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Author Topic: Are the frames for a 1974 and 1978 cb550 the same  (Read 2620 times)

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Offline davidtime

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Are the frames for a 1974 and 1978 cb550 the same
« on: April 02, 2013, 02:36:57 PM »
I need to get a a new frame and have found a 1978 with title but does someone know if the frame is the same as the 1974?
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Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Are the frames for a 1974 and 1978 cb550 the same
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2013, 03:02:04 PM »
No, not 100%, but close enough that I would jump on it as long as the price is right.
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Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline davidtime

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Re: Are the frames for a 1974 and 1978 cb550 the same
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2013, 03:05:46 PM »
Do you  know if the neck is the same by chance? I really just want to weld it up.
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Offline rb550four

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Re: Are the frames for a 1974 and 1978 cb550 the same
« Reply #3 on: April 02, 2013, 03:16:52 PM »
The neck is the same, the engine mount is the same ...... The only thing that I think may be different may be the side covers and the seat size . I think  the side covers got longer on the last 2 years of the model and had a cut out for the seat latch.And I think that the seat got longer. I haven't tried to put an earlier model seat on a later model frame yet. Doesn't mean that it can't be done. The wiring was upgraded but your wires will work.
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A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,137317.msg1550907.html#msg1550907

Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Are the frames for a 1974 and 1978 cb550 the same
« Reply #4 on: April 02, 2013, 03:23:10 PM »
As it happens I have a bare 74 and a bare 77 frame (which is the same as the 78). They aren't at my home, but I have pictures on my home computer I can post of the necks.

They should be compatible, although the '78 uses a different fork lock setup.

But it seems to me like you would be better off to transfer everything from the '74 to the '78 rather than cutting off the neck of the '78 to weld to the other frame.

PM me your e-mail address and I can send you a couple of hi-res images you can look at.
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"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline davidtime

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Re: Are the frames for a 1974 and 1978 cb550 the same
« Reply #5 on: April 02, 2013, 03:23:59 PM »
I think my wiring is 1978. The engine is a 1978 but the frame is a 1974. I didn't realize that when I bought it but. Got it running but it had a junked title and I'm having a hard time with getting it registered.
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Offline RAFster122s

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Re: Are the frames for a 1974 and 1978 cb550 the same
« Reply #6 on: April 02, 2013, 04:02:21 PM »
F frame is different for the '78...side covers as mentioned.

side stand mount point moved rearward on later bikes

signals changed on '75 models to big flat domed signals

Ignition key moved to instrument cluster on '78, below the tank on '74

F model swingarm wider and different adjusters 

front forks deleted the gators and fender mounts and fenders changed
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Offline rb550four

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Re: Are the frames for a 1974 and 1978 cb550 the same
« Reply #7 on: April 02, 2013, 04:06:13 PM »
Has it been stolen? If no, have you tried registering that frame in Vermont? You don't need to be a resident, You can get the paperwork on line . you will need a notorized bill of sale..... or you can continue to do what you are doing.
Side cover differences brown one is 77, the smaller one is 76, the other is 500

Seat , top one is 77 the lower one is earlier
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A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,137317.msg1550907.html#msg1550907

Offline cabrala

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Re: Are the frames for a 1974 and 1978 cb550 the same
« Reply #8 on: April 02, 2013, 04:20:58 PM »
Please correct me if I am wrong but RAF, I don't believe there was an F in 1978. There were only K's; 1977 was the last of F and K.

RB, I believe that top seat, with the step, is 1978 only. I recall reading an article here on the forum that stated that the "bump" was one of the few changes from 1977 to 1978.

Edit: Here are the links...

K: http://www.motorera.com/honda/h0550/four550k.htm
F: http://www.motorera.com/honda/h0550/four550.htm
« Last Edit: April 02, 2013, 04:29:21 PM by Crush »
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-Alex

'75 CB750F
'77 CB550K
'78 CB550
'93 FZR600

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Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Are the frames for a 1974 and 1978 cb550 the same
« Reply #9 on: April 02, 2013, 04:46:06 PM »
Correct on both crush
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"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline davidtime

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Re: Are the frames for a 1974 and 1978 cb550 the same
« Reply #10 on: April 02, 2013, 05:50:21 PM »
Quote from: rb550four on April 02, 2013, 04:06:13 PM
Has it been stolen? If no, have you tried registering that frame in Vermont? You don't need to be a resident, You can get the paperwork on line . you will need a notorized bill of sale..... or you can continue to do what you are doing.
Side cover differences brown one is 77, the smaller one is 76, the other is 500

Seat , top one is 77 the lower one is earlier


Not stolen. I have heard of Vermont doing this. Does vermont issue a new title?
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Offline rb550four

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Re: Are the frames for a 1974 and 1978 cb550 the same
« Reply #11 on: April 02, 2013, 07:39:43 PM »
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A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,137317.msg1550907.html#msg1550907
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