Topic: 500 crankcase w/ 550 top end

[RatFink84]

Will a cb500 crank case mate and work with a cb550 top end?

[fantino]

Yes. The only difference in the top end between 500s and 550s is the bore size, and also potentially a minor modification to the rocker shafts in the cam cover. Completely compatible, however.

The 550 bottom end is a better design, however. The transmission and clutch were reworked by Honda in light of some design flaws in the 500... Might be just as well off to find a whole 550 engine if you haven't put a bunch of money or custom work into your 500 bottom end.

[turboguzzi]

Yes. The only difference in the top end between 500s and 550s is the bore size, and also potentially a minor modification to the rocker shafts in the cam cover. Completely compatible, however.

The 550 bottom end is a better design, however. The transmission and clutch were reworked by Honda in light of some design flaws in the 500... Might be just as well off to find a whole 550 engine if you haven't put a bunch of money or custom work into your 500 bottom end.

+1

[number13]

I've been running this configuration
for about 5 years. Works great.

[bryanj]

Some early 500's dont have big enough holes in the case for the barrel spigots but most do