Back on the road. '76 CB550F Super Sport [Archive]

Bonez

10th December 2019, 10:10

Got my '76 CB550 Super Sport back on the road after a 10 year park up. Had a few health issues and got rid of most of my70s/80s m/cand Connie has taken over most of the shed for her woodwork work shop. I did keep my CB550F and Dads R80 which my brother now has. The BMW wasn't really my thing. Anyway resently I gave myself 2 months to get the 550 up and running and up to WOF standards and register/inshured. It was an interesting process. When I parked her up I knew the carbs needed a complete do over and the rectifier and tacho and speedo were shot. What got the ball rolling was I saw a set of CB400/4 instruments were up for grabs for $100 and knew they were the same ratios as the 550s so grabbed them. Next was seeing a bikini fairing and single seat on TM from Viking Trading in Hamilton. The fairing is fairly small and the 400/4 inst. fit perfectectly with tripometer able to be accessed from the left of the instrument instead of at the bottem like the 550 speedo.

I'm converting it to twin disks so had to disk rotors drilled by Collin Wheeler at Two Wheels engineering. Ordered two sets of front calipers with pads for approx. $us85 each. I was quoted $nz100 for a used caliper which needed piston/rekitting. The caliper set didn't have the B caliper, unknown to me a set two pages over did. Not a problem, rang Malcombe at Ecohonda and got a pair of used ones sent down. Cleaned them up and they look like new. Had DewTech made me up a pair of front braided lines. Had a spare caliper lever in the shed I used for testing brake components so will use that on the right side.

Carbs. Pulled the originals off. Having done 160,000kms they were over due for refurb. Lucky for me I had a set of 500/4 carbs in storage. It was quicker to sort these out the the originals. The only difference between the carbs is the 500/4s jetting is a bit richer. Inside they were perfect, no green laquering. The outside took nearly a day to clean up with CRC 5.56. All seals were sqirted with CRC to give them a bit of a refresh. Got a set of rear carb rubbers from 4into1.com and fitted the carbs to the bike. Pulled my home made foam filter, cleaned off any dried up flakey foam and applied chain oil to the foam.

Tank. Pulled the tank dried it out and put a half a litre of Blackguard in it and swished it about, left a few days and rinsed out with diesol. Fitted a new fuel petcock I got from 4into1.com.

Electrics. I did a bit of searching and found 4int01.com. You can find a hell of a lot of old Honda related stuff there and seemed to be about 20% cheaper than other old bike parts sellers who obviously use the same wharehouse. Found a solid state reg/rect for the 550 and ordered it. 4into1.com offers a number of shipment option. I chose USPS just to see how it went. Got it within a week so all good.Made a brack plate for the new reg/rect and fitted that. Enlarged a colour wiring diagram to A4 and plasticised. Went though the whole wiring circuit. Pulled the switch blocks and used a dremel to widen the cutouts the cabling was coming through. These originally had the wiring running though the handle bars. A previous owner had made cutouts so that the wiring didn't need to be routed through the bars. The cut outs ere not big enough so and pressed the wires insulation together fusing them. All better now. Inspected the internals of switch blocks and repaired as needed. H4 headlight replaced the original sealed beam arrangement. Fitted a new ignition switch from 4into1.com. These are modified from the originals having a cable with the connector on which is fitted in to the headlight shell offering better weather protection. The bikes one had worn so much the key could slip out at any time.

Body work. As mentioned I got a solo seat and bikini fairing from Viking Trading on TM. I had to modify the fairing and brackets to fit but no real dramas using a 1.6mm 100mm cutting wheel. The seat fitted without much drama but I had to do something to cover the the surface rust the the dual seat hid on the forward end of the rear mud guard. So in to Para Rubber for some rubber sheet and edge beading to make a fake tail piece and seat skirt.

Drained the old oil, replaced it with fresh Gulf Western XP 20 W 50(no clutch slippage at all. In fact I've never used any m/c specific oils in any of my motorcycles.) and a new filter. I've used Honda OEM, EMGO and HIFlo(from Super Cheap Autos) oil filters without any issues over the years. I'll change the oil/filter in 3,000kms. Fitted new spark plugs.

Now the first startup in a decade. When I fitted the 500/4 carbs I left the rear rubbers off so I could pull them easily if needed. Fitted the tank with 2 gallons of 91 in it, fitted a new Yuasha battery. Fuel on, turned the motor over with the starter to prime the cylinders with the kill switch on. Kill switch off press the starter. A bit of spluttering and coughing, turned the idle screw in a bit and the ol gal settled down to a fast smooth idle. Shut it down and started her up and fired up first pop. Listening to the bike it was quieter than when I parked her up. Only rattle really was the clutch nothing serious at all. No cam chain rattle no significant tappet rattle. Didn't even need to use my carb sych kit. Put it all to gether and took it to the WOF testing station and got it road legal. $50 for a years rego is great.

Test ride. Did a few 50-70 rides around the Manawatu to test reliablility and as I hadn't ridden for about 5 years I needed to ease in to it. No issues so next a ride over to Hastings to see some of the family. Pulls from 50km to 100km in top without any bother at all. Just the typical shoc honda weep from the head gasket. Hell its done over 160,000kms so I'm not complaining.

Other plans. I bought a matt black and Chrome "Cafe" mufflers from 4into1.com. One for the chrome headers and one for the shitty ol '80s SAGA 4 into 1 I had Two Wheels Eng. mod for easy muffler replacement. I have an original new orange tank I got from Dave Whittaker Honda in Hastings about two decades ago. I'm getting Dulux to colour match it and have a couple of spray bombs made up. I've got spare side covers. One was ok, the other had two large cracks in it. I've repaired it with a heat tool with curcular head and tyraps. Came out well. Plan to get alloy rims and to have the twin seat recovered/foamed as close to the original as possible. I've got a spare engine in parts in a practice bomb box I intend to rebuild. Also have remote res. shocks to fit on it.

A bit about the bike. I got it in 1986 as a project bike as I'd just gotten a new CB750F2D and need something to fiddle with. It was 10 years old, 3 owners and 76,000 kms up. Did around 20.000kms and gave the bottem end a refresh, fitting brass bushes in flogged out castings and replaced the rocker cover which was a bit worn with a good second hand one. Cam chian/tentioner and primary drive chains were replaced. I've done 90,000kms on it. I had a 500/4 at one point but stripped it and kept the components I knew fitted the 550-carbs, head, rocker cover and rear weel. 550 was orange when I bought it and I had it painted black and added some gold pin striping. It's on the third set of points. I replaced the original muffler with an EMGO muffler which looks similar to a 400/4 muffler with an adapter made up by Two Wheels Engineering. Gone through two sets sprockets and 3 530 chains and used plain engine oil or crc chain lub to lubricate the chain. I use Z handle bars on it as this puts me, being 6 foot, at the correct riding position, both feet and hands and keeps switch blocks from bashing the tank at full lock that drop bars do. You could say I know every nut,bolt, component very well and there's some satisfaction doing some of your own servicing.

If you see an old black Honda parked up and an eldery gent with beard wearing a blue/white HJC helmet and gumboots pop over and say hi.

Peace, out.

Dadpole

10th December 2019, 13:03

Good to hear from you Bonez. That 550 is the bees testicles indeed. Hope to see it in the wild someday.

HenryDorsetCase

10th December 2019, 13:37

Great post and very interesting. I have a CB750 which I need to do a lot of similar stuff to, but which I will most likely just sell on....

Bonez

10th December 2019, 13:44

Cheers Mate. At 450lbs wet it's ideal for country road riding. No low speed front end wobbles and as tight as a drum. Range could be better but a small fuel canister will fit in the the tank bag on the back just nicely if I decide to go ticky touring. Concentrating on one bike instead of half a dozen is kinda refreshing.

merv

10th December 2019, 14:03

Great to see a good Honda back in action.

Bonez

10th December 2019, 17:56

A few things I had to do over the years apart from general maintenance was replace the fork gaiters, steering head bearings and mangled headlamp ears. Never had to replace the fork seals at all. Cleaned up the part of the forks that wasn't hard chromed and sealed with general purpose grease. The original fuse holder was repaired a few times. I bought a SOHC CB750F1 with a few spares. One of which was a brand new fuse holder so fitted it to the 550. On sold the 750 and kept the spares. The 550 is a much more nimbler bike. The original front tyre was an old Avon RoadRunner which was hard and stepped. Replaced that with a ChengSheng Hi-Max. Unfortunately the Hi-Max is no longer made. Pitty as I ran them on a few machines. The ol girl currently has an IRC 3.25 19 front and Shinko 110/90 18 rear. About 4500km left on the Shinko and 6,000 on the IRC. Had no problems with either tyre wet or dry in normal road usage. I'll replace them both when the Shinko is due for replacement before the next wof. I generally buy the tyres a few months before fitting them myself. It's a good time to do a general check of the bike when fitting. Give the rims a tickle up, check spoke tension, check the rim tape, and replace if needed. The H4 bulb stresses the charging system at low rpm around town so I'll fit an auxiliary led setup to the park circuit. This bike was shipped with a sealed headlamp originally. Old people know what those are. Open road riding there's no issues at all. Full charging kicks in at 4,000 rpm. Mind you being a '76 I don't need the headlamp on at all but it's good to have bit more visibility around town.

