Abandoned Honda CB550: Will it run?

In this weeks video, we get an old CB550 running and ready for the next steps to get this bike back on the road.
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All other parts and tools: www.amazon.com...
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[@johannilsson1889]

Love your videos.. you dont have a 2min intro, you dont sit and talk to the camera for 5min and dont do any stupid photoshop sketches.. you get to work and try to make the bikes start and then build them from your head and they turn out awesome. And you show mistakes and everything.. and i actually learn stuff from your videos. Keep it up!

[@TheInja]

My last video was a photoshop sketch for a build XD....where did I go wrong

[@ClassicOctane]

Thanks!

[@MrCarrabouzo]

​@@ClassicOctane😢

[@Classicoctane-of1lp]

​@@MrCarrabouzo😢

[@Classicoctane-of1lp]

​@@ClassicOctaneFacebook

[@IchibanMoto]

this is such an awesome weekly segment ! five out of five stickers

[@Ijusthopeitsquick]

It's badass!

[@ClassicOctane]

Thanks! I have been enjoying making them.

[@DillonHuffmanOutdoors]

@@ClassicOctane You have received the pinnacle of internet approval!!

[@bobcranberries5853]

Ichiban moto stickers add 5 hp a piece.. Guaranteed or your money back!

[@oglaucio]

Big friggin YES to a CB550 carb rebuild video, please! Keep up the outstanding work!

[@Joemac1989]

Hey there. I've had the most success getting those oil filter bolts by using heat. Before I even try to wrench it off and ruin the bolt head even further, I use a propane torch to heat the bolt. Make sure the area is clean of oil and debris to be safe. Once the bolt is hot, then go to the impact driver. I promise, heat helps sooooo much!! This works for almost any seized bolt. Nothing worse than a project being held up and losing a bunch of the day's energy on a seized bolt.

[@rafaelguerreiro6246]

A step by step guide for honda carbs would be great!!! Keep up the good work dude!👌👏

[@banditdarville1154]

Agreed, still having trouble with my #3 dripping. Want to pull them off and separate them this time. Where are the carb kits from please? Didn't see them on the Amazon store, thanks

[@peterreinholdtrothausen6680]

I'm in for the step by step video. I just got mine running after 11 years of silence. 1976 CB550F1 Super Sport

[@GillK95]

Yes, please do this. And some carb tuning for fuel/air mixture screw.

[@ClassicOctane]

4into1.com

[@nickmattbrewcrew]

Roadrace Z28 man I just encountered the same issue yesterday after syncing my carbs. Dripping out but not from the overflow valve

[@preez77]

YES on the rebuild videos! I got two 550 banks to do! great content

[@dennismetcalf6893]

I'll Second that

[@dominicmanley9699]

I'll third that

[@david116kool]

ME 2

[@carlosluis61rag]

Me 4

[@connormcadams6387]

adding a fifth to that carb rebuild vid

[@Talon6551]

Great channel. I love the videos of bringing back old motorcycles. One thing for sure, when you see these types of vids (on all channels), it is a testament to the quality of Japanese motorcycles. With just a little care along the way, they are made to last you a lifetime. I need one in my garage.

[@gman8260]

Just found your channel and except for the color, this was my first motorcycle. I would give my left nut to be able to find the same bike again and put it back in running condition. Can't wait to see how this rebuild goes (even though it's already been done for nine months).

[@Harley72300]

Please make a carb vid. You do a great job explaining the steps while your doing them. It would be a great reference when doing our own.

[@mebeasensei]

I second this. My bike has not run well since I went to pods and two into one pipe. Finally improved when I blocked the secondary air pipe. Would have saved so much time and money and sadness and frustration-literally years, as local shops didn’t wanna deal with it - had I known. Great series btw.

[@MrSLOKRT]

I just picked up a 72 CB500 that’s been sitting for about 5 years. Can’t wait to use some of your tips to get mine going😊

[@donpatterson136]

Great job and yes, would love a carb rebuild video. Thanks for all the hard work, really enjoying the will it run series.

