New 1983 CB550 owner

[albobizak]

So i just purchased a 1983 CB550 with 11k for $400. It needs starter solenoid to start running, the tachometer and front master cylinder. It's my first motorcycle and i would like to keep it in good and strong running condition before i start dropping it as a beginner. Any tips from the veterans will be very helpful. What are the first steps i need to take after i install all the missing parts, and any heads up will be very appreciated. 

[detdrbuzzard]

hello and welcome to nighthawk forums albobizak is it a nighthawk 550? is the master cylinder bad or will a good cleaning do the job? the only places for another tach is probally ebay, did you check the cable to see if its broken and not the tach itself. try tapping on the solenoid  ( i dropped mine by accident ) with a screw driver handle or sometiing simular. it might free it up

[Brittles]

Welcome, the 550's are cool bikes IMO that can keep up with just about anything on the road.

Sounds like you got a decent deal.

The master cylinder can possibly be rebuilt and you don't HAVE to have a tach.

[albobizak]

Actually i don't have a tachometer so I'll just find one on ebay. I'm going to take out the master cylinder and give it a good clean up and bleed the line as you suggested and maybe that works. I was trying to get a feeling today of the motorcycle and the clutch lever felt very soft and it came up all the way to my palm. Is that normal when the bike is not running or should i bleed the clutch system also just to be on the safe side.
Actually previous owner said cb550 but the tags says Nighthawk 550. I'm going to take some pictures tomorrow and post them up.

[detdrbuzzard]

the clutch lever should pull in all the way to the handlebar regardless to if the motor is running or not running

[bentman]

Best bet is never take the PO statements as truth concerning maintenance issues.  For your safety & peace of mind change all the fluids, bleed the clutch & brakes, check brake pad/shoes, check all fasteners, inspect & air up the tires and add some seafoam to the gas.  Take it easy on your first rides, wear your gear and consider training.

[Laminar]

Actually previous owner said cb550 but the tags says Nighthawk 550. I'm going to take some pictures tomorrow and post them up.

If it's an '83 and a DOHC, then it's a Nighthawk. The Nighthawk 550 is significantly different from the earlier CB550. They have almost nothing in common (although the throttle tube does work on both...).