Topic: Introduction, and an exhaust question!

[vrenlos]

Hello everyone,
Towards the end of last week I picked up a 75 CB550K1 with a mere 3600 miles on it - the tank is a little beat up but rust-wise she looks pretty good.  I can already say that with only a few days' worth of reading you've already offered up more help than you can imagine, and thanks in advance for any more.

The previous owner of the bike had put some relatively short straight pipes (shown below) onto the bike, but also included the stock exhaust which just needs a polishing up.  Without the small baffles in the pipes, it was pretty obnoxiously loud, and with the baffles it's at a loud but manageable level.  I'm wondering what you all think as far as keeping the straight pipes, or throwing the original 4-4 system back on?

[dave500]

its a clean looking bike,if you can afford new or real good 4-4,and want to keep it stock they would set the bike off great,or maybe a decent quieter (and cheaper) 4-2 or 4-1.

[Gordon]

Since you already have the stock pipes, I say put them back on.  On an otherwise stock bike, the pipes that are on it now just look wrong, IMO.  I'd be worried about cornering clearance with those, too.  

[vrenlos]

Thanks for the input - I agree that those pipes just don't look right either.  I hit one of the 4 stock pipes with some CLR and it took off most of the crap, probably a little chrome polish and they'll look pretty great.  I guess I'll start calling around for exhaust gaskets...

[MoMo]

Thanks for the input - I agree that those pipes just don't look right either.  I hit one of the 4 stock pipes with some CLR and it took off most of the crap, probably a little chrome polish and they'll look pretty great.  I guess I'll start calling around for exhaust gaskets...

A good decision as those pipes look totally out of place on that bike, and your neighbors will be happier ...Larry

[Radam]

I just talked to my local Honda shop and they have the gaskets in stock. I was shocked.