Bonez

11th December 2019, 08:14

Great post and very interesting. I have a CB750 which I need to do a lot of similar stuff to, but which I will most likely just sell on....If I were you and had plenty of room I'd hold on to it. Being the bike that put 4 cylinder 4 strokes road bikes into the motorcyclists lexicon.

4into1.com has plenty of parts available. An if you are in a hurry DHL will have it delivered in 4-5 days,at a cost of course. I did a few price comparisons and even with shipping you are on the winning side. Got hit by by customs on my fifth shipment in a month which stung a bit but overall still on top. The EMGO Cafe Racer mufflers just over $US60 with 20% discount. The Harley Cafe Racer muffler in City Honda is $799. I loled when I saw them. You can get a complete cable set for the price of two Motion Pro cables here.

HenryDorsetCase

11th December 2019, 12:22

If I were you and had plenty of room I'd hold on to it. Being the bike that put 4 cylinder 4 strokes road bikes into the motorcyclists lexicon.

4into1.com has plenty of parts available. An if you are in a hurry DHL will have it delivered in 4-5 days,at a cost of course. I did a few price comparisons and even with shipping you are on the winning side. Got hit by by customs on my fifth shipment in a month which stung a bit but overall still on top. The EMGO Cafe Racer mufflers just over $US60 with 20% discount. The Harley Cafe Racer muffler in City Honda is $799. I loled when I saw them. You can get a complete cable set for the price of two Motion Pro cables here.

I do have the room but I've owned a few CB750's over the years (the best one undoubtedly a 76 CB750F1) and I think I liked the idea of having it more than riding it. My favourite one I sold was a very nice unrestored CB400F (red) and if I can be arsed I should sell the 750 and buy one.

There was a super tidy blue one on tard me this week that went for $9k

Bonez

11th December 2019, 12:45

Wow 9k. My brother had a red one, they are faster ;). Him and his mate use to go two up with pack Toupo ways hunting. One trip the muffler came off. He then got '79 CB650Z and loved that thing. Very under rated machines. His mate got an XJ550 and another mate a GS550. They use to terrorise bigger bikes on the back roads. I had a CB650 Custom at one point then traded it for a GSX750EZ.

Bonez

11th December 2019, 17:29

In the process of getting the bike on the road I got a few tools I've wanted. This included a set of digital calibers, a float hight gauge and a new EMGO carb synch kit. Previously I'd used some tubing, a set of 4 taps from an aquarium outfit and pretty generic car vacuum gauge. Before that a mercury vacuum set which got tip up accidentally losing some of the mercury. Got a new feeler gauge set as well as I'd misplaced my old sets. Bought a proper compression gauge before I got sick and have a decent timing light I got back in the '80s. Of course the old sets of feeler gaufes turned up once I got my servicing area sorted-the car port with a bench made of an old wooden kitchen table cut in half length wise covering the whole length of the car port. Nothing like having everything layed out, easy to get at. Put rollers on the spares rack and the two 25lb(BDU-33) practice bomb crates with the spare 550 donk and fastenings from bikes I've stripped over the years. Being on rollers is brilliant, easy to shift around. Also put rollers on shelving with our battery powered and corded tools. Have an extension cord permanently plugged in long enough to reach the end of the car port. Have a decent tool cupboard/chest I inherited but mainly use the most common tools from a holder you can carry around. Not too many specialist tools on the CB550s and usually you can make do, such as using the rear axle as an alternator rotor puller. Priced up a m/c valve compression tool a chain breaker but haven't got them yet.

It's been fun.

F5 Dave

11th December 2019, 19:16

Ooh, use the enter key a few times to breakup the sentences.

Makes it easier to read.

But cool story and nice to see back on the road. A mate had one with a Dunstall kit. Actually was better without it.

Bonez

11th December 2019, 19:23

Thanks. Nice :msn-wink:to see some of the cool kids still about. My '87 Clymer says basicly don't hot them up unless you are going on the track. Yoshimira had a kit for them as well. Upgrade the suspension/brakes are the main recommendations . I have Konis on the back with 1 inch preload stock springs up front. Only ever used ATF. Clymer recommend a 20 weight fork oil. The Asian, Euro and Downunder models have brake lugs on the RH forks to add an extra disk and calipers. Just a drilling holes in the disks(the disks were hopeless in the wet) and machining out the RH disk for the speedo drive hub is all thats needed to set that up. These wee things can get up to 180k no worries stock with 17-37 gearing on a good day down hill and no head wind . Sit on 110-120 all day long. 17-34 will give a bit better millage I should think. The wee fairing prushes more air than I was expecting and up to about chin level, similar to a CX500 fly screen.

The Pastor

12th December 2019, 09:46

nice one bonez :) cool bike!

Bonez

12th December 2019, 09:50

nice one bonez :) cool bike!Cheers mate.

Bonez

12th December 2019, 16:04

Got a call from Reseane Automotive today. The orange colour matched spray bombs are ready to be picked up. I'll do that tomorrow and retrieve the tank. $75 for two cans. For Honda tanks this old there was never any accurate colour coding until about '78-79 or thereabouts according to an ex top head US Honda m/c mechanic. I printed off a lot of stuff of his back in the '90s. I think now it's available in pdf format for a nominal cost of a few bucks last time I looked, which was around a decade ago. I'll see if I can find a link. Lots of good stuff on early Hondas including the early VFRs and other m/c related stuff.

Bonez

12th December 2019, 16:49

Here we go. https://motorcycleproject.com/ man it's changed a lot since I was last there.

Bonez

13th December 2019, 11:07

Got the touch up paint and tried it on the orange tank and my test side cover. PERRFECT match. Very pleased indeed. Now for a quiet toodle around Pahongina Valley.

Bonez

13th December 2019, 14:08

Ahhh nice 140km toodle on back country roads is soothing to the soul. Few bikes out, in fact more today than I've seen all month.

Popped in to City Honda to see if they can source a paper air filter OEM or aftermarket for to ol gal. For a 750? I says NO 550. Guy came out with two HiFlo oil filters. No I said AIR FILTER, EMGO make them. Sales guy- does it have pods? I says NO I don't believe in them. A few minutes on the computer Sales guy-no we can't get them our parts supplier doesn't stock them. The guy next to him says the parts supplier should have an EMGO catalogue. Now I know EMGO air filters are available in New Zealand and available from 4into1.com as wel as EOM ones which are a few dollars dearer. Gave up and thanked them, then walked out.

I may as well do another import. It's quicker.... I'll give Malcolm in Te Aroha a tingle.

HenryDorsetCase

13th December 2019, 19:12

Bonez

13th December 2019, 19:32

I'd imagine he will have one. One man shops like Manawatu Motorcycles can source them easy enough too but zillion $ dealerships can't apparently.

UNI make a foam model not much different to the home made foam one I made years ago for $US30. New OEM ones are still readily available at $US39. Reproduction EMGO $US20.

I've got a 500/4 air box in my bike that doesn't have the extra tubing hanging out the bottem of the 550/4 ones. Less holes for shit to get in to the air box on gravel road toodles.

Trade_nancy

13th December 2019, 20:38

For my CB750 (1974 K2) rebuild back in 2010 I sourced from Malcom at Econohonda or imported from DavidSilver Spares in UK (Honda specialists). I started my rebuild looking for new clutch kit at City Honda...they asked $600 for Honda OEM..and promised to look for cheaper kit and get back to me..never did. I got the kit from Malcolm coupla hundie.
https://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/

Bonez

13th December 2019, 21:34

Bonez

14th December 2019, 13:11

Playing around with side covers and spay bombs today. Temp being a bit cooler today it's surprising a difference it makes. One sider cover, the one I plastic repair is finished.

Also doing a bit of an inventory on parts and tools. The tool next to the side cover is what I used to do the plastic repair.

kiwikk

14th December 2019, 14:52

Bonez

14th December 2019, 16:47

Thanks. City Honda sells tractors and accessories as well. XR750s in black and grey do look rather nice though. There's a matt black Cafe Muffler on the wall with some silly HUGE logo on it, probably doubling the weight,for $799. I paid $US62 each plus shipping for my matt black and chrome EMGO ones to be sent to me. They both have warning label on them saying they don't conform to EPA noice stasndrds for road use. Who gives a fuck anyway? Looking though the end it's just a bloody big tube :) Motu would be proud. You can order baffles for them. Ill get the longer one on my next import.

HenryDorsetCase

14th December 2019, 16:52

Great thread Bonez. Keep it coming.
I think Honda should be subsidising us through their dealerships for our efforts maintaining their brand reputation....but then again, they seem more interested in selling lawnmowers and shit.
:facepalm:

All blue wang really want to sell is those two and four wheel farm appliances. Its the only rational explanation as to why their road bike prices are so weird.

