Topic: Help! What CB550 parts will work on my 71 CB500?

[SupremeOrigin]

So I have my original 71 CB500 rims, the hubs  (both front and rear) are junk due to being stripped. Could I use CB550 ones and what years work?

Also would the complete forks from a CB550 work with my Frame and bolt up to the stock CB500 brake?

I am having a hard time finding CB500 parts so Im hoping someone can help.

[calj737]

As long as the donor 550 is an earlier K model (pre- 78), everything should bolt straight over. With the later K, you could not mix/match but could do complete swaps (forks, hubs, spacers for rear wheel) to fit. But essentially they are the same bikes with a few slight width and length changes.

[Bankerdanny]

Pre-77.

[TwoTired]

I got a 72 Cb 500 parts bike for my 74 cb 550.  The frames and wheels are the closest cross match. They changed a bunch of things for the f model in 1975. Even the k model was disappointing in a chassis parts cross.  For one the kick stand moved positions.  I know the rear wheel wouldn't direct swap from the f model to the 74.

If you are shopping for a parts bike, probably look for pre 77, then k models and then 74 k .  Of course the earlier cb 500 you can find the better for chassis parts.

But if you are looking to swap in a 550 engine the 74 is probably the best for the most parts crossover.

Cheers,

[jonda500]

So I have my original 71 CB500 rims, the hubs  (both front and rear) are junk due to being stripped. Could I use CB550 ones and what years work?

Also would the complete forks from a CB550 work with my Frame and bolt up to the stock CB500 brake?

I am having a hard time finding CB500 parts so Im hoping someone can help.

Any pre '77 500/550 rear wheels/hubs will fit - 77/78 rear wheels will fit but you would need the 77/78 hub, brake backing plate and right side spacer

Any 71-78 500/550 Four forks will bolt straight in and look identical on the outside

John