Topic: '75 cb550F Carb HELP!

[speedy_the_drummer]

I'm about to rebuild my carbs on my '75 cb550F. After talking to a mechanic and doing some research I've found out they don't make rebuild kits for the 'F' model.

I was told "The 550F uses a bit "hotter" jetting than the K. The Gaskets will match right up, but the jetting will be different."

So I guess I'll just buy the kits for the 'K' model, but what am I to do about the jets? They may be fine with some cleaning, but I won't know til I open them up...

Here's a pic of the engine and carbs in their current state.

[TwoTired]

F model kits will have 069a stamped on them.  But, without the stock air filter and exhaust, stock jetting is not required or recommended.  Just use the K model kit for 022a carbs. jets and settings.  You may still have to futz with the settings/sizes after you decide what air filter and exhaust you settle upon.

[Tretnine]

Agreed, you're going to need some sort of air filter on there, jetting is moot until you know what you're going to be using. The jets, usually, clean up pretty well. Go to the auto parts store and get yourself a big paint can looking thing of carb cleaner and break them down and put them in. You should be able to save most, if not all of your jets. Your rubber is probably shot, though.

[speedy_the_drummer]

Thanks! I'll break them down and soak them.

What kind of air-filters are recommended?

[motorhead55]

I got Oring and gasket sets from Honda. No jets were included. I have a '76 550F
Just a question....Where was that poor thing stored?

[shizzomynizzo]

It appears the bike in the picture is a K. Says so right on the sidecover 

[Tretnine]

Thanks! I'll break them down and soak them.

What kind of air-filters are recommended?

Unless you like complex problems, stock air filter setups are recommended. There are all sorts of odd complexities with pressure and airflow if you change it and then you need to do all sorts of jetting. Stock is best.

[TwoTired]

Thanks! I'll break them down and soak them.

What kind of air-filters are recommended?

The stock air induction/filter box is probably the most predictable for a street performance bike.  For economy, I've found that the UNI NU-4055 works quite well.

It may be the cheapest solution, if you have the air box, etc., or if you know of a bike modifier that is tossing the stock set up because of how it looks.

[TwoTired]

It appears the bike in the picture is a K. Says so right on the sidecover 

...except that those are 77 or 78 K side covers which will fit on an F bike Frame.  The carbs are NOT PDs which a 77-78K bike would have.  The chain guard was once chrome and those only came stock on the F model bikes.  K bikes had black plastic chain guards.

Probably is an F model, or was in a better times.

[speedy_the_drummer]

I found it in a local motorcycle junkyard.

It is defiantly 'F'

The tank/seat/side cover were all off other bikes. I plan on painting the tank, using just the seat pan for a new seat, and selling the emblem and using just the one cover and finding one for the other side.