Topic: HONDA CB550 changing to taller shocks - Will this cause a problem with handling?

[Deltarider]

I have come across lots of F parts that have a different part number despite being the same part as the K item, I don't know why Honda would do this...
John
ps I get it when just the middle number changes from 323 to 374, but some have a completely different number!

Actually I have always had that suspicion with -404- numbers in particular. -404- is CB550K3/CB550K4, but I have the feeling some parts are identical to parts the CB550F2 had. On the other hand... in the CB550F2 parts list you will find some -404- numbers listed. So...?
* https://www.honda4fun.com/dwnload/Part-List/CB550/CB550-F2-Parts-List.pdf

[grcamna2]

Message From Yamiya

Hello,

Sorry for the late reply.

The front spoke, the part number is the same CB750 and CB550, so it can use for CB550 as well.

However, the rear spoke, the part number is different between CB750 and CB550. So it can not fit for CB550.


Best regards,

Motorcycle YAMIYA

Oh 

[kyle750]

Late Edit:  My KONI friend's bike is not a CB550 but a CB500.  I am completely amazed at the condition of this bike and a strange observation.  The body parts and covers are solid (tank, side covers, seat, and engine covers) but many of the other parts have amazing patterns:

Spokes
Shock Coils
Footrest Peg
Engine Lower Case and Oil Filter housing with vertical fins
Engine with horizontal fins
Finned Tappet valve covers
Circular finned exhaust pipe collars
Perforated drilled front disc rotors
Tire pattern

[Stev-o]

Late Edit:  My KONI friend's bike is not a CB550 but a CB500.  I am completely amazed at the condition of this bike and a strange observation.  The body parts and covers are solid (tank, side covers, seat, and engine covers) but many of the other parts have amazing patterns:

Spokes
Shock Coils
Footrest Peg
Engine Lower Case and Oil Filter housing with vertical fins
Engine with horizontal fins
Finned Tappet valve covers
Circular finned exhaust pipe collars
Perforated drilled front disc rotors
Tire pattern

That is a very nice bike.  The 500 & 550 are very similar, obviously has a slightly larger motor [to compete with the Suzuki 550] and an updated clutch system.

[bryanj]

There are a ton of internal differences 500 to 550, not least recast crankcases and clutch cover, so much that they wont interchange.

Strange that even though 10% bigger capacity power output is same

[Deltarider]

Late Edit:  My KONI friend's bike is not a CB550 but a CB500.  I am completely amazed at the condition of this bike and a strange observation.  The body parts and covers are solid (tank, side covers, seat, and engine covers) but many of the other parts have amazing patterns:

Spokes
Shock Coils
Footrest Peg
Engine Lower Case and Oil Filter housing with vertical fins
Engine with horizontal fins
Finned Tappet valve covers
Circular finned exhaust pipe collars
Perforated drilled front disc rotors
Tire pattern

A few observations. Tail- and indicator lights are the style German models had. Headlight looks like the 60/55W H4 unit later models, like the K3, in continental Europe had. Carbs are the PD ones the CB500K3-ED had. The brake- and - presumely - shifterset is probably by Raask. Except for the finned tappet valve covers, I see no unusual fins.

[carnivorous chicken]

Except for the finned tappet valve covers, I see no unusual fins.

And these are just aftermarket add-ons, still easily found. Looks like a steering damper as well.

[Deltarider]

In the 80s I have asked two Honda dealers if they'd advise a steering damper. Although they easily could have sold me one, both replied: your bike does not need one. Just keep your hands at the handlebars.

[kyle750]

In this photo are 3 sets of CB500/550 model 1302 KONI shocks.  Hard to tell without more closeup photos of the CB500 but which set of KONI's do you think are on the bike?  Thanks in Advance.

[Stev-o]

In this photo are 3 sets of CB500/550 model 1302 KONI shocks.  Hard to tell without more closeup photos of the CB500 but which set of KONI's do you think are on the bike?  Thanks in Advance.

The set on the right is my guess.  Look at the very top portion of the shock, it is shorter that the others.

[MauiK3]

Nice looking 550.

[kyle750]

The set on the right is my guess.  Look at the very top portion of the shock, it is shorter that the others.

Thanks for taking a look.  I am also looking at the spacing of the shock springs.  Very uniform like the set on the right.

[kyle750]

First shipment from the USA is being consolidated for shipping to me in Thailand.  Here is a list of the 1st round of Honda Parts purchased.  Mostly vintage original Honda but some new.  Price paid includes shipping to my package service in the USA but not shipping to me in Thailand in addition to customs/import duties (30%) and tax (7%). The Honda CB550 has a long way to go but I think we're off to a solid start.

