Topic: '77 550 Rear brake setup

[fastbroshi]

   I'm trying to figure out the correct setup for my rear brake.  Can someone confirm if the frames on the K's and F's around this time period had the same length on the tube that the splined brake pedal shaft runs through? 
   I have a spare frame (it's a K) and this tube is considerably longer than mine.  The reason why the length is important is there is supposed to be a tang that the return spring clips to.  As mine is, on the F, it is too short.  If there ever was one on there, I can't tell. 
   Looking through parts fiches, I can't tell the difference becuase the pics git quite grainy and I can't tell where the different style spring should go.
   My objective is to get the rear pedal and spring setup done correctly; I'd rather not shell out the dough for rearsets.   
   My vin is a very early '77, btw.

[TwoTired]

The K bikes had to allow for two pipes along the right side of the frame.  The Fs had to allow for 4 pipes and this offset the brake arm and the kick lever outward.  These parts don't interchange.  Well, not gracefully, anyway.

Are you saying you have an F frame and only K parts to put on it?

[bryanj]

Big problem is 77/78 550 is a breed on its own and a lot of frame parts are different plus dont think there was an F in 77/78 only the K3

[FunJimmy]

.....dont think there was an F in 77/78 only the K3

My '77 is an F model.

[fastbroshi]

The K bikes had to allow for two pipes along the right side of the frame.  The Fs had to allow for 4 pipes and this offset the brake arm and the kick lever outward.  These parts don't interchange.  Well, not gracefully, anyway.

Are you saying you have an F frame and only K parts to put on it?

 My current bike I'm fixing up is the F, the frame I'm comparing to is a K.  from the parts fiches I've been looking at I can't tell if the frames are the same.  My exhaust is the stock 4-1, HM331 (I think).  If it came with this bike is beyond me, but it is a Honda 550 setup.  The brake pedal will clear, but ah, not gracefully.  I'll leave your imagination to that one.  
  Do I have a K or F pedal?  Looking at Bettencourt's page for my bike it looks like I have the F hardware.  The pedals and such I have are what came w/ the bike; no components have been changed over from the K, I've just been comparing the frames.



  

[TwoTired]

The US market got 77 model CB550F bikes.  I have two of them.  There were 75 and 76 models, too.

The F model frames ARE different from the K model frames.

The F brake arm has rather flat sides (like in your picture  ).  The K model brake arm is tubular.  I'll leave it for your imagination to determine what you have.

There are three variations in brake setups Early K, late K, and F model.  You never mentioned what model your parts bike is.  Anyway, the splined shafts are different between all these models.  And, their physical arrangement on each model also has variance.

Do you have all the parts for the F?  Or, are you trying to graft parts from one to the other?
Is your real question about what an F model assembly looks like?  (I've actually posted this pic before, some time ago..)

[fastbroshi]

Question 1. Do you have all the parts for the F?

As my bike is an F (stated twice above), it's obvious I don't have all the parts or I wouldn't be posting this.


Question 2.  Or, are you trying to graft parts from one to the other?

I would if I knew what worked.  My objective is to get this setup working w/ stock parts.


Questions 3. Is your real question about what an F model assembly looks like?

One of them.  The second pic helps, as it identifies where my brake switch spring was SUPPOSED to go instead of on the chrome bracket around my bike's shaft.  What does the brake return spring and pedal look like?

Hate to have this string through so many back and forths.

[TwoTired]

What year model is your parts bike?

[fastbroshi]

'77 or ;78.  Would have to go back and check the tag.

[TwoTired]

The splined shaft is shorter on the 77K model vs the 77F model.

Maybe this pic will help.  But, I think you will need to track down the real F model components.

[fastbroshi]

   Judging by the components I have, ie sprint, pedal and exhaust, and the model of bike I have, the only difference I have is that the tube on my frame is much shorter than the one in your pic.  Could I trouble you to see a pic from a similar angle of your '77K?
   Full pics also, don't tease us 

[TwoTired]

The spline shaft is 4.5 in long on the F and 4.1 in long on the K.
Do I assume you want a pic of the whole bike, too?

[fastbroshi]

  Hmm, that is worrisome.  I hope there was a different design out there for some of the F's or I'll be fabbing up something.  My problem is the stock spring has no place to attach, as the tang and the shaft it's welded to just isn't there. 
  I'd have to say maybe they cut it off.  Very distinct possibility considering they took a torch to the center stand.  I had another ready to go on too. Oh well.
  Anyone have any ideas as to how I can put the tension on this pedal?  Check the first pic up at the top.
  And thanks a bunch for wheeling around your bikes for the pics Lloyd, I love your F's paint.  Never seen that paint combo before.

