Topic: How similar are the CB500 and CB550 four cylinder bikes

[johnzmg]

I have a '71 CB500 K0 project bike that needs a few parts. How similar is a CB550... do most parts interchange?

Thanks!
John

[TwoTired]

The most similar is the 74 CB550 and the least similar is the 78 CB550.  Parts interchange becomes worse as the models change.  To ask for a complete list of interchangeable parts is a tall order.  You are asking about 10 different bikes including your own. Better to ask about specific parts.

[bill440cars]

       Yeah, it would help to know which parts you are talking. There were several changes made during the run of those and it takes some different external parts for some of them. pretty detailed and would take up quite a bit of time and effort to list everything. We're all glad to help where ever but, need things narrowed down a bit. 

[johnzmg]

I was hoping the 550 was a bored out 500. It makes sense the later CB550s would be the most different. I haven't taken time to make a list of the neded items. Most of the parts I was hoping to interchange are for the "body" and chrome.

Thanks!
John

[dustyc]

Cross reference here:  http://www.cmsnl.com

You have to register.  Search the fiche for your bike to find the part numbers you're looking for.  Search by part number will give you your cross reference of other bikes that part was used on.

[hymodyne]

the CD rom version of the honda 500 manual has has an appendix that lists the changes between the 500 and 550 K models.

hym

[rachet]

I have a 71 cb500 and a 75 cb550.  the Carbs on the 550 overflow on number 3 (at least that's what the PO said) so I was thinking about rebuilding the 500's carbs (the bike is completely pulled apart) and dropping on the 550.  That's compatible enough yea?

[TwoTired]

I have a 71 cb500 and a 75 cb550.  the Carbs on the 550 overflow on number 3 (at least that's what the PO said) so I was thinking about rebuilding the 500's carbs (the bike is completely pulled apart) and dropping on the 550.  That's compatible enough yea?

The carb bodies are the same and will interchange.  The internal set up of the carbs and some of the internal carb parts are different, to accommodate the displacement change.  The carbs will "work" the bike.  They won't be tuned correctly.
Of course, if the air filter and exhaust are changed from stock, then you'll have to tune either set of carbs to the changes made.

The carbs have an external stamping to identify the internal configuration.  However, POs seldom alter those markings after changing those internal parts/settings.  Then the only way to tell what you have is dismantle and measure.

Cheers,

[rachet]

Thanks TT!

I would love to have half of your knowledge about these bikes!

Rachet~