Topic: Are frame arms CB500-550 supposed to be symmetrical?

[Deltarider]

I have the exhausts and brackets removed and am in the proces of preparing a correct assembly.
Are the frame arms* (that hold the brackets for the exhausts) supposed to be at the same distance to  let's say the tubes of the rear fork? On mine the one on the left hand side seems to be at a distance that is half a cm shorter. Now, it can be that I've bent it recently, it can be that it was bent before in a accident but there's also the possibility it is original so. Can you guys please have a look at yours? I think I can easily bend it back if necessary, but I will not undertake this before I know for sure it's not original. In the pic is the one on the right hand side btw. I'm pretty sure that one is not bent.
* It's about the old frame all models CB500 and the CB550Ks have up to CB550K2.

[Scott S]

For the first time in a long time, I don't have a stock frame 550 in the garage, but that looks bent to me.

[Deltarider]

Sorry, but that pic is of the one that I don't suspect. I just put the pic there to show what part of the frame I mean. I'll see I can make an extra pic of the one that I do suspect. In the meanwhile I would be very gratefull if someone could check if the arms supposed to be symmetrical and are at the same distance of, let's say, the tubes of the rear fork (just for reference).

[05c50]

I don't know if this helps, but on my 77550F, the left side bracket is about 5mm closer to the swing arm tube than the right side. I can easily place my finger between the right side, but the left side is too tight. The F frame is different than the K frame, but maybe the dimensions are similar..........or maybe my frame is also bent.

...........Paul

[Deltarider]

Thanks and interesting you have the same difference although our frames are not identical. I await other reactions of CB500 and CB550-CB550K2 owners. I want to be sure about this, before I start fitting my exhausts again.

[DH]

any issues with fitment of #3 in particular? mine wouldn't fit no matter what I did. I finally double-gasketed that cylinder
with the copper o rings and it worked. Number 3 pipe runs close to the frame, moreso than the others. I'd suspect if the rear brackets line up, the frame is ok. I don't have measurements, just my experience. hope I'm not straying off topic too much.
I know on my bike also the 3 and 4 pipes do not extend outward to the side as much as  the 1 and 2 pipes

[BomberMann650]

I've got a little asymmetry on my 550f. 

Right side passenger peg is a little further out on the right side.

But, in 41 years there is a solid chance she's fallen on her left. 

[jonda500]

I have two CB500 K1's, but neither one is a "never been dropped" example. That said, both of mine have a slightly smaller gap between the inner exhaust bracket and the swingarm fork tube on the left side - my finger is a tight fit in the gap on the left side, not so tight on the right side gap (but less than 5mm different though!).
John

[Deltarider]

Thanks guys. Yesterday I had a good look again in daylight and I'm pretty convinced both arms are not bent and that the difference of around 5mm is ment to be. To experiment, I tried manually to bend one, not a chance. This week I hope to mount the 4-4 again. If you have any info on the brackets (mine shall have to be tweaked but it's hard to find out how) I'd be grateful. BTW, in Europe the newly available repro 4-4 exhausts for the CB500-CB550K go like hotdogs. How about overthere?