Topic: '74 cb550 swing arm compatibility

[jazzbrakes]

I am looking to buy a new swing arm for my 74 cb550 and am trying to figure out which swing arms are compatible.  I am thinking that 74-76 cb550's swing arms would fit but I am not sure.  I am pretty new to these style of bikes and your guys' help would be greatly appreciated.  Also anyone have any recommendations on new tires?  I am looking at Pirelli sport demons, or some Avon roadriders.  Thanks fellas.

[karmasic]

not sure about the swing arm. though, i am hoping a 77 cb750 swing are will mount up on mine. And i ride the Sport Demons, and i really like em.

[kayaker43]

Someone can confirm but I thought all 550 swingarms were the same? I had a cb750 arm on my 75 550 but it was shorter and I had to rework the shock mount and brake arm. I made it work because it looked stiffer but later swapped back.

[bryanj]

500 or 550K 1971 to 1976 inclusive are all the same

[jason teamshralp]

what about a 78 550k? just to bug ya...

[bryanj]

77/78 are totally different including the wheel and spacers, even tho' brake shoes are same.

[jazzbrakes]

thanks guys, and by inclusive you mean all 500 or 550's from 71 to 76?

[fastbroshi]

  I have a '75 frame (I think), and it has two zerk fittings for the arm on each end of the pivot.  I also have a '77 or '78 swingarm that has a single fitting in the center of the arm.  After reading some of Hondaman's posts, it seems Honda did this to save money/complexity.  It can be concluded these earlier ones are obviously superior, as you can make sure the grease is getting through to both sides. 
  Also, the later one has different mounting tabs for the different style chainguard (chrome one, whereas I believe the earlier models used a plastic one, or maybe that's just an F-K thing).