Topic: Will a 1975 CB550F wire harness work on a 1976 CB550K?

[curt76]

Just as the title says... I bought a set of two CB550's and the last owner snipped the wireharness off of the 1976 CB550K. If anybody out there knows if they are interchangable I would appreciate the help. I have looked around for a while online but I can't find anybody having the same problem.  The last owner got the tank and the plastic side pieces painted and pinstriped back to the factory color and design.  Both bikes have not started in at least two years. The last owner "winterized" them and they both have compression so I am hopeful I won't have any engine problems to start off the project.

Thanks,   Curtis

[jude0007]

I have a 76 550K and have bought several 76 550 F wiring harnesses.  Those are not 100% compatible.

Also, the 76/77 550's have the right hand switch that kills the lights when you press the starter where as 75 has a Off, Low and High beam switch so that part is for sure different.  I'm sure you could make them work but if you're looking for a perfect plug and go harness, I don't believe them to be the same.

[TwoTired]

The F models have a "junction box" on the frame under the left side of the tank.  And they have a key switch between the gauges  along with a very different plug for the switch. I think the Starting safety unit uses different wiring, also.  The starter button wiring is different, too.

Just about anything can be adapted.  But, it is not a direct swap.

[curt76]

Thanks for the replies. It sounds like I will have to figure out how to adapt it to the new bike.  As long as it is not huge changes I should be able to figure it out. I am debating just taking the whole cluster/electrical off of the front of the parts bike and putting it on the 76. I should be getting the manual in the mail any day, so I don't want to rip into it much yet.  Are there any wires that I will be missing? Or will I have too many?

Thanks,   Curtis

[jude0007]

I've had a lot of difficulty finding a decent 76 cb550 K wiring harness on ebay.  I incorrectly ordered the F not knowing any better and another one was incorrectly labeled as a K but was indeed an F.  David Silver Spares has a new harness at a cost of $175 which is a lot but tempting.

The alternative for me, like you, is still make the F work with modifications but dang would it be easy if it were a direct replacement.