Topic: Diff between cb550K and CB550F

[gregwaits]

I know, this is a real noob question, but despite google research, I haven't been able to learn this on my own.

What is the difference between the F and K model CB550? I know from a carb thread that there is a difference in that department. Aside from that?

Is the F the supersport designation?

[csendker]

Yes, the F is the Supersport model.  K has 4-4 exhaust, F 4-1 exhaust.  K has the standard flip-top gas tank, F has the concealed version.  Seat & tank dimensions are slightly different.  There's some body differences, mostly from the exhaust: footpegs & kicker are slightly different.  Side panels are different with the F a smaller, more triangular style.  They're more or less the same bike, but not everything is a direct swap.  Search the forum for a more detailed list, I know its on here somewhere.

[78 k550]

the F also had a 37 tooth rear not 34 like the K. Side covers are different. The seat is tappered up more in the rear on the F than the K and the grab bar follows. Foot pegs are different and also the kick starter. the headers are different. Like said also the carbs. and intakes.

Paul

[TwoTired]

the F also had a 37 tooth rear not 34 like the K.

Sorry, not true.  All the 550s F or K had 37 tooth rear sprockets.  The 34 tooth rear sprockets were found on the Cb500s.

Like said also the carbs. and intakes.

 Only the 77 and 78 K models had different intakes to match the PD carbs found on those models.
All three years of the F (75-77_ used the same Keihin carb types as the 71-76 CB500/550,  However, there were different internal parts and setups for the Cb500, Cb550K, and CB550F.

Surprisingly little interchanges between F and K models, beside the engine unit proper, the front end w/ brakes, lighting fixtures, and most electrical components.

The super sport is the F model.

Cheers,

[jabbadeznuts]

the F also had a 37 tooth rear not 34 like the K.

Sorry, not true.  All the 550s F or K had 37 tooth rear sprockets.  The 34 tooth rear sprockets were found on the Cb500s.

True. 37 tooth rear sprocket.

[Deltarider]

Correction. According to p62 partslist HONDA CB500K3/CB550K3/CB550K4 the CB550K3 ED had 34T.

[chippyfive50]

Interesting, I have a 550F motor in my 71' 500, now you have me thinking about that 37T sproket.....
I assume the fronts were the same?

[Einyodeler]

According to the Shop Manuals all `71-`73 CB500s have 17t front and 34t rear sprockets & all `74-`78 CB550s have 17t front and 37t rear sprockets. The reason being that the transmissions final primary reduction went from 2.000 in the 500 to 3.063 in the 550 models.

[Deltarider]

Again. The CB550K3 ED (Europe Direct Sales) has 34T.

[TwoTired]

Again. The CB550K3 ED (Europe Direct Sales) has 34T.

I think the chances of gregwaits encountering a 34T Cb550 in North Texas (beautiful as it is) are pretty small then, don't you think?

Who are you trying to help?  And, why aren't you using the ?

[Deltarider]

TwoTired,

There are a lot of manuals around that give inaccurate information (the Haynes in particular). If European 550K3 owners read in this forum that [all/i] 550's have the 37T sprocket (as stated above), they might think: hey, I've got the wrong one. Those are the people I'm trying to help with the correct information. I've seen no 550K3's with the 37Tsprocket.