Topic: CB550F Tanks

[TheHulk]

I just picked up a '77 CB550F which will be my winter project. The seller provided an extra tank claiming that it was the original.

My question is... which tank is actually stock for the '77 CB550F Model?

-The bike was outfitted with a Navy tank (painted by the owner). The Navy tank has a protruding gas cap. It is also slightly (but noticeably) smaller than the Black tank. No Decals.
-The Black tank (I believe it is black, if not a very dark color) is larger, and claimed to be the original. It's gas cap is tucked inside a small compartment. It also has a different shape and decals.

The Navy tank only has a small spout for the petcock. Where the Black tank appears to have the same spout for the petcock.... and another spout towards the front. What would this be for?

I have seen pictures of various 550F's with either tank. I am wondering if the black tank was actually off of a 550K model? Or even possibly, a CB750? I will be refinishing one of these tanks, but the Navy one is in considerable better condition. I don't know if it is worth getting the dents out of the Black tank if it is incompatible with the bike.

 

Anyone know which tank is stock to the '77 550F? Thanks!

[jakec]

the one with the door on top goes to a 77.

[Scott S]

 They're both K model tanks. The one on the left with the flip up cap is -'76. The one with the filler door is from '77-78. That one will be closest to correct for a 550F.

[Scott S]

the one with the door on top goes to a 77.

 Yes, but for a '77 K, going by the stripe.

[jlh3rd]

yep, from the official descriptions here, the recessed cap tank is for the 77 "K" model.

[Stev-o]

550F and 550K both used a fuel tank with the recessed cap. 
The difference is the F model has the petcock bung on the left side.

[Bankerdanny]

550F and 550K both used a fuel tank with the recessed cap. 
The difference is the F model has the petcock bung on the left side.

The 77-78 K has it on the left also. As far as I know, other than paint colors and stripes, the 550F and 77-78 550K tanks are identical.

[jakec]

my 74/5 k model has the petcock on left as well.

[TheHulk]

Thanks everyone. Sounds like I should go with the tank with the recessed gas cap.

Also, this might require a new thread, but I am having trouble finding a complete 550 Airbox. I will have to check ebay again, but my usual websites don't seem to turn up anything. Anyone have any good recommendations on where to look? Would anyone in SOCH4 sell one? Not sure if this is against any rules.

[jlh3rd]

this ?

[jakec]

Any dents on the other tank?

[flatlander]

Also, this might require a new thread, but I am having trouble finding a complete 550 Airbox. I will have to check ebay again, but my usual websites don't seem to turn up anything. Anyone have any good recommendations on where to look? Would anyone in SOCH4 sell one? Not sure if this is against any rules.

post your quesiton in the "wanted" section.
it should not be too hard to find airbox parts as many people remove them and replace them with pods when they try to make cafe racers.
what might also help searching: look up the parts numbers in the partslist and stick them in a google search.

[dave500]

the first 550s had the same frame and tank as the 500,the passenger pegs are on a pressed and welded ear the tank with the chrome flip cap is from those models,the later 550 only frame has the passenger pegs on a steel loop,that takes the recessed cap under the flap tank.

[Bankerdanny]

I have had pretty good luck finding complete airboxes on Ebay. Lots of cafe/brat builders ditch them for pods. If you're US based I would also keep an eye on Craigslist. I check my local CL every couple weeks or so just to see what has popped up and if there is anything interesting I might want to add to my parts stash.