Topic: Will older style side covers fit a 1978 CB550K?

[Justin_NJ]

Does anyone know if the older style (pre-77, I think) side covers will fit on a '78 CB550K?  If so, where's a good place to get them online? 

I really don't like the style of '78 side covers....there's an extra bit of plastic on them that covers the frame near the intake, which I think detracts from the lines of the bike.

[Einyodeler]

The ones from the CB500 and CB550K`s will fit. The CB550F model sidecovers won`t.

[Kixx007]

Justin, I'll buy your stock covers off you. If you want to sell them when/if you get new ones.

[Philly550K1]

it is my understanding that late 550 K sidecovers are different, as are the locations of the mounting holes in the frame.  thus, a late (77/78) 550 will not accept the 500 or early 550 K side covers.

[Einyodeler]

Open mouth...insert foot
I replaced mine on my 500 with 550 covers that I got off of eBay and they were listed as coming from a `77 550K.
Now when I looked up the color they were when I got them it looks like they are from a `76.I do know the mounting holes are different on the F`s.

[TwoTired]

Well, I couldn't stand the controversy.  And, since I have most models of the CB500/550, I spent some time doing the swaparoo.

 All the K side covers for the CB500/550 from 71 to 76 are inter-changeable.  They do not fit the 77-78Ks or the F models.

However, all the 77-78 CB550Ks AND the F model CB550s DO inter-change!  Mount post placement and orientation are the nearly same, if not exactly the same. 

I'd recommend renewing the grommets in the frame for the swap, though.  The grommets take a set for the cover installed.  Some fits were tighter some fits were looser.  I, apparently, need new grommets for some of my bikes.  Or, at least, some silicone spray for the tight ones.

[Philly550K1]

that's a FAQ-worthy effort, there, Lloyd!   

maybe the early "F" covers will work for you aesthetically, justin.

so the whole next discussion:  suppose justin stubbornly insists on putting early K covers on his 78, or some other such hybrid.  what might get modified (besides the hens-tooth-like value of an original cover)     and how?

-jc

[Justin_NJ]

Thanks for all the research! 

Can anyone post a picture of a 77/78 "F" side cover?   

[Philly550K1]

this is chris's '76 F.  do the F's covers change for 77/78?

we should ride, we three jersey boys....

[TwoTired]

All the CB550 F covers will work on any year CB550F from 75 to 77. (The only years they were offered).  You will have to maintain handedness, though.  The stock colors changed every year.

I thought justin was looking for F covers, as even the early K's had the scooped front to match the contour of the carb air plenum.  People putting pods filters on the 550, (shudder)    might not want the vestige of a scoop on their side cover.

Anyway, early K to late K differences were the frame grommet eye placement and orientation.   The right cover is the worst as the late K and Fs had a vertical eye top front, whereas most of the others were horizontal eyes.

Do I need to take pictures?

[Einyodeler]

Lloyd , you`re right.
I have a set of F covers and the left side will fit my 500 but the right side won`t.Left has 2 horizontal tabs on top and a round one on the bottom , holes match fits good. Right side has 1 horizontal and 1 vertical tab on top and round on bottom , no go
And yes all the 500 and 550K covers have the scoop for the stock plenum.

ATTENTION MODERATERS: CAN`T ATTACH PICS,IT SAYS THE  UPLOAD FOLDER IS FULL

[Justin_NJ]

Ok, just so I'm clear...if I want to put sidecovers *without* the scooped front on my '78 CB550K, I can use 77/78 "F" sidecovers and they'll fit? 

Also, any ideas of where to fibd those other than on Ebay?  JC Whitney and CRC don't have the 77/78 F covers. Thanks.