Topic: Help to ID this 550 headlight bucket and fork ears

[carnivorous chicken]

So this is the chrome headlight bucket and fork ears I took off the 1976 CB550F K1 that I bought. I replaced them with the standard (?) black plastic bucket and fork ears. But... what are these?

The headlight bucket is smaller in diameter by an inch or so -- when I mocked up the black bucket the turn signals jutted to the rear by quite a bit. So the fork ears are different from the the other 550 fork ears. But the fork ears also have the mount for the turn signal buzzer and the lip for the gaiters. So... was it a stock headlight bucket, maybe for a different market? Off a different bike but compatible with the 500F? Some kind of repop? Anyone know?

Thanks

[bryanj]

Chrome bucket is aftermarket, ears are very difficult to comment on

[carnivorous chicken]

Chrome bucket is aftermarket, ears are very difficult to comment on

Damn that was fast.

That's what I thought but the fork ears are puzzling -- they fit perfectly for the bucket.

[jlh3rd]

the fork ears are for '75-'76 550F models, I believe. The '76 "K" and "F" model left ears are similar looking as both have the metal wire loom and the buzzer bracket....different center codes, 374...390 however.
Your right ear has the metal wire loom as does the '75-'76 "F" models. The '76 "K" model right ear does not have that metal wire loom, as pictured.

[carnivorous chicken]

the fork ears are for '75-'76 550F models, I believe. The '76 "K" and "F" model left ears are similar looking as both have the metal wire loom and the buzzer bracket....different center codes, 374...390 however.
Your right ear has the metal wire loom as does the '75-'76 "F" models. The '76 "K" model right ear does not have that metal wire loom, as pictured.

The stalks for the turn signal are mounted differently, yep.

But the issue is: When I put the stock headlight bucket on the bike with these fork ears, the turn signals were bent way back at an angle. When I put the other fork ears I have with the stock headlight bucket, the turn signals are in a normal, perpendicular position.

Maybe the fork ears were bent somehow, but I don't see a bend on them...

[BenelliSEI]

Or from a ‘76 cb750K? Last year with fork gaiters, and the “frying pan” turn signals.

[carnivorous chicken]

Or from a ‘76 cb750K? Last year with fork gaiters, and the “frying pan” turn signals.

Was the headlight bucket smaller, or were the forks farther apart? That might explain it...

[bryanj]

As far as i know all trees are same width as are the shell, i suspect they were "modified" by a po who fitted the chrome shell

[jonda500]

As far as i know all trees are same width as are the shell, i suspect they were "modified" by a po who fitted the chrome shell

+1 They look like 75/76 550F fork ears that have been bent in to meet the smaller headlight.

77/78 wouldn't have the flange for the rubber gator at the bottom.

550K's have longer fork ears, different indicator mounts and a deeper headlight bucket.

John

[jlh3rd]

the fork ears are for '75-'76 550F models, I believe. The '76 "K" and "F" model left ears are similar looking as both have the metal wire loom and the buzzer bracket....different center codes, 374...390 however.
Your right ear has the metal wire loom as does the '75-'76 "F" models. The '76 "K" model right ear does not have that metal wire loom, as pictured.

the fork ear tubes are bent in at the base of the ears....

[newday777]

The ear have been bent inward by someone

[carnivorous chicken]

That must be it. thanks guys. There is not crease at all, so whoever did it, did a good job. Maybe by tightening them down on the headlight bucket when mounted...