Topic: best carbs for 74' 550??

[racersnake]

I have a 74 550 and it has a set of 69a carbs , they are in rough shape so I basically need another set
are these the carb model to use ?

Im asking cause I have access to rebuilt set of 87a carbs or a set of 22a that need built, and I don't know Hondas that well (im usually restoring old Yama'ies  don't kick me out ! )

I am fine with carb tuning , but looking for something with the least changes ,like intakes, cables, etc [/size]

if this has been covered before please link me , I did search with no luck

Thanks

[dave500]

any of the early or "type one"carbs will be fine,the later "PD" type are a sort of leaner emission carb almost.

[Stev-o]

any of the early or "type one"carbs will be fine,the later "PD" type are a sort of leaner emission carb almost.

+1.  What exhaust will you be running? If aftermarket, you may need to rejet.

We won't kick you out for having a Yammie, I have an RD350. You?

[Bankerdanny]

Rough shape = what?

[TwoTired]

A 74 Cb550K came withe 022A carbs from the factory as did the 75 K model.  069a carbs were found on 75-77F models, and had different internal tuning components to accommodate the 4 into 1 the F bikes were born with.

087A Carbs were found on the 76 CB550K.  All these carbs were stamped with a set up number, 022A, 069A, 087A, etc. to reflect what the internal setting were when born into production.  I've yet to find an unmolested 087A carb set to determine what the original parts, sizes, and settings were when new.

Unless you find a carb set that is unmolested, the external stampings mean nothing until the internal settings, and part sizes are verified, as any of the carb bodies accept parts from other carb set ups and it is so very rare that the external set up markings are altered to show the internal changes.

The carb FAQ shows some of the internal differences among the variants.


Factory carb set ups are rarely proper for bikes with altered induction and/or exhaust, though they may "work" (for some value of "work").

[dave500]

+1,ive had two racks with one odd carb stamp and pairs of different jets,im sure harislluv has seen some doosies?be sure to look at all the numbers closely on the jets,buy a brand new 1mm drill bit but dont use it,keep it to measure 100 main jets,ive had keyster brand 100s that wont pass a new drill bit where a factory old one it goes through like a precision bushing,off brand jets can go either way,the slow jets are pretty fine in their oriffice(.38 or .40mm)so if they have a bad tolerance its miles out of spec,use genuine ones,the aftermarket ones are too variable.

[dave500]

if your using the stock airbox youll get away with the stock jetting with most decent 4-1 pipes,unless your using a short or open type,the carb numbers only represent how they came from the factory as per what removable jets they had,you can make 022 069a if you want,keep the airbox though and paper filter,or test your carb tuning skills?run 22mm float height.

[Duanob]

Like calj737 said get the 022As especially if you can get a good deal on them. That's the OEM carb the bike came with and a rebuild usually consists of cleaning and new rubber and a sync and that's about it. Gasket kits can be had for cheap. you can do the work yourself.