Topic: CB 500/4 / 500T parts compatibility? triple trees

[bhppy101]

Does anyone know if the upper triple tree from a 75 500T will fit on a 75 500/4? any help appreciated.

Thanks in advance

[KB02]

I checked with Honda Parts Direct.com and they are showing the two as very different set ups on the microfiche. Different part numbers and different designs.

[SteveD CB500F]

bhppy, looking at some of your bikes, you are obviously very familiar with the CB450, on which the CB500T was based.

The 500/4 is not even a close relation of the 500T; I'm sure that with a bit of machining you can get anything to fit anything else, but there's no bolt-on route here.

Steve

[PxTx]

Just so I am clear, isn't a 500Four in 1975 a 550?

[grumburg]

I have had them both. Calipers are the same, but the trees and forks are different.

[bhppy101]

Thanks for the responses. That helps me out so I know what to look for.

I actually have a CB500k

[SteveD CB500F]

Just so I am clear, isn't a 500Four in 1975 a 550?

Depends where you are.

We had 500K2 until '75, then the 550F1 (75), F2 (76) and K3 (77/78)

May have had some 500 registrations in '76 too.

[bryanj]

If you have a 500K all the 500/550 UP TO the F and 77/78 K will fit.

Big difference is ignition switch and meter mounting

[bhppy101]

Thanks bryanj!

That is exactly the information that I was looking for.
If the ignition and speedo/tack mounting is the only difference I'll see...then there will be no problems at all! I have already mounted my Ignition in my headlight and I will be fabricating my own bracket for just 1 gauge....either speedo or tach...not sure yet.

[florence]

my 500 was registered (uk) in 1976 but honda say it was manufactured in 1974.  It's strange to think that someone went into a showroom and bought it when the new 550 was available.  i can only think it must have been on a special offer.

[SteveD CB500F]

If I remember correctly, not everyone was thrilled with the 4-1 at the time - remember that the Z650 and GS550 were both available about then.

Having said that, why would you buy an "old" model other than price. It's like your local Honda dealer saying "I've got a lovely new '05 'blade, zero miles, cheap"

[PxTx]

http://hondatwins.com/phpBB1/viewtopic.php?t=361

I think this confirms that they will mechnically function.

[SteveD CB500F]

Interesting.

I see Bill hangs out there too.

[bryanj]

NOTE:- That says that the "offset" on the 500/550 four is different so you should use the lower from the 500/4 as well or you will be twisting the trees

[bhppy101]

Thanks all for the information!

I was mistaken about the yr and model of my bike.....Its actually a 74 cb550... I should have taken a better look at the motor and Vin Tag....lol I took the sellers word for it when he told me that it was a 75 CB500.

I got things situated. I had a 78 suzuki GS750 parts bike. Amazingly enough... I took the whole tree assembly off and I will be swapping both top and bottom triple trees from the 750 to the 550. It worked out perfectly with some slight modification and top spacer!

Thanks again to everyone!

[SteveD CB500F]

Let us know how you get on (with photos) as it's always interesting to see which parts from other bikes will either:

a) bolt right on
b) fit with a little work, or
c) require the facilities of a modern machine shop!