[@VyantQuijt]

Your video's are gonna be such a lifesaver when I finally get around to putting my dad's cb550 back together! Keep it up!

[@m.e.g.a.n.l.e.i.g.h]

My dad bought new a 550 brown like the one in the pictures but had a vetter fairing and custom saddle seat with a lot of other options of the day. Pictures I've seen it was a great. He never had a problem owning it for 5 years. The best bike he ever had. You seem to like them to. A great middle sized bike of the day. Thanks for your videos!! My dad watches most of them and likes them to. Keep on making 550 videos. Thanks 👍 again . From all your fans in Milwaukee Wisconsin.

[@cedre2274]

You're simply the best on theses legendary old Honda.

[@TheMaximaalmax]

Really helpful video. Learned a lot to help get my CB500k2 from 1976 running 😁 All the best from the Netherlands.

[@lbyoung8420]

I have a 77 550, and would LOVE to see an in depth step by step video PLEASE!! Love the content man, keep up all the hard work!! 🤘🏼

[@richfahey]

A great big YES on the Honda carb rebuild tutorial. Trying to work up the confidence to attempt my first carb rebuild on a 74 CB 175.

[@richardmorris243]

Rich Fahey was Honda CB500K2 carb rebuild step by step

[@craigpennington1251]

P.S. You guys do things the hard way. Get a 2 gallon spray tank. Fill it with a product called Grease Lightning. Pump it up and spray the whole bike down, in the shade. I mean soak it. Wait 17 minutes to 30. Then power wash it off with at least 3000 psi. Bam! Clean bike.

[@MicJaguar]

Nice! i just got my 1975 CB550F running after getting it from someone who abused it. Rebuilt the carbs, clutch and a lot of other stuff. They dropped it and smashed the speed and taxh so i have a cognito. Did a lot of other changes to make it mine. Its barely recognizable. I may go to pods now that the carbs are synced. Like the video. Shows a lot of the stuff we go through when getting one of these old darlings running.

[@UrbanMonkTV]

Great video! I like these "Will it Run" vids. What are your thoughts on next steps for the hanging idle? Vac sync? Needle height? Mixture screws?

[@ClassicOctane]

Once I tightened the boots and installed the filters it went away. You will see that in the riding video I just filmed today.

[@saintroad]

Brother..... you are so talented. A tremendous inspiration. Are you offering the carb rebuild service? Right over here in Central Louisiana with a 1976 CB550 Four. Looking to get them professionally cleaned and rebuilt! Thanks again for all of the fabulous videos!

[@metr1ck]

Yes, a step by step guide with close up shots for Honda carbs would be great. I’m going to tackle my 72 cb500 four’s carbs this fall.

[@Jbop9312]

Wow, you’re really doing a good job with the uploads. Very knowledgeable too! I think offering those services would be nice! Cause finding a good mechanic for these old bikes is hard. Well at least in Chicago. I can’t trust them. Anyway thanks bringing this gem back to life.

[@thedirtroadmystic]

I just bought today… 76 550f… so excited…❤

[@redfoxcb9]

Love those bikes, maybe one day I'll own one. Keep up the great work.

[@chrisloake1453]

Another great vid. Would be good to see a step by step rebuild of carbs. Keep up the good work 👍

[@keyboarddancers7751]

My first large bike! Fond memories of rebuilding it and taking it on a camping tour of Scotland and the north of England back in summer 1989.

[@spiffyg4939]

Talk about near and dear to your heart, I bought one of those brand new in November 1976. Probably my favorite motorcycle.

[@somerandomguy3868]

If you like this kind of stuff and I do this is one of the best channels on YT great job looking forward to seeing you put this classic motorcycle on the road

[@ClassicOctane]

Thanks James!

[@jimciancio9005]

Awesome Video! At this point in time I'm restoring a 72 CB 500 and you have definitely helped me along the way with this project. I just like to say thank you very very much! Love seeing the camaro in the background along with what appears to be an LS engine sitting on the stand. You planning to LS the camaro one day soon??