Bonez

14th December 2019, 17:58

I personnally have'nt taken notice of current pricing on Hondas. No model under 1000ccs actually gets my attention. Those 500? bobber/custom and other road bike things are down right hiddious looking. The whole Honda motorcycle design team needs to be fired. Bring back models such as the Bros you idiots.

F5 Dave

14th December 2019, 19:19

Hmm SP1 maybe.

Actually NSR500V made road legal. Fantasy bike.

But Sciroshimo, or however it spelt was a 2 stroke hater so hopefully the devil is raping him as we speak.

No Disrespect.

Bonez

15th December 2019, 08:10

Second side cover done. I'm using Dresden Clear Glaze gloss finish to seal them. It was on the shelf with Connies hobby stuff. It gives a nice gloss finish. You have to be careful though as it lays on pretty thick coat, so easy to over do it and get runs. Som $8 a can international orange to build up, Resene custom orange to match then Dresden clear glaze to finish.

Done a 1000kms since build up.

The EMGO cafe "mufflers" fit perfectly. I'll scrounge around for some heat resistant paint or oven enamel. Those exhaust cloth covered headers look stupid imho. They also collect moister damaging the headers even further.

Sounds like a neighbor has a new V-twin thingy. Seems to be just going around the blocks making a lot of noise and nothing else.

Bonez

15th December 2019, 10:43

References I used are the 7th edition of the Clymer CB500/550 service manual, Honda CB500/550 four service manual with supplements, CB550F owners handbook, pages I'd downloaded from the interweb and A3 curcuit diagram from the Clymer manual. A pic of my current work space. A decent vice and grinder/buffing wheels come in handy. The BDU-33 crates make great mobile spray/work benches and their safety pin tags are good for using with your keys.

Bonez

16th December 2019, 09:11

Cleaning the years of accumulated boot rubber off the exhaust. These wee beauties were designed to keep legs and feet well tucked in when riding instead of out spread like a hooker ready for her next customer. Laminated the torque wrench tables. Not being rapped in plastic is a big advantage as well. If you have an off just pick the bike up, dust yourself off and keep on going. No crying over how much it's going to cost to replace/refurbish that egg shell.

Bonez

17th December 2019, 07:12

Going through the bits n bobs I need for the spare engine rebuild. Plenty of top gasket sets. I think I paid $5 for 4 sets about 25 years ago. The cardboard that had the crank case bolts in have gotten soggy over the years so I'll have to do an in place fitment and make another couple of cardboard templates up. Bottem end shells need replacement and I need new camchain/tensioner/guide and primary drive chain. That's about it really. Castings aren't as worn as the ones on the bike were so no need to manufacture bushes. Might need to get bottem end seals but I never had to on my first build which has more then 160,000kms total up. I'll give them a good look over and decide then.

This engines been involved in a serious off at one stage. Some major welding done in a couple of places on the points side.

Bonez

18th December 2019, 09:43

Connie gave me a #2 phillips screw driver with a broken tip. Ground most of the tip out, quenched and finished off with a small flat file. Now I have a flat bladed screw driver ideal for adjusting card air screws.

A bit wet today so I'm confind to a 2m x 3m area out in the shed to play in. Too cold for any paint spraying as well. We have put high quality lamps in the shed light sockets which make carrying out tasks much easier.

Connie bought me a cell phone just in case I go on extended tootles so she wont worry what's happened. First one ever.

F5 Dave

18th December 2019, 19:14

Bonez

31st December 2019, 06:55

Cheers F5 Dave. Something to keep in mind. I do have a good selection of good quality phillips screw driers I inherited from my step son.

Back from visiting the ralitives over in Hawkes Bay. For the return trip I chose a to come back via the back roads behind Te Mata Peak though the back of Waipawa, Waipuk. Taihapi and Ormondville. Quite a head wind but dispite that enjoyed the ride immensely. Last time I traveled that route was about 6 years ago. Not in any particular hurry and the bike ran smoothly without issue at all. Thats the nice thing about riding alone. You don't feel presured to push it too hard. Got home lubed the chain and checked the the oil level. It's using around 150ml per 400kms so not bad at all. A damn sight better than my old CX at 1ltr per 500kms. Certainly not enough to justify a rebuild. The front brake pads seemed to have beaded in. Still on a single disk up front but that'll change soon enough. On these ol dears a combination of both front/rear brakes and engine breaking by a change down one is the best way to pull them up. I'll give her a bit of a wipe over. Nothing too intensive, Wipe the rear wheel of excess chain lube and a quick wipe over with an oily rag should do it.

On the way over to the Bay we hit heavy rain around Norsewood and I was expecting some coughs and splutters but nothing of the sort occured. The coils and leads are original with two caps replaced. Dried out fairly quickly coming in to Waipuk so no need to stop to put on leggings. At Waipawa there's a bike shop called SJS Motor Cycles Ltd. All sorts of older stuff there. An older Triumph twin. Iron Head Harley on the servicing stand, what looked like a 650 Katana up next for servicing and a few other 80s jappas out front in fairly reasonable nick for their age. Simon, the owner, seems to like working on the older stuff. Worth having a chat with him if you are over that way.

All the best for the new year guys n gals as well as the 105 genders and those who identify as Gold fish or Pandas.

Voltaire

31st December 2019, 07:37

If you go on Ebay you can buy P2 JIS screwdriver for very little. These fit Japanese screws in a way that will make you a believer. Heres a set which will do everything you need bar the large size which is impact driver fodder anyway.

You will enjoy them I promise. Ebay will add gst on top.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vessel-Megadora-900-P1x75-P2x100-JIS-Cross-Point-Screwdriver-Set-Japan/263276505743?epid=4007733065&hash=item3d4c80aa8f:g:ZZ8AAOSwaSZZ-~6~&redirect=mobile

..and their OTT shipping charges. Ebay used to be really good back in the early 00's, I bought and sold lots of car and bike parts.
You could even get things like BMW gearboxes shipped surface mail then. Now like TM its mostly cheap junk.
Q: Is it only the big players that add GST?, might work out cheaper than the MAF/customs ticket clipping.

Bonez

31st December 2019, 08:25

I dought GST being paid will stop customs/maf doing their thing. There'll be the usual rendom searches, I got hit on my last import.

F5 Dave

31st December 2019, 08:59

I came back that way on Saturday with a few course corrections for gravel we didn't know how long it was. Got nailed by hail for a while as we continued down near Alfredtown but was fine back to Wellywood.

With Ebay it's all about the size and how they calculate the postal cost. Just look around.

Phillips screw heads are supposed to Cam out to avoid over tightening. But that same system makes them rubbish for undoing stuff.

Bonez

31st December 2019, 09:35

An impact driver is your freind. Usually don't have too much bother with plillips screws. On more finiky ones a quick squirt with crc 5.56 around the head , let it penetrate and a short sharp tap on the end of the screwdriver while twisting usually does the job. If it does get too damaged and i don't have a good spare I just replace them with allen head screws. Done that with all the 550s engine side covers.

I know those roads fairly well. Skinny tyres are were it's at traveling closer to the coast. When I first went over that area with a map. If you stopped to have a gander at it you could bet someone would rock with on a horse or 4 wheel drive and ask if you needed help.

Bonez

1st January 2020, 16:33

Nice wee 170km toodle today to break in the new year. Mainly exploring some back roads and about 15kms on State Highway 1. Hit a patch of gravel, a mile or so, that led to a dead end. I was surprised how well the Clubman bars managed things. Not bad at all. Don't think I'll bother washing her just yet as as I have a few interesting routes lined up for later in the week. Generally not one for cleaning every time the bike gets a spec of dust on it. Chain and sprockets will get a bit of attention though.

Pulled the battery and topped up the electrolite.

Bonez

2nd January 2020, 19:16

During yesterdays run I noticed that the clutch lever needed to be pulled in about 1/2 way to disengage the clutch. On inspection today the handle bar adjustment was almost to max adjustment and the same with the one near the clutch itself. Seems the inner is about a cm or so longer than stock, Adjusted the hande bar adjustment almost all the way back in fitted the lower adjusting nut from the damAged old cable to the lower adjusting screw. Readjusted the cable so there is about 2mm play at the lever, than tested clutch engagement/disengagement with the bike running All good now with plenty of adjustment left. so ready now for the next run.

Cleaned up the battery box of a bit of surface rust and treated it then refitted the battery.

Bonez

9th January 2020, 09:40

Just pricing sprockets for the ol girl. For a pair the pricing seems to vary around $90 to $150 depending on were I get the quote from. Ofg course there's postage on top of that. Any members havs a good source of local suppliers. I've got a quote from Malcome at Ecohonda but was wondering what other local outfits in the North or South Island could supply them. I'm in no hurry. Thanks in advance.

Bonez

11th January 2020, 18:29

After some looking around I can source exactly the size sprockts I wanted from Partzilla at a good price. I'll order them next week and they should be here by months end.

