Topic: 1974 CB550 Exhaust

[imdon63]

Hello everyone. I picked up a nice 74 CB 550 this summer and have been having a ball getting it cleaned up and ready for the road. I have just about got it ready except for a couple of problems. 1- I cannot find a nice exhaust system for it. I would love to have a stock system, but so far I have had little luck finding a system, and when I do it is very pricey. Is there a nice 4into4 or 4into2 system that would keep the bike looking stock? 2- I am having a hell of a time getting the blinkers to work. The previous owner had a windjammer and saddle bags on the bike. When this equipment was removed he must have just stuck the stoke blinkers back on. The front blinkers come on with the headlight, but they will not flash. I replaced the flasher, but that did not do it. Any help would be much appreciated. I will try and get some pics posted soon.

Thanks,
Don

[bill440cars]

                            Here's what I'd like to have for my 73' CB500K, along with some nice reverse-cone
                 megaphones http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4641917226&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

                                     But, temporary lack of funds won't let it happen. What do you think?


                                                               Later on, Bill

[GroovieGhoulie]

David Silver Spares sells NEW factory 4-into-4 pipes for the 500/550 for 79 pounds each (per pipe).  Not exactly "cheap", but the best option at a reasonable price.

[imdon63]

David Silver Spares sells NEW factory 4-into-4 pipes for the 500/550 for 79 pounds each.  Not exactly "cheap", but the best option at a reasonable price.

   OK! You say these are NEW factory pipes? If they are I am very interested. How do I get in touch with this guy? Oh, and thanks for the quick responses.

Don 

[angeldeville]

http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/

[GroovieGhoulie]

David Silver Spares sells NEW factory 4-into-4 pipes for the 500/550 for 79 pounds each.  Not exactly "cheap", but the best option at a reasonable price.

   OK! You say these are NEW factory pipes? If they are I am very interested. How do I get in touch with this guy? Oh, and thanks for the quick responses.

Don 

check the website (linked above) under "Genuine Spares" and click on "CB550K0/K1/K2 (American)"

Scroll down to the exhaust listing (it's alphabetical).  The pipes are 79 pound EACH, so it adds up.

DSS is arguably one of the best sources for real factory parts for these bikes.

[imdon63]

David Silver Spares sells NEW factory 4-into-4 pipes for the 500/550 for 79 pounds each.  Not exactly "cheap", but the best option at a reasonable price.

   OK! You say these are NEW factory pipes? If they are I am very interested. How do I get in touch with this guy? Oh, and thanks for the quick responses.

Don 

check the website (linked above) under "Genuine Spares" and click on "CB550K0/K1/K2 (American)"

Scroll down to the exhaust listing (it's alphabetical).  The pipes are 79 pound EACH, so it adds up.

DSS is arguably one of the best sources for real factory parts for these bikes.

So what would that be american? $$$

[GroovieGhoulie]

David Silver Spares sells NEW factory 4-into-4 pipes for the 500/550 for 79 pounds each.  Not exactly "cheap", but the best option at a reasonable price.

   OK! You say these are NEW factory pipes? If they are I am very interested. How do I get in touch with this guy? Oh, and thanks for the quick responses.

Don 

check the website (linked above) under "Genuine Spares" and click on "CB550K0/K1/K2 (American)"

Scroll down to the exhaust listing (it's alphabetical).  The pipes are 79 pound EACH, so it adds up.

DSS is arguably one of the best sources for real factory parts for these bikes.

So what would that be american? $$$

According to the latest exchange rate, about $150 each.  Plus shipping.

[Bob Wessner]

$149.34 to be exact, but who's counting. 

[GroovieGhoulie]

$149.34 to be exact, but who's counting. 

What a STEAL!!! 

We joke, but it kind of IS a steal when you think about trying to get new OEM parts for any other 30+ year old machine. 

Try THAT for a Kwacker, Suzi or Yammy.  And FORGET Euro/Brit bikes.

[puppytrax]

   OK! You say these are NEW factory pipes? If they are I am very interested.

Why are you looking for overseas shipping when these 4:4 pipes are available from Honda here in the states??

http://www.mrcycles.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?category=Motorcycles&make=Honda&year=1974&fveh=2941

Scroll down to "Mufflers"...I just finished buying a complete set of these; they are still available, and very nice...I even listed the prices in another thread...   

[GroovieGhoulie]

What is the difference in the newer exhausts versus the old ones?  I notice the part numbers have been superseded.  Are the new ones quieter?  More baffled?

[puppytrax]

What is the difference in the newer exhausts versus the old ones?  I notice the part numbers have been superseded.  Are the new ones quieter?  More baffled?

The new ones have a warning stamped into them about not complying with noise abatement legislation...something like that...it's on the inner side of the muffler; I don't think I can get my camera in there...but I'll try...otherwise, they appear identical to the originals...

