Winter Project 77 CB550F

[rich]

So in the continuing addiction to f'ing craigslist  I acquired this beauty in trade for a handgun that I had no use or need for (Davis 380 auto). The gun was worth about a $100. The guy was asking $200 for this 1977 CB 550F. We traded straight across.  

It's mostly all there. Except for the airbox, some electric components and side covers. Wiring is hosed, no key so lots of wires are cut.


The tach is whacked and so are the indicator lights


The controls are all busted or wires cut


Some road-rash here


Rest of the engine doesn't look too bad though. It turns over freely. Not to sure about the compression though, seems to turn pretty easy.


I'm thinking bare-bones cafe racer. Just remove the wiring harness and do a minimal wiring job for lights and ignition. Of course, I'll need to find out about the internal condition of the engine; see if it's got compression - first. But I'm looking forward to some quality time with this little beast over the next few months.   

[shinyribs]

Dang. I reaaaaally hate to be the guy to say this...but that's not a CB750 budI'm not sure,but it's either a 500 or a 550. Regardless it's a sweet bike and all the problems are easy to fix. I have a cool old finned points cover for that beauty. It's black plastic,but it still looks cool.

[rich]

Yeah It's a 550. I fixed the typo in the text. At least I posted it correctly. That's what the post title says and it's in everything but CB750s.

[shinyribs]

Ah,good. I was really hoping it was a typo. I think the smaller CBS make cooler cafes anyway.

[pat english]

sweet!

[rich]

So the compression on this engine is very, very low. I only checked #1 and #4 because my plug wrench didn't reach #2 and #3 (I have a thin one somewhere?). I used an automotive gauge with an adapter. It's my understanding that this type of gauge can give low readings on a small displacement engine because of the diameter and length of the line, but I was only getting 25lbs. I couldn't open the throttle because the cable is froze so I guess that could contribute to a low reading also. Adding oil didn't change anything.  I'll try again after I pull the carbs and find my spark plug socket. But I'm thinking the top-end is toast.

I'm debating if it's worth rebuilding. I mean, it's a 550, a 750 would be worth an investment. I'm leaning towards parting it.  

[TOOLS1]

I have two good 550 engines. However I would pull the carbs and check the compression with the intakes open.
TOOLS

[rich]

Not one but two! What are you doing this weekend? If you're going to be around maybe I could come up and grab one. A bill of sale for an engine will help with my quest to obtain a builder's title for this bike anyway (got one for the frame as "parts").

[rich]

I had to revisit this thread just to remind myself I have this bike tucked away in my shed. Going on two years now since I've touched it. Another one just showed up for sale in my area and I wanted it so bad! I need to go to "MA" meetings (AA for multiple motorcycle syndrome sufferers).

Oh, but what a beauty though:
 
http://topeka.craigslist.org/mcy/4361158902.html

[Re-run]

I know what you mean. I have 4 bikes right now and keep looking.

[rich]

Crisis averted. He sold it.