So I've been here on DTT for a few short months, mostly reading, admiring builds, learning stuff and once in awhile popping off at the keyboard. I've been riding since I was about six thanks to my Dad but just started getting back into working on bikes in the last year or so. I've been reworking my garage space quite a bit over the last few months and have a nice setup now.
I've collected several project bikes and decided the one I want to ride first is the 1975 CB550. I literally tripped over the bike in a friends yard one night. Turned on my flashlight, saw it, and then talked him out of it for 150$ and a promise that I would get it running and ride it. It had been sitting awhile (7+ years) outside but stuff doesn't really rust here around Albuquerque. Best of all, I know the original owner of the bike and have a clear title.
My plan is to get it running first. It'll take alot of work to get it there, so time to nut up.
- Rebuild the carbs - using modified original airbox with K&N Unipod mod.
- Build a new wiring harness, starting with basic stuff first, starter, etc..
- New coils and upgrade to either Dyna or Hondaman ignition( orig coils & wires are toast)
- Rebuild forks, add progressive springs, fork brace, replace rear shocks (PO is 6'7", 280lbs)
- Tank was previously coated, so strip, clean, re-coat
- Make a seat
- and all the other required stuff to get it running
I'd like to avoid opening the engine until the carbs and electrical are done so I can hear it run and hopefully ride it a bit before the inevitable teardown.
I appreciate all helpful feedback, especially safety and performance info. I started a pseudo blog over here: http://kellysgaragedotnet.tumblr.com but figured a real build thread here on DTT will help keep me going.
This is already a work in progress so a few posts to catch up.
Here it is the day I picked it up:
I've collected several project bikes and decided the one I want to ride first is the 1975 CB550. I literally tripped over the bike in a friends yard one night. Turned on my flashlight, saw it, and then talked him out of it for 150$ and a promise that I would get it running and ride it. It had been sitting awhile (7+ years) outside but stuff doesn't really rust here around Albuquerque. Best of all, I know the original owner of the bike and have a clear title.
My plan is to get it running first. It'll take alot of work to get it there, so time to nut up.
- Rebuild the carbs - using modified original airbox with K&N Unipod mod.
- Build a new wiring harness, starting with basic stuff first, starter, etc..
- New coils and upgrade to either Dyna or Hondaman ignition( orig coils & wires are toast)
- Rebuild forks, add progressive springs, fork brace, replace rear shocks (PO is 6'7", 280lbs)
- Tank was previously coated, so strip, clean, re-coat
- Make a seat
- and all the other required stuff to get it running
I'd like to avoid opening the engine until the carbs and electrical are done so I can hear it run and hopefully ride it a bit before the inevitable teardown.
I appreciate all helpful feedback, especially safety and performance info. I started a pseudo blog over here: http://kellysgaragedotnet.tumblr.com but figured a real build thread here on DTT will help keep me going.
This is already a work in progress so a few posts to catch up.
Here it is the day I picked it up: