Topic: Bought a new bike yesterday!

[ludite13]

Well, a parts-bike that is.  It's a '76 CB-550.  Not a really complete one either (missing carbs and sidecovers.)  But for 50 bucks, what the hell.  I do have one question though.  How much of the '76 will work on my '78 550k?  I had hoped to scavenge the cylinder head for some porting work (maybe mill it some to boost compression) and swap it on when I go to fix my leaky head gasket.  Might be a good time to install new pistons and rings and have the '76 barrels bored, too.  Also thought about using the seat pan for a cafe' style solo seat.  The good news is it has a (very rusty) 4 into 2 crossover header and exhaust on it.  It may be too rusty to use but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Any thoughts from you 550 gurus out there?

-James

[TwoTired]

Do I assume your 76 is a K model, too?

Everything motor is interchangable.

Cheers,

[ludite13]

Hmmm.. Not really sure.  There is no title and the PO didn't seem to know much about it.  The side covers are missing and the exhaust isn't stock.  It does have the locking flip-up gas cap.  I think I read somewhere here that was a "K" only item.  I could be wrong though.  I really bought it because I love good brakes and would like to do the twin-disc swap I have seen so many posts about.  The engine parts would be nice to have machined and prepped before tearing things apart, reducing downtime. 

-James

[csendker]

Look at the VIN stamped on the steering tube, if it is a CB550-XXXXX, it's a K, if it is a CB550F-XXXXX it's a F.  The F's had the locking flip-up cover that hid the actual gas cap, while the K's had the regular exposed cap.  And I don't think the '76 seat pan is a clean swap with the '78.  To further complicate, the K seat and the F seat are slightly different on the '76 anyway.

[ludite13]

OK guys,
  Finally got the parts bike home and it looks like a '76 550k.  The more I look at it, the more I like what I see.  Aside from the complete engine (less carbs) and rusty crossover header there are lots of little bits that would prove useful.  It seems somebody was trying to build a Honda-davidson out of this sucker.  The forks are way too long and there is a lowering kit out back.  Oh yeah, it has the requisite "twisted iron" kickstand.  I better go set up my blasting cabinet so I can get to cleaning parts.
If there is anyone out there who wants that kickstand just gimme a shout!

-James

[paulages]

if you're a luddite, you might have to remove the engine and go fred flintstone on this one... 

[Loas 78 CB750K]

Hey Paulages nice bike where did you get your seat?

[paulages]

i made it. check this thread:

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=7362.0