Topic: 1978 550K Handlebars...?

[swestleyj60]

Good morning, all...!  New guy to the forum here, so please forgive me if I'm not doing this correctly.  To my credit, I tried to do a search on this question prior to posting it here, but didn't come up with any results.

Last month, I inherited a 1978 CB550K from a dear friend of mine.  It hasn't run in about 10 years, has about 29K on the odometer, and in fact, I think I was the last person to ride it, when my friend let me take it for a spin about 10 years ago.  My intention is to first, get it running well and then, perhaps far off into the future, possible take it all apart and do a full restoration on it.

Here's my question:  Somebody put aftermarket, high-rise handlebars on my bike and they're awful.  They're uncomfortable, awkward, and they look pretty dumb.  I'd like to put the original style handlebars back on the machine, but I've found that there are a LOT of different angles and rises available in the aftermarket.  I'm interested in which ones originally came on the bike and where I might find them.  Used or new doesn't really matter...I'm simply hoping that someone can point me in the right direction here as additionally, I believe I've also found that OEM replacements are no longer available...

Looking forward to learning from y'all and in turn, pouring some educated, respectful love into my CB550...

Thanks in advance,
Steve

[Deltarider]

Welcome. This Parts List could serve as a reference http://www.honda4fun.com/pdf_parts_list/pdf_spac500-550/CB500-550_K3-K4.pdf. Cf. p. 51-2. Note that models for European markets had the lower handlebars. These would be my favourite. Take into account that cables vary in length too.

[flybox1]

1978 K3 bars Honda. Honda part #53100-323-620P

https://www.davidsilverspares.com/CB550K3/part_224996/

[TwoTired]

The ones here in the states have a 4 or 5 inch rise.

I've had low bars and and didn't like them for any long distance riding.  Made my wrists hurt, even though they were likely better for weight distribution on the tires.

You should sit on the bike and place your hands where you think you'll be comfortable.  Then mock up a step ladder and books, or some king of prop assist to assess the weight on your wrists.   Maybe go to a motorcycle showroom and sit on bikes that feel comfortable, to gain some perspective on comfort position for you.

Then order bars to fit your needs.

You didn't say how much rise you though was too much.  And just about anything is available.

As mentioned, lowering the bar by a bunch will require all new cables, as well.  Extras loops or bends in cables will just make them harder to operate and wear out faster.

Cheers,

[Stev-o]

Hey Steve.....Bill B has a set for sale, I believe they are the correct bar for your bike and on sale now! [$30]  He has a bunch of other parts too...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,166902.0.html

Nice thing you are doing, I'm sure your friend would be proud.

[Scott S]

 This is my old '78 with what I believe are Euro bars. They're lower than stock, but not as low as Super Bike or 400F bars. They looked good (IMO) and were comfortable and a little sporty looking.

[HondaMan]

Good morning, all...!  New guy to the forum here, so please forgive me if I'm not doing this correctly.  To my credit, I tried to do a search on this question prior to posting it here, but didn't come up with any results.

Last month, I inherited a 1978 CB550K from a dear friend of mine.  It hasn't run in about 10 years, has about 29K on the odometer, and in fact, I think I was the last person to ride it, when my friend let me take it for a spin about 10 years ago.  My intention is to first, get it running well and then, perhaps far off into the future, possible take it all apart and do a full restoration on it.

Here's my question:  Somebody put aftermarket, high-rise handlebars on my bike and they're awful.  They're uncomfortable, awkward, and they look pretty dumb.  I'd like to put the original style handlebars back on the machine, but I've found that there are a LOT of different angles and rises available in the aftermarket.  I'm interested in which ones originally came on the bike and where I might find them.  Used or new doesn't really matter...I'm simply hoping that someone can point me in the right direction here as additionally, I believe I've also found that OEM replacements are no longer available...

Looking forward to learning from y'all and in turn, pouring some educated, respectful love into my CB550...

Thanks in advance,
Steve

This last version of the 550K had bars that rise about 2", then the ends sweep upward a little bit as well. They were VERY close in appearance to the ones you see above on Scott S's bike.

You can also use the 750K1 style handlebars, available at PartsNmore (or me, I have several sets), which have slightly less than 3" rise. These were popular mods back when on this bike, for those who commuted in town and seldom toured: it leaves you sitting about 80% upright. This is good in traffic (no crouch), but isn't optimal at hiway speeds for longer distance riding.

[Mr.D]

Have you checked ebay and your local used items sites? There's often original parts for sale in good condition.

[swestleyj60]

FYI, I ended up buying a set from Dime City Cycles.  They were super-inexpensive and they have the holes in them so that you can route the control wiring inside the tubing if you want.

Interesting (and irritating) problem is this:  Whenever the PO put those ridiculous mini-ape-hangers on it, he also apparently had to install a new, longer upper brake line.  As a result, now that I've put the new superbike bars on it, that upper brake line is waaaay too long, and leaves a nasty loop right between where the gas tank sits and the back of the headlight bucket.

So, it looks as though, before I get too far along, I'll need to replace that too.  I've looked into stainless steel braided lines from Slingshot Cycles, and think I'll go with them.

Another parts order added to the list...!

[Bankerdanny]

I had the same brake line problem with my 550F, PLUS the controls had longer wires, so when I put on lower bars I had this ridiculous loop of wires under the tank. Earlier this summer I cut out about 10 inches of wires and installed all new bullets.

When I was getting ready for my trip earlier this month I ordered new braided lines from Apex (Slingshot was closed at the time because they were moving). I would highly recommend spending the extra money for the braided lines, they really improved the brake feel, which came in very handy on the many miles of curvy mountain roads I was on.

[swestleyj60]

I had the same brake line problem with my 550F, PLUS the controls had longer wires, so when I put on lower bars I had this ridiculous loop of wires under the tank. Earlier this summer I cut out about 10 inches of wires and installed all new bullets.

When I was getting ready for my trip earlier this month I ordered new braided lines from Apex (Slingshot was closed at the time because they were moving). I would highly recommend spending the extra money for the braided lines, they really improved the brake feel, which came in very handy on the many miles of curvy mountain roads I was on.

I too, had a whole bunch of extra control wire, coming from both bars...but I managed to stuff most of the extra into the headlight bucket.  It's the stupid upper brake line that can't be stuffed anywhere, nor can it stay like it is.

I suppose it's a blessing that this dope lengthened the lines I'm now going to have to shorten.  It'll force me to look at, closely examine, and possibly replace more parts than perhaps I otherwise would and in this case, you're right, banker, I'll be installing steel braided lines for all the reasons you mentioned.

[Bankerdanny]

Order a basic set of male and female bullets from here: http://vintageconnections.com/. They are worth having around in general, and it is also a worthwhile hour of your time to clean up the excess wires.

I saved all the extra wire I cut off (which already had the correct terminals on one side) and ended up using some of it to wire up the turn signals on the vintage Bates bags I put on my bike for my trip.

[Johnie]

Here are the OEM bars on my 78...

[Deltarider]

Horrible, just horrible.

[Johnie]