Topic: 550 Fork Tube Swap

[FE Knucklebuster]

I'm putting back together a '74 550 and I like the look of the '78 550 forks (no gaiters - just dust seals).  Can I simply replace the gaiters with the dust seals on my existing fork or does it require different lower cases and ears?

[OldSchool_IsCool]

You can get caps that fit the older lowers for about 15 bux. Search this site for my thread on 750 fork changes or on 750 fork graft. I'd search for you but I'm on a cell phone at the moment.

[FE Knucklebuster]

Thanks - wasn't able to get anything in the search.

Would the uppers seals work using the ears from a 77-78 on my 74 fork?

[Flying J]

When i was rebuilding the forks on my 77F i compared them to a spare fork from my 76K and they looked the same so i dont see why you couldnt just slap on a pair of the caps. Thats what im planing to do.

[Kevin400F]

I think you may find that the '74 550 fork tubes are not chrome plated in the area under the OEM fork ears.

Kevin in Texas

[Flying J]

I think you may find that the '74 550 fork tubes are not chrome plated in the area under the OEM fork ears.

Kevin in Texas

Thats pretty much a guarantee. I swapped mine out for a set off my 750F because they were so rusty. Now i have nice stiff springs. But i dont think hes worried about behind the light ears, just under boots.

[fastbroshi]

  So that's why everyone's forks are so rusty under there?  I figured it was because the moisture had gotten trapped under the ears for so long.  Though I find it hard to believe Honda would go to the trouble to dip the tubes in partially and not just submerge them while chroming. 

[FE Knucklebuster]

Looks like I may need to get the 77-79 forks because of the rust issue under the boots.

Correct me if I'm wrong - the diameter is the same on these forks (35mm) 74 CB550 and a 77-79 CB750.

The length of the 750K is longer and the the 750F is even longer.

So here's my question. Can I simply swap out a set of 77-79 CB750 forks into my 74 CB550 using the existing fork clamps and triple tree?

[Flying J]

the rust issue is not under the boots. it is under the fork ears where the headlight mounts

[OldSchool_IsCool]

I put 750 forks on my 550K4.  I had to use the disk, caliper and fender too as the lowers are different.

[Flying J]

i just swapped the 750F for tubes only. kept the 550 lowers.