Nice quiet ride today. Didn't go too far as my tummy was acting funny. About 4kms of gravel was the order of day. Seems more of the road has been sealed. 2000kms till next oil/filter change.

F5 Dave

12th January 2020, 17:53

Ride while you can. Enjoy life.

Bonez

13th January 2020, 10:33

New brake and clutch levers arrived today from 4into1.com Will make things easier for my aging hands as the clutch on these things are heavy and front braking needs a bit of effort as well. Just 10 minutes to fit. Puts the lever action 2cm closer to the bars compared to the original style levers. Cost $nz35 delivered to my address. Now time to order those sprockets.....18 tooth front and 36 tooth rear giving a bit higher gear over stock. Ordered a RK530 102 link chain from Amazon.

Also have to re rust prep the orange tank. The old BackGuard I was using had separated and gone hard at the bottem of the container so basicly it was just water at the top and it made matters worse. Went to Bunnings and got the equivalent in a 1ltr bottle. I've done one coat already and will give it two more coats over the next few days. I'll put the used stuff in a separate container for external use on the frame or any other rusty steal items I have laying about.

Kickaha

13th January 2020, 17:47

front braking needs a bit of effort as well.
Go down one size in the master cylinder diameter, less effort, more feel but more lever travel

F5 Dave

13th January 2020, 18:45

Some of that lever travel can be bought back with new, or even braided lines. Old Yams went very wooden when you put braided lines on them, but it was because the std rubber ones were rubbish. As said smaller master means more leverage.

I've lengthened clutch actuation levers on the engine side. Cant recall the old CB method, maybe a lever under the cover, might not be much room but 5-10mm makes a difference, as might be a better cable from venhil etc.

Bonez

13th January 2020, 19:18

F5 Dave

13th January 2020, 19:26

Research the mc size for dual disk models and single. Will be cast on cylinder underneath. Likely 1/2 (inch) and dual could be 5/8, or something like that but perhaps 14mm would be appropriate. Getting a period correct cylinder may be an ask though. WOF man will spot an obvious modification.

Bonez

13th January 2020, 19:41

These have lugs for the second disk so will cope ok. It's the set up old racers use looking at old magazines and the Clymer modification section recommends this. It got through the last WOF ok with the new m/c. M/c was easy to source from 4into1.com. It is the same one used on that era Kwakas. I've since fitted the old m/c cap which has patina ie looks old.

Bonez

16th January 2020, 18:30

Just wondering around the interweb and came across a great site with parts break dpowns of a lot of older bikes. For the CB550/4 is this one https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550-four_model14345/?cjevent=1a85a5dc382211ea80c3006a0a1c0e11 Good for getting part nos.

Bonez

21st January 2020, 07:39

Out of curiousity I decided to give Amazon a go wrt getting bits n bobs for the CB. Ordered a HD 530 RK standard chain. Took a week to get here and cost $nz53 total. Not bad at all. It's two links longer but that's easy to rectify with 100mm grinding disk if I need to. Just waiting on the sprockets from Partzilla. Not that I need them straight away but I like to be prepared ahead of time instead of a last minute panic.

The new levers have made a big difference. It's a lot easier to disengage the clutch and apply the front brake around town.

Off for a wee toodle over to the wire wrapper today.

Bonez

21st January 2020, 16:06

Awesome ride travelling some plumb and not so plumb back roads.

Over the Track and hang a right half way over through Mangamairi and off to Ekatahuna on SWH2, topped up. Over to Alfredton then left on to Popgaroa through to Webber. A few lose sheep and a dear prancing along. Heading to Dannyvages hit the Waitahora Valley Rd, Waitahora Rd then back on to Webber RDup to Dannyvagas. Stopped and had a look at the Suzuki shop

From there towards Woodville and turn left going down Oringi Rd, Jackson Rd then left at Hopelands Rd then a right after the bridge down River Rd, Left at Pahahika Rd then right on to Waituna Rd. Stopped for a picture shoot and a musli bar. Spoke to a chap from Corus who who came by was trying to find a customer. Back on the bike down Waituna road till you hit Kohiniu Rd. Right at Kohinui Rd and stay on that until you hit SH2 then left to Pahiatua. Visited the Suzuki/Kwaka shop at Pahiatua. Bit of a yarn with one of the chaps there. They are getting a Suzuki 500cc rotory up and running. Next will a Suzi GT750. Fuck I'd forgotten how ugly they look.

Back on the bike over the Pahiatua-Mangahoa Rd right on to Ballance Rd, on to Post Office Rd, Left on to Ballance Valley Rd, then over the Track to home. You can take a short cut from Ballance Rd to Ballance Valley Rd using Tararua Rd but that involves gravel all of the way.

I took a different riding approach this time just for the hell of it. Most of the time, apart from the gravel stretch, I just stayed in top gear using the breaks/engine braking\ to slow down. The CB pulls from 30kph to 100kph without much drama at all. I was surprised to get an extra 15kms from the tank compared to my usual riding style, or lack thereof. The Genius 2.1mp digital camera still does a reasonable job at taking photos.

Bonez

25th January 2020, 13:50

Scored a .set of used dohc CB750f crash bars in TradeMe yesterday. I knew it was impacted on the left side but the doesn't matter. Turns out Al Hunt from Big Als Morotocycles was the seller. He works out of home these days. Popped around to his place this doday and had a wee natter. Then looked at spme of his old photos. Goot thing is he is only 10minutes walk from home.Went home and came up with a plan to hack the bars up for use on the CB . First side took a while but once I had it figured the second side took a third of the time. Its great to have good tools on hand. It makes the task a lot easier. Honda screwed and extra plate behind the flatinsh mounting plate to add extra stiffness to stop it twisting. I could've easily removed but decided not to.

All I needed to do was grind off the supporting tubing, clean up the U bars and bolt them straight on to the engine frame mounts. Just a bit it of ginding on the lower part of the lh U bar for a bit of clearance from the casings. Only the left side needed 10mm longer bolts. When I have it off next I'll elongate the top mount hole to bive even mopre clearance. This is something I always wanted to do ever since I bought the bike back in 1986. They are fitted. I scuffed then up with the power file ready to paint. They look like they were designed to fit the bike.

Now I can fit those forward controls I always wanted-NOT!

F5 Dave

25th January 2020, 18:06

Your covered some roads we did on the very extended multi day return from Boxing day races. Many photos over the years outside Alfredton school. Just seems to be a good stop.

OddDuck

25th January 2020, 18:14

Great area to ride through, I've had a lot of fun there over the years.

The crash bars are looking pretty good!

Bonez

25th January 2020, 18:18

Your covered some roads we did on the very extended multi day return from Boxing day races. Many photos over the years outside Alfredton school. Just seems to be a good stop.It is. Plenty of room to park and stretch your legs. One time a wee ways south a tree branch had fallen across the road. You could see traffic had driven over parts of it. Our lot was heading north pulled over and dragged it off the road.

There are a few more road slippages from the last time I traveled from Alfredton to Pongaria with more to take place. 6-8inch drops in the road in some places so it pays to be wary.

Bonez

25th January 2020, 18:21

Great area to ride through, I've had a lot of fun there over the years.

The crash bars are looking pretty good!Cheers mate. I enjoy reading your Ducati chronicles. An old friend I use to ride with on a regular basis had a Panta 500.

Bonez

26th January 2020, 13:06

Popped up town to refill the old girl to top up the fuel. It seems Gull did't get the memo as they were 4 cents dearer than any one ele. Caltex outlet just around the block. BP were very generous at .001 cents cheaper than the rest. Did a loop and back to my favourate Caltex station just around the block.

Not many bikes out apart from the usual Harley Furgusian rider with obnoxiously loud exhaust.

Edit-Did a nice wee evening toodle to finish the day off.
Edit-edit-The new spockets have reached Australia.

Bonez

28th January 2020, 14:52

Went to a few bike shops today doing some tyre quotes. Whilst at City Honda I noticed a three LED lamp set up which will be ideal to use as driving lights around town drawing less current the the 55W low beam halogen bulb. It was only $20 so got it and proced up some Sinkos for the old dear. $20(not the $29.90 on the sticker) for a set is damn fantastic. Departed and headed home for some tinkering.

Fitting it to the bike was very straight forward and I mounted them under the bikini fairing. At first I couldn't found my soldering iron and figured it was in the boarders room. He was out and I don't like searching through other folks stuff so waited for him to come home. Waiting gave me a chance to recharge the battery powered drill as well get all the extra bits and bobs ready(remove fairing/headlight etc.). Herindoors had bought me one of those handy hand things with a gizillion clamps, a sponge bath. soldering iron holder and magnifying glass. A cool and useful piece of kit. I also removed the counter sprocket cover and give the area behind a good clean up while I was waiting for the iron to so up.