Here we go...except for this disclaimer, they are identical [exterior] to the originals...

[imdon63]

   OK! You say these are NEW factory pipes? If they are I am very interested.

Why are you looking for overseas shipping when these 4:4 pipes are available from Honda here in the states??

http://www.mrcycles.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?category=Motorcycles&make=Honda&year=1974&fveh=2941

Scroll down to "Mufflers"...I just finished buying a complete set of these; they are still available, and very nice...I even listed the prices in another thread...   

I knew they sold them here in the states, but I thought the prices were to high. The funny thing is I went to the link that you posted and it was the same as my local Honda shops website, except my local shop is charging about $50 bucks more per pipe. Go to hondaofcoolsprings.com and take a look.That really pisses me off, but it makes me wonder if there is another bike shop out there that might be even cheaper. Thanks for your help, and everyone else. I have only been a member for a couple of days and yall have already helped a ton. 

[puppytrax]

I knew they sold them here in the states, but I thought the prices were to high. The funny thing is I went to the link that you posted and it was the same as my local Honda shops website, except my local shop is charging about $50 bucks more per pipe.

Do a search for "fiche" and you'll get a number of online Honda dealers selling cheaper than any local dealership. It's the same for Corvette parts (another area I have some slight experience with) and probably everything else that is franchised. 

I agree it's too much, but they control the market. Luckily for us, the dealers are willing to cut their profit margin in return for increased sales. Let's not disappoint them. Spread the word if you find an online dealer who is willing to undercut your local Honda dealer. If you can save $50 a pipe, then that's one free pipe out of four...   

[imdon63]

I knew they sold them here in the states, but I thought the prices were to high. The funny thing is I went to the link that you posted and it was the same as my local Honda shops website, except my local shop is charging about $50 bucks more per pipe.

Do a search for "fiche" and you'll get a number of online Honda dealers selling cheaper than any local dealership. It's the same for Corvette parts (another area I have some slight experience with) and probably everything else that is franchised. 

I agree it's too much, but they control the market. Luckily for us, the dealers are willing to cut their profit margin in return for increased sales. Let's not disappoint them. Spread the word if you find an online dealer who is willing to undercut your local Honda dealer. If you can save $50 a pipe, then that's one free pipe out of four...   

Fiche huh? I have never heard of that, but I am all about saving some green. I will give it a shot. Thanks.

[imdon63]

I knew they sold them here in the states, but I thought the prices were to high. The funny thing is I went to the link that you posted and it was the same as my local Honda shops website, except my local shop is charging about $50 bucks more per pipe.

Do a search for "fiche" and you'll get a number of online Honda dealers selling cheaper than any local dealership. It's the same for Corvette parts (another area I have some slight experience with) and probably everything else that is franchised. 

I agree it's too much, but they control the market. Luckily for us, the dealers are willing to cut their profit margin in return for increased sales. Let's not disappoint them. Spread the word if you find an online dealer who is willing to undercut your local Honda dealer. If you can save $50 a pipe, then that's one free pipe out of four...   

Ok, I did a search for Fiche and I got   Excactly how does this work? sorry to be such a bother. I just noticed the pic of your bike. We got twins.

[Jeff]

By the way, regarding the blinkers.... if both rear blinkers don't come on, change the bulbs. I just replaced a bulb on my 77. Before the front would come on but wouldn't blink. I replaced the burned out rear, and everything worked just fine. Simple $2 fix.

Jeff

[imdon63]

By the way, regarding the blinkers.... if both rear blinkers don't come on, change the bulbs. I just replaced a bulb on my 77. Before the front would come on but wouldn't blink. I replaced the burned out rear, and everything worked just fine. Simple $2 fix.

Jeff

Sweet, I will check that out when I get home today. Thanks.

[Jeff]

By the way, it's a standard 1157 bulb. I believe rears are single filament and fronts are dual.

Jeff

[bill440cars]

                            Here's what I'd like to have for my 73' CB500K, along with some nice reverse-cone
                 megaphones http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4641917226&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

                                     But, temporary lack of funds won't let it happen. What do you think?


                                                               Later on, Bill

             I seem to be the only one who thinks these are a nice set of pipes worth considering. Oh well.                                                       Bill

[Jeff]

I think they look good too, but somewhere it said you have to get rid of the centerstand. So far I really like having the centerstand and don't think I'd want to get rid of it.

Jeff

[imdon63]

I think they look good too, but somewhere it said you have to get rid of the centerstand. So far I really like having the centerstand and don't think I'd want to get rid of it.

Jeff

They are some sweet pipes no doubt, I am just trying to stay old school. I just hope the wife never finds out what it costs to stay old school.    <---Wife.

