Author Topic: CB 550 ID questions  (Read 2340 times)

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Offline GEO

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CB 550 ID questions
« on: July 11, 2010, 04:55:11 PM »
My bike, I believe, is a '77 CB 550 F Super Sport as per the frame tag and fuel tank (it says Super Sport). However I located the orig. owners manual (with notes for oil changes, tune ups, valve adjustments and tire changes) it says '78 CB 550 K.
The registration states 550 F
The engine says 550 E ( I was told the "E" designated engine) and the frame and engine numbers are not the same, is this correct?
The numbers on the carbs say 069A.
The reason for me to bring this post up is because I'm looking to purchase a carb rebuild kit and want make sure I get the correct kit.
I'm wondering about the owners manual because it says '78 CB 550 K on the cover, there are old registrations stating 1977 stapled on the inside and the frame says 1977 CB 550 F. Is there something wrong here? Whats the difference between the F & K CB's?
Any suggestions as far carb rebuild kits go?
Thanks George

Offline Accolay

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #1 on: July 11, 2010, 05:13:42 PM »
If the frame serial number and the VIN tag on it match, then I'd say that's what it is.

Sounds like you just have the K manual.
1977 CB550F

Offline Queeg

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #2 on: July 11, 2010, 05:27:36 PM »
welcome to my hell.
 i read somewhere that in 76/77 they were changing a few things on the CB 550`s
so they crossed some k parts with f parts.  i have 2 76's  and they have diffrent parts from each other. one was made in 7/75 and one in 9/75
it is a f, almost positive if it is a super sport. 
most of the things i have found are just simple little things little things.
none of which are motor related.
guess who?

Offline cameron

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #3 on: July 11, 2010, 06:16:14 PM »
Pics?

1976 CB550F

Offline GEO

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #4 on: July 11, 2010, 06:22:41 PM »
Im trying post some as soon as I get figured out.

Offline OldSchool_IsCool

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #5 on: July 11, 2010, 06:25:47 PM »
Im trying post some as soon as I get figured out.

You can use the "Additional Options..." link below if you have a picture on your hard drive to upload.  If the pic is in say photobucket.com or some other photo sharing site, you can goto that site and get the IMG link and paste it into you post.
Can I have a motorcycle when I get old enough?
If you take care of it.
What do you have to do?
Lot’s of things. You’ve been watching me.
Will you show me all of them?
Sure.
Is it hard?
Not if you have the right attitudes. It’s having the right attitudes that’s hard.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #6 on: July 11, 2010, 06:26:57 PM »
Most likely it is an F. Does it have the 4 into 1 supersport exhaust?
The frame and engine numbers will not match exactly [unlike autos].
Some K models also have the sidestand a lot more forward than "normal".

Do you just get it?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Stev-o

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #7 on: July 11, 2010, 06:30:03 PM »
To post photos:

1. Get an acct at www.photobucket.com

2. Click here>>> http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=70243.0
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline GEO

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #8 on: July 11, 2010, 06:46:10 PM »

Here are some picts, hopefully.

Offline GEO

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #9 on: July 11, 2010, 07:00:57 PM »

I got it, yess finally! Thanks for the help.

Offline Accolay

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #10 on: July 11, 2010, 07:40:19 PM »
In the first picture it looks like the back of a vw bus without the bumper  ;)

Oh the bike! Yeah. F model sidecovers and tank in the '77 Candy Presto Red and with gold tank stripe. The 069A carbs (which I just learned from a search) are standard for the F model.

The search also tells me, regrettably, that the 022A carbs that I have for my '77 550F are actually standard K models. You learn something every day huh? But for you, not to worry. I did install the 069A carb gasket kits for the '77 Honda on my 022A carbs and they are just fine, so it seems they are interchangeable: apparently the bodies are the same, the stamped number refers to the internal set up of jets and so forth.

Check this conversation: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=66014.0

There is also a chart in the carb FAQ for specifications. Looks like I have some work to do.
« Last Edit: July 11, 2010, 07:44:42 PM by Accolay »
1977 CB550F

Offline GEO

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #11 on: July 11, 2010, 08:15:35 PM »
Accolay thanks!!!
Your right the 1st pict has my "fat chick" a '69 Bay. You answered my quest. Can you tell me where you ordered your carb rebuild kit from? Would you do anything different? I was going to pay a guy to rebuild/synch my carbs, put those "Pod" airfilters on and tune my bike, I was thinking maybe I can clean and rebuild my own carbs and save some coin.
Thanks again

Offline Accolay

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #12 on: July 11, 2010, 09:35:31 PM »
Funny that my next project is a '72 Bay, sitting in storage...

Totally absolutely doable by yourself as long as you are methodical and meticulous in your organization. Unless you've got the bread to have someone do it for you, I wouldn't. It doesn't even take that long.

I used the Yamaha carb cleaner, dissembled completely, used coffee cans to dip, kept all the parts together from each carb in a separate cheapo sandwich baggie and took a volume of pictures at each part of the process. Like this: take out screw *snap picture* take off cover *take picture* and so on, so forth. I ordered the gasket kits from Honda which are going to run 40-50 bucks. I used all the other old parts except I got new screws from Honda.

A carb synchronizer will range from about $50 to a bit over $100. Heck, the Morgan carbtune is only about 80 dollars shipped from the UK, or a four gauge on Ebay for about $60 with free shipping. The long hollow carb tool is very handy and can be bought online quite cheaply too, and then there's the float level gauge. I guess the sky's the limit eh?

You'll end up with this. Don't be frightened! It looks like a mess, but left to right is carb 1-4 with each's bits.

« Last Edit: July 12, 2010, 10:20:58 PM by Accolay »
1977 CB550F

Offline Accolay

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #13 on: July 11, 2010, 09:37:28 PM »
One last thing: Maybe rethink the Pod idea. Search for why and arguments for/against.
1977 CB550F

Offline Stev-o

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #14 on: July 12, 2010, 07:19:25 PM »
If the only reason you want pods is 'cuz they "look cool", don't do it!
You will just have a harder time tuning it.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline GEO

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #15 on: July 14, 2010, 03:56:04 PM »
Roger that.
I've been reading about "Pods", I'm guilty of wanting them for their koolnes, however after reading about them it seems more of a potential headache. Another reason for wanting them is because my  "Air Box" Boots are shot and having trouble locating a set of 4.

Offline Accolay

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #16 on: July 14, 2010, 09:35:56 PM »
I would have to recommend David Silver Spares for those boots. For me, they were reasonably priced with shipping, and they had a quick turn around time.

http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/

If you really still want the other air filters on there: I would get it to run really good first in stock condition- get all the tuning down, and replace all the necessary maintenance things. Then I would venture off toward the pod route. TT has a write up in the FAQ about how to go about it too.
« Last Edit: July 14, 2010, 09:39:33 PM by Accolay »
1977 CB550F

Offline Gordon

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #17 on: July 14, 2010, 09:39:47 PM »
I would have to recommend David Silver Spares. They were reasonably priced with shipping, and they had a quick turn around time.


+1

http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/CB550F-SUPER-SPORT-1977-USA/part_70095/

Unfortunately they're temporarily out of stock, but keep an eye out. 

Offline Accolay

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #18 on: July 14, 2010, 09:41:51 PM »
Quote
Unfortunately they're temporarily out of stock, but keep an eye out.

Yeah, send 'em an email. They're good for it.
1977 CB550F

Offline crazypj

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Re: CB 550 ID questions
« Reply #19 on: July 14, 2010, 10:29:00 PM »
That's an F2 tank and generator cover so its a 'late' 77
 Close up of carbs?

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