[@TheFalloutFanBoy]

I have the same model ultrasonic cleaner from Amazon. I got the larger size which allows you to put the whole rack of 4 carbs in without disassembling them from the rack. Can save you a few hours of time especially if you will be doing this a lot. If your throttle slides are stuck that's a problem, but hopefully soaking can help you. I've never used carb cleaner in mine. I use simple green purple, diluted to about 10-20% in water. If you are working with really nasty carbs you probably need something stronger.

[@knockoutcustoms7477]

I love these videos! It's like watching myself work.....and Im always trying to get something running again....its nice to see someone else with common sense getting stuff done....keep it up......oh and there has been a lot of old cb550s on market place in the DFW area for cheap lately.....just in case your worried about future content 😏

[@kelevra2210]

Hi ! I have an Honda cb 500 four k1 in jade green and I would love to have a step by step video of the carbs setting and cleaning, as one of the carbs is giving me some issues! 🙏🏻 Nice job by the way! Cheers

[@HerbsGarage]

Amazing video ! Absolutely some of the best I have ever watched on youtube ... wished you were closer.

[@djcristian84]

I'm all in for the carb video too! just recently started taking my '75 CB550 apart, and it'll be a huge help to see!

[@mysterymacaroni]

Looks like someone took good care of it. Can't wait to see what way you take it.

[@garyjohnson4575]

Most bikes aren't broken when parked under the tarp. Honda will run with air,spark,gas (any gas, moonshine, two stroke out of the chainsaw....yes I have!) And these older bikes should have some two stroke mix run through them because of the super unleaded, and ethanol additives. I used to do it once a year. Makes it run like new for 6 months or so.

[@kenlizzio7096]

I currently live in Thailand , and whilst I’ve never been a motorcycle guy, I came across your channel during C19 lockdown here. I used to restore classic British sports cars in the UK as a hobby, and would love to restore one of the classic CBs, but no room here alas. Honestly don’t like the profile of the modern bikes, but love the CBs. Here in Thailand unfortunately even basket cases command high prices, which is another problem for starting to build one as a hobby. Anyway bottom line is I love your channel and particularly the Honda projects, and the style of the vlogs. Love the workshop. I think you’ve got a great business model, and are targeting a niche market. Wish you well.

[@MrGixxer1300r]

i used ride a brown '74 cb550k back when I was in college. great piece of vintage transportation.

[@pikebobstar2033]

Hey bud, great video!Came across your channel by chance when searching for CB550 info. I had an orange '76 CB550F1 super sport back in the early eighties. My first big bike also my first major off on it too (fractured leg...9 months before walking properly). These are rare now in the UK...wet and cold winters...destroyed by road salt.Anyhow...just wanted to say have been inspired. Am well into middle age and have built my own Bobbers and café racers but just goes to show can still learn a thing or two from watching these channels. Great tip with the VHT paint and curing with heat gun...simple but genius and am gonnna try on the next frame I paint. Am currently beginning a resto of a '89 Yamaha xv535 virago. Have 4 bikes and my daily commute is a 38 year old Honda CB250RSA single...just great for guys like you to keep these old classic running. Will be a regular viewer!

[@joejaboney208]

1st new bike i ever bought was '72 CB 550 same color...bulletproof & fond memories! Thanks for the wayback trip!

[@JDawgBuilds]

That's awesome! I just got a cb550 for $200 lol. It was my step dad's he sold it to my cousin for $200 and my cousin sold it to me for $200. It hasn't ran in like 20 years though. I'm unfortunately good a rebuilding dirt bike carbs (single carbs). I'm going to try and get it running and would like to build a cafe racer. I'm a boat mechanic by trade, but I like working on and fixing stuff.

[@loganwallace8805]

I had to do the very same with the drain bolt on my CB550 K3. Thanks for the great videos!

