Topic: MINT! cb550f muffler Absolutely no scratches, rust, scuff marks, etc.

[egor]

I recently lucked into an original, mint condition, 1975 cb550f muffler.  Absolutely no scratches, rust, scuff marks, etc.  It still has the nuts to attach it to the bike, exhaust gasket etc.  The only way you can tell that it has been used is if you look inside with a flashlight.  You can see a small amount of exhaust smoke build up.

Bought it from Honda Dealership.  They said it was taken off of a cb550f in 1975 and has been sitting on the shelf in a box since.  So it was used for less than a year. 

I am in the middle of building a cafe racer and thought the muffler would be better for a serious restorer.

I am torn on whether to keep the muffler.  I have a pretty good idea of what its worth.

Should I sell the muffler......and how much do you think I could get.  I would like to put the money back into my bike.

I am interested to hear opinions.

Thanks

[TwoTired]

Put an add in the for sale section and say how much you want for it.  I'm interested.  But, it is not worth it's weight in gold.

If it was run for a year, it will have "some' rust inside it, ...inevitable.  Can't tell how much until it breaks through to the outside.

[SHELLFISH]

I bought a CB550F new in 1976 and had them put a Kerker on it for me. I never picked up the old stock muffler! Still kicking myself for that one! That dealership has changed hands and buildings since 1976. I doubt they would still have it!

[egor]

I also have the one that came with my cb550f when I bought it.  It has a few holes in it and some rattle when shaken.  Still works very well though.  This old one will most likely be placed on eBay in the Spring.  The hole nearest the connection to the headers has been repaired.

[TwoTired]

I don't think egor can post in the "for sale" section.  I think by forum rules he needs a higher post count to post in the for sale section.  So, he's usurping the tech forum.
I'm guessing he's only on this forum to sell stuff and make money.  Which is why the forum rules are as they are, to prevent sellers using the forum as a free advertising outlet.
Probably also why he has not stated a sales price, so he can get some collector to send big money for his "ultra rare" item.  (if the muffler actually exists, at all)

Wouldn't be the first time forum members have lost money to list usurpers.

[egor]

Not sure if I want to sell it or not, so I didnt place it for sale.  I was just trying to get some opinions on the situation. 

Its funny that its a question that it even exists...lol...why the negativity?  Thought this site would be a good reference for opinions.  Thought it would have individuals with the same interests and are wanting to discuss sohc4 bikes in a positive manner.

I was simply excited to share my recent story.  Thought individuals that were interested in sohc4 bikes would like it.

I didnt know their was customary introduction....maybe I should have read more.

[buffalogt750]

  I understood quickly that you weren't sure if you wanted to sell it and wanted opinions on the matter. You should probably just keep it considering the responses you have gotten just asking opinions.

[mystic_1]

Since you're building a cafe racer, I'd sell it for whatever you can get and use any proceeds to fund the rest of your build.

You're probably right that there's someone out there somewhere doing a stock restoration who would appreciate a good muffler.

cheers
mystic_1

[westondc]

welcome to the SOHC4 forum egor. i would suggest posting in the "new member introductions" part of the forum just to let people know your a newbie with an interest in sohc4 bikes. there might have been some confusion as to the intention of your original post. what bike are you going to cafe? a CB550? if so you should start a build thread in the "Project Shop" area of the forum.

[egor]

I attached some pics of the cb550f muffler.  The pictures where taken on an overcast day and it hasnt been cleaned.  It is strait out of the box from the dealership.

I am thinking of keeping it.  Looks nice on the bike for either a cafe or restore.  I have the original headers that came with the bike.  They have been stripped of the chrome and are now painted high temp flat black.

[egor]

One more pic...

[TwoTired]

Yup, looks like a new one.  I bought a couple new from the dealer just before they were discontinued.  That's what they looked like.

[Fritz]

I am thinking of keeping it.  Looks nice on the bike for either a cafe or restore.

Great find and a wise decision. I really like this muffler and its so old school that it will look great on a cafe racer.

I've got a 550 F with this muffler that is quite scratchy and has two holes rusted through at the very end. I would really jump in triangles (German saying) if i could get one in mint condition.

Post pics when it's on your cafe

Cheers
Carsten

[shizzomynizzo]

I'd say keep it! you probably wont come across too many more, if any. Plus it will be perfect on a cafe!

[ironbutter]

You know what the problem with those pipes? Now you gotta make the rest of the bike look as nice as those babies. Great find....

[TwoTired]

Those stock F mufflers are usually too quiet for the cafe set.  That's part of the reason they were take offs when new.  I don't know of ANY replacement mufflers that are as quiet (or heavy) as the original type.

[egor]

Not much is offered/available for cb550f bikes as far as mufflers or exhaust systems.  Much more is available for the cb750 bikes.  MAC is what most go with because of the price and availablility.  I have been looking for quite some time, just about everywhere.  Know the original will be quieter but I would rather have the original than a MAC.  I heard alot of negative about the MAC type exhaust.

[TwoTired]

I heard alot of negative about the MAC type exhaust.

They ARE the cheapest replacement available, which I think has what made them popular.  It's ok for the money.  I had one on a 550 for a while and it worked ok.  No performance gain, of course.  It was louder than I like, mostly in consideration of other people.  The sound I felt was "infectious" for the rider, though.  The more RPM, the better it sounded, encouraging more throttle twist/speed.  I worried it was just a matter of time before recognition by police.  So, I sold the bike.  It ran well and lasted more than a few years.  It was flat black, not chrome.  The guy I sold it to, liked 4 mufflers better than just one and traded it for a stock 77-78 4 into 4 system.

It's a matter of taste, I guess.  I prefer the quietness of the stocker.  There have been those on this forum that simply cut the ends off the stock F muffler to get the noise they like.  Glad they don't live near me.  I don't think they have any right to run them that loud on the street. IMO

[Stev-o]

I would be willing to pay $150 but I'm sure you want much more [but that is all it is worth to me]