Day 3

More minor progress today - not much time so I spent a little bit cleaning up the engine block with some simple green and then drained the oil and checked the oil filter.

I smell some gas in the oil and I was reading on one of the forums that this may indicate a leak in one of the seals in the top end.

Looks like I'll probably have to rebuild it - which is fine, because I was planning to anyways, but now I think I'll have to.

Interestingly, thought the oil filter was newer (had computer inked date on it) the oil in it was like 10x dirtier than the oil I drained.

No pics yet as there's nothing really to show anyone - as soon as I'm ready to pull the engine, front end, and rear wheel I'll snap some.

Day 2 - Minor progress

I got the carbs off, most of the electric. Discovered that the engine number doesn't match the frame number. :( And neither does the other engine. I'll have some work to do when I go to get title/tags. I'll tackle that when the time comes.

Also realized that I'm going to need more tools and PLENTY of GoJo.

I'm enjoying the tear-down as it is really teaching me the different parts of the engine and how things work together.

Here's what all happened:
Removed...

• Carbs
• Footpegs
• Headlight
• Bars (though I may need to put them back on to manage moving the thing around)
• Electrics
• Brake bar
• Kick-starter

Left to do - pull the chain off the sprockets, pull the front end off, pull the engine out and clean/polish.

CB550 Bobber build - day one

I bought a Honda CB550 from a guy here in town. He had already welded on a hard tail.

I should probably say that I'm a complete noob when it comes to building motorcycles, but it's something I've always wanted to try.

JB took out the trailer and helped me haul it home - worked out great because he got to practice backing up with it. I filled up most of his gas tank and bought him lunch to thank him.

Anyways, here are the "before" pics...







If anyone out there has any helpful advice or wants to come lend me expertise on this build, email me at ewendkos -at- gmail -dot- com