Topic: side cover identification

[d9canada]

Hi folks

As some of you may know I am currently gearing up to make durable fibreglass replacement side covers and other parts for Honda 4s. I will not be making exact copies of originals to avoid copywrite issues.  I will offer several mounting options that don't break or cause the covers to crack or fall off.

I am working on several cafe seat options, some fibreglass replacements for original seat pans that were metal, a few fairings and saddle bags.  I'm also working on incorporating solar panels into some products.  Pictures and info will be available starting about the end of March.  If anyone has questions or ideas, please PM me.

But today I have a question for you.  A kind member loaned me some 750 K1 side covers and other parts including the side cover pictured here.  I thought it was a 550K of some vintage but now I don't think so.  It does not match pictures I have of just about every 550 model made and the mounts are similar but not same as my 77 K models.

The top tangs are 8 inches apart, the top front is 8 inches from the bottom stud and the rear top tang is about 10 inches from the bottom stud.  Unfortunately someone poured resin inside so no casting numbers are
visible. 

Anyone know what it's from?  My guess is perhaps a 650 SOHC.. 

And if someone has a mate to it, preferably something in similar condition that you don't mind if I repair and sand it, I'd like to borrow it.  In return you get your old one(s) back with a set of the new prototypes.  PM me please if you can help.

[seanbarney41]

just so you know and to confuse you more...there are three types of 550 sidecovers...early k(up to '76, I think this is what you have, or could be cb 500), late k(appear similar to early but are shallower and have one rh side tab turned 90 degrees), and f(mount the same as late k but are very triangle shaped)...TwoTired has a very informative breakdown of this in the FAQ's (I think) with good pics...

[bryanj]

Honda usually had a 3 figure number on the inside of the side covers which is the middle part number or "Model" number

[Retro Rocket]

As some of you may know I am currently gearing up to make durable fibreglass replacement side covers and other parts for Honda 4s. I will not be making exact copies of originals to avoid copywrite issues.  I will offer several mounting options that don't break or cause the covers to crack or fall off.

Hi D9, just letting you know that there is already a member making high quality replacement side covers for most models, {i have a couple of sets}  there are some models he doesn't make {550 f or k? not sure exactly which one} It may be a better idea to get in touch with him so you aren't "cutting his grass" so to speak...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=74022.0

[RFogelsong]

I'm pretty positive it's not an "early 550 K" because they look a bit different at the front end where they taper to be narrower than the ones on my 75 550k (which I know are original to the bike). 

The top mounting tabs on my sidecovers are in fact 8 or so inches apart, but the front top tab is about 1 cm higher than the back top one if you use the top flat surface as a horizontal reference plane. 

My guess, because these are very similar in mounting with only slight differences would be that they may have come off of a cb500.  I've not looked at a 500 in person for a long time and this is just a guess, but I know the 500 and early 550 frames could have been this close to each other in mounting geometry.  Of course, because the 650 was a replacement for the 550, those two also could have been that close, but my money's on the 500.

[d9canada]

Thanks for the replies folks!

rfoglesong, thanks I hadn't thought of 500s

seanbarney41, thanks I have pictures of those three 550 model sidecovers (and own a 74 350F & several 77 550Ks myself) and this one does not match, even just in basic appearance.  I don't know anyone around here with a 500 or 650 SOHC so I was really hoping from the pics and measurements that someone might be able to pin it down.

bryanj, as I mentioned, someone has put some sort of resin on the inside so there are no visible numbers

retro rocket - In fact there are several individuals and firms doing similar work, and all the power to them.   

Rather than copying the original inferior side cover designs and materials, I redesign things to be more durable.  Mine are fibreglass with several simple non-standard mounting options which make access easier, without fear of cracking the covers or breaking the mounts as is so typical of the originals. 

I am also hard at work gearing up to produce some replacement seat pans and a few custom designed products, cafe seats, fairings, etc.  So my stuff has it's own niche.

I am retired and doing this primarily for my own projects.  I hope to sell a few bits now then at reasonable prices to help others and defray some of the costs.  If my efforts ever generate any profits, they will go to a worthwhile charity.  I'm no Paul Newman but it's my humble effort to give back.

[Retro Rocket]

retro rocket - In fact there are several individuals and firms doing similar work, and all the power to them.   

Joe {frankenstuff} was doing them for forum members and has just had a couple of shops show interest in them, this was a forum based idea.

Rather than copying the original inferior side cover designs and materials, I redesign things to be more durable.

That is exactly what Joe has done mate, modern polyurethane high heat plastic  with more material around the lugs to make the covers far stronger and more durable than stock.  I posted here just to let you know that what you were considering for the covers had already been done....

I am also hard at work gearing up to produce some replacement seat pans and a few custom designed products, cafe seats, fairings, etc.  So my stuff has it's own niche.

Excellent, there is a plethora of great stuff being made by guys on this forum, thats one of the things that makes this place great....

[d9canada]

Retro,

I would certainly be doing a disservice to Joe or someone if I copied what has already been done, but with respect I am not. 

No one else is offering a fibreglass sidecover with options like a simple swing-out hinge that ensures you won't lose a piece and yet makes access effortless.  No vaccum or injection molded plastic is near as tough.  And in fairness, my mounting will not appear original on close inspection.

As you say, Joe only makes side covers for a few models and others are doing 'a plethora' of various parts.  Each of us has our own little niche in a market where there is only occasional demand.  It would be laughable to suggest that anyone is about to put another's bread and butter in jeopardy.  Joe and I will be the last to lose any sleep over it.

[bryanj]

Its NOT a 500 as the panels were ther same 71 500 through 76 550K (except for colour)

[d9canada]

Thanks Bryan.. I did not know that about the 500s.. and the mystery continues!

[Retro Rocket]

It would be laughable to suggest that anyone is about to put another's bread and butter in jeopardy.

Thats not what i said or meant mate, there are piles of guys here making parts for our bikes and i was just letting you know someone else was doing the covers.... A side note, fiberglass replica covers and seat bases have been made in Australia on and off for quite some time, when i first started sourcing parts for my bikes i found a motorcycle breaker that was selling them, that was around 10 years ago...
I am quite curious to see what you come up with...

[Danno]

that is a cb 500 cover the 550 of 74/75 had rounded pins at the top and were deeper

[bryanj]

Sorry Danno it aint, the 500 and 550 to K2 are identical