Motorcycle Repair: Carburetor, honda cb550, bikebandit com

Question
Hi i just recieved a Honda CB550 four, picked it up tonight with the truck, for free im not sure of the year (where can i look up the VIN or how do i find info on my bike?) it looks pretty old, its got about 20,000 miles on it. Anyways to get it running i have to buy a battery , which i already did, put the carburetor back on and the exhuast. My question is how do i put the carb on? Any weblinks? I cant find a manual around here and i have all of the pieces in a box. Thanx im new to this motorcycle thing ive done a lot of work on cars but not bikes and im not sure where to even start or look for info on the web.

Answer
The VIN is located on the steering stem (gooseneck). Look for a label with VIN, year and model info. The VIN should be stamped into the frame there, too.

Use www.bikebandit.com for viewing parts microfiche and finding a service manual. Otherwise, search on Ebay and on-line for a manual.

The service manual will give specific instructions on carburetor installation. There's too much to explain and things to know.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively