Topic: 1974 Honda CB550. What other side covers will fit on this bike?

[rocs]

Sorry if this has been asked. Itried searching for it.

What other side covers will fit on a 1974 Honda Cb550K?  I tried to put my 1978 cb550 covers on and they didn't work. Can anyone help a newbie out?


Bonus question:

Will the 1975 Cb550 Exhaust bolt up to a 1978 cb550? Not the headers, but the exhaust....

[TwoTired]

Try searching the FAQ.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=62274.msg678698#msg678698


Bonus question is bogus. 
In 75 there were Cb550K and F models.  Only the F model had a single bolt on muffler.
All the K model exhausts have the mufflers welded to the headers.

[rocs]

Edit: FAQ photos weren't showing up on my mobile. They appear on my laptop now. Thanks!!


The exhaust i found was from a 1975 honda cb550. My 1978 exhaust is rotten from th header pipes back. I was gonna try and fit the cans on my original pipes.

[wowbagger]

I could be wrong but I believe that the all 1976 and earlier side covers for the cb550s and cb500s are the same. They all have the same main part number (83600-323-020). However, each year model has an additional two letters at the end of the part number that I am not sure of the meaning. I have a friend that has a 1974 550. I'll see if his side covers fit my 1971 cb500.

[TwoTired]

The exhaust i found was from a 1975 honda cb550. My 1978 exhaust is rotten from th header pipes back. I was gonna try and fit the cans on my original pipes.

Good luck with that.  Be aware the 78 model mufflers were higher back pressure units than earlier exhaust.  The PD carbs were tuned to expect the higher back pressure.  So, if you put on earlier 4 to 4 mufflers (which were also welded to the head pipes !?), expect to need the carbs rejeted/adjusted.


As the FAQ states and shows, there are three styles of side covers among the different models.

[wowbagger]

Thanks TT. I just blew up the photos and saw the year ranges labelled on each. Top notch info as usual.

[rocs]

The exhaust i found was from a 1975 honda cb550. My 1978 exhaust is rotten from th header pipes back. I was gonna try and fit the cans on my original pipes.

Good luck with that.  Be aware the 78 model mufflers were higher back pressure units than earlier exhaust.  The PD carbs were tuned to expect the higher back pressure.  So, if you put on earlier 4 to 4 mufflers (which were also welded to the head pipes !?), expect to need the carbs rejeted/adjusted.


As the FAQ states and shows, there are three styles of side covers among the different models.

Thanks!

What mufflers/exhaust should i look for? 77 and 78?

[TwoTired]

What mufflers/exhaust should i look for? 77 and 78?

As far as I know, the 77 and 78 K mufflers are the only ones that work with the PD carb's stock jetting.

[rocs]

Thanks for all the help