[@MRgrimlock84]

Thanks to you I'm on the hunt for a cb550... street tracker build, here I come!

[@ludvigtande1236]

Did you find one?

[@bigred8438]

Sometimes, there are bolts that will not undo us8ng a normal method. I have found this with sprocket nuts and nuts holding on generators etc. The only recourse is to use a cold chisel, as the combination of impact and movement in the direction it should undo, evently pays dividends. If you have a replacement nut or bolt, there is no reason to shed tears over the destruction caused by the use of the cold chisel.

[@nigelwren3825]

Yes please Taylor,a full carb breakdown would be great.Ive got 72 cb500 and something to use as a reference would be great .

[@JohndoEe42069]

Hey Taylor, I love your vids and wanted to let you in on a life saving trick for situations like those stripped bolts. Put a cut off wheel on a Dremel tool and grind a straight slot into the bolt. Making it a flat head essentially. then rip it out with that. Then you can either use a impact or a flat head in a ratchet. This has saved my ass so many times on these old Hondas with stripped bolts/screws.

[@graemeduckett7576]

good idea to firstly clean the carbs,the tiny pilot jets are nearly always blocked in these carbs,Great video,

[@grantferguson251]

Hell yeah. I loved the video. I would love to see a step by step video on the carb rebuild as I have this exact same bike. Same year same color. Keep up the amazing channel

[@mikepugh6483]

I had one of those in the 70s and loved it. I was in my teens and had a ball with it. Sold it a few years later when I got into bicycle racing.

[@joelvela4366]

Cool bike, I remember as a kid, I saw the cb550 instantly fell in love with that bike, cool to see one again.

[@ThrillaPark]

I would be 100% into the full blown step by step carb video - Just bought a 1980 CB750c - also, I would def into your services for carbs, both rebuild and blasting. DO it! I'm sure you'll get lots of work. Yer good!

[@Stoney3K]

I have to say it sounds amazing, I always hated the sharp high-pitched noise of modern 4-cylinder sport bike engines and the older ones have a lower, more deep sound that just screams "raw power" without sounding like a Formula 1 crotch rocket. Maybe it has something to do with carbs vs. fuel injected engines, I don't really know.

[@DoRC]

Cv style carbs seem to be more likely to have issues with pod filters. Any carb can be tuned for accommodate them but some are easier than others.

[@persistencewins]

Awesome videos bro! Thanks for all your input!

[@stevenhill6214]

New subscriber from the UK here. I just bought two US import CB550s, and i am going to do a carb' rebuild on both. I really appreciate your clear and methodical instruction work here. I have the workshop manual, but pictures are worth a thousand words right? and a video more so. Thanks.

[@craigpennington1251]

The 550 was a good short tripper. Very dependable and quick if your weight was under 200lbs. Now days, that's a stretch on the weight, 13 year old are going at 220 and up.

[@truelambie]

Appreciate your videos. Making progress on my CB bikes just by following along with you

[@DoRC]

I'd check the date code on the tire. If it's more than 5 or 6 years old it really ought to be replaced. Even without dry rot the rubber compound will have hardened to the point where traction and therefore safety will suffer.

[@Gigachadly]

I’ve competed in races with a bike that’s 15 years old orginal tires, grow up tire boy haha just cuz your boss at the tire shop you work at tells you random crap to help over sell people doesn’t mean it’s true

[@DoRC]

@@Gigachadly That's cool man We all have our own levels of risk acceptance. I'm glad your decisions are working out well for you!

[@Daiz7788]

I love your videos! I always learn so much from them. After watching your videos for over a year now I finally got an old cb350F. This is my first vintage motorcycle, which im very excited for. I have a question though. The bike didn't come with an exhaust. Should I buy an exhaust before I try starting the bike?

[@ClassicOctane]

I would at least put a header on it before starting it.

[@grantklopfenstein7462]

Loving these series. Allen wrench in the plug boot to test the spark! Easy peasy, lets you keep the plug in if you have been kicking fuel through.

