the Forum Sluey, lots of experience and good advice to be found here.
You might need deep pockets to bring the 550 back to life!

[Athame57]

Welcome aboard Sluey! 

[andy120t]

Welcome aboard! The short answer might be just to work out how to get the 550 running and MOT'd and focus on that. If it's been parked up complete you shouldn't be missing anything important or expensive!  It's possible to spend lots on cosmetics, restoration...but that's not for everyone and having a target of an MOT'd runner might be a good initial step. As mentioned, lots of good advice on here!

[sluey]

Thanks for the welcome. I'll get it running but probably needs a loom, some broken fins on the head.....anyone recommend fin welding in or around Devon?
not sure if it's dropped a valve following the top end work. I know the valve collets can be a bitch. if the valve's dropped has it damaged the piston etc etc. all thoughts from 25 years ago when i didn't have time or finances!
I've promised it as a gift to my daughter if she passes her A2. it'll be 50 yrs old by the time she does, so a fitting time to aim for. now where's me wallet?

[Bryanj]

Cheaper to get used head if fins gone, all 500 and 550 are the same.
Yes if its dropped a valve there will be piston and possibly liner damage, piston sets available at about £35 each, bring it to Gloucester a nd i can bore it for you