Topic: 76' CB550F: want to modify the bike to fit a 550K 4 into 4 system

[grcamna2]

What type of modifications are necessary to fit a 550K 4-pipe exh. system to a 76' CB550F ?

[Flyin900]

I can't speak to your question with complete knowledge, yet I believe the position of the side stand frame tab may affect the ability to mount the CB550K system easily. Check pictures of both bikes on the internet, as I seem to recall the tab mounting the side stand onto the frame are in two different spots on each bike. This may effect the ability to get the #1 and #2 header pipes mounted between the tab depending where it is located.
Others may have better knowledge than what I have noted above.

[bryanj]

Exhaust mout plates, kickstart, sidestand, mainstand stop/leg, gearchange.

Thats all from memory of fitting a K3 system to a K2 (both 550)

[jonda500]

Which 4 into 4 are you using 71-76 or 77-78?
The side stand mounting point is the same on 77-78K's as on the F models. (more forward on earlier K's)
If using 77-78 pipes, the centre stand stopper may not line up as the 77-78K centre stand is different.
The foot peg mount outriggers are different so you will need to fabricate custom exhaust mounting brackets!
John

[grcamna2]

Which 4 into 4 are you using 71-76 or 77-78?
The side stand mounting point is the same on 77-78K's as on the F models. (more forward on earlier K's)
If using 77-78 pipes, the centre stand stopper may not line up as the 77-78K centre stand is different.
The foot peg mount outriggers are different so you will need to fabricate custom exhaust mounting brackets!
John

Hi John, I was considering adapting a new Delkevic #PR3049 4 into 4 system and it will fit all CB500/CB550K fours up to and including 1976'.
I see now that it may be more difficult than I imagined. 

[jonda500]

Okay, that is a beautiful replica '71 - '76 four into four system complete with all the hardware and brackets. Unfortunately the mounting points (foot pegs) on the F frame will be one or two inches to the rear of where they need to be to line up with the exhaust brackets (because they are for the '71 - '76 frame). Some fabbing required!!
The other issue will be #2 pipe won't fit due to the side stand mounting bracket being in the way - you could fix this by cutting it off the frame and welding it back on further forward on the frame in the '71 - '76K position.
I believe the centre stand is the same as the K one, BUT unfortunately I have no way to prove this is correct...
Aesthetically the brake pedal and kick starter will look odd being so far out to clear a 4 into 1 that is no longer there - you could shorten the brake pivot tube and then fit a '71 - '76K brake pivot, brake pedal and kick starter.
John

[jonda500]

Just had a thought concerning removing the rear wheel - unless you get a K swing arm (removable end caps), you will find that you have to remove half of the exhaust system to get the rear wheel axle out from the closed ends swing arm!
John

[scottly]

It's your bike now, but if I were you, I would leave Dash just the way he is.

[grcamna2]

Just had a thought concerning removing the rear wheel - unless you get a K swing arm (removable end caps), you will find that you have to remove half of the exhaust system to get the rear wheel axle out from the closed ends swing arm!
John

I see.. that would be alot of modifications.    Dash looks good w/ those pipes.

I like the look and ground clearance(and the look of how the 4 separate head-pipes all pull straight back)of the 4 into 4 stock 550K system,including the centerstand/oil filter access.
The aftermarket 4 into one systems do have limited ground clearance in certain situations,including crossing curbs(although they are getting better);difficult to find an OEM 550F system w/ a good muffler.
I like quiet,stock mufflers as it helps me hear the way the engine sounds and doesn't shatter the stillness of early morning rides.

[Mooshie]

Hang on now fellows  Dash is still MY BIKE and I love him (though I accept that new owners will do their thing!).  Bill and I have been talking but no money has changed hands 

[grcamna2]

Hang on now fellows  Dash is still MY BIKE and I love him (though I accept that new owners will do their thing!).  Bill and I have been talking but no money has changed hands 

Mooshie, thanks for $ your patience;that will happen.

Lisa,it looks like your saddlebags fit Dash with room to spare 'clearance' between them and the pipes.

[Stev-o]

Dash is still MY BIKE and I love him

Early onset of sellers remorse?  Been there!!

[MauiK3]

Agreed, if you are regretting already may want to think it over.

[Mooshie]

Not regretting it at all.  I want Dash to be ridden and enjoyed.  I had him ride with me all over the USA for over 40,000 miles (not making that up).  But it is time he moved on and I love the fact that he is going to a forum member and I am certain that Bill will do right by Dash. 
Just didn't want everyone to get ahead of themselves.  Bill may change his mind for all I know! 

Bill the saddlebags have excellent clearance and have held a lot of stuff over the 15 years I owned Dash and are in great shape.  I hope you decide to continue using them.  Its a good look (in my opinion  )

[grcamna2]

Not regretting it at all.  I want Dash to be ridden and enjoyed.  I had him ride with me all over the USA for over 40,000 miles (not making that up).  But it is time he moved on and I love the fact that he is going to a forum member and I am certain that Bill will do right by Dash. 
Just didn't want everyone to get ahead of themselves.  Bill may change his mind for all I know! 

Bill the saddlebags have excellent clearance and have held a lot of stuff over the 15 years I owned Dash and are in great shape.  I hope you decide to continue using them.  Its a good look (in my opinion  )

Mooshie, thanks  I won't change my mind.

[grcamna2]

The more I look at the exhaust on Dash,it 'grows on me'.
I'll run it 'as received',then if it gets loud,I'll re-pack the baffles.
I hope the 4 headpipes seal well to the mufflers for a sealed system.