Topic: What's an air box?(noob)

[bozo4onion]

Seriously, my bike (550F) doesn't have one. It runs fair but stinks and makes unpleasant noises. I'm looking for a box but I need to know what to look for. I have seen the soft tubes that connect the carbs to the air box (if that is the air box, I've heard plenum also). I think I have seen pics. of another box that may house the filter. I've ordered a manual(Clymer OK?). Can you guys describe the system from the carb-hole (cool game name?) to the atmosphere so I can look for parts. Thanks for helping.

Mark in KY

[dusterdude]

it  holds the filter

[GammaFlat]

Seriously, my bike (550F) doesn't have one. It runs fair but stinks and makes unpleasant noises. I'm looking for a box but I need to know what to look for. I have seen the soft tubes that connect the carbs to the air box (if that is the air box, I've heard plenum also). I think I have seen pics. of another box that may house the filter. I've ordered a manual(Clymer OK?). Can you guys describe the system from the carb-hole (cool game name?) to the atmosphere so I can look for parts. Thanks for helping.

Mark in KY

The airbox (as mentioned) holds your air filter.  It is a box with 4 holes in the front to connect to the carbs (rubber boots in-between).  There is much debate about airboxes.  I'll try to hit a couple of hi-lights for you.  They are awful to remove and replace - just one of those "you can't get there from here" experiences.  If you run without one, you've likely changed your carb jet needs.  The better you make your bike breath, the leaner you'll run and probably need to "jet up".  My personal recommendation (after using pods for a while) is to get as close to factory as possible (put an airbox on) so it's easier to make the bike run right. 

To get the one you need, you may want to post on this forum or cruise ebay.  They are a common item for sale.  You will probably put out between 20 and 45 bucks for one.  Make sure the one you get is compatible with your bike.  I'm not familiar with the 550 airbox but plenty of folks on this forum are. 

[bozo4onion]

Is the box one piece? It doesn't seem like filter will fit in the boxes I've seen. Essentially describe all the parts I'll need.
Thanks

[scondon]

Here's the partslist

http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550f-super-sport-550-four-1976-us_model467/partslist/F++15.html

[333]

The parts list is great.  But the Honda service manual is better that a Clymer or Chiltons.  No one knows more about the bike than the people that made it.  Check the FAQ section, the thread is "manuals"

[Gordon]

The 550 (and others) have a plenum between the air filter box and the carbs.  I have a feeling this is what you're talking about.  It doesn't have anything inside it, it's just to connect the carbs with the filter. 

[bozo4onion]

Holy crap, where will I find all that stuff in the diagram. There's nothing but a hole where that stuff goes on mine. Any ideas? Partss still available? Salvage yard?

[ChevelleSSLS6]

look in the classified ads section here, there might be an airbox for a 550.

[dustyc]

If you check in the classifieds here, you'll find people selling them occasionally.  Or ebay. 

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?board=35.0

I am debating whether to keep mine or sell it.  I'm going with pod air filters, but I might keep it if I ever want to go back to stock.

[SteveD CB500F]

I have a 40K picture of exactly what you need on your 550.  But, the forum site will not accept it in the post.

The site is up against the stocks on space Lloyd. I think Glenn is looking to transfer to a new service. If you can't host externally and point to the image, email it to him (or me, and I'll put it up).

[333]

The classified or ebay is your best bet.  Maybe even a salvage yard if you have one close to you.  Or it may be easier to forgo the stock look and get the pods.  You'll have to re-jet, but that may be a good thing

[seaweb11]

Someone must be able to put up a photo for this guy?

no 550s in my shed.

[bozo4onion]

First, thanks for all the help. This is my first post. OK, I see air boxes for sale on eBay and they are showing the plenum. The plenum seems to be available on Honda cycle parts direct for $90. I haven't even seen any of the other parts on the bay. Oh, well the search is half the fun. Maybe a fourth. I don't really need a photo. The diagram shows all. Thanks again.
Mark