Atlanta noobster ready to cafe

[uBER_SLO]

I picked up a 1978 CB550K for cheap and found myself a bit outta my league. I've been building watercooled Volkswagens for about 5 years and decided I wanted a bike this summer. Obviously I hate stock and I love european tuning, so it only felt fitting to start a cafe project.

The bike doesnt run for numerous reasons and to be honest I'm in the dark. If anyone could help me out with where to start that would be quite amazing. I just ordered a service manual so that will help but I'm sure you witty dudes could help a butha in need.

Here's the bike:

I need to replace the tank because it looks like someone took out quite a bit of anguish out on it.

Ya'll shoot me in the rite direction cuz I could sure use some guidance.

TIA

 

[VonYinzer]

Welcome man! Would need a bit more info to help ya out though... "It doesnt start" could mean a ton of things...

 

[uBER_SLO]

Welcome man! Would need a bit more info to help ya out though... "It doesnt start" could mean a ton of things...

Well first it doesn't have carbs, that's an obvious problem. The dude I bought it from said it needed points and a clutch cable. I'm sure the battery's shot so I'm probably gonna order one in the next day or two.

 

[BArTY]

I picked up a 1978 CB550K for cheap and found myself a bit outta my league. I've been building watercooled Volkswagens for about 5 years and decided I wanted a bike this summer. Obviously I hate stock and I love european tuning, so it only felt fitting to start a cafe project.

The bike doesnt run for numerous reasons and to be honest I'm in the dark. If anyone could help me out with where to start that would be quite amazing. I just ordered a service manual so that will help but I'm sure you witty dudes could help a butha in need.

Here's the bike:

I need to replace the tank because it looks like someone took out quite a bit of anguish out on it.

Ya'll shoot me in the rite direction cuz I could sure use some guidance.

TIA

actually, in all honosty, i think it looks pretty trick like that. rid yourself of the blinkers, get a new pipe, and throw on some clip-on handlebars, you got your self a sweet ride! for some reason i dig the breadloaf seat on this bike. it seems...fitting

 

[Flugtechnik]

Welcome! I think we'll get this ATL cafe scene rolling yet......as soon as I move back I technically live in Roswell, but I'm hardly ever there.

If you can get a VW running, a honda should be no problem. Fuel-Air-Spark.

 

[VonYinzer]

Is it me or does that tank seem like its at a funny angle? Like the front is too high, or the back is too low?

 

[uBER_SLO]

The tank's just laying on the frame.

Now let's talk carbs real quick. What would be a good upgrade for this motor, but still good for the price?

I was given 750 carbs. Would those be a possibillity or are they too big?

 

[uBER_SLO]

also i found a freshly rebuilt 750 on CR for $250. good deal? and will it bolt up?

 

[uBER_SLO]

no lovin'? ;D

 

[Big R]

I'm kinda surprised nobody answered this. I personally don't know the answer so it couldn't hurt to do a little research between the models and carbs. Same thing with dropping in a diff motor - anything will work, just depends on how much time and money you have.

Might wanna start a build thread too, you'll get more responses that way.

And welcome to the site!

 

[VonYinzer]

Nope. A 750 motor wont bolt in to a 550. That said, if its been completely rebuilt by a pro, $250 is a steal! Pick it up anyway...

 

[Scruffy]

Grab that 750 if it is any good. Rolling basket case chassis are still a dime a dozen. That said, there are at least three different early 750s. Single cam, dual cam and Super Sport (dual cam with hotter cams). The chassis are somewhat different. Single cam bits cost more, they made a lot fewer of them.

750 carbs "should" fit your engine alright. Just go at least 3 steps smaller on the jets as a starting point. Or I can hit the breakers and look for a used set. But they cost at least as much as that 750 engine.