Alright, let’s talk about the CB550 Four. I finally got around to wrenching on one, and man, it was a trip!
The Beginning: Finding the Bike
So, first things first, I found this CB550 sitting in a guy’s garage. It hadn’t been touched in like, 10 years. Covered in dust, tires flat, the whole nine yards. But I saw the potential, you know? Talked the guy down on the price, and hauled it back to my place.
The Teardown: Getting Dirty
Next step? Strip that sucker down! I mean everything. Tank off, seat off, carbs out, wheels off. I labeled everything meticulously – ziplock bags and a Sharpie became my best friends. You gotta do this, trust me. Otherwise, you’ll be scratching your head trying to figure out where that random bolt goes later. I drained all the old fluids (gas, oil, brake fluid – yuck!), and started cleaning everything up. This part is tedious but super important to see what you’re working with.
Engine Issues: The Heart of the Problem
- Carb Cleaning: The carbs were gunked up like crazy. I disassembled them completely, soaked them in carb cleaner, and blasted every tiny passage with compressed air. Rebuilt them with new gaskets and jets. What a mess!
- Valve Adjustment: The valve clearances were way off. I painstakingly adjusted them to spec. Getting the feeler gauges right is key.
- New Spark Plugs: Figured it was cheap insurance, so I threw in some new plugs.
Frame & Suspension: Stiff Ride Be Gone
The frame itself was in decent shape, just some surface rust. I wire-brushed it down, primed it, and gave it a fresh coat of paint. Looked much better! I also rebuilt the front forks with new seals and oil. The old oil was like sludge. I replaced the rear shocks too. After all these years they were totally shot.
Electrical Gremlins: The Bane of My Existence
Oh man, the electrical system. This was the biggest headache.
- Wiring Harness: The original wiring harness was a disaster. Cracked insulation, corroded connectors – a rat’s nest. I ended up replacing most of it. I learned a lot about soldering!
- New Battery: The old battery was completely dead. Popped in a new one.
- Charging System: Tested the alternator and rectifier. Turns out the rectifier was toast, so I replaced it.
Putting it Back Together: The Home Stretch
Slowly but surely, I started reassembling everything. New tires, new chain, new sprockets. Rebuilt the brakes with new pads and lines. Made sure everything was torqued to the proper spec. This part takes time, gotta be patient and double-check everything!
First Start: The Moment of Truth
Finally, the day came to fire it up. I crossed my fingers, turned the key, and hit the starter button. It cranked for a few seconds, then… VROOOM! It ran! A little rough at first, but after some tweaking with the carburetors, it smoothed right out. That feeling… pure satisfaction!
The Result: A Classic Reborn
Now, the CB550 is running great. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid, reliable bike that’s a blast to ride. It’s a real head turner. I learned a ton working on it, and I’m already planning my next project!
