Recent content by CactusCat

Looking for an OEM or aftermarket rear rack for my 1983 CB550 SC. As long as it is just bolt-on with no drilling, cutting, etc.. I'm in Tucson AZ, USA.

I'm looking for a rear rack for my 1983 CB550 SC. I've found a couple on eBay that may fit but they say they are for a CB650, CB750, CB450, etc.. My questions are: "Is the seat and rear fender area of my '83 CB550 the same as other CBs of that year? Or the same as other close years?

But wouldn't that require the purchase of a "simple" petcock to replace this integrated vacuum-operated petcock? Something like this? https://www.ebay.com/i/191690276500?chn=ps

Sorry, double post.

Re: petcock diaphragm I have a 1983 CB550 SC and it is exhibiting this same problem: seems to be starving for fuel at higher RPM or when under a load. How does one go about bypassing the petcock diaphragm mechanism? ETA: I guess my actual question is: Is the vacuum-operated petcock open...

OK, I know I shouldn't be riding it till I get new tires but . . . I decided to pull on the dragon's tail . . . I went for a short 30 mile ride -- first ride -- keeping the speed down. As soon as I got the bike home two days ago I siphoned all the gas out of the tank and put 2 gallons of fresh...

I haven't had a flat tire in ages -- knock on wood. I think I've had two flats in my 50 years of riding, one on the rear while I was riding -- that was a bit scary. And the other time a tire went flat overnight in the garage -- picked up a drywall screw, probably one of mine. :(

Thank you. I've been looking for a 4-cyl Nighthawk for some time now.

OK, you shamed me out of my ride today. I guess I should thank you for that. Thank you. :thumbsup: It's just that I won't be able to get it to the shop for a couple of weeks . . . after Christmas . . . and I really wanted to go for a ride. Oh well . . . I'll just have to ride that silly...

I am going on a longish ride tomorrow morning -- 50-60 miles (that's long for me :)). I will then give my (brief) observations. I know one thing already, the front tire needs replacing -- it has some cracks in the sidewalls. Here are a couple of pics in front of my garage . . . . .

OK, I bought this bike. Now, a question for the membership . . . Is it worthwhile to stay on this forum since I own a CB550 and not a CB750?

Yes, the '83 CB550 is a shaft drive -- sort of unusual for a smaller bike. It also has a few other neat tech things. I wouldn't mind picking up an old CX500 myself . . .

Well Doc, did you buy it? I'm buying a 1983 CB550 SC with 19K miles tomorrow.

Tomorrow I am going to pay and trailer home a 1983 CB550SC, with approx 19K miles. Pics below . . . Does anyone have any experience with one of these? Any tips? They were only sold 1 year in the US (1983) and another year in Canada (1983-1984).

Good luck. I've always wanted one too . . .