Acquired the soldering iron, flux and solder and proceeded to fit the LEDs to the fairing using the supplied mount with some sponge tape to take the curve of the fairing and act as a vibration damper, attach the wires to the bikes park light circuit, refit the headlight and fairing. I'm very pleased with the outcome. A few other niggley electrical things to sort out later.

Finally got the hang of using my mobile phone as a camera and sharing the pics from it.

No reason for an old shitter can't have modern components fitted so FUCK YOU Anoraks out there.

Bonez

30th January 2020, 08:22

Asked Sarah the parts girl at AFC to order a set of Shinko tyres for the ol gal.

1x 3.25x19 front @ $66 rrp inc gst and 1 x 110/90/18 rear @ $107 rrp inc gst. That's around 12,000kms of riding. Don't need to be fitted just yet but will be readiy for winter.

I'll get them around lunch time as there are a couple of tin tops blocking my way at the moment.

Damn this motorcycling lark is just sooo expensive.

Bonez

30th January 2020, 13:21

Tidying the orange tank after rust proofing the inside. This tank was brand new stored in its original box in a nice dry place but still suffered from condensation over 40 years in storage. The inside was showing rust and a few patches of spidey rust trails were poking through the original paint on the left outside portion just above the Honda badge mounts.

I used quik rust converter and primer at $50 for 1ltr from Bunnings. Just give the container a good shake to mix the contents then pour a suitable amount(I found 250mls enough) in the tank with the tank fuel tap tube sealed up to pevent leaking. Put the filler cap on with a bit of rag to give a better seal. Shake in all directions till you get full coverage of inside of the tank. When you are happy with the inside coverage taking special attention to get it into those seam joints. When you are happy drain all the liquid out (it'll be blackish/grey in colour) into an old clean container for use on other projects. You probably will get a bit of rust scale with the first application so may want to sieve that out. Wipe off any residue on the tanks exterior with a damp rag. Leave to dry completely for a few days.

Do this two more times to get a relatively thick coverage of the metal inside. The solution will dry completely black as shown in the first pic. It does get a bit messy at times so I suggest you wear disposable gloves when doing this. After the third coat is done tidy up the outside of the tank of minor left over dried spillage using a course polisihing compound or used schotchbright pad.

In normal use the instructions say just two coats then paint. I figure three coats would be better for tanks. Just give the stuff plenty of time to dry is the key here. Hope this proves useful.

Once I've prepped the outside rust spots I'll paint with the touchup paint I got for the side covers.

ellipsis

30th January 2020, 20:16

...hey Bonez, please take this as an innocuous question...do you drink a lot of coffee?...

Bonez

30th January 2020, 20:29

ellipsis

30th January 2020, 20:56

...no, don't cut down on anything...you are entertaining...:niceone:

I only come here to be entertained...it is sadly, lacking...gotten that way...mostly...

..don't ever forget that the 'crux of the biscuit is the apostrphe', ....gotten nuthin to do wif spellin...

Bonez

30th January 2020, 21:07

Pleased I could help. Yeah too many gumpy cunts complaining about Trump here. They should stick to Twitter.

sidecar bob

31st January 2020, 06:06

Yes. But trying to cut down on the stuff. I suffer from insomnia as well. My Doc gave me a packet of little blue pills to knock me out if need be. I try not to over use them for addiction sake as they really ruin the next day.
Little blue pills? No wonder you can't sleep.;)
I have to leave coffee right alone. It gives me a feeling of awful dread & revs me right up.
Try flagging it away for a couple of weeks & see how you go. It's about understanding the triggers & managing them.
If I didn't, I'd be in for a wild ride.
Have you tried half a tab?
I had some major stress related reactions a few years ago, I found a 5mg Xanax & a glass of wine was the best sleeping pill with no nasty affects at all. It switched off a busy mind.

Bonez

31st January 2020, 06:33

Cheers Bob. Also thanks for that CB500/550 contact info as well. I'm sure it will come in handy.

sidecar bob

31st January 2020, 07:27

Thanks for the suggestions guys. The bike does have braided lines. Has done for a while. It has a new master cylinder. Single disk at the moment with second disk and new lower braided lines ready to go on. I've had the disks dilled as well. Levers are fitted and seem to do what I want. Just old age setting in I think. The clutch action has always been on the heavy side since I bought the bike in 1986. Throttle action is also heavy on these things due to the double return spring setup in the carb bank. Maybe they were just real men riding m/cs back then instead of liimp wristerd soyboys.

I just saw this bit about the heavy throttle.
My 750f1 expierence was being marred by a heavy throttle.
I got one of those small spiral key rings & wound it onto the return spring hole on the carb mounting bar & hooked the spring onto that, effectively reducing the pretension on the spring.
The throttle feels very nice now, but is mildly dependant on the throttle off cable.
Perfectly balanced & lubricated throttle on & throttle off cables improve the riding pleasure as well.

Bonez

31st January 2020, 07:41

Good tip. I'm use to the throttle after all these years of ownership. The XF650s is nice though.

Bonez

6th February 2020, 17:44

Friggin AWESOME ride today. 140kms of premium back roads. Talked to some kids at a farm house when I stopped for a stretch. Tailed a young deaf lass new to riding on a midsize Suzuki who was a bit tense in the pee gravel but other wise fine toodling along at her own pace. We pulled over to let some cars pass. A quick nod, thumps up and smile showed she was enjoying herself. Gutsy Gal. Caught up with an old riding mate I haven't seen for about six years. His wifeys LS650 is hooked up to a neat sidecar and he showed me his new acquisition. His freind Steve was there. I've riden with him and Roger in the past. He recently had a stroke and finds it difficult riding his BMW chair setup.

It;s not the distance but the quality of the ride and the folk you meet along the way....................

Bonez

12th February 2020, 10:21

Found the CBs original rego papers today. Tim Coleman did 50,000kms on it'

Goodness I'm having flashbacks of Kevin "Bubbles" Grey, Jimmy Steadman and a few others

F5 Dave

12th February 2020, 12:19

Jimmy pops into KB bucket section on occasion as Jato or something..

Bonez

12th February 2020, 12:29

Thanks Dave. I can remember when bucket racing first started up.

Bonez

13th February 2020, 11:22

Got some decals made up for the alternator and points cover. They look rather smart. Very resonable at $30 for the pair.

Datials of the lass that did them:
Sharon Aldridge

COMPUTER SIGNS
16 Bennett street, unit 6
palmerston north
06 3555 843 027 260 4730
info@computersigns.co.nz

Off for a ride this arvo to get some more riding experience.

Bonez

13th February 2020, 16:17

Back from a nice wee toodle on some back roads I haven't been on for a while. One funnily enough is called Zig Zag Rd and it was. About 5kms or or so of gravel to tenderise the 10 year old tyres for another few hundred kms of tarmac use,. Brillient day for it. Loads of fun.

Bonez

21st February 2020, 07:46

Back last November I had some gold "SUPER SPORTS " decails made by Capture Signs on Tramaine Av. They were meant to go on the tank under the Honda badges as per original layout. Put a pair on both side covers and they don't look too bad and break up the black. If I deside to change my mind I have another pair to fit.

Nice day out.

Bonez

22nd February 2020, 07:12

Crikey it's raining cats n dogs out side. What does one do on a dreary day like this? Pull that 40 somerthing year old japper out of the shed, don ones helmet, riding gear and favorate pair of gumboots and go for a wee skoot of course.

Will report back on how it went....

Bonez

22nd February 2020, 14:10

380km round trip to see Dad over at Havelock North. Moderate rain and low cloud going over the Saddle Rd. Back route to Dannivagas coming out at the top pub just before the 100kph zone. Norsewood, Takapua Plains then HW50. Across to Waipawa via Ongaonga, then Camp David, Middle Rd on to Havelock North. Gasbagged with Dad for a few hours. He's toying with the idea of getting a GL1200 trike. After the visit off to the Z to gas up and met a chap from Nelson called Graeme who is is into bikes and wanted to know the history of my CB550. Half an hour later(it was the condenced version) I'm kitted up and off home to barmy Palmy. On up Burma Rd, which is gravel and over due for grading, over to Argle back to HW50 then the Takapua Plains. Played cat and mouse with a nicely set up Harley Sportster, without tassles thank goodness, to Dannivagas then wave him off at the top pub and back on to Topgrass Rd, Valley Rd, Saddle Rd and then home.

Rained cats n dogs from Topgrass Rd through to Ashurst. A gentle reminder to respray my DryRider gear.

Bonez

28th February 2020, 08:46

Got another set of stickers from Sharon at Computer Signs in Bennet Str. They were not busy so made them up straight away. Only charged me $5 for the pair which was awesome.

