1978 CB550K Four Restoration
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- flyin900
- Gold Member
- Posts: 1489
- Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:50 pm
- Location: Canada
1978 CB550K Four Restoration
I acquired this bike a couple of years ago and it was a one owner bike (my favorite kind) that was only used for a few years from new; it has sat in his dry garage since 1985. I have been looking for one of these models in nice shape for years that has not been cafe'd, which itself is a rarity these days.
It was in VG condition overall with dust and dirt and some very minor surface rust, yet complete and unmolested. It even has many of the factory yellow paint markings on the key bolts which was nice to see. I decided to take it mostly apart, yet I did leave the motor in the frame and worked around that area to do a clean up and touch up of a few frame areas with matching black paint. Heck it still had the factory Bridgestone tires on those rims.
The exhaust while VG did have a few small rust holes in the upper rear section of two mufflers which is an unusual spot, as most Honda mufflers rot at the header/muffler join section. It seems there are some baffles up in the back area of the muffler that collected moisture and since this bike was only used sparingly the rot happened.
I was very fortunate to find a NOS set of mufflers at a small Honda dealer here in Ontario and scored them for a fraction of new. I repaired the set off the bike and cleaned them up really well and sold them to contribute to the refresh cost.
So here are a few pictures of the before clean up as it arrived at my home. Only 7499 klms or about 4700 miles.
I have been working on it for the past season and have it totally finished now. I replaced the original DID rims with new DID and cleaned the hubs and used the original spokes. The original ones while VG were pot marked on the edges and they would not clean up to my satisfaction. With the new exhaust and all the cleaning and detailing it now looks factory fresh these days.
It was in VG condition overall with dust and dirt and some very minor surface rust, yet complete and unmolested. It even has many of the factory yellow paint markings on the key bolts which was nice to see. I decided to take it mostly apart, yet I did leave the motor in the frame and worked around that area to do a clean up and touch up of a few frame areas with matching black paint. Heck it still had the factory Bridgestone tires on those rims.
The exhaust while VG did have a few small rust holes in the upper rear section of two mufflers which is an unusual spot, as most Honda mufflers rot at the header/muffler join section. It seems there are some baffles up in the back area of the muffler that collected moisture and since this bike was only used sparingly the rot happened.
I was very fortunate to find a NOS set of mufflers at a small Honda dealer here in Ontario and scored them for a fraction of new. I repaired the set off the bike and cleaned them up really well and sold them to contribute to the refresh cost.
So here are a few pictures of the before clean up as it arrived at my home. Only 7499 klms or about 4700 miles.
I have been working on it for the past season and have it totally finished now. I replaced the original DID rims with new DID and cleaned the hubs and used the original spokes. The original ones while VG were pot marked on the edges and they would not clean up to my satisfaction. With the new exhaust and all the cleaning and detailing it now looks factory fresh these days.
Last edited by flyin900 on Sat May 29, 2021 5:10 am, edited 6 times in total.
Current Bikes:
1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
- flyin900
- Gold Member
- Posts: 1489
- Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:50 pm
- Location: Canada
Re: 1978 CB550K Sympathetic restoration
I am going to keep it for shows and such, as it is too nice to ride IMO. I have enough riders these days and this one I think is better to save in this state, rather than continue to degrade the rarity of the condition and low mileage.
Last edited by flyin900 on Tue Jun 29, 2021 8:23 pm, edited 7 times in total.
Current Bikes:
1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
- flyin900
- Gold Member
- Posts: 1489
- Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:50 pm
- Location: Canada
Re: 1978 CB550K Sympathetic restoration
I have some finished pics somewhere that I will load that shows the bike completed and ready to go. I was able to just buff the bodywork with compound to get the finish back to new with no need to reshoot any paint or clearcoat on the cans.
Current Bikes:
1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
- 5speed
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 5315
- Joined: Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:37 pm
- Location: Nova Scotia Canada
Re: 1978 CB550K Sympathetic restoration
looking great
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)
2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
- gltriker
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 5062
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:11 pm
- Location: central NY State
Re: 1978 CB550K Sympathetic restoration
Cliff (74yrs )
Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn something new, everyday.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
^^^^^^^click up here^^^^^
RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT Me Too!!
Cliff
'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM https://nakedgoldwingsclub.com/forum/page/Welcome
previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn something new, everyday.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
^^^^^^^click up here^^^^^
RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT Me Too!!
