Author Topic: Fitting Cb550F exhaust to a Cb550K  (Read 7008 times)

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Offline bubruins

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Fitting Cb550F exhaust to a Cb550K
« on: February 09, 2010, 01:20:32 PM »
I decided that this was the best route to go because it will only cost me a total of $80 after it is painted (I paid $70 shipped for the pipe). New 4-1 pipes for the 550k seem to run $180 or higher and because I'm on a $1000 budget, that just wouldn't fit.

Tools required:
blow torch
propane for blow torch ($3.28)
24" extension 1/2" drive
one friend (200lbs or heavier will really help)

I started off by bolting the header on and tightening it down without the gasket.
Then, I began heating the header with the torch until it began to show a red-hot color.
My friend inserted the 24" extension into the pipe at the collector so that it went into a primary tube and was very secure.
He then began applying pressure w/ his food and I continued to heat the pipes, moving lower in the pipe.
I had an oem 550k footpeg ready to mockup so when we had achieve enough clearance I bolted it on and finalized where I wanted the pipe. I now need to find a way to fasten the brake pedal because it interferes with the pipe. I believe that I am going to use another pedal as a clamp and use another splined shaft to mount the new pedal (all with some help from a mig).

The point of me posting this here is that this modification was really simple, and it can save you $100 if you're on a tight budget like me. This entire process didn't take me 30 minutes with a friend helping. I also wanted to wrap my header from the get-go, so this way I didn't have to wrap up a brand new, pretty Mac or comparable exhaust.

One last note, Metal heats up really fast. I made a bit of a dumb move and tried to position the exhaust a bit by had without thinking that the collector area would be that hot. It was and I got mildly burnt - nothing serious, just a quick trip to the shop sink. Please be careful if you try this, I'm sure that it could be done with no incident if watch what you're doing carefully throughout the process.
« Last Edit: February 09, 2010, 01:26:18 PM by bubruins »

Offline TwoTired

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Re: Fitting Cb550F exhaust to a Cb550K
« Reply #1 on: February 09, 2010, 02:06:30 PM »
Does your kick start still work?

The F models are offset, and the peg folds out of the way to allow full kick start lever travel.
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline bubruins

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Re: Fitting Cb550F exhaust to a Cb550K
« Reply #2 on: February 09, 2010, 03:04:20 PM »
I actually forgot to check that after I did it. I'm in the dorm right now so I'll have to wait until this weekend to check. Before I bent the exhaust I was already able to get about 80% throw on the kickstarter. Is that enough for a pristine bike in show quality and perfect form? No. Is 80% throw enough for a $1000 bike where there are compromises? I'd say so.

I am quite confident that owners of nice bikes on this forum are understanding enough to know that this is not the best solution for a mint cb550. This is the solution for people who can't spend the extra $100 on a new pipe. I'll post the results of the kickstarter as soon as I know more.

Offline jph550

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Re: Fitting Cb550F exhaust to a Cb550K
« Reply #3 on: February 11, 2010, 10:05:28 PM »
I think Two Tired is more concerned if your kick starter will start a cold bike with only 80% throw of the kick. Can't always count on the electric start. Cosmetics aside that is. It'll probably look slick once you finish though. hope the kick clears enough to be useful.
'76 cb550K
with original faded brown/green tank

Offline bubruins

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Re: Fitting Cb550F exhaust to a Cb550K
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2010, 11:01:50 PM »
I checked the clearance again today and I still only have ~80% of the full travel in the kick-starter. I agree that this could be a problem in cold weather. Fortunately, this problem looks as though it can be fixed with another session of Blow-torch + force v. exhaust pipe. From the looks of it, I believe that I can move the pipe closer to the frame without pointing the exhaust pipe at the rear tire. As soon as this happens (hopefully next weekend - I ran out of propane today) I'll post a picture.

Unfortunately, my jury-rigged rear brake setup idea will not clear the kickstart. I'm going to have to position it with the help of my friends mig welder once the pipe is in it's final position.

Also, I purchased some header wrap today off of eBay. I got 50' of black 2" and 5 stainless ties for less than $27. The header will of course get a final sandblasting and two coats of 2000 degree ceramic paint before wrap.

Offline justinjeepcobra

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Re: Fitting Cb550F exhaust to a Cb550K
« Reply #5 on: July 19, 2020, 05:49:09 PM »
HEY, How did the cb550-f pipe turn out fitting in the end? with the rear brake/footpeg, and kickstart? Im planing on doin the same, I wanna get rid of my 4 - 4 pipes,on my cb550k 77'.. dont want too cut them, would rather fab my own system, or mod a F; 4-1 header, and throw on a supertrap, or other slip in/on baffle, or no baffle :) for my- (tracker-scrambler-cafe-gravel road raider -build) an use a 550f pipe since i can get it for half cost of a new 4-1 pipe..
I got torches and small welder, can dor mild modification, and fabrication.. But just wondring how it turned out?   any pics?- thanks -jjc                               

Offline carnivorous chicken

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Re: Fitting Cb550F exhaust to a Cb550K
« Reply #6 on: July 20, 2020, 07:23:54 AM »
550F pipes won't work on 550k bikes without serious mods on the peg, brake lever, and kicker. You may be able to replace the pegs, etc., with those from a 550F but I am not sure about the mounts for the brake lever.