Bonez

12th March 2020, 17:02

Fitted a couple of decals from the CB550 decal pack I got back in Nov last year. Tank filler cover flap warning decal and tyre pressure decal on the drive chain guard. Anoraks may moan about their locations but I couldn't care less. 344917344916

Bonez

18th March 2020, 17:14

Popped in to para rubber to get some stuff and popped in to Super Cheap Autos to have a look around. My current favorite m/c oil is on special at $21 for a 4ltr pack. I'll pop in tomorrow to get a pack. While in town about 10 seperate individuals commented on how good the ol gal looks which made me smile. Must be doing something right....:cool:

Bonez

5th April 2020, 07:12

Going through some more containers and came across two sets of GSX750EZ fork tube cap assys and a pair of 1" brass spacers. All suitable for the 35mm front forks on the CB550F . So I have plenty of preload adjustment options. Having two sets of EZ caps means I can modify a set with slightly different cam hights from original. Isn't it nice to have choices?:clap:

Bonez

7th April 2020, 17:36

Well the CB was feelling neglected so I pulled her out of the shed into the car port.... First thought was FUCK this is low!.....Placed her on that ever useful attachment called a centre or main stand..... Removed the bikini fairing securing it to the top of the front mud guard with a small bungy....Then proceeded to mask, sand and prep the intruments and top triple clamp for painting.... Easy enough to do in place....240 git and some 400 grit for the sanding and some masking tape left over from house renovations as well as some old sheeting for preventing the spray paint getting where it shouldn't....

For paint I used Galmet flat black Duragal for the initial couple of light coats, next was cheap black gloss for from Super Cheap Autos($12 for 3 cans of any colour), the next two heavier coats and finish off with a heavy coat of clear laquer.... Half an hour to three quarters of an hour between coats......Removed the masking material then cleaned up with a small bladed scew driver and a rag with some turps on it.....Another job done......

Between coats I did some other m/c related stuff to keep occupied.............

Bonez

8th April 2020, 12:45

Decided I'll give the chrome cafe "muffler" I bought last Nov when I was sousing parts from 1into1.com.....
It's 10 minute job to take the EMGO standard reverse cone muffler off and fit the cafe one on.... Two 13mm spanners, two 12mm spanners and a longish flat baded screw driver to lock the rear muffler bolt from rotating while doing up the lock nut.... When I disposed of the original Honda muffler due to rusting I kept the oem muffler mount with the handy dandy main stand stop in place and attached a Givi universal pannier mount bracket and 3 mount clamps. then fitted the EMGO standard reverse cone muffler in its place.....Collen of Two Wheels Eng. made me an adapter from the headers to the muffler using some tubing I supplied him with for the EMGO muffler fitment.... Now that was well over 25 years ago and I payed $99 for it from Paul at Manawatu Motercycles at the time.... I inspected it inside as well as out on removal of the standard reverse cone muffler and absolutely no sign of rust. How's that for value for money? FWIW you can get shorty reverse cone muffler if you need one.....The cafe muffler has a nice label on it to warn those fitting it to only use on pre 1983 motorcycles because it is not EPA noise compliant:rolleyes:

Tried some fancy wancy camera settings on the Galaxy tablet just for a play....

Fired the bike up and I will definitely will need ear plugs when out on the open road....Quite a nice burble but not as ear piercing/droning as the old early '80s SAGA 4 into 1 set ups.....Around town I will be noticed a bit more I think.....You can get baffle inserts in 4" and 8" lengths to mute it a bit.....As I said earlier it's only a 10 minute swap job to fit the old one back on......Gotta love these old gals for their ease of maintenance.

Bonez

10th April 2020, 13:52

Curious to see how noicy it was on the open road the effect it has on stock out in the countryside and my personnal health and well being of course. I took the ol gal out for a wee toodle. A 110kms later I had a good idea. Not too bad. Stock didn't even blink an eyelid. The exhaust note changes quite distinctly from 115kms/5,000rpm (on a private test track obviously) in top. It was a bit strange at first compared to the other muffler as you don't hear the engine for clues on gear changes etc. No a sign of 0:Police:at all. I should have a pretty good sleep tonight with all that cool fresh air being inhailed.:msn-wink:

Bonez

24th May 2020, 07:53

Nice wee 391km ride yesterday. Went over to Havelock North and yarned with Dad for about 3.5hrs. Popped in to the service station to fill the old gal up a voice behind me said "Nice old bike". I thanked him. Obviously a gentleman with excelent taste.Then off over to Taihapi via the Gentle Anny. Fine piece of road that. Topped up a Taihape then on to Mangaweka. Sharp left to Kimbolton via Rangawahia. Feilding then to home at balmy Palmy.

Old gal never missed a beat. Though cool it was a perfect Autumns riding day with absolute no wind. Got about an hour and a half of night riding in as well. Now that I don't need to wear glasses I don't get double reflections form oncoming traffics head lights which makes riding at night a lot better and safer.

Peace Out

Bonez

Bonez

3rd June 2020, 16:39

Replaced the rear tyre and tube on the ol gal today. Good quality Sinko of course. Never had any problems with then in the time I've been using them. Two car tyre levers to remove the old hoop and three small tyre levers, from AFC at $13 each. to slip the new one on. CrC 5.56 to lube the rim and tyre bead. 2.75" inert rocket head storage boxes make the perfect tyre changing bench. No too high and not too low. Replaced the rear brake shoes while I was at it. Put the rear back together, had a wee rest then double checked everything. PEEERFECT!

I'll do a break in ride tomorrow.

Kickaha

3rd June 2020, 16:55

CrC 5.56 to lube the rim and tyre bead.

That shit is bad for the rubber, it actually makes it brittle although given the lifetime of a motorcycle tyre and where it is applied it probably wont matter

Bonez

3rd June 2020, 17:44

That shit is bad for the rubber, it actually makes it brittle although given the lifetime of a motorcycle tyre and where it is applied it probably wont matterI've been using it for over 20 years...Well actuality longer than that.. Even used it on the CB500 carb set O'rings I fitted to the 550. No problems in the last 5,000kms. It's a far better product than WD40 I might add. Neither the old tyre or inner tube were perished either. Nor was the rubber rim band.

Bonez

4th June 2020, 11:43

Nice wee toodle this morning and dare I say it was outside the city limits by golly gosh. About 6 kms of gravel or should say mud. You see it was a tad damp but obviously I was dressed for the occasion. To To and all.:facepalm: No sliding on any road condition I came across. Also the ride gave me a good opportunity to test out my new helmet in torrential rain. It's pretty damn good. Nice wide field of view and even though I had it nipped open a couple of cms not much water got in..

The ol gal fired up first push on the starter button this morning. I'd adjusted the rear new brake shoes perfectly yesterday so there was no need to adjust them during the ride. Quick after ride inspection showed everything was okey dokey.

Bonez

19th June 2020, 19:13

Bit of maintenance on the ol gal. Adjusted the cam chain tentionor, quite an easy task.Rocker covers off and made sure the rockers rocked at tdc and put the caps back on. tweaked down the 4 outer head nuts 5 ft/ibs which stopped the usual sohc head oil seep. Clean the 500 carbs float bowls of gunge built up over the last 5,000 or so kms over the last 6 months. Due WoF next week so will fit the quieter reverse cone muffler. Saves arguments with the inspectors. Only a 10 minute job.. Lock wired the card choke lever open to save embarrassment around town of stalling when my boots clip it to the on position. Still starts first push of the starter with fresh fuel and charged battery. Not bad for a 1976 vehicle which has done over 160,000kms on standard pistons and not much oil usage. Next oil change due in 3,000kms so will give her another good look over then and change the fork oil.

Oh yeah did I mention center stands are handy for carrying out servicing and can be use any time on your weee toodle outside of city limit. Oh yes the CB550 does have enough puff that for as well:whistle:

Bonez

27th June 2020, 01:50

I had full intentions on getting a Wof today as I'd tested out the electrics last night. Went to the local gas station to fill her up as she was on reserve and noticed the rear light wasn't functioning, rear brake light was fine. I thought maybe the filament had gone kaput so when iI paid for the petrol I got a rear double filament bulb and borrowed a no2 phillips screw screw driver from the attendant. pulled the rear lens off and fitted the new bulb, tested iot and still no rear tail light." Bugger" I thought no Wof with that not functioning. So buttoned everything up, returned the screwdriver and thanked the attendant, then went back home.

To cut a long story short it was just the tail light 7 amp fuse that was at fault. Looked fine and no sign on of breakage or burning but the multi-meter captured the culprit. During the process I had to make a new ground tag for the tail light housing as the original had snap off trying to remove the tail light ground wire connection . Used a terminal, after removing the plastic insulator, and crushed the part you crimp flat so it fitted in to the tail light earth wire connector. Drilled a small hole in the back of the tail light housing, then using a self tapping screw with hex head and washer to secure the terminal to the tail light housing. Checked everything out. Worked a treat... Even the LED driving light pack I'd connected to the park light circuit lit up when I flicked the light switch to the park position on the RH switch block. Adjusted the LED pack so it wasn't pointing directly at on coming motorists. It's actually brighter than the low beam.

Found the A3 coloured wire diagram I'd enlarged from the Clymer manual very handy for my not to good near sight vision..

No Wof today. I just mucked around with a few other bit n pieces such tyrapping the main loon in several places and do some wire relocation behind the head light as well as under the tank where the main loom and forward sub loom connect. Gave the area under the tank a good clean while I was at it.

