Topic: Should I buy these covers?

[kyle750]

CB550 finned covers showed up for sale on my local Thailand facebook page.  No international shipping, no import tax, no long delays.  Can be here in a few days.

My points and stator covers on my bike are in poor condition and at some point will need to be replaced.  Most of the used covers I see for sale on Ebay are not much better than my worn and dented covers.  NOS is just too expensive for this bike.  I quite like the look of the finned covers on the CB550 as I believe it might make the engine look bigger and wider (like its bigger brother 750 engine).  I am undecided 

[kyle750]

I am quessing that these covers are aftermarket and not original to the bikes.  Are they made out of aluminum, alloy, or some other metal??

[bryanj]

They are indeed aftermarket and probably alluminium, was also a starter motor cover and big finned tappet caps frequently fitted to "Choppers"
Be very carefull fitting the alternator one as the 3 screws to hold it are the ones holding the field coil into the casing and you will need longer, coutersunk head bolts

[kyle750]

"
Be very carefull fitting the alternator one as the 3 screws to hold it are the ones holding the field coil into the casing and you will need longer, coutersunk head bolts

Thanks mate.  The finned alternator cover with 3 screws was confusing as the original cover has no screws and I believe just clips on.  Here is a photo from the seller of the bolts that came with the covers.

[bryanj]

Yes, looking closer on your new pic i can see that the cover uses 3 normal pan head screws not countersunk.
If you fit it personally i would remove the complete generator casing, carefully remove the Honda emblem and store away as these are expensive, so are the tiny clips in the holes.
You will need an impct screwdriver to loosen the 3 field coil retaining screws then fit new cover using screws supplied.
Personally i would wind a couple of turns of ptfe plumbers tape on screw threadsto aid in not loosening, dont like locktight there as you may need to remove later on

[kyle750]

More photos of the covers.  Looks like photos after they were cleaned or better lighting?  Still undecided if I like them or not.  Anyone have photos of their CB with finned covers that they would like to share?   Thanks!

[BenelliSEI]

My “Carlini Chopper” project had those covers, fitted in 1974. Not sure they look that great on a stock bike? They might protect the points in a tip over.

[newday777]

These were on an 836 motor i bought. Not sure that I'll put them on my stock bikes, but, maybe they will end up on one hot rod 72mm Billet Block F Supersport?? Time will tell...

[Stev-o]

+1 ... not on a stock bike.  My K3....



Why dont you have your Thai wife sand and polish your existing covers?   Or shop for polished covers on eBay??

[kyle750]

Why dont you have your Thai wife sand and polish your existing covers?   Or shop for polished covers on eBay??

Apologies for any confusion.  Kannika is not my wife.  Kannika and Pai both live in my little village.  They are both married to foreigners (German and Swiss) and are stay at home Moms with small kids.  They like the work I give them and they can do it at their own home, at their own pace, and on their own schedule.  They pickup their kids from school whenever they want and work whenever they want.  They like the freedom and like the money.  Honda bikes are a new direction as they normally work with me on completely different projects.       

[MauiK3]

Sounds like a good way to get some help.

[bryanj]

Be aware that 750 and 550 points covers are same size but dont transfer as screwholes are in different place

[kyle750]

Be aware that 750 and 550 points covers are same size but dont transfer as screwholes are in different place

Roger that.  CB750 screw holes at 12 and 6.  CB550 at 10 and 4.   

[Stev-o]

Why dont you have your Thai wife sand and polish your existing covers?   Or shop for polished covers on eBay??

Apologies for any confusion.  Kannika is not my wife.  Kannika and Pai both live in my little village.     

Sorry, knew they were not your legal wife but thought you referred to them as a "Thai wife". Or maybe it was them calling your bikes your "Thai wife"?!!

[kyle750]

Why dont you have your Thai wife sand and polish your existing covers?   Or shop for polished covers on eBay??

Apologies for any confusion.  Kannika is not my wife.  Kannika and Pai both live in my little village.     

Sorry, knew they were not your legal wife but thought you referred to them as a "Thai wife". Or maybe it was them calling your bikes your "Thai wife"?!!

Yes Sir.  They actually gave the CB750 the name "Thai Wife #1" and the CB550 "Thai Wife #2".  I thought the nicknames were hilarious and they just stuck.   

[kyle750]

Speak now or forever hold your peace


Seller is waiting for my reply.  I am still undecided and some members are firmly in the "No go" camp. Would like to hear more opinions.  Thanks!

[denward17]

That would be a no for me....

[jonda500]

I quite like vintage ones with the patina matching the rest of the engine. I don't use my newish finned points cover as it is a different color alloy which doesn't suit the bike.
John

[kyle750]

^ ^ ^ Beautiful CB550 ^ ^ ^ Many thanks for the photo as it helps with making a decision.  Here is a photo of a fully restored CB750 here in Thailand with a finned points cover.

[spotty]

i'd buy them and even if you don't use them straight away they're there for another day.

also if you've got a full set ( especially for a 750 ) they won't be hard to sell later.

I've spent the last few years trying to collect a full set for when i build my chopper, the only one i haven't found is the starter motor cover ( which won't be there anyway, it'll be kick only )

also because i've collected a few of the same pieces in my efforts to get a whole set, i'm de-finning some of them to use on the 750 thats getting built as a 'factory' trailbike. the idea is , as i've mentioned elsewhere, to de-antique the 750 by having plain unmarked alloy case covers. many people will i'm sure hate it and what i'm trying to do but i learnt many years ago to take no notice of other peoples opinions. to take it to an even more annoying level, i'll be de-finning the rocker cover too

[kyle750]

Here is the battered and bruised points cover

[denward17]

Here is the battered and bruised points cover

Have you tried knocking out the dents from the back side?

I put mine in thick grass (the facing side against the grass) and used a small ballpeen hammer and a brass drift to carefully knock the dents out of mine.

[kyle750]

Of all the repainted, stripped, rusted, and overtightened screws in the bikes this cover was the Easiest to Remove  The points cover is stamped chrome steel?   

[kyle750]

They might protect the points in a tip over.

You got that right.  Not a lot of protection with the stock cover? 

[Stev-o]

The points cover is stamped chrome steel?   

Yes, stamped steel and chromed.  +1...carefully bang out the dents.  Place the cover on a flat semi-hard surface [wood], upside down of course, and tap. I've done it on fenders and works a charm!