Topic: Brand new to the CB world, 550 cylinder head ID help.

[bleach8484]

Hey guys! first time post here...

I just picked up a 74' CB550 project bike today very cheap.... the kicker? Its partially torn apart in boxes.

Its an original, complete bike that also came with a "spare" 500 motor. The guy tore down the top ends of the motor but never cracked into the bottom ends and trannys. But the problem lies in that I only have one cylinder head, and I cant find any casting numbers or marking on the head to identify if its a 500 or 550? Are they interchangeable?

I currently ride a Triumph Thruxton, but ALWAYS wanted a CB project bike. The OEM parts arent in stellar shape, is there a market for not so stellar OE parts before I start trashing some of this stuff?

[Scott S]

 They're the same. Congrats on the score!

[bleach8484]

Awesome guys! Thanks for the responses. I'm going to start tearing into this a little further and try to organize what I have on hand a little better. I think the previous owner had intentions of replacing everything, so I literally have a bucket of loose bolts 

[bleach8484]

Thanks! I'll probably go back to lurking until I get everything organized and sorted out. Once I get everything together I may start a build thread to keep up with progress

[Stev-o]

Welcome, looks like you have gotten some good advice already. 

Don't trash any parts, someone will want them. Want to sell that spare tank?

[That 70s Bike]

The OEM parts arent in stellar shape, is there a market for not so stellar OE parts before I start trashing some of this stuff?

Yes, you can even offer them here and ask for $$ to cover packing/shipping.
What parts are you getting rid of?

[bleach8484]

The tank I have will stick with the bike at the moment... its in pretty good shape.

As for the parts, heres the link to Craigslist. At the moment my Triumph is my only means of transport, I just sold my car so getting things to the UPS store might not be as easy as I want them to be.

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/mpo/5806658748.html

[alacrity]

Use this link to view the complete parts fiche to help identify bolts, assemblies, and sub assemblies.
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550-four-1975-cb550k0-usa_model465/partslist/

Lots of folks start with boxes of unknown stuff. A great technique is to separate items into "assemblies" using a parts fiche. Then you know what you have, what you're missing, what needs replacement, and how it all goes together.

You can also use that link to find original part numbers, then Google that part to find a domestic, sometimes local supplier/provider of the part.

I prefer to use Westernhonda.com for my fiche searches. Their server is SuperFast... they also list discount pricing for their parts, so you can order directly from them at below MSRP and they ship quickly, or you can be a bit of a bastard (guilty as charged) and print out the "cart", take it to your local dealer and ask if he'll match pricing.  Mine does, so half the time I support my local dealer this way even though they don't have an online fiche for me to search because I like having a local dealer.

[RAFster122s]

I thought Western Hills Honda near Cinncinati was the discount old parts people.  South Sound Honda in the Olympic and Seattle are has some of the lowest prices I have discovered and ship very inexpensively as well.  Worth looking at checking with as well.  I believe in supporting Local dealers as that is very good practice and they can and sometimes will give regular customers a break on parts sometimes if you ask and sometimes without asking...  Keeping them in business is good, unfortunately Western Hills Honda and several other US dealers recently had their old stock bought out by CMSL and David Silvers Spares has been doing similar.

  ****If David Silvers has it, buy from their US warehouse. **** it is in threat of being closed because of lack of sales from it...  If orders support it, then you don't lose a resource and don't have the expensive UK shipping and customs fees.  They are a great source.