Topic: CB550 air box differences

[Scott S]

 I found a local fellow who is making some changes to his '75 CB550 and worked out a deal for his air box, boots and a Uni-filter (as well as a NICE seat to replace the Corbin Gentry on my '77, but that's for another thread).

 I wanted to replace the paper filter with the Uni and maybe swap out the busted #1 air box to carb boot, but when I got it all home I noticed that the boots are different. The boot on the '77 seems longer than the one from the '75, which appears to be the same as on my CB500.



 Are the '77-ish boots available?

Also, when swapping out the filter, I noticed that the "breather" or element that goes in the bottom of the airbox is different. The one in the '77 had a short pipe on it, the '75 a longer pipe. I just put the element with the longer pipe in the later air box so I coud run the Uni filter. The stock paper filter would not have worked with the longer pipe. I don't guess there's an issue with doing this, huh?

[Scott S]

 Also, the '75 tool tray has a screen over the inlet. I'm running a tool tray on my '71 (which I don't think even came with a tray, originally), but was wondering if there's any benefit or hindrance to swapping it out to the screened tray?

[Scott S]

 The tray wouldn't work in the '77 (without mods) because of the vent tube from the gas tank. It has the snorkel type top. Should I keep the snorkel in place as Honda intended, or is there anything to gain by removing it?

[Scott S]

 One last pic of the '75 air box. The intake plenum appears to be the same as on my '71, but the air cleaner housing has a couple of vents/drain tubes that the '71 does not.

[Danno]

that airbox tube will still work you are right they are slightly different you may have to rotate it a bit to get the best fit and there is no benifit to using the tool tray other than a place to put your tools on some rigs it actually restricts the air flow a bit that type of filter element wil probably require you turning the air screws on each carb in clockwise a half turn

[Danno]

the two on the right and the bottom usually have caps over them the one on the left with the elbow usually goes to the vent pipe coming from the valve cover on the top of the motor

[Scott S]

 I'll have to check the '77 and see how that's all routed.

 What about the boot differences? I can't find a part # to cross reference it with other models.

[TwoTired]

The 77-78 PD carbs have a different overall length than the carbs used by other Cb500/550s.  As a result both front and rear carb couplers are different length and not really interchangeable.  The PD carbs also have a different bore spacing (by about .5 MM), and I'm not sure the air plenums don't also have holes offset from each other, early and late.  I've not measured them side by side.
Probably can force the mismatched parts, if your intent is strong.

The air horn and the inlet opening in the tool tray supply plenty of air for stock motors.  If anything, the air horn is a bit bigger.
My 72 Cb500 also has the tool tray,  I don't know about the 71.  But, I assumed it did.  I know of no other place for the tool kit on the CB500.

If the bike was originally supplied with an air horn over the air filter, (75-77 F models and 77-78 K models), then the tool kit fit at the rear of the seat, in the seat.

Cheers,

[Scott S]

 Two Tired, am I stuck looking for used '77-78 couplers? Are there any from another model that interchange? There isn't even a part # listed on MotoGrid for me to use for cross reference.

[dave500]

the first 550s were the same frame and carbs as the 500s,a few subtle differences then occurred as the models improved/evolved,david silvers has a lot of those rubbers,my 500 has the "strainer"over the intake,that one you show is just MIA i think?

[Scott S]

 DSS doesn't list the couplers for a '77. I have a couple of sets of the early style. They're just too short.

[dave500]

if you can find one get all four!as a temp repair a bit of old inner tube with glue might hold out for local riding?maybe the sun shone on that one for too long in one spot and it perished?

[Tom in Newcastle......Ontario]

http://www.classicmotorcyclesolution.com/index.php?news&nid=4

http://www.classicmotorcyclesolution.com/index.php?supermode=gallery_view&previewm=1&a=air_box&image=100430112147_cb550k-1_1_.jpg&screenres=1440-900


These were posted on the forum a long time ago ,did any one ever get some or try them...........

[Tintop]

Scott S - Those are what I used to start designing my foam filter kit.  I still have them & am not going to be using them.  PM me.

[Scott S]

 Tintop, PM sent. Thanks!

[dave500]

scott,,silvers dosent list all the stuff that will fit any bike,,if you can find the part number enter it in the search by part number and itll probably come up,,or at least say no longer made or similar.

[Scott S]

 Right, but I can't find the part #. I checked Motogrid and they show the boots as part of the plenum. There is no individual part # listed for  them. I was going to cross reference it and see if they were used on another model. If you can find a part #, please let me know.

[bryanj]

There is no number for just the rubbers they never were available seperately and the complete chamber for the 77/78 is discontinued so not available.
In one of the posts above is a link to someone producing aftermarket ones DS sells ONLY the 500/EARLY550 ones