Topic: 550K to 550F exhaust swap. Plug 'n Play?

[GroovieGhoulie]

I like the swoopy look of the 4-1 exhaust on the 550F and 400F.  However, 550K models are much more common.  If I were to get a 550K, would it be a direct conversion to drop a F exhaust on it?  Would the carbs need to be reset for the different exhaust?  Would it bolt right up?

Other than the exhaust, what was different about the 550F versus the K?  The handlebars and pegs look identical, so what's the deal?  Just the exhaust.

[Chris in Ramsey]

Hey GG, there are a number of things that would need to be sourced from an F bike to go with the swap. The main ones are that the  F does have different footpegs(at least the left one) and the kick-start has a greater off-set to clear the muffler. The carbs are the same, but the F a jetted leaner, and of course the K & F's have different muffler brackets.

[Killer Canary]

I don't get it. This is the second time I've read here that the left pegs are different.I have a 78 550K and my wife has a75 550F and the left pegs are identical,I've replaced them both with home-made aluminum sets.What bearing does the left peg have when swapping FROM K headers to F headers? I've done it, all I needed was an F brake pedal. Could Canadian models be different?
This really has me puzzled. Help!

[pmpski_1]

Yah, why would the LEFT peg be different? Doesn't the exhaust go down the right side?

[Chris in Ramsey]

OOPS! I meant the right side foot peg is different-it sticks out further and has a detent so that you can fold it back to use the kick-starter and the peg will stay out of the way. The brake pedal is different too, as mentioned by Killer Canary.

[Chris Liston]

I've replaced them both with home-made aluminum sets.

Killer,  do you have pics of those new rear sets you made.  Would you be willing to make another pair?

[Killer Canary]

I only made the pegs, not rear-sets.I'd like plans for those myself.

[Chris Liston]

Killer,

What exhaust do you have on that 550 header?

[Killer Canary]

I home-made it. Best idea I've had in a while.
Do you know of any patterns for home-makinr rear-sets?
Thanks.

[Chris Liston]

I know RAASK makes rear-sets for the 550.  I think they may interfere with the kick starter though.  Not 100% sure though.  Haven't been able to get an answer on that.  I can't imagine the mounting brackets would be that hard to make if you have the proper machines.  The only issue would be making the levers work properly.  The RAASK's are around 300 bucks so I can't go that way.

[Flood]

Raasks DEFINITELY make your kicker unuseable! And yes, the left pegs are different with the K and F.

[Chris Liston]

Flood,

Do you have the RAASK's installed.  Any pics?