[TwoTired]

  Hmm, that is worrisome.  I hope there was a different design out there for some of the F's or I'll be fabbing up something.  My problem is the stock spring has no place to attach, as the tang and the shaft it's welded to just isn't there. 
  I'd have to say maybe they cut it off.  Very distinct possibility considering they took a torch to the center stand.  I had another ready to go on too. Oh well.

I agree, it looks like your frame has been modified.

  Anyone have any ideas as to how I can put the tension on this pedal?  Check the first pic up at the top.

Short of welding a new tube extension and spring hook to restore your frame, maybe attach a coil spring (hardware store) to the actuator rod pivot and fasten the other end to the rear peg hoop.  That should help pull the brake lever up.

  And thanks a bunch for wheeling around your bikes for the pics Lloyd, I love your F's paint.  Never seen that paint combo before.

Thanks, only year that color was available.  Candy Sword Blue  (wish the clear coat wasn't starting to peel.  )  Time marches on.
I'm not sure why, but that bike is the fastest Cb550 (stock) that I ever drove.  Made on a good day, I suppose.   
Ass data, of course.
Cheers,

[fastbroshi]

Hehe, ass data.  And I thought that only applied to women.    I always thought the Green would look good on an F tank.  Mine's got an older tank. I wish I could find the other style w/ a flip up lid.

[fastbroshi]

2Tired, I just noticed a couple things:

1. The passenger peg "hoops" on yours, versus the tabs that mine are mounted to. 

2. The stopper mount on my frame with the bolt running through it.  This mount is very uniform and looks factory.  Considering the butchering my center stand got, there's no just no way...then again, a lot can happen in 30 years.

Was there a change in the style of the frame between '76 and mid- to late-'77?

[TwoTired]

All the 75-77 Cb550Fs had the hoop for the rear pegs and muffler mount.  My 78 550K also has the hoops.  I no longer have a 77K frame, but, I'm pretty sure it had hoops, as well, before I cut it up.
The tab peg mounts are on all my other K 550s and the 500 frame; 72, 74, and 75.

Have you compared the frame number stamped into the headstock on the left side, with the number on the riveted tag on the right side?

To me, it looks like you have a 76 or earlier K model frame.

Cheers,

[fastbroshi]

Hmm, I think I've seen that before, is it stamped into the frame by the coils? Not sure what you mean by headstock.  Does that indicate the neck of the frame maybe?  I'll have to check when I get home.

[TwoTired]

The headstock is the part of the frame that holds the steering mechanism, triple trees, bearing races, etc.  Look on the frame opposite where the riveted number tag is.  Turn the bars all the way right.

Cheers,

[fastbroshi]

  I looked and the head stock matches the tag perfectly CB2XXX039.  However, it's stamped kinda haphazard, and that part of the neck is flattened, as if maybe it was sanded down.  Not ground though, as the rust showing through is wavy, kinda like wet sanding through really rough orange peel.
  Either way, took your advice and just rigged up a spring.  Works like a charm sitting in the garage, still wanna adjust the valves.

[TwoTired]

I'll post a pic of my 75 k parts bike headstock numbers.  But, from your description, I'd believe your frame numbers have been altered.
Where are you swing arm grease fittings.  One in the center of the arm? one at each end of the pivot?
If you have a single grease fitting in the center of the swing arm, then it is like the 75, 76, and 77 F models as well as the 77-78 K models.
If you have a grease fitting at each end of the S/A pivot, then it is like 76 and earlier K models.

I'd bet money that your frame began life as a K model.

[fastbroshi]

Very uniform numbers, unlike mine.  I'm beginning suspect the same.  Someone went to a lot of trouble to cover their tracks, or keep from having to pay to register another bike.

[TwoTired]

I just noticed your side stand.  Last year Honda used that style and forward frame position was 1974 CB550 K0.  Although, it is possible you could have a CB500 frame there.  In 1975 Honda changed the position farther back and added a rubber foot to it, so it would fold up if forgotten and left down.  This style remained through the 78 models.

Cheers,

[crazypj]

Big problem is 77/78 550 is a breed on its own and a lot of frame parts are different plus dont think there was an F in 77/78 only the K3

My F1 is 77, friend still has an orange 76.
The F2 was available in Britain in 78.
 It had 'stripes' on the tank.
 I had several all at he same time ( F1, F2, K3).
 I was working for the local dealer (Leslie Griffith Motors)
PJ

[Dave-and-his-550]

What year model is your parts bike?

'77 or ;78.  Would have to go back and check the tag.

Would you happen to be needing the Valve Cover on that one?   

[fastbroshi]

  Oh yeah, and the rest of the spare motor too.  One thing I noticed when I was inside my extra motor - what is this golden coating inside the case?  I don't think it's old oil, it's too uniform.  Almost like gold paint.  An early anti friction coating of some sort?