Description
Coming to us direct from its importer, this Honda CB550 arrived looking rather sad for itself but obviously having “good bones” underneath it all. So we set about doing what we do here and now, hopefully you will agree, have a very pretty, lovely condition example of Hondas popular 4 cylinder middle weight. We could see the original chrome was all in great condition, especially the exhausts, but randomly the wheel rims and spokes were poor so new rims and spokes were laced onto the original hubs and fitted with new tyres, tubes and rim tapes. Front fork seals were replaced along with a new set of steering head bearings. A new chain and sprocket kit has been fitted, any electrical gremlins sorted and a new seat cover. Its tired paint was replaced with a fresh coat and new graphics, all laid on by Chris Shelley paintwork, Chris doing his usual superb job.
On its initial test ride it became obvious there was a slight head gasket oil leak, so the engine was pulled and while out having the gasket replaced, cleaned. Obviously top end clearances were all adjusted as were the ignition timing and cam chain while in there. The carbs that had been previously removed, sonic washed and rebuilt, were synchronised and balanced. Now the motor starts on the button and sounds like a sewing machine, just like they did back then and with no more leak. Then a real deep clean on the rest of the bike was carried out and now we have the bike you see in the pictures today. Not mint but really very nice, even if i say so myself.