[Jeff]

I've never had a centerstand before on a bike. Plus, the bike is new to me, and I know for maintenance purposes it's hugely handy to have. Maybe once I go through the bulk of it, to know everything is good, I'll take it off, but for now I like having it there just for convenience.

Jeff

[puppytrax]

Excactly how does this work?

Well, first, go under your mattress and drag out one of those bags of money...   

Then go to -

http://www.mrcycles.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?category=Motorcycles&make=Honda&year=1973&fveh=2937

Which is the starting page for my 73 CB500...to change years, click the Change Vehicle button, select a year, then select a model and click the Go! button...now, put a 1 in every box for the part you want...

There should have been some other dealers listed in the Search results, I'm pretty sure we discussed at least three, but this seems to be the least expensive one (for some items anyway)...

[puppytrax]

             I seem to be the only one who thinks these are a nice set of pipes worth considering. Oh well.                                                       Bill

I think they are OK. But I can't find any mufflers that I like to fit on them. 

Bates used to have some really nice shorty mufflers...whatever happened to Bates??   

I'd like to set up a set of 4:4 pipes with "hot dog" mufflers on them (looks like a hot dog bun with the wiener sticking out each end). There is one company making them in SS, but chrome steel would be OK.

[bill440cars]

   Guys, I can't believe that I missed the part about removing the center stand! I like the idea of having the center stand, or at be able to temporarily install it for maint purposes. Don't know if anyone noticed but, the color picture shows the outer pipe turning slightly upward whereas the black & white picture shows all pipes to be straight. I asked the seller about this and he claims that the pipes in the color picture had mufflers that were turned up. Is it just me or do the pipes themselves appear to be turned up?   Later on, Bill

[puppytrax]

Is it just me or do the pipes themselves appear to be turned up?

Looking closely at a saved shot of the color pic (with Gamma correction), only one pipe has a kick-up at the end, but it is parallel to the other pipes...I'm puzzled as to why it is kicked up...maybe for sidestand clearance (like the stock # 1 pipe)??...

But to answer your question: three of the pipes are not turned up; one has a kick-up, but ends up parallel to the others. So no, they don't appear to be turned up.

The shot of the pipes on the bike do not look like the pipes laying on the table.

[bill440cars]

Is it just me or do the pipes themselves appear to be turned up?

Looking closely at a saved shot of the color pic (with Gamma correction), only one pipe has a kick-up at the end, but it is parallel to the other pipes...I'm puzzled as to why it is kicked up...maybe for sidestand clearance (like the stock # 1 pipe)??...

But to answer your question: three of the pipes are not turned up; one has a kick-up, but ends up parallel to the others. So no, they don't appear to be turned up.

The shot of the pipes on the bike do not look like the pipes laying on the table.

   
       I didn't make myself clear about the pipes being turned-up. What I was trying to say was the outer pipe is turned up and the seller tried to tell me that the muffler itself was turned-up and the seller needs glasses or something. At least, you do see what I was getting at though. They wouldn't look good on just any project but, I think they would look good on what I'd like to do.
                                                         Later on, Bill

[Bodi]

Well, there's a pic of someone's bike with an upturned pipe and mufflers. And an image of an old ad. And a picture of the actual pipes for sale, apparently NOS with undamaged stickers where the mufflers would clamp on.
I would look at the final picture, it shows one pipe with a dogleg and 3 without. I would expect 2 or none with doglegs so that is strange to me. It looks like if you cut off the dogleg end it would turn up just like the first picture, but what about the other side?

[puppytrax]

I would look at the final picture, it shows one pipe with a dogleg and 3 without. I would expect 2 or none with doglegs so that is strange to me.

If you look at an installed set of Honda OEM 4:4 pipes, the #1 pipe is "shorter" in height than the other three (to clear the sidestand); and pipe #4 has a kickup at the muffler inlet. I'd guess the MCM pipe with the "dogleg" is #4, and the dogleg lets the muffler mount at the same height as pipe #1's muffler. This would give you a symetrical muffler profile. The first pipe in the pic looks shorter than the others; so that'd be #1. All the pipes would exit straight, in the back.

I agree that the pic of the pipes on the bike are a different set. But the pipes are still a good buy, at $125, if you can find some decent mufflers for them. And clamps. And hangers.

[imdon63]

What is the difference in the newer exhausts versus the old ones?  I notice the part numbers have been superseded.  Are the new ones quieter?  More baffled?

The new ones have a warning stamped into them about not complying with noise abatement legislation...something like that...it's on the inner side of the muffler; I don't think I can get my camera in there...but I'll try...otherwise, they appear identical to the originals...

Here we go...except for this disclaimer, they are identical [exterior] to the originals..


So did you order a set of these pipes from mrcycles?