Topic: Source for oversize pistons for CB550F

[Tim.]

Well, having made a decision to replace my pistons, wouldn't you know it, Honda has discontinued all CB550 pistons and o/s ring sets!

I know I need one replacement standard piston and a set of standard rings at a minimum to bolt the bike back together.  The rings are available but on back order from Japan.  They don't have the piston though.

I can buy o/s rings easily enough (0.25/0.50 size only) but no matching pistons!

ServiceHonda has the pistons listed as available, but they don't confirm until they place the order.  They won't make an order for me because I'm in Canada.

So, if anyone knows of a source for pistons of any size with matching rings for the 550, I'm interested in hearing it.  My backup plan is a big-bore kit for a CB500 from Classic Cycle Parts.  I have have the kit for US$100 shipped, which is a great deal.  I confirmed it is a 59mm piston, which will work.  I just don't know about the quality.  Made in Japan, and the pins are apparantly the real-deal (wrapped and labelled 'ART' which is apparantly an indication that they are Honda OEM).

HELP!  I need my bike back on the road!  Even one decent standard piston from someone would be a starting point if nothing else.  There is a set of 4 pistons/rods on eBay I might buy worst-case.

[Brentadour]

Someone once told me about using  two sets of oversized CB360 pistons and sleeving the cylinders. I dont know. Maybe someone else can help out.

-Brent

[tomasz]

you could have racing quality high compression pistons manufactured by Arias Pistons,  $150.00 per cylinder complete with pistons, pins, rings, and locks, it takes them about 4 weeks to get it ready...   check out www.AriasPistons.com,  tomasz

[Tim.]

I was looking for a more straightforward approach.  I was really looking for any of the standard Honda o/s pistons for the bike, but at least according to Honda Canada, they're all discontinued.

So, right now I'm considering an aftermarket 'big bore' kit for a CB500, that takes it to 555cc's.  It is a 59mm piston, which is the same as a 0.50 overbore on the CB550.

ServiceHonda lists the o/s pistons as available, but only really checks when they place the order, which they won't do for me because I'm in Canada.

So, for my CAD$100, I'm going to buy one of the 555cc kits off eBay from www.classiccycleparts.com - the piston pins are wrapped in paper with 'ART' written on them, suggesting perhaps the kit is an ART kit which would be great.  However, the pistons and rings don't carry any suggestion of who made them.

Anyhow, worst-case scenario is the pistons all shatter and I leave a flaming trail of debris behind me as I cartwheel down the highway 

[bryanj]

If you have the part number try www.westernhillshonda.com or www.davidsilverspares.co.uk and yes ART did make theoriginal Honda pistons

[Tim.]

Tried Western Hills - no luck.  David Silver is a no-go also.

[Tim.]

Well, I bit the bullet today and ordered up the 555cc kit.  It's this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&tc=photo&item=4548319935

For the US$100 shipped to Canada, I figured I couldn't go wrong, and if in the meantime I find some Honda OEM pistons, then I have some expensive paper weights or back to eBay they go.  I confirmed with the seller that the pistons are actually 59mm (he mic'd them while I was on the phone with him).

Will let people know what shakes down.  Anyone reboring a CB550 might be interested in this kit, even though it's not sold specifically for the 550.

[StrongPerf]

tintin,

I realize this has been a long, long time ago. I was just wondering how this turned out. Response?

Thanks