Topic: Bike Identification

[dmose81980]

Hi, I own and ride a 1978 CB550k Honda. My question is how do I tell which "K" Version it is, K1, K2 etc. Many thanks for any advice...

[TwoTired]

A 78 CB550K is a K3 model.

[dmose81980]

Thanks very much for the info.

[lone*X]

A 78 CB550K is a K3 model.

Actually a 78 is a K4.

http://www.sohc4.net/index.php?q=node/204

[TwoTired]

You should know that the K3 was first introduced in 1977.  Some refer to the 78 as a K4.  But, I haven't found any Honda documents noting the 78 model as a K4, through there are some small differences between them.  They both have the same product code; 404.

I know, you want an exhaustive list.  I don't think there have been any published.

[lone*X]

No issue.  Just quoting our own site documentation.  Since I haven't specifically researched the 78 I defer to the documentation at hand.

[Deltarider]

Honda's Parts List differs between K3 and K4. Some minor modifications, different buddyseat for example.

[CaféElite]

I have the Honda Identification Guide and it does not show a super sport model for 1978, only the K. On the frame serial number it should be CB550F-######### for F models and just CB550-##### for K models.

If im wrong please correct me..

It doesnt say anything about K versions though.. sorry..

EDIT: I was wrong above..
The 1975 CB550F has CB550F0 below its name
The 1974 CB550 has CB550K0 below its name
The 1975 CB550K1 is list just like that in its bold title unlike the others

There are nine different listings for the CB550's in the manual and only those have a indication of something more then just K.

[JohnG]

I have the same book, published by Honda.

Looking at both CB750s and 550s, it appears that about 1976 they abandoned the Kx  designation  which had been used on the CB750s.

Beginning in 1976, they seem to have embedded the actual year into the name, rather than K6 or K7 or whatever.

Thus we seem to have CB550K'76, CB550K'77  and CB550K'78 .Same thing in CB750K land.

I put some stock in this as it is Honda's own publication.   Reference is page 231.

[TwoTired]

The Honda Shop manual supplements identify a CB550 K0 through K3 mainly with their wiring diagrams.  No mention of a K4.  There really is little point.  It was the last year for the 550.  The differences with the 77 model were the stepped seat, color & trim, and some minor carb jetting.

The F models were F0 in 1975, F1 in 1976, and F2 in 1977.

All the above applies to American Honda models.  Honda did some strange variations for other countries.  Some models weren't available, and others had different configurations based on where sold.