Topic: Triple tree swap

[SoPackedCustoms]

Hey guys new here just curious to see if the cb550 and the cb750 have the same triple tree more or less just the bottom one. are they interchangeable? Thanks in advance

[Alan F.]

Not sure, but I think the stem is longer on the 750.  Here's a pic of the stem from my 750K3  9-1/2" and 750's stem lengths are the same 69-78 but 77-78 trees have a different offset, use a matched set.
Good luck.
-A

[billybobobrain]

although they look the same they are all different, the neck might be the right length but the fork width and rake are likely not the same.

unless you have a triple tree from a 750 on there already it wont work to mix and match.

[mystic_1]

All factory triple trees for CB's have 0 degrees of rake as far as I know, but yes the fork width, size, and offset can all be different from model to model.

mystic_1

[billybobobrain]

when i replaced the trips on my k2 with k7 they seemed to be different, not only in width (between forks) but rake as well. i could be wrong though

[tbpmusic]

This is from my buddy Steve at HondaTwins - so it's good info.

begin quote::

In this post, I'll list KNOWN swaps for customizing....I'll add to the lists
as time allows.....

Forks: 35MM
Pre 79; SOHC CB750/4, SOHC CB650/4, CB550/4, CB500/4, pinch type CB450 &
CB500T.....
ANY matched pair from one of these bikes will fit the trees of any other of
these as tube to tube widths are the same.
"Top-Bolt" 450 forks fit only the original 450 trees (narrower) and SOME
CB/CL 72/77 (305) trees

Forks: 33MM
Early CX 500, CM series 400's/450's, CB/CL360 and "G" model 350's....
"Top-Bolt" 350 forks PROPERLY fit only "top-bolt" trees, but can be used in
later trees (they look "awkward" though)..

Disc-Brake wheels: The 450, 500T, 500/4, 550/4, and 750 disc WHEELS (6-bolt)
are the same and will swap....But rotor size varies, and usually must be
used with the bottom legs (sliders) of the bike it came from, or you can
swap the rotors or sliders.....
The CX 500 and CB 650, and post '77 750 5-bolt rotor wheels, both comstar
and spoked can be swapped, but sometimes requires the axle and spacers be
changed.


Trees: TOP...
CB 450, CB 500T, CB 650/4, and early CB750/4 tops all exchange.....The 750,
650 and 450 (500T) share the identical spacing AND offset (a non-cushioned
750 top tree will fit to a 450 bottom tree (stem and bracket) for those who
desire rigid handlebar mountings.( the 750 stem is longer.and only fits the
750) The cushioned 450 top tree will fit the 650 lower tree and forks if you
desire the "give"....
The 500/4 and 550/4 trees have less offset, but will fit the 450 , 360, or
350 neck ( if someone wants 35mm forks on their 350/360 cafe bike.)

Trees: Bike to bike: 360 trees (350G) will fit any 350, any 360, any CM 400
Variant, and the 450/500T, 500-550/4 and 650/4 necks

450 trees fit 450's and 500T and can be used as a pair on the 500-550/4's or
ANY 350, 360, CM 400, or CB 650
end quote::

[mystic_1]

That's not good info, that's totally awesome info!

mystic_1

[tbpmusic]

That's not good info, that's totally awesome info!

mystic_1

By "good", I mean reliable and accurate.
Steve has his own motorcycle salvage yard, and has actually tried all that stuff, he ain't just blowin' smoke.......

[mystic_1]

I knew what you meant, was just being funny

Where's Steve's yard?  Info like that deserves a free plug.

mystic_1

[MikeB]

This is from my buddy Steve at HondaTwins - so it's good info.

begin quote::

In this post, I'll list KNOWN swaps for customizing....I'll add to the lists
as time allows.....

Forks: 35MM
Pre 79; SOHC CB750/4, SOHC CB650/4, CB550/4, CB500/4, pinch type CB450 &
CB500T.....
ANY matched pair from one of these bikes will fit the trees of any other of
these as tube to tube widths are the same.
"Top-Bolt" 450 forks fit only the original 450 trees (narrower) and SOME
CB/CL 72/77 (305) trees

Forks: 33MM
Early CX 500, CM series 400's/450's, CB/CL360 and "G" model 350's....
"Top-Bolt" 350 forks PROPERLY fit only "top-bolt" trees, but can be used in
later trees (they look "awkward" though)..