Bad time trying to get to sleep tonight. Insomnia is bitch. If it is fine tomorrow I might go for a wee punt.

Bonez

5th July 2020, 22:08

Oh goody out of the naughty room. Wonder how pritch n co. enjoyed there stay? Two way street you Bozos :innocent:

The CB550 is booked in for a WoF tomorrow morning. Trying a garage this time Doug use to take his 500 Pantah to.

Went over the forward part of the electrics that are in the front sub-loom, head light, instruments and handle bar controls. All running perfect now. The high beam, both indicator and neutral connections were showing a high resistance or open circuit. These wires are a smaller gauge than the rest of the loom. Removed the old bullet connectors, stripped the wire, then made the end of the insulation a slight cone shape with sand paper so they fit neatly in to the end of the new bullet crimp end. Just used generic automotive bullet connectors. Pulled the hard plastic portion off the crimp end. Makes for a tidier look when fitted to the loom connectors. After that all lights mentioned before worked perfectly.

All four of tacho/speedo lights were blown. The CB400/4 they came off must have had a bad short by the looks, Replaced those and now all good.

Inspected the wiring in the handle bar control blocks and did some relocating to stop possible pinching of the wires.

I put a rubber strip along the top each of the LH side cover to prevent excessive dust or water getting in to the connectors and electrical bits behind it. The gap beforehand was about 2cm. quite a bit.

Touched up the RH side cover where the original paint had broken away using a banana box as a spray booth.

A few other little bits n pieces touched with black gloss enamel.

Pic of the tail light tab repair attached.

All ready to puffity put on outside those city limit......:yes::yes:

Bonez

5th July 2020, 23:54

Almost forgot. I replaced the front caliper pucks. Comparing the old ones to he new it was obvious the old pucks pad area was about the depth of where to new pucks lower wear limit mark was. The piston must have been close to maximum travel. I've had the new Vesrah sintered pucks in storage for around three decades just in case the ones on the bike needed replacement. So now was the time.:)

Greased the caliper pivot along with the mounting bolts. Undid the master cylinder cap a few turns leaving it on and placed a damp rag around the circumference of the cylinder. This was to catch any brake fluid when the caliper plunger is pushed back in to the caliper. Used one of Connies wood work clamps to push the piston in. Wiped any brake fluid that had been forced out with the damp rag. I then fitted the new pucks in then mounted the caliper halves on the arm with the mounting bolts. Tightened up the master cylinder cap after checking the fluid level Pulled the brake lever in to push the piston and pucks into contact with the front brake disc.

Went for a wee ride, 10kms or so applying the front brake on a regular basis to bead it in a bit.. Boy what a difference it made. Very happy with the result It'll be interesting when I fit the dual disk set up later in the year..

Happy riding all.:2thumbsup

Bonez

6th July 2020, 23:01

Took the bike to the garage in for a Wof today. Just two issues the front pads were binding on the disk and the front tyre had less than 2mm of tread. Both easy fixes. The pad issue was the puck in the A (one with the piston) caliper housing was sticking so a bit of sand paper on the puck back metal portion got that sorted. Fitted the front 19x3.25 Sinko I had ready and waiting. Old tube and rim strip were fine so reused them. Went back to the garage just before they shut up shop and picked up the WoF.

I'm in the process of making a carb over flow catch bottle using an old medicine bottle which will be located behind the engine under the battery behind the RH side cover. So mostly out of view. I've attached a drain tube from it witch is plugged at the bottom end. I can remove the plug at leisure and drain the catch bottle. At the bottom inside the catch bottle were the tube goes though is a seal around 2mm high. That will catch any crud and prevent it from entering the drain tube. The catch bottle will be held in position by tyraps.Did a test fitment this morning before I took the bike to the garage.

Replaced one RH side cover retaining grommet which had split in it's 40 something years of use. Got plenty spare from bikes I'd wrecked over the years.

All n all a good day.

Bonez

7th July 2020, 12:36

Some pics of the catch bottle. I had some black plastic sealing strip, so covered most of the white bottle body with that leaving the top portion white so there is contrast between the carb overflow tubes and the bottle for easy location if for some reason I need to remove and refit the overflow tubes. The drain tube fitted nicely between the back of the swing arm and rear of the engine and pokes down 2" be;ow the engine, just below the sump, it for easy access.

For you kids the sticker to the right on the frame below the bottle is a "next oil change sticker". No needs for silly apps or on board sensors to remind you. It right next to the oil cap/dipstick for easy viewing.

Bonez

7th July 2020, 17:03

Bought a range extender for the ol gal today. Low profile plastic petrol container from Super Cheap Autos. I'll look for a small hand pump tomorrow to transfer fuel from it to the main tank. I'll mount as shown on a foam pad if I decide to do some extended runs. Should give me a bit over a 100kms extra.

Bonez

16th August 2020, 14:42

Nice wee sedate 255km toodle today. Fielding-Stormy Point-Hunterville. Topped up at Hunterville then on to Wangavagas via Fordell. Had a snack and stretch at the park then back through Fordell-Marton then back to balmy Palmy.

Cracker day for it and a few other riders taking the opportunity to get out and about.

Bonez

17th August 2020, 15:48

House work done, been to Bunnings to buy some bits 'n bobs. What to do now I ask myself? Nice day out there so why not go for a scoot over to the Wirewrapper I answered.

Checked over the ol gal over as I hadn't done a post ride check yesterday. Forks straight, no damage to the fairing or engine casings Oil level ok.Tyres ok. Drive chain fine. Lights work etc etc. Dressed up for the occasion, fired her up and off to the local Z petrol station to top the go juice top up.

Off over the Track to Pahiatua and visit the Susuki shop. Some nice old bikes there. so well worth the visit if you are in the area. After that looped around some two lane unmarked back roads to Oringi. Then across the Highway on to the Saddle road via more back roads and off home.

Those cheap Dririder gloves are getting more comfortable with every ride.:scooter:

Fuel consumption is 47 miles per Imp gallon, so well within the margin of error when taken off the shop floor in Feb '76.

135kms all up. That is a combined total of just over 800kms this month so far on the CB550 and XF650. Months only half over....;)

Bonez

18th August 2020, 07:28

Pics from yesterdays ride.

Bonez

19th August 2020, 08:57

Range extender kit completed. Got a plastic tub with top from The Storage Box, an old spare small pack frame with the same distance apart to fit on the existing L brackets I had laying about, some plastic pipe/cable holders and ladder strap from Bunnings. I had plenty of foam for packing. Two options to up the ol gal. The quick way using a funnel if in a hurry. The slow way if I'm not in a hurry using the syphen pump while having a chat. snack or long break. The latchable ladder strap will keep the lid on the tub while on the road.

Bonez

18th September 2020, 12:08

Pretty dreary day out side and the three ugly sister are out having lunch together. What no better time to go out to the shed and have a play with ol Darky. pushed the XF650 out under the car port for some swinging the cat room, position Darky for easy access to the the muffler.

Remove the muffler and pull the baffle insert out.

Grab a bit of that Pink Bats I pinched from the neighbors a few weeks ago and fit it around the baffle insert.

Grab some ali mesh off an old piece used by Connies twins when they were in to Stock Car and Side Car racing.

Wrap that around the outside of the Pink Bats and stitch together with 22 thou lockwire. Making sure I threaded some though the baffle insert tube holes.

Refit to muffler. Refit muffler to Darky.

JOB DONE!

A half an hours work from start to finish. Now to find another project to do......

Bonez

22nd December 2020, 15:36

Ol gal is still racking up the kms. About 800kms a month ;) Last long trip it decided she didn't want the rh (battery side) side cover any more. One since 1976 isn't bad at all. In less than a fortnight I had a brand new replacement one from Malcolme at Te Aroha and had it painted with decals fitted. Not bad for an ancient Japper. The CB550F is running better and cleaner on 98 petrol. About 15lms more from a tank as well. So mpg is at around 48 now so makes up for the extra cost.

I see the Burk is black marking ancient posts of mine The poor darling. She misses me that much...

jellywrestler

22nd December 2020, 18:23

Bonez

22nd December 2020, 18:47

you been ok mate, missed ya and hope all was wellI'm fine thank you Spyda. Just enjoying real life than communicating with the half dozen Bozo tossers on KB ;) Run up more kms that way. How are you and yours mate?

Bonez

31st December 2020, 15:33

A nice wee 180km poodle to finish off the month/year on some preemo back roads.:banana:

All the best for the new year you'll.

Remember now- ANY DAY on a motorcycle is a good day....

Bonez

7th January 2021, 09:19

Got a bit tired of folk asking me what Darky was so got Sharon at Computer signs to make up another decal.. It looks rather smart. Darky past it's WOF check today without any issues at all.

Both Darky and the XF650 are filled up to the brim for their next journey. Life's too short to spend hours in front of a computer like the KB Knitting Circle does.

