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Author Topic: my 'new' CB550F2 '77  (Read 17064 times)

Offline TonUp

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my 'new' CB550F2 '77
« on: February 28, 2014, 01:53:00 PM »
In the '70s I used to pop into Bill Head's Preston Honda and admire the jaw dropping, something new every week, Honda's.
in particular, I admired the CB550, gold badges, in your face chrome cupped clocks, finely engineered. A moment in time of Honda's motorcycle evolution. Unobtainable on an apprentice wage, also too big a bike for a beginner.

A friend of mine dropped off some motorcycle news the other week that he was throwing out. I read an article about James May's classic Honda collection. Well that fired a memory of my lunchtime excursions to Bill Head's. Made the 'mistake' of looking on the net and found a good example, so what could I do? How could I not buy it?

It now sits in my garage and will need some work to get it on the road. I will be posting updates as I go along and will no doubt need some advice from you guys.
« Last Edit: February 28, 2014, 02:08:36 PM by TonUp »
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Offline tom400f

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Re: my 'new' CB550F2 '77
« Reply #1 on: February 28, 2014, 01:59:34 PM »
Welcome!

How much work? Looking pretty good there  8)
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Offline TonUp

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Re: my 'new' CB550F2 '77
« Reply #2 on: February 28, 2014, 02:18:42 PM »
Wiring loom needs insulating in places, wires to indicators need routing correctly, pattern seat 'rocks' , centre stand and rear hub 'stay bar' needs painting. Drive chain is knackered. Ignition switch needs replacement. All simple stuff.

The biggest issue is the engine. The cam chain is thrashing about at anything less than 1,800 RPM. The tensioner is seized up. Number 4 cylinder is running cool. Carbs need balancing. Clutch is dragging (in fact pulling the lever has no discernible effect at all).  :o
« Last Edit: February 28, 2014, 02:20:46 PM by TonUp »
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Offline peterengland

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Re: my 'new' CB550F2 '77
« Reply #3 on: February 28, 2014, 04:02:10 PM »
Good luck with the 550, nice to see another on the road as there are not many left in the UK judging by how many others I have seen on the road in the last few months (0)!
I used to have a 400/4 back in the late 70's and always wanted a 550 but they seemed to be like rocking horse shit.
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Offline mickwinf

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Re: my 'new' CB550F2 '77
« Reply #4 on: February 28, 2014, 08:26:05 PM »
Looks like a nice bike, good luck with it.
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Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: my 'new' CB550F2 '77
« Reply #5 on: February 28, 2014, 08:38:00 PM »
Welcome. Looks nice. What colour has it been painted?
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'Then' and 'than' are completely different words and have completely different meanings. Same with 'of' and 'have'. Set and sit. There, their and they're. Set/sit. Bought/brought FFS. Bloody Americans.


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Offline Trigger

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Re: my 'new' CB550F2 '77
« Reply #6 on: February 28, 2014, 08:50:39 PM »
Welcome, Bike looks OK but, looks are deceiving. Enjoy. 
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Offline TonUp

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Re: my 'new' CB550F2 '77
« Reply #7 on: March 01, 2014, 10:13:42 AM »
Quote from: LesterPiglet on February 28, 2014, 08:38:00 PM
Welcome. Looks nice. What colour has it been painted?

Candy Sword Blue   :)
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Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: my 'new' CB550F2 '77
« Reply #8 on: March 01, 2014, 10:21:26 AM »
It looks a bit dark, must be the photo. Great bikes.
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'Then' and 'than' are completely different words and have completely different meanings. Same with 'of' and 'have'. Set and sit. There, their and they're. Set/sit. Bought/brought FFS. Bloody Americans.


Les Ross. Certified by a Professional

Offline TonUp

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Re: my 'new' CB550F2 '77
« Reply #9 on: March 01, 2014, 12:23:31 PM »
Yes it looks a bit dark in the pics. I am very happy with the colour, looks superb.
« Last Edit: March 01, 2014, 12:25:39 PM by TonUp »
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Offline Lobo

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Re: my 'new' CB550F2 '77
« Reply #10 on: March 01, 2014, 04:25:01 PM »
Well, I'm smitten... beautiful.

Mrs Lobo never knew we needed another bike....
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Offline Oldiron550

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Re: my 'new' CB550F2 '77
« Reply #11 on: March 01, 2014, 08:30:39 PM »
Welcome, great looking 550, Candy Sword Blue is my preferred blue. My 76 550F should be Flake Sapphire Blue but PO painted her black!! hope to paint her next winter. it's a toss-up which way I go!!
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Offline TonUp

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Re: my 'new' CB550F2 '77
« Reply #12 on: March 01, 2014, 11:04:21 PM »
The Flake Sapphire Blue is a lovely colour. Honda must have hired some good people in the design department. The '73 to '75 CB500 Candy Green / Black is fantastic. Paint choice is important when it is on a motorcycle.  ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAB2ituud1Y
« Last Edit: March 01, 2014, 11:31:14 PM by TonUp »
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Offline Steph550

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Re: my 'new' CB550F2 '77
« Reply #13 on: March 03, 2014, 09:47:23 PM »
Quote
...too big a bike for a beginner

That's what I tried to tell myself a couple of years ago when I saw a 550F2 for sale, went to have a look at it and could only just get it on the centre stand after about 5 attempts...but fell completely in love with it.

Sometimes I'm glad I don't listen to my sensible side! ;) The 550F really is a lovely bike and there aren't enough of them around. Glad to see another one has found a good new home :) Good luck with it and there are lots of great people on here who will help you along the way.

Me and my F2:



Steph.
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Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: my 'new' CB550F2 '77
« Reply #14 on: March 03, 2014, 09:59:36 PM »
My two favourite bikes in that picture Steph.  :D
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'Then' and 'than' are completely different words and have completely different meanings. Same with 'of' and 'have'. Set and sit. There, their and they're. Set/sit. Bought/brought FFS. Bloody Americans.


Les Ross. Certified by a Professional
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