Topic: 74 CB550 project

[CharlieVT]

I was just given a 1974 CB550.
(I have 4 other bikes, 3 of which are 70s era BMWs, I seem to be making a hobby of working on old bikes   I had a CB500 and a CB750 in the 70s and am looking forward to having this CB550 on the road.)
I'm happy to have found this site with FAQs, tech info, parts links.  Good stuff, thanks!
The bike runs, front brake is siezed, lots of superficial rust having been inside most of the time but not always under cover.
I'll do the basic diagnositics on the motor to be sure the plant is good and then I'll tear it down to the frame and put it back together. It will basically be a peservation, not a full restoration, and will maintain basically a stock configuration.
Aside from having been repainted, missing the stock ignition switch, and after market exhaust it is stock.
I'll be looking for stock appearing (and sounding) exhaust. I see there is a place in the UK that retails stock-like exhaust. Is there a source in the US?  Does Honda still support this bike with OEM parts?
Thanks

[lifeofthe88@yahoo.]

i have a74 550 engine and chopper project im parting all out if yer interested.i dont have camshaft,rocker cover,and pipes im located in ks

[bryanj]

If you mean Dave Silver the exhausts ARE genuine Honda and come out at about £400 per set( dont forget the shipping AND import duties) with the mouting brackets and rubbers etc that will have been junked when the aftermarket exhaust was fitted. You can still get ignition locks or a "lock set" with steering and seat lock to the same key. The part that is difficult to get is the ignition switch bracket under the tank and the seat lock bracket, you will have to try and get used for that unless you want to pay me a lot of money for the NOS ones i found!

[74cb750]

Hey,
I was in the local Honda shop and they sell OEM HOnda exhaust for 1974 CB750's, $1,000 + $50/baffle. Never asked about the CB550"s. Could be they stilll have them.

Just sold a seat latch w/ 2 keys on ebay for $20, a few weeks ago.

If you need some parts, post here on "parts wanted" or look on ebay.
wecome to the club!
michel