[@blairguinea6811]

Nice job Sir, back in the day, I had the 500/4 550/4 and 750/4 ya bought back that good time, carry on racing, love ya channel

[@terryallen5328]

Loved my Honda CB 550 K3, got it in 1978 and only parted with it when I got married.

[@timluther5171]

Great video. I think watching something like this really shows my why the '88 GSX1100F I bought about a week ago (which hadn't been used in over a year) is running so crappy. I put good gas in it and even some fuel system cleaner, ... and that has made a little difference, but if riding I can tell it's not running right on all the cyclinders. I am limiting my riding to very short distances while hoping it starts running more the way it should, but have it scheduled for a good tune up a week from now, only because the shop's booked solid and I can't get it in sooner. This bike should be a beast if it's running right, but it's far from that right now.

[@jimcook3448]

I would seriously consider getting a set of twist grip sockets. They'll kill the nut/bolt head, but if it's already rounded off, that's no loss. Got me out of many a problem in the past

[@schroederb2007]

taylor, a guy like you who makes great content and is always wrenching, i really would love to see you do a full tear down restoration back to stock. I've seen timelapses but i dont think I've seen anyone do a detailed video. Maybe this bike isn't the one but maybe in the future. I'm sure it would be a year+ process though. Just a thought!

[@rrz464]

Loving these vids, and you are kind of making me want to get a CB550 to compliment my CB750 (in my profile pic). Come to think of that, you should look into a CB750 or CB650sc build. I think those could have some amazing potential in your capable hands. Edit: I may have to take you up on the carb care package in the future. It sounds like a good idea to me! Edit #2: Only other thought I have (unless you have big plans with all these bikes in the near future) is making sure you don't run out of content. Again, IDK your situation, but seems like you are cranking these things out quickly. Still loving it though! Your uploads have been arriving right after some other channels I follow closely (Hoonigan, Cleetus McFarland, Fasterproms), and it just makes for great days/afternoons. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@lucyfuir6386]

20 years ago I had a 1979 cb750k same color brings back a lot of memories

[@dirtbikesanddogs3286]

Thanks for this !! I am restoring my fathers 76 550 supersport 4K original miles he bought it brand new , this will help a ton!

[@ronicard]

I think if you end up making a How To video on the Honda 4- carbs, it will probably end up being your most watched video over time

[@Cheiron72]

Hey Taylor. Great vid. I would love to to see a carb rebuild episode

[@niiiiels]

i just started out with trying to start a 550 as well! big fan of your videos

[@theone2be33]

Awesome build! Sounds sweet! Surprising how you can still find rebuild kits for these old bikes.

[@perfectfan2006]

great bike my husband had one just like it same color and all.. he had a 750 and the 550 as a daily driver he liked to 550 better

[@TheSeangerber]

I have a 1975 550 so looking forward to this build. I like the exhaust

[@jacobflanagan7186]

I just got my rebuild kits on an 82' cb650 carb so a vid on the 550 would help a ton!

[@MidwestMotoRider]

I am pretty sure that is a MAC 4 into 1 exhaust, I would be very interested in a in depth video on the carbs.

[@MasterChief-sl9ro]

It's a Kerker Header with stock exhaust pipe. They were popular for dealers to sell. So they stocked them..

[@CharlesNolanArt]

I, for one, would very much appreciate a step-by-step video for the carbs. Also, it would be a brilliant idea to clean customers' parts provided you have the equipment, maybe you could take on an apprentice to help out under your watchful eye. If you do begin to clean parts, be sure you protect yourself, there are a lot of unreasonable, well idiots, who will expect more than what is possible. I'm sure you know the kind. One reservation I have had about obtaining a Honda from the mid-70s is maintenance. I am learning more with every video, Thank You!

