Topic: CB550 Fork Tubes

[separatist]

Does anyone...

1) Know of a good deal for new fork tubes on a CB550 or...
2) Know if CB750 fork tubes can be subbed in? They sure look the same on the interwebs, and it's online so it can't possibly be a lie.

-Sep

[separatist]

Seriously, no one? No one knows if CB750 tubes sub for 550s? Seems like a pretty basic question given the rocket-science knowledge of so many people here.

[jaytee-nz]

It's not hard to use Google - there's a lot of info out there.
Try this https://z1parts.net/honda-front-fork-tubes-cb750-k2-k6/
They state these fit "some" CB500 / 550's

[seanbarney41]

750 tubes are longer and there are at least three different damper rod designs over the 69-78 cb750 model run, certain year damper rods may not work with the 500/550 sliders...

[separatist]

Jay, I am indeed not brain damaged. I just thought someone might know which "some" and which not. I'll call the guy who sells the part. If the info was readily available on Google I wouldn't trouble folks here.

[Robbo]

Sep, maybe start with including the year of your CB550.  Someone with knowledge shouldn’t have to go through all the possibilities with you.


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[grades]

I have a 76 550 and 73 750. I compared the two and the 750 forks are about 1.5in longer. Brake mounting locations seem identical but not 100% sure they would cross over. You'd have a tall front end or a lot of fork exposed out of the top of your triples if you swap in a 750 pair. Would most likely need clip ons to prevent them hitting your bars.


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[RAFster122s]

The 750 tubes raising the front end if you do not have extra fork tube exposed above the clamps will cause a steering geometry change to the 550 which will negatively affect your turning. It is better to stick with stock length to retain the superb handling 550 chassis design.

David

[dave500]

rocket science knowledge?i like the sound of that.

[RAFster122s]

I know a rocket scientist or two, should I call them?  Nah, it is not in their wheelhouse.
(Serious about knowing a few real life rocket scientists.  Best friend spent several years being one.)

[separatist]

Robbo, excellent point. I have a 74 CB550. I also saw the K1 ad and thought hmm, nice price for fork tubes and if I just order the minus-2" size I should be good on geometry. Everything seems very similar, the only different element I can see is that the K1 picture shows a small hole in the indentation that holds the damper on place. I can't imagine what difference that would make but I'm no expert. Grades, thanks for the answer but I want to use just the tubes, not the entire shock.

[carnivorous chicken]

I've got a set of 550 forks and triple tree in good shape -- $75 plus postage, let me know if you're interested.

[RAFster122s]

750 caliper swing arms are different, longer and the disc is different...same wheel hub used by both and early forks used same caliper arm mounting setup.

Fork lowers for 77-78 550 are different (taller) and dispense with the gaiters.