BannedCR500Riders.com

Since I couldn't bring myself to supermoto my 500, I ended up picking this gem up yesterday:




1974 CB550, it's been sitting in a barn since 1987, and only has 6100 miles on the odometer. Almost everything works, need to go through and do some maintenance before using it as a summertime daily commuter, but so far I'm happy. I've been buzzing it around the neighborhood all morning with the expired plate and my dirt bike helmet on, seems to run decent. It hasn't made me come close to shitting my pants like the 500 can, though!

My buddy suggested finding an old Bell helmet, some goggles, and a bomber jacket to complete the vintage look.

What did that thing cost you?

That looks very original and is close to the first year.
Do some research, it may be worth some good money.

$900, thanks to Craigslist! The guy had about 30 emails about it in a half day's timespan, luckily I got to it first. It had a horrible Windjammer fairing on it, and a sissy bar with a wood deck on the back. It cleaned up pretty nice, with a little elbow grease, steel wool, and some time polishing, it'll be a $2000 bike for sure, just looking at what ebay bikes are going for.

I really like it, though, I'm sure I'll end up keeping it for this riding season. Put about 30 miles on it already, it's cool how light and nimble it is. Exhaust tone isn't bad for being stock either.

-Nick

Kick arse Blusmbl !!!

Vintage Japanese bikes are AWESOME!!

Good job!

"Skiddy"

Thanks man!

I've spent the last couple days un-rigging what the previous owner had done. Original airbox is back on, wiring for the Vetter fairing has been cut out, handlebar extensions are off, ignition switch is back to below the tank as Jesus intended, and the radiator hoses have been removed from their duty of connecting the carbs to the cylinder head.

Time for some new shoes, a quick cleanout of the pilot jets, and a new chain, then she'll be ready for daily rider duty.

-Nick

Good find... I would have snapped it up too.