Topic: Honda part number question

[q2418130103p]

There is currently a NOS cb550 head cover for sale on ebay.  They say the only numbers printed on it are 12310-323.

12310-323-000 was the original cover
12310-323-010 was the late model / replacement cover

Does the lack of the last 3 digits mean that it is a 12310-323-000?

[bryanj]

Could be either, you need to look at the pictures to see the difference.

[q2418130103p]

Thanks for the link.

Anyone know how to distinguish between early and late 550 covers?

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I often use www.motogrid.com. Enter the parts numbers and see what comes up.

[bryanj]

If you look inside the breather cover there are 4 x 6mm holes, if these are the same size on the cam side its early if bigger its later (thats where the tapered pins---like pushbike crank locking pins--go through, in UK they are known as cotter pins but i think you call "Split" pins cotters in US)

[dave500]

is it complete with the shafts and rockers?the non locked or older style have 8 short shafts,,the later type use four long shafts.
heres a late one,dont winch those cotter bolts too tight,theyll split the cover.

   and heres an early one

[q2418130103p]

So the late ones have 6 bolts in the breather instead of 4?

I didn't realize the two different covers had different shafts.  The parts fiche for a 74 and a 78 have the same part number for this cover.

Here is the part on ebay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HONDA-CB500-CB550-CB-550-500-VALVE-COVER-HEAD-NOS-VINTAGE-/180871555063?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a1cc8e7f7&vxp=mtr#ht_500wt_922

[dave500]

they have eight,not six,they use the same four bolts as the old one plus four tapered on one side flat bolts that insert from the underside and are retained by nuts,that ebay link is to an old style cover,,if it is truly brand new itll be ok.