Cliff
'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM https://nakedgoldwingsclub.com/forum/page/Welcome
previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
-
- Billet Alum. Member
- Posts: 210
- Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2010 3:42 pm
- Location: Ashland Ohio
Re: 1978 CB550K Sympathetic restoration
Very nice. Glad you got it and not someone who wouldn’t care for it like you do. That will be well worth keeping it in pristine shape to share with fellow enthusiasts.
1975 GL1000
- Track T 2411
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 8511
- Joined: Thu May 29, 2008 9:37 pm
- My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/Track+T+2411/
- Location: Prairie du Sac Wisconsin
Re: 1978 CB550K Sympathetic restoration
Yummy!
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow
"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown
Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!
Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!
In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
- Whiskerfish
- President
- Posts: 36936
- Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2006 9:34 pm
- My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/whiskerfish/
- Location: Norfolk Va
Re: 1978 CB550K Sympathetic restoration
My first new road bike was a 78 750F so I am always a sucker for 78's and that one is sharp!!
"Agreement is not a requirement for Respect" CDR Michael Smith USN (Ret) 2017
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
"Yea I do dance awkwardly, and I am having more fun than you" Taylor Swift
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1984 GL1200 Standard
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
"Yea I do dance awkwardly, and I am having more fun than you" Taylor Swift
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1984 GL1200 Standard
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
-
- True Blue Steel Biker
- Posts: 2314
- Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2012 10:50 am
Re: 1978 CB550K Sympathetic restoration
Wow, what a beauty. 4700 miles. She’s been hardly ridden. Love that blue stripe on tank. Looks like original tires
The 500-550 was a better handling bike than the 750 I’ve read. Never owned a single cammer.
The 500-550 was a better handling bike than the 750 I’ve read. Never owned a single cammer.
Dave
1975 GL 1000
1980 XS650
1981 ct110
1972 F7 KAW 175
2000 moby blaze 40cc
Chihuahua (Ellie)
Chihuahua #2(Blaze)
1975 GL 1000
1980 XS650
1981 ct110
1972 F7 KAW 175
2000 moby blaze 40cc
Chihuahua (Ellie)
Chihuahua #2(Blaze)
- flyin900
- Gold Member
- Posts: 1489
- Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 3:50 pm
- Location: Canada
Re: 1978 CB550K Sympathetic restoration
Took a few new pictures of the finished bike. My tree is stealing the show too. Not sure what kind it is, yet this spring it has put on a wonderful display.
Current Bikes:
1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
1966 CL77 - Honda 305cc - Dual purpose - "Gentleman's Scrambler" was a period moniker.
1967 CL175K0 - Low production number with #802 engine serial- winter 2019/2020 full restoration.
1972 CB350F - Baby Four with low mileage - Cosmetic refresh to the next level 2021/2022.
1978 CB550K - Very original bike with only 7499 Km. from new - light cleanup and refresh done.
1983 CB1100F - Canadian model - DOHC Supersport in pristine low kilometre condition from new.
1984 GL1200 - Standard model in showroom condition - two owner bike from new.
1984 CX650E - Restored summer 2017 - a rare Eurosport model - excellent one owner bike.
- Jonesz
- Silver Member
- Posts: 906
- Joined: Mon Apr 24, 2017 9:03 pm
- Location: Manitoba, Canada
Re: 1978 CB550K Sympathetic restoration
Gorgeous bike!
Jonesz
1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
1983 GL1100 Aspencade named "Freki" currently undergoing change to a standard. Sold
1999 Valkyrie CT 1500 goes by the moniker "Valerie"
1978 Gl1000 "Loki" new project going to be a Cafe Convertible
1979 Suzuki GS850. Sold
- Rat
- Photo Gallery Admin
- Posts: 15480
- Joined: Fri Oct 21, 2005 9:59 pm
- My Album: https://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/rat/
- RIP: cookie
- Location: Toronto .... Canada
Re: 1978 CB550K Sympathetic restoration
Could be BOTM ... except ...
Gord
Gord
"I'd rather Ride than Shine"
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
‘14 KLR650 ... not a rat ... yet
‘84 GL1200i ‘R2B6' (Rat to Be 6, the last, adopted by twowings)
My Original 'RAT' was a hybrid '82 CB900/1100F
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