Topic: 1974-75 550

[jontc]

In the next couple of weeks I plan on starting my project.The frame and motor are a 75 550 k1.I guessing on that.I looked at the frame number and motor number,and it looks like that what the model is.Now my other bike/parts are from a 1974 ko.Im using the 75 because it has a title and the 74 is mostly really nice parts in boxes and labeled and buried in a garage.My question is can i make one bike out of the two?Do the parts fit each other?Then bike was last registered in 84.It turns over and shifts fine.The tank side covers seat and the pipes are almost perfect,but from a 1974.I know pics are a must but my uncle needs to move a lot for me to get the bikes out and home.I will take a few when i get the bike and boxes of parts soon.

[jontc]

really... nobody.Was looking for some help here but thanks anyways.

[lostinthe202]

Welcome!

I suggest you start with some searching of the forum.  Probably nobody responded because most routine questions like this have been answered hundreds of times and people get tired of answering them or, like you, they don't know the answer so they can't respond.

Being that both bikes are "K" models, the frames should be identical.  If you're nervous about getting lost among the wiring differences that may exist (I say "may" 'cause I don't really know if there are any differences) then the easiest course of action would be to put everything from your '74 on the '75 frame.

Good luck, and remember that you'll probably find your answer faster by searching then by posting about it.  If you can't find an answer then post away!

Lost-

[geminimotors]

74K and 75K are nearly identical. Maybe some changes to the wiring harness, and the right side handle bar controls, but mechanically the same.

[fastbroshi]

If both the bikes are from those years you shouldn't run into anything significant you can't handle.  The biggest differences you'd probably see with the 550s are in the F and K models, and even then the issues can be worked around and aren't showstoppers.  Good luck with it.

[SohRon]

They're the same; the switch change didn't happen to the K bikes 'til '76, so the wiring harness will most likely be the same, and any other differences are minor. Should be an easy straight-across swap.

[Gman]

Another route to take to check interchangeability is to look at the part #'s and compare them between years.  Same # = same part.   (search 'parts fiche' or similar - you may have to look around to find it, I'm not sure the easiest spot to check - maybe FAQ)  That's often more important for swapping between models, such as between 500's and 550's, but will work for your situation, too.

Good luck!

G

[TwoTired]

The 75K kick stand is in a different position from the 74.
Turn signals larger, mounts are different, I think.
Fuel tank tap different style
Paint is different color, as well as layout scheme.
Maybe the swing arm bushings are different, not certain.

Even the 76 is much the same, frame wise.  Bigger changes for the 77-78 K3 model.  The Fs are different in lots more places except for the engine unit, wheels, and brakes.


Cheers,

[wedoo2]

Patience grasshopper.  These guys know what they are doing.  Got any pictures?  And the kickstand needed to be in a different position.

[RAFster122s]

Eager for an answer but, not very patient. 74 and 75 are very close as indicated... you can build a bike from the two easily enough as has been said.  Carbs changed in 75 or 76, dont recall which.
Once you have the bike and can inventory and photo what ya got then more answers to specifics can be provided.
David

[Teatimetim]

Eager for an answer but, not very patient. 74 and 75 are very close as indicated... you can build a bike from the two easily enough as has been said.  Carbs changed in 75 or 76, dont recall which.
Once you have the bike and can inventory and photo what ya got then more answers to specifics can be provided.
David

74 to 76 have same carbs 022a for the cb550k

[TwoTired]

Eager for an answer but, not very patient. 74 and 75 are very close as indicated... you can build a bike from the two easily enough as has been said.  Carbs changed in 75 or 76, dont recall which.
Once you have the bike and can inventory and photo what ya got then more answers to specifics can be provided.
David

74 to 76 have same carbs 022a for the cb550k

Actually, the 76 K models had 087a carbs.  (Not that I can find a difference between the 022a and the 087a.  But, I've yet to put hands on a set of unmolested 087a carbs. )