Given a 75 GT550, should I even try to get it running?

[wvc]

wow, that actually looks to be in pretty good shape. helluva gift. definitely looks worth bringing back to life. a little motor work and a seat cover and you've got a pretty nice bike there.

[Coyote]

That looks amazingly good for spending the last 30 years outside. Do you live in Arizona?

[bobotech]

No, Spokane, WA.

Things don't rust out here like they do when I lived in CT. We get rain but during the summer, its dry.

[Barry S.]

Wish I had it, it's a keeper.

[bobotech]

The engine is FREED up! I took off the clutch cover and put a big ole socket on the crank nut and tapped it free. After about 2 turns, the engine turns over just fine like there is nothing wrong with it. The kick starter is working fine too.

Carbs have been rebuilt and put back together. Fuel petcock has been rebuilt and put back together. Need to get petcock filters. I still need to get some new points and somehow get the cap off the fuel tank.

Any suggestions on how to open the fuel tank?

I talked to the original owner and it sounds like that he left state for a few years during the early 80s and then gave the bike to his brother who had some issues with the electrical. I think that what happened was that his brother lost the key and tried to hotwire the thing. I'm just going to get a replacement ignition switch and check all the wiring.

This thing MAY run after all.

[Cliff]

"Any suggestions on how to open the fuel tank?"
Try pulling out the pivot at the front of the cap. Might work?

[bobotech]

"Any suggestions on how to open the fuel tank?"
Try pulling out the pivot at the front of the cap. Might work?

How? Is there any way of doing that without damaging it? Or should I just cut the peened end of the pivot off with my die grinder?

[oldjapanesebikes]

There is a small circlip on the off side you pop off and the pin should come out but for that year I don't think the fuel cap is actually keyed to the ignition/steering lock key - almost anything should work to open it if its double sided.

[Scorch]

Yeah, that bike looks pretty nice. A new seat cover away.

Have you checked with a locksmith? They should be able to make a key, maybe.

Are you going to take the cylinders off and check the pistons before starting it?

More picture and more updates!