Author Topic: CB550K Swingarm Chain Guard?  (Read 702 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Dr. Frankenstein

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 452
CB550K Swingarm Chain Guard?
« on: August 05, 2025, 05:55:01 PM »
I was putting the chain on my 550K when I noticed these little tabs here on the swingarm- the chain runs right in front of them, over the metal of the swing arm, and I was wondering if there was a chain protector that goes on there? I've often seen bikes with a piece of rubber or stiff plastic where the chain passes over the swingarm. I checked CMSNL, but I couldn't see any special part that goes to that. Does the 500/550 have a chain guard? 

Offline pickleknuckles

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 142
Re: CB550K Swingarm Chain Guard?
« Reply #1 on: August 05, 2025, 09:24:47 PM »
On the 750s there are similar tabs to align the inner rear fender. My guess is that in this case the chain guard clips into those.

Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk


Offline bryanj

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,797
  • CB500 Number 1000036
Re: CB550K Swingarm Chain Guard?
« Reply #2 on: August 05, 2025, 11:50:48 PM »
Yup chainguard fits in there
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline Dr. Frankenstein

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 452
Re: CB550K Swingarm Chain Guard?
« Reply #3 on: August 06, 2025, 07:04:57 AM »
But nothing protects the metal of the swingarm from the chain passing over it...?

Offline CycleRanger

  • No comment about being an
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 5,769
  • Central Texas Shop Manual Advocate
Re: CB550K Swingarm Chain Guard?
« Reply #4 on: August 06, 2025, 07:08:43 AM »
But nothing protects the metal of the swingarm from the chain passing over it...?
The chain doesn't touch the swingarm. It's not a dirt bike.
Do you have a copy of the Honda Shop Manual or Parts List for your bike? Get one here:
https://www.honda4fun.com/materiale/documentazione-tecnica
CB750K5        '79 XL250s     CL350K3
CB750K3        '76 XS650      '76 CJ360T

Offline Dr. Frankenstein

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 452
Re: CB550K Swingarm Chain Guard?
« Reply #5 on: August 06, 2025, 08:56:04 AM »
That's fine; I'm just used to seeing one, or something, there...I just wanted to be sure.

Offline Ozzybud

  • Honda Lover
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 527
  • Honda Lover
Re: CB550K Swingarm Chain Guard?
« Reply #6 on: August 06, 2025, 11:13:44 AM »
The front of the chain guard pinches down into those tabs
1976 Z50A PARAKEET YELLOW
1970 CT70  CANDY SAPPHIRE BLUE
1971 CT70H CANDY TOPAZ ORANGE
1972 CT70H CANDY EMERALD GREEN
1973 CL200 CANDY RIVIERA BLUE
1974 CB350F GLORY BLUE BLACK METALLIC
1973 CB350F FLAKE MATADOR RED
1975 CB360T LIGHT RUBY RED
1975 CB400F VARNISH BLUE
1975 CB550 FLAKE SUNRISE ORANGE
1976 CB750F CANDY ANTARES RED

Offline HondaMan

  • Someone took this pic of me before I became a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,113
  • ...not my choice, I was nicknamed...
    • Getting 'em Back on the Road
Re: CB550K Swingarm Chain Guard?
« Reply #7 on: August 06, 2025, 12:25:25 PM »
But nothing protects the metal of the swingarm from the chain passing over it...?
The chain doesn't touch the swingarm. It's not a dirt bike.

:D :D
See SOHC4shop.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

The demons are repulsed when a man does good. Use that.
Blood is thicker than water, but motor oil is thicker yet...so, don't mess with my SOHC4, or I might have to hurt you.
Hondaman's creed: "Bikers are family. Treat them accordingly."

Link to Hondaman Ignition: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=67543.0

Link to My CB750 Book: https://www.lulu.com/search?adult_audience_rating=00&page=1&pageSize=10&q=my+cb750+book
Link to My CB500/CB550 Book: https://www.lulu.com/search?sortBy=RELEVANCE&page=1&q=my+cb550+book&pageSize=10&adult_audience_rating=00
Link to website: https://sohc4shop.com/  (Note: no longer at www.SOHC4shop.com, moved off WWW. in 2024).

Offline Lostboy Steve

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,098
Re: CB550K Swingarm Chain Guard?
« Reply #8 on: August 06, 2025, 01:30:40 PM »
I cut a piece of plastic cutting board and 3m taped it on. Very small. Just enough to block the chain from leaving a scratch in the powder-coat. My chain has actually touched once or twice no idea when or how. I suspect on a rebound on one of these amazing NJ roads.
1968 Honda Z50
1977 Honda CB550K
2018 Indian Scout

Offline Dr. Frankenstein

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 452
Re: CB550K Swingarm Chain Guard?
« Reply #9 on: August 07, 2025, 06:20:52 AM »
Huh - that's a good idea.

Offline MauiK3

  • A K3 is saved
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 4,911
  • Old guy
Re: CB550K Swingarm Chain Guard?
« Reply #10 on: August 07, 2025, 07:43:44 AM »
I suppose if a chain got very loose it may touch
1973 CB 750 K3
10/72 build Z1 Kawasaki

Offline bryanj

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,797
  • CB500 Number 1000036
Re: CB550K Swingarm Chain Guard?
« Reply #11 on: August 07, 2025, 10:01:27 AM »
If its that loose you are a bad owner
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!