Disc-Brake wheels: The 450, 500T, 500/4, 550/4, and 750 disc WHEELS (6-bolt)
are the same and will swap....But rotor size varies, and usually must be
used with the bottom legs (sliders) of the bike it came from, or you can
swap the rotors or sliders.....
The CX 500 and CB 650, and post '77 750 5-bolt rotor wheels, both comstar
and spoked can be swapped, but sometimes requires the axle and spacers be
changed.


Trees: TOP...
CB 450, CB 500T, CB 650/4, and early CB750/4 tops all exchange.....The 750,
650 and 450 (500T) share the identical spacing AND offset (a non-cushioned
750 top tree will fit to a 450 bottom tree (stem and bracket) for those who
desire rigid handlebar mountings.( the 750 stem is longer.and only fits the
750) The cushioned 450 top tree will fit the 650 lower tree and forks if you
desire the "give"....
The 500/4 and 550/4 trees have less offset, but will fit the 450 , 360, or
350 neck ( if someone wants 35mm forks on their 350/360 cafe bike.)

Trees: Bike to bike: 360 trees (350G) will fit any 350, any 360, any CM 400
Variant, and the 450/500T, 500-550/4 and 650/4 necks

450 trees fit 450's and 500T and can be used as a pair on the 500-550/4's or
ANY 350, 360, CM 400, or CB 650
end quote::

This is alot of good info
 
but I'm finding out that the 82 CB650sc Nighthawk has 37mm forks
would Steve have any info on what tees might swap with these, PO had a minor collision and tweaked the forks, got a set off a 81 cb900 coustom that should fit, also 37mm with the same part# for the lowers. 
I think the  tees are ok but they will be coming off in the next week or so but if I need to replace was just wondering what might work ?
suppose the ones off the 900 might work but havn't checked that out yet ?

also has a diff steering head angle than the standerd 82 CB650.
29deg. comp. to 26deg 50' is this the RAKE ? that people take about ??
sorry for the dumb ? but seemed like a good thread to ask

[fennec]

This is from my buddy Steve at HondaTwins - so it's good info.

begin quote::

In this post, I'll list KNOWN swaps for customizing....I'll add to the lists
as time allows.....

Forks: 35MM
Pre 79; SOHC CB750/4, SOHC CB650/4, CB550/4, CB500/4, pinch type CB450 &
CB500T.....
ANY matched pair from one of these bikes will fit the trees of any other of
these as tube to tube widths are the same.
"Top-Bolt" 450 forks fit only the original 450 trees (narrower) and SOME
CB/CL 72/77 (305) trees


Trees: TOP...
CB 450, CB 500T, CB 650/4, and early CB750/4 tops all exchange.....The 750,
650 and 450 (500T) share the identical spacing AND offset (a non-cushioned
750 top tree will fit to a 450 bottom tree (stem and bracket) for those who
desire rigid handlebar mountings.( the 750 stem is longer.and only fits the
750) The cushioned 450 top tree will fit the 650 lower tree and forks if you
desire the "give"....
The 500/4 and 550/4 trees have less offset, but will fit the 450 , 360, or
350 neck ( if someone wants 35mm forks on their 350/360 cafe bike.)

Sooooo.. If I found a cb650/4 triple tree and forks I could throw them into my '74 or '72 cb750/4 ?? Just trying to clear this up... I really want to get those 5 spoke black rims I see on a few CBs....

~Luis

[Toxic]

when i replaced the trips on my k2 with k7 they seemed to be different, not only in width (between forks) but rake as well. i could be wrong though

For sure they are different.  I tried to mix a 72 upper with a 77 lower and not a chance.

[mystic_1]

This is from my buddy Steve at HondaTwins - so it's good info.

begin quote::

In this post, I'll list KNOWN swaps for customizing....I'll add to the lists
as time allows.....