[@mattsez2879]

cb 550 4.....super sport exhaust...( 4 into 1 )......bullet proof, and as soon as i saw the name of the vid i said....hell yes it will run. Most dependable bike ever made

[@TheDanFromOz]

Bring on the step by step carb rebuild video please. Any chance of you acquiring a CB650 (1979?) to work on? They're an odd duck that doesn't have alot of videos out there and they seem to be just different enough to require techniques/parts from both the CB550 and the CB750, but the trick is working out what is the same and what isn't....

[@mikeeger7581]

I’ve been asking you to do a carb service for two (2) years. !!!!!!!! Lol 😂 thanks 🙏 finally haha 🤣

[@TheInja]

Better late than never!

[@joaomiguelsoares1650]

I love that buzzer and horn!

[@davebarrowcliffe1289]

You can check the age of the back tyre very easily. All tyres have a date code. It's a braver man than me who rides on a tyre over seven years old...

[@DimecitycyclesShop]

Good stuff Taylor!

[@JonGilGonefishing]

Make the Honda carb video. I’m interested! Also would like to see you take that front tire off and the break rebuild

[@nickhetu4829]

Good video! Definitely would appreciate a full rebuild vid. Thanks

[@ClassicOctane]

It’s live on my channel if you want to check it out.

[@GettingNervous]

Nice job, well done. "Will it run Wednesday" sounds good. 👍 I am using a special carb cleaner for Mikuni or Keihin carbs in the ultra sonic cleaner. After this the carbs are shiny as new.

[@TheInja]

What are you using? May need to go back through my current build's carbs so just curious what you're using!

[@GettingNervous]

@@TheInja I am using this stuff: www.woembi.de/Ultraschall-Reinigungskonzentrat But i don´t know if it´s available in the US.

[@ClassicOctane]

Interesting, I haven't ever seen anything like that in the states. I will have to look around. Thanks

[@stevewalden3814]

I appreciate the longer format - very interesting. I could not hear the A/C running.

[@Engineer_rob95]

This is the first of your videos that I see, this is great! Heading to your channel now!

[@ksingleton101]

Look forward in watching the video's and this channel grow. Thanks for sharing!

[@jakeedgell591]

The upside to the buzzer is it usually doesn't let you leave your blinker on for long

[@stevewilliams5428]

Heat up your inlet rubbers with a hair dryer, they let go of the carbs much easier that way and are less likely to split.

[@FrogyMX21]

Im so glad i stumbled on your channel dude! You're a really down to earth guy, showing people how to do things and if you dont know how to do it you take us on the ride to find out how! Amazing channel! im so glad i found you, keep up the awesome work and style of this channel its perfect! On your question on the JT1 video about video length and detail, i personally would like to see a project from start to finish with all the detail! I enjoy the videos so much that 45-1hr flys by and the 5min videos are to quick for me i need MOOOOREE! :P stay awesome dude, love from the UK!

[@joshbailey1011]

Def interested in a ‘how to’ carb rebuild for the CB550!

[@stephenschwake524]

Saw those oak trees by your driveway, thought "that looks like central TX", then I saw the TX flag and you finally mentioned Austin. Greetings from Burnet Road/Koenig. I have a dead CX500 that needs lots of TLC. My buddy was here on his 78 CB550 earlier.

[@crispernator]

this was my first new bike in 1976 in aus good memories

[@reggiechin230]

Very informative and interesting video. Love watching your restoration projects.

[@bryce960w2]

Love these videos on the CB550s. I think offering the service to have carbs cleaned and rebuilt is a really good idea. Did you decide on if you want to offer that or not. And if so, what would you charge for a carb cleaning and rebuilding of this exact year and model cb550 carbs . Another question, what do you recommend for removing a pretty badly stripped mixture screw on the carb? Keep up the great work!

[@ClassicOctane]

I do offer rebuilds as a service. A full rebuild including disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, reassembly with new kits, and a bench sync runs $350. It’s $75 for vapor blasting.

[@markkiger5219]

Definitely be interested in the carb rebuild video.

[@uberlovestories6559]

Just discovered your channel. Loving your videos!