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Neils 1978 CB550 F2 Project - Newbie Let Loose

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Neilw:
Hi All,

I've just retired and purchased a project CB550 F2, 32000 miles with a view to restoring it so it's not rusty, all works, and safe to ride in the summer.

Some history on the Bike: it was originally sold on eBay in December 2025 by someone selling project bikes for his brother-in-law, who had passed away. It was listed as a non-runner, but had run 4 years ago and had been stored since.

The new owner wanted a small project, didn't work on getting it roadworthy, doing some cosmetic work before quickly flipping it to me, making a few hundred quid in the process.

So my plan is to get it running first, make sure the engine is good and go from there. I'll probably strip it down, repair and clean it, replace/renew the serviceable parts, and repaint the frame.

Then enjoy some rides in the summer.

I've never done anything like this before, but I am happy to dive in and learn as I go.

I've stuck a new battery in it and run into my first problem: the start button is dead.

The solenoid is good, and the starter motor is too. I shorted the solenoid to see if it would turn the bike over, and it did.

I opened the switch on the handlebars because it was filthy, so I've cleaned it as best I can. However, the push switch for the start button spring is not good, so I don't think good contact was being made. I tried to disassemble it and have managed to break a contact already, and it's mighty fiddly that I doubt I can get the switch together without removing the loom bit. going to figure out how to do that now. What is my likely success rate of repairing this and getting it working again?

Are there serviceable parts available? I can't find a parts list, just for the whole unit.

Also, there is something up with my fuse box. It appears one of the fuses has a loop with another fuse on it. If I take it out and just use the fuse, there is no power. Could it be a fault in that particular fuse? When I reinstate it, power is restored.

Thanks for reading, I'll post as I go with pics, and I'm sure I'll have management questions.

Bryanj:
Depends on which RH switch you have as to the chances of repair, the us type that the headlamp goes through is slim

Neilw:

--- Quote from: Bryanj on January 30, 2026, 05:34:47 PM ---Depends on which RH switch you have as to the chances of repair, the us type that the headlamp goes through is slim

--- End quote ---

The cables pass through the handlebars and terminate at a junction box below the coils (not into the headlamp). As you can see from the photo, these are the two electrodes, one of which I broke. Am wondering whether i can repair if there are parts available.

Johnny4428:
Your fuse box has had a by-pass op! 🤭 Probably because these old fuse box’s become fair. If you’re not bothered too much about what’s behind the side panel you could fit a spade type fuse box. Thinking about doing it on my 550.

Bryanj:
If that white? Plastic piece is cracked/broken you need a new switch

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