Forks: 35MM
Pre 79; SOHC CB750/4, SOHC CB650/4, CB550/4, CB500/4, pinch type CB450 &
CB500T.....
ANY matched pair from one of these bikes will fit the trees of any other of
these as tube to tube widths are the same.
"Top-Bolt" 450 forks fit only the original 450 trees (narrower) and SOME
CB/CL 72/77 (305) trees


Trees: TOP...
CB 450, CB 500T, CB 650/4, and early CB750/4 tops all exchange.....The 750,
650 and 450 (500T) share the identical spacing AND offset (a non-cushioned
750 top tree will fit to a 450 bottom tree (stem and bracket) for those who
desire rigid handlebar mountings.( the 750 stem is longer.and only fits the
750) The cushioned 450 top tree will fit the 650 lower tree and forks if you
desire the "give"....
The 500/4 and 550/4 trees have less offset, but will fit the 450 , 360, or
350 neck ( if someone wants 35mm forks on their 350/360 cafe bike.)

Sooooo.. If I found a cb650/4 triple tree and forks I could throw them into my '74 or '72 cb750/4 ?? Just trying to clear this up... I really want to get those 5 spoke black rims I see on a few CBs....

~Luis

It sounds to me like you'll just need the forks, according to this statement:

Forks: 35MM
Pre 79; SOHC CB750/4, SOHC CB650/4, CB550/4, CB500/4, pinch type CB450 &
CB500T.....
ANY matched pair from one of these bikes will fit the trees of any other of
these as tube to tube widths are the same.

mystic_1

[riotmachine]

So based on this, I wouldn't be able to swap the triple tree top/bottom from a 750 on to my 550/4. Is that correct? If so, there goes my dream of picking up Cycle X's tree setup, I have a top but it is about 2" out from the bottom. It sure is nice a clean.

Scroll way down: http://www.cyclexchange.net/Honda%20Page.htm

If this isnt possible, anyone have any suggestions of something similar?

[mystic_1]

You could probably swap out the steering stem to make it work, but changing the offset will affect your steering geometry.  Run some rake and trail calculations.

mystic_1

[754]

69 - 76 750 should fit on your 550.

[riotmachine]

69 - 76 750 should fit on your 550.

That's if I get the whole tree and not just the top correct? I had a feeling that was right, just seeing if anyone knows if the stem is too long/short.

Thanks again.

[mystic_1]

What about this statement from TBPMusic's qutoe?

( the 750 stem is longer.and only fits the 750)

mystic_1

[754]

It will still fit.

 You need a spacer, on top, on bottom , or one on each.

 Or machine threads on stem further, and move top bearing race area, IF that is necessary.
 Will try to look today at length diff, doubt it is a whole lot.
 I think wider tree spacing would be a bit stiffer than the narrower one, may be a good thing.

[mystic_1]

That makes sense, in fact I thought about that just after I posted.

mystic_1

[riotmachine]

It will still fit.

 You need a spacer, on top, on bottom , or one on each.

 Or machine threads on stem further, and move top bearing race area, IF that is necessary.
 Will try to look today at length diff, doubt it is a whole lot.
 I think wider tree spacing would be a bit stiffer than the narrower one, may be a good thing.

Thanks for info. Looks like I'll go ahead and pick up the rest of the tree assembly. I can get a friend to machine some spacers that'll fit perfect for me.

Next time I'm out visit my family in Penticton I'll popped by since you're so close.

[754]

I did some measuring, its a lot longer that I thought (I figured 3/8 or so, but its mre like 1/2 or +)

 So approx .53 of spacers, or remachine stem (can be done with tree intact)

 Or even better, grind off the stemweld, push stem further into tree (leave enough for race and washer), that should take up most of it, if not 1 washer on the top.

......................................................................................
  Riot, where are you at? Def come and visit if you are nearby, phone ahead of time, usuallu around..

[jacquesleclochard]

Hey there old post! So, if I were to buy a 450 triple top, it would be a bolt on on my 750 lower triple tree? I apolagize for digging this one up again, but I've bought some triples online, and none of them fit. So I'm trying to get my info straight.

[Roach Carver]

marked

[Henkies]

This is from my buddy Steve at HondaTwins - so it's good info.
Forks: 35MM
Pre 79; SOHC CB750/4, SOHC CB650/4, CB550/4, CB500/4, pinch type CB450 &
CB500T.....
ANY matched pair from one of these bikes will fit the trees of any other of
these as tube to tube widths are the same.

So does he say that the width of a CB550 and cb750 fork is equal? The offset isn't mentioned, because that differs?