Topic: Need help identifying the years of these bikes

[Thamuz]

hi all!  I just got these 2 bikes.  no title to know what year.  I know rough looking.  I do have A LOT of the parts missing from the black one.  everything but seats.

Anyway, if someone can narrow down the year that would help.  I can get ya more specific pics too.  the side covers are 71-76.  Both have ge option to turn off the headlight on the right hand control.  Don't know if that helps but its not a option on my 77 lol

[krusty]

Engine and VIN numbers would help. I believe there is a link somewhere for dating purposes. Someone will probably chime in with it or you could search it.

[Thamuz]

The engine and VIN's.  I shoulda got that, dur.

Red bike:
VIN:cb550-1001910
engine:cb550e1001947

Black bike:
VIN: cb550-102455
Engine: cb550e1012460

[Thamuz]

Okay, correct me if I am dumb, I found the chart on the site.  Both bikes are 1974 K0?

[Deltarider]

The model number chart doesn't lie.

Actually it does if you mean the one at http://www.sohc4.net/cb550-model-guide/
There wasn't a CB550F3 and the picture of the CB550K2 is not correct. It should have the newer tank striping like the K1 above it.

[Thamuz]

Posting when you should have been in bed makes ones mind mushy.  I was thinking that black one was not the right tank due to the fuel cap position and with the older style dash.  Not a big deal since its going to be a parts bike.  Thanks for the help!

[Bankerdanny]

I think neither of them has the right tank on it, but that doesn't mean you can't use them anyway.