Topic: 550F's exhaust for my 550k

[simeonov]

Sorry if I piss anyone off for possibly resurrecting an old topic but I have a '76 550K w/ 4 into 4 and am able to get 550F 4 into 2 headers and mufflers.  Will I have any issues if I plan for a direct bolt on?

Thanks

[Gordon]

Depending on how they're angled in the back you may have to fab some kind of brace for the mufflers if they don't line up perfectly with the stock muffler brackets, but if they came off a 550F they'll fit your 550K. 

[Fritz]

Hi!

The 550F has a different break lever and I think that the foot pegs are also different in shape making more room for the stock 4-1 header.

Chances are that the (aftermarket) 4-2 headers might not fit on a 550K.

[Tretnine]

It'll be close, but there might not be a cigar in it.

[simeonov]

I've attached a picture of the exhaust and the included brackets.  Does this make a better case for my bike?

A description from the seller:

"This is a New Old Stock 4 into 2 system we just found in our warehouse. It was made in the late 70's and has sat ever since. On the parts tag in the box it does not have a year that this will fit, but knowing it was made in the late 70's I am going to guess it was made for the mid to late 70's CB500 & CB550's."

[Gordon]

I could be wrong, but I've never heard of an after market 4-2 system for the 550 that was designed specifically to only work for the "F" model and that won't fit a 550K.  Unless they guy selling it has something with the pipes that states it's meant only for a 550F, then I think you're fine. 

Chances are it was made to be able to fit any of the 500 and 550 models, since that would have provided the largest market for the manufacturer. 

[simeonov]

damnit, i just noticed on his ad that it says "Part #bw-cb550fexhaust ."  I've been looking for stock looking pipes for a while now and aside from the 4 into 4 these are my favorite.  What kind of work do you think will go into making these apply to a 550K.

[RAFster122s]

Mac still makes a 4 in 2 mufflers so it might be a Mac Performance kit.
Or any number of others...

I need an exhaust for my '74 CB550K0 if it fits and you don't like it let me know.

David

[Gordon]

damnit, i just noticed on his ad that it says "Part #bw-cb550fexhaust ."  I've been looking for stock looking pipes for a while now and aside from the 4 into 4 these are my favorite.  What kind of work do you think will go into making these apply to a 550K.

I'm pretty sure that's just the seller's own part number and not a manufacturer's part number.  Many people don't know that not all CB550's were "F" models.  They assume incorrectly that the "F" stands for "Four" and that all CB550's were F's, so they add the F when it doesn't really belong.   

[Fritz]

Many people don't know that not all CB550's were "F" models.  They assume incorrectly that the "F" stands for "Four" and that all CB550's were F's, so they add the F when it doesn't really belong.

You are so right. I've got two air filters here that fit in a 550 K while I have a 550 F. They both have been advertised as being for the F model *sigh*

[simeonov]

I'm pretty sure that's just the seller's own part number and not a manufacturer's part number.  Many people don't know that not all CB550's were "F" models.  They assume incorrectly that the "F" stands for "Four" and that all CB550's were F's, so they add the F when it doesn't really belong.   

I never thought of that but it is a very valid point.  I guess if they don't fit I might have some sort of fabrication ahead of me or maybe someone on these forums would like them.

[TwoTired]

I've attached a picture of the exhaust and the included brackets.  Does this make a better case for my bike?

Yes.  I would think so.  You will still have to make a bump stop for the centerstand, as I can't see any provision for one.
The only risk is that if they WERE made specifically for an F model.  They may take advantage of the extra room available between the brake pedal and the frame that the F model has.  This would make it difficult to route past the K model brake lever.  I've never heard of that though.  Most makers just made them fit the K model and assumed the F model was close enough that installers would work out clearance issues.
I've never seen that type of 4 into 3 before.  So, I could certainly be wrong.
If you did get them and they don't fit, I expect there are plenty of F model owners willing to buy them from you, as the F model muffler is pretty much unobtainium. ( sniff)

[Fritz]

as the F model muffler is pretty much unobtainium. ( sniff)