See ya out on the road cpaps and chapess's.

sugilite

8th January 2021, 19:24

He types after spending hours on the keyboard posting in kb :laugh:

Bonez

10th January 2021, 04:38

A cracker 200km ride on Darky yesterday afternoon. Palmy- Fielding-Kimbolton-Rangiwahia--Apiti-Pahongina valley road-back road to Clyton,(bypassing Ashaurst)-then back to Palmy. Only 10 cars/utes and two motorcycles sighted between Kimbolton and Cloyton. Wheres all this traffic congestion at folk here keep moaning aboutt?

Between Kimbolton and about 10kms put of Rangiwahia most of the road is tight twisties with a lot of slick tar except between the tyre tracks so it pays to take that part easy, especially in the wet. The rest fine, as you would expect.

sugilite

11th January 2021, 09:11

What an awesome write up. The traffic report was especially thoughtful. Maybe a weather report would be useful for the next one?
I've always thought the 550f was a bit of an ugly duckling, though I can see how you two make a great little team. :cool:

Bonez

11th January 2021, 11:29

Oh I forgot. There were KB knitting circle members hiding in the bushes:corn: So be careful folks , they might accuse you of doing something you haven't done more than once.:Oops:

Also some, especially so called ex-spurts, are prone to stalking.

Just saying...

Bonez

11th January 2021, 17:56

Had a spare hour today so made engine belly plate out of the remaining ali mesh I made the XF650s oil cooler grill out of. Didn't take long and it was attached with four stainless steel hose clamps from Bunnings Motorcycle Spares. I painted it with a couple of coats of matte black with a Rustolium quick dry primer/paint mix spray bomb. These are very easy to use and a bit like using an air spray gun because of the way the trigger mechanism is set up. The plate is barely visable.

Another project done that has been waiting a couple of decades to find one of those roundtoits. Very happy with the result and that is really all that matters really.

Just saying...

sugilite

12th January 2021, 08:17

The plate is barely visable.

Just saying...
Or effective. Alloy mesh as a protection? Against what? The manufactures know what they are doing, that is why they use solid alloy or steel.

Bonez

27th February 2021, 10:36

Popped in to the local my local Supercheap Auto here in Palmy. Usually do it twice a month on a regular basis. My favorate motorcycle oil 4ltr Gulf Western 20w50 was on speciual at just under $20 so got a pack with another wee diksconount having a Super Cheap card.

Then popped into our local Dairy to get some milk and bread. As I was leaving two youg chaps about 16-17 years old I guess, in unison said "Cool bike bro!". Obviously their have better taste in motorcycles compared to numbnuts.:killingme I thanked them theb toodled off home for an ice cold drink.:cold:

Ride safe everyone.

Bonez

27th February 2021, 11:03

Or effective. Alloy mesh as a protection? Against what? The manufactures know what they are doing, that is why they use solid alloy or steel.Goodness I never saw tghis this one.

Numbnuts you never read you post did you? The stuff is used to protect stock car radiator grills from stones and other debriis ficked up from the stock car in front. I figure in it is fine fand dandy or my little excursions on gravel at a moderate pace.

I used something called common sence. Something you obviously lack.

How's the classical music going in your pink padded cell numbnuts.

FJRider

28th February 2021, 15:03

... Then popped into our local Dairy to get some milk and bread. As I was leaving two youg chaps about 16-17 years old I guess, in unison said "Cool bike bro!".

Cool story bro ... :killingme

Obviously too old to recognize sarcasm when you hear it.

sugilite

10th March 2021, 08:09

Goodness I never saw tghis this one.

Numbnuts you never read you post did you? The stuff is used to protect stock car radiator grills from stones and other debriis ficked up from the stock car in front. I figure in it is fine fand dandy or my little excursions on gravel at a moderate pace.

I used something called common sence. Something you obviously lack.

The manufacturers must lack common sense too, as none of them use the same material for engine protection. Or perhaps they see it being as being the wrong material to do a good job.
Whats next? Pantyhose over your helmet to give that extra layer of protection and keep the bugs from sticking to it?

jellywrestler

10th March 2021, 22:05

The manufacturers must lack common sense too, as none of them use the same material for engine protection. Or perhaps they see it being as being the wrong material to do a good job.
Whats next? Pantyhose over your helmet to give that extra layer of protection and keep the bugs from sticking to it?

panty hose are great, they were invented so siamese twns could rob banks too

Bonez

13th March 2021, 13:20

panty hose are great, they were invented so siamese twns could rob banks tooAaaaah Spyda me ol chumb. Always a bright shining light amgunst the dark shadow that is the Sisters Grim.{ aka the KB Knitting Circle Ladies}.:cool:

Pantyhose are good to wear in winter as well.

Bonez

13th March 2021, 15:23

Nice wee 380km round trip on Darky over to Hastings and back yesterday. Test rode a Royal Enfield 650 twin Intercepter. Liked it very much. Easy to ride and maintenance would be easy to do by an owner. Road it around to dads at Havelock North. Uncle Barry who also road m,/cs was visting at the time. Both quite like the appearance of the RE650. After the test ride I returned to dads and chin wagged for a couple of hours.

Returned home to Palmy via HW 50, Takapua, late lunch at Ormondiville on a very comfortable couch., then on to Dannyvagas, Topgrass rd- Penfold rd etc, then over the Saddlle rd through Ashaurst and off home. Awesome day for riding.

Drained the carbs this morning to clear any crap build up. I try to do this half way between an oil/filter change, so every 2000kms on the CB550F.

Bonez

17th March 2021, 09:44

Got a few things done over the last few days.

While I was charging up the battery with the trickle charger I attached a lead to the positive terminal. Ran the lead down the inside of the rear mudguard to just below the bottem edge of the RH side cover and attached a suitable connector to the end. Made a blank to block the fitting from getting dirt etc in it and prevent the volts from falling out.

Fitted some rubber beading on the front top edge of ali mesh sump protector. This to stop inquisative childrem cutting themselves on the sharp edges. Also stops the KB Kniingy Circle Ladys nylon pantyhose, they can't afford shear silk ones, from being ripped to pieces,

I ordered a Whites shorty reverse cone muffler on TradeMe yesterday around lunch time. I arrived at around 10am today. It has the ability to have the back cone remove to replace/add or remove any fibreglass packing. Now I have three choices of muffler for Darky. It take less then 10 minutes to remove the current fitted one and fit one of the others. Gotta love the old gals for there easy access. No need to keep a box of 3M duct in the shed to repair an all encompising egg shell.:cool:

I bought the EMGO reverse cone muffler that is currently fitted to Darky over 25 years ago from Paul at what was Manawatu Motorckes, which Paul has sold. Over 70.000kms and not a a sigh of rust. The OEM muffler rotted out in less than 5 years.

Ride safe now.

Bonez

18th March 2021, 13:25

Dropped Connie off at the air port very early this morning. She's off to celebrate her youngest grandsons birthday. He is turning five this weekend in Invergiggle. She's hired a rental car so wont be relying on other folk for travel down there. So three weeks as a bachelor is me.:2thumbsup

After doing having brikky, watering the gardens and doing a doing a bit of house work I hopped on Darky and headed down to Levin via Shannon. Brilliant. In two of the motorcyle shops it seemed as if I'd gone back to the '80s. had a chap at them to soom staff then off back home via Shannon.

Darky never missed a beat. I broke the 1k km mark this month riding down to Levin and back. I celedrated the event with a nice cold bottle of Bunderburge ginger bear, a complete box of chicken snax and what was left of the Boysenberry icecream.

Life is good.

Ride carefully out there folks.

Bonez

19th March 2021, 11:14

Just recieved the used OEM clutch cable and switch assy that fits in the clutch levers, mount to allow me to start the ol gal in gear with the clutch lever pulled in, from Malcom at Anaconda in Te Aroha.. I'd ordered them yesterday.

The switch on my bike fell apart years ago.

The used clutch cable is just for spares. I don't mind using used components as long as they are in good condition and work as intended.

The new Motiion Pro clutch cable I fittted 14 months ago failed on Monday morniing while I was at Terrace End. Got back home by just reving her to 3500rpm an stop the gear lever in first.What had happed is the nipple on the MP is about 1/2 a mm saller than the socket it goes into on the lever itself and at some time had jammed in to one position peventing it to rotate in the socket when the lever was operated eventually beaking the wire strands clean at the nipple There was no indication that the cable was failing at all. This can be mitigated by putting a suitably small peice of plastic or nylon tubing around the MP nipple to take up the slack.

When I got home I pulled the MP clutch cable off then got on Goat ,the xXF640 , then went to a bike shop to have a new nipple fitted., the service advicer at Courtesy Motorcycles, took the task on no problem at all and had a mechanic repair it I picked it up later in the day.. SUPURB SERVICE. The replacement nipple was the correct size and there was minimal distance between the nipple and the lever socket. The used OEM clutch cable nipple is larger than the MP one as well

Fitted the repaired cable back on Darky, adjusted it and went for a wee ride to test everything was working correctly. It was.