Topic: Just How Interchangeable are the CB550 and the CB650 Parts

[Namba1032]

Hey guys, a while back I picked up a 1980 CB650C for free and decided to rebuild it. First I just wanted to build it back up to a nice stock bike but early into it became a cafe project. Unfortunately the frame is not quite cooperating to fit a new tank and cafe style seat on it because of the angle of the backbone and seating area. After reading quite often that the CB550 and CB650 were so similar, I was wondering just how similar are these bikes? I have an old Honda Salvage yard close to my town and am pretty sure that it wouldnt be very hard for me to find a 550 frame.

My question is, would it be possible to change over all the parts from the 650 to a 550 frame? And if not all the parts, what parts would I need to get to make it possible keeping in mind that I wouldnt be needing a tank or a seat because I plan on getting aftermarket ones anyway.

Any info is Apreciated.


Brian

[bill440cars]

        Bryan, This has been hit on several times in the past. But basically, the 650 will go in the 550 frame and the 500 frame and vice versa. The 650 has it's own charging system and I don't think that it can be swapped out without machine work (if at all) I do know that, if you put the 650 motor into another frame, you still have to use a 650 exhaust because of the angles of the system where it attaches o the head. I don't remember all that can be swapped out. From what I know, I think I can safely say that you can take your motor (w/ exhaust and wiring harness and probably electrical components) and install them on the 550 frame. When you have the time, you should do a search on the subject and you will find a vast amount of discussion on the subject.
                                                   Later on, Bill