Thai Wife #2 likes to spend money 

Front Fork Rubber Boots 70 (OEM new)
Front Fork seals   40 (OEM new)
Front Fork Bolt Caps 30 (OEM new)
Front Chrome Fender   125
Rear Chrome Fender 60
Front and Rear DID chrome wheels  400 (new - shipping from Japan and already delivered)
Front and Rear wheel spokes 100 (new)
Tachometer and Speedometer gauges/cluster 100
Horn   30
Mirrors 30
Shocks 150
Shock nuts and bolts   25 (new)
Handlebar indicator bolts 20 (new)
Rear grab bar 100
Rear grab bar bolts 20
Speedometer cable 10
Tachometer cable 10
Tach cable stay line 7
   
Total    1,327

[grcamna2]

First shipment from the USA is being consolidated for shipping to me in Thailand.  Here is the 1st round of Honda Parts purchased.  Mostly vintage original Honda but some new.  Price paid includes shipping to my package service in the USA but not shipping to me in Thailand. The Honda CB550 has a long way to go but I think we're off to a solid start.

Thai Wife #2 likes to spend money 

Front Fork Rubber Boots 70 (OEM new)
Front Fork seals   40 (OEM new)
Front Fork Bolt Caps 30 (OEM new)
Front Chrome Fender   125
Rear Chrome Fender 60
Front and Rear DID chrome wheels  400 (new - shipping from Japan and already delivered)
Front and Rear wheel spokes 100 (new)
Tachometer and Speedometer cluster   100
Horn   30
Mirrors 30
Shocks 150
Shock nuts and bolts   25 (new)
Handlebar indicator bolts 20 (new)
Rear grab bar 100
Rear grab bar bolts 20
Speedometer cable 10
Tachometer cable 10
Tach cable stay line 7
   
Total    1,327

I also like fully committing to a project 

[kyle750]

Cheap charlie vs Bell 

[kyle750]

According to an old HONDA advertisement the CB750 is 'fabulous' and the CB550 is 'masterful'

[kyle750]

Update -   After a very long search and even longer wait the correct CB550 KONI 1796-1302 12 1/2" inch shocks arrived today

I do not understand trail and rake but installing the longer 13 1/4" inch CB750 KONI shocks have significantly raised the back end of the CB550.  Many thanks for all the warnings.  Riding safely is very important and my Number One Priority and I greatly appreciate the comments.

I read a few older forum posts about using longer length shocks and some people said it was OK and others said it creates instability especially  at higher speeds and others said it is dangerous and can result in an accident

Not worth the risk.  I will take photos of the newly arrived shocks and a comparison photo. 

[grcamna2]

Update -   After a very long search and even longer wait the correct CB550 KONI 1796-1302 12 1/2" inch shocks arrived today

I do not understand trail and rake but installing the longer 13 1/4" inch CB750 KONI shocks have significantly raised the back end of the CB550.  Many thanks for all the warnings.  Riding safely is very important and I greatly appreciate the comments.

I read a few older forum posts about using longer length shocks and some people said it was OK and others said it creates instability especially  at higher speeds and others said it is dangerous and can result in an accident

Not worth the risk.  I will take photos of the newly arrived shocks and a comparison photo.

NOS ? 
Are there any more for sale from your vendor ?

[kyle750]

NOS ? 
Are there any more for sale from your vendor ?

I don't think NOS 50 year old KONI aluminum body shocks are out there.  These are used
Yes he has 2 additional sets

According to the seller all 3 sets came off Honda CB500/550s.  KONI also made the same model 1302 for the CB350 with different springs.  All 3 sets have the correct springs for the heavier CB500/550.  I bought the set on the right.

Seller is a fantastic guy and located in the EU.  Extremely helpful testing the shocks and offered to rebuild if needed.

Late Edit:  While cleaning the shocks I noticed they have  nylon sleeves in the upper casing visible through the lower end of the springs.  I have not seen these sleeves before on KONI shocks and I'm not exactly sure what they are for? The sleeves look original to the shocks.  They must have a function??

[kyle750]

Delivered    The longer length CB750 KONI shocks are still on the bike

I will be checking and cleaning the newly arrived CB550 shocks this afternoon and hopefully swap them out later today

[kyle750]

Replacement OEM vintage Honda rear fender and rear grab rail should be here by next week 

[kyle750]

Here is the rear end when the CB550 first arrived 

Originally I thought the rear fender was plastic but it is actually heavy gauge metal. Bolted on with welded nuts to the underside. Tail light bolted on with removable nuts to the underside.

Fender looks custom made. Short and sharply sloped downward you can see the tail light also pointing downward rather than straight and level.  Looked terrible and I can't see why someone thought this looked good.   

[MauiK3]

Must have wanted a custom fender badly, looks weird.

[kyle750]

Must have wanted a custom fender badly, looks weird.

Very weird and very ugly

[kyle750]

Not very elegant