Topic: Help identifying bike

[slotwowheels]

Hey guys, I got a lead on what I am being told is a 1977 CB550. I the guy selling is cleaning out the garage of someone who passed away, and lives several hours from where it's at, so it may be a while before I can get more pictures. I am trying to determine if it's a 550k, or 550f. I don't know enough about the differences to recognize it. I know the tanks are slightly different, and the side panels and exhaust are, but I can't see all that in the picture. Attached is the only picture I have so far. This is also my first CB (hopefully), so any suggestions about things to look for/ask about when considering a purchase several hours from where I live are appreciated.

Thanks for your input.

[Deltarider]

CB550K3

[Ace Blackwell]

I would agree it looks like a 77 550. And the tank has the color of a K model.  However when I got my F bike many years ago, the previous owner had just repainted it those same colors. So I had the colors and look of a K but the exhaust of an F. Being a novice, it wasn’t until I got here and looked up the VIN that I knew for sure I had an F model. 

Either way, if the price is right, it would be cool to have either way.

Ace

[Bankerdanny]

The seat on a '77 K has a very slight ducktail to it, like the early 750K. The 550F seat is flat all the way across the top, but the bottom edge rises up over the last couple inches. Here are my '77 550K and '75 550F

[BenelliSEI]

My ‘78 550K had two smaller gold pinstripes inside the wide ones. I’ll agree, 1977 550K

[Bankerdanny]

My ‘78 550K had two smaller gold pinstripes inside the wide ones. I’ll agree, 1977 550K

The '78 also has a noticeable step in the seat while the '77 does not.

[PeWe]

The cars look interesting too!