Topic: Anyone know the actual Product number from the K&N site for the proper pods?

[robert550]

I think I'm going with the K&N filters for my 550. K&N has a wide variety of sizes on their site so I thought I'd check if anyone knew the product number to get the exact right pods. Thanks for the help!
Rob

[edbikerii]

They differ for different years.  The 1977-78 have different choke lever, frame and side-covers than earlier 550s.  I don't know any of the K&N pod part numbers, as I used Emgo pods.  You might have a look at the threads in my sig for more information that might be helpful.

I think I'm going with the K&N filters for my 550. K&N has a wide variety of sizes on their site so I thought I'd check if anyone knew the product number to get the exact right pods. Thanks for the help!
Rob

[robert550]

Thanks- my bike is a 1975. The dumb thing about my reasoning is that I actually just like the look of the K&N and the red color even though I know there are some cheaper alternatives. I might come to my senses though and save a bunch of money buying the emgo or another that is less expensive.

[edbikerii]

Some swear by the K&N claiming that they filter better than the Emgos.  I don't know.  I have the Emgos.  Even if you're just going for the look, you will still have to re-jet.

Some swear off the pods altogether, citing that the airbox is a well-engineered piece of equipment that improves driveability.  There is no doubt about that.  Even when my bike was fully dialed in and jetted properly (again, see the links in my sig) for spring, summer and fall riding, it is still a biotch to start up when it is 20F outside.  With the airbox, all I had to do was pull the choke, and she'd start right up with the first crank of the starter.  Now it takes some significant effort with throttle and choke to finally get her running in the winter.   She's fine once warmed up, though.

All told, I'd do the pods again, especially now that I've practiced the re-jetting so much that I can do it in 15 minutes and without pulling the carbs off the bike.

Thanks- my bike is a 1975. The dumb thing about my reasoning is that I actually just like the look of the K&N and the red color even though I know there are some cheaper alternatives. I might come to my senses though and save a bunch of money buying the emgo or another that is less expensive.

[robert550]

I'll have to figure out my options- I've heard those arguments about K&N as well as arguments against pod filters in general but I didn't know about the cold starting, so that is another thing to consider given that I live in Chicago and more times than not it is cold. I wanted to have a project to keep my mind off of buying a new bike and I like the cafe look. As I add up the cost of doing a really good cafe version I start to thin about just using that money to buy more bikes! thanks for the advice. I'll be deciding pretty soon about what to do- might just do my cafe seat and some new bars but hold off on the podding and rejetting.

[edbikerii]

If you are doing a cafe seat, the airbox might get in the way.  On the 77-78 (what I know), the airbox cover comes up and the intake scoops air from the side over the frame rail and under the seat.  Just another reason why I initially went to pod filters.  Eventually I tired of the very uncomfortable seating position and clip-ons, and I returned to the stock seat and Euro bars.  In stock form, the CB550 is one of the most comfortable bikes I've ever ridden.  I kept the pods, though, as I really like the look and I enjoy the boost in performance.

Also, I can't speak for all pod filter users.  I only know that MY bike is harder to start in the winter with my pods, exhaust and jetting.  While it runs beautifully under all other conditions, it is certainly possible that cold starting is a tuning issue on my part.  It would be helpful to hear from others on what their experience has been with pods and cold starts on cold days.

I also remember back when I was a kid and had my 1970 Mustang, it had an open air cleaner, too.  It didn't have trouble getting it to start, but it took forever (maybe 5 minutes) to warm up and run reliably.  Again, in my opinion, it was worth it to have the additional performance from the less restrictive air cleaner.