Topic: 1977 CB550 and 1974 CB550F Interchangeability?

[ThatSaraGirl]

Recently acquired a 1974 CB550F in pretty rough shape. Previous two owner(s) meant to "cafe racer" it but only succeeded in removing parts, painting the fuel tank plain black, then denting the heck out of it.

Would like to purchase a new fuel tank and side panels but that is more of a challenge than expected. Found a not-running, overpriced but negotiable, 1977 Honda CB550 on CL and am wondering if parts- specifically the fuel tank- would fit the 1974.

New to everything motorcycle related but am looking forward to learning and am appreciative of any and all information and opinions. Thank you!

[calj737]

The tank will fit, but, you may encounter issues with the tank/seat depending upon what seat is on the bike. I think your F is a 75 or later. 74 only had K models. Look at the right side of the frame at the steering neck. The production date and serial number of the frame is there. It won't match the motor as this was never the case from the factory. The VIN tag also should match the left side of the neck where the VIN is engraved.

[flatlander]

side panels of the K and F are different.

you can download a partslist here: http://honda4fun.com/materiale-documentazione-tecnica/parts-list/parts-list-cb550
comparing parts numbers between different models, you can check if they're the same or different.

[sinister902]

77-78 cb550k tanks are the same shape as 75+ supersport cb550f. the sidecovers won't fit, however....those are cb550f specific. frankenstuff (he's a member here) makes high quality re-pop replicas of the stock sidecovers.

[jonda500]

The sidecovers are different, but will actually fit straight on as the 77-78K mounting points are the same as the F has.
John

[Stev-o]

77-78 cb550k tanks are the same shape as 75+ supersport cb550f.

Correct, only difference is the location of the petcock.

Many [newbs] confuse a CB550 Four [K model] with a CB550F.

Here is my '76 550F Supersport, note the "triangular" shape of the side covers, that is normally a giveaway of an F model.


 

[Bankerdanny]

Welcome.

I'm pretty sure the 550F didn't start until 1975. Pictures of your bike will help us help you. You are restricted from posting photos until you have 3 or 4 posts I think. You can however post them via a service like Photobucket. Or you can just add a few short replies to this topic to get above the minimum and then add pictures directly to your post.

The '77 550K uses different carburetors than the 75-77 550F, but as others have mentioned the tank and seat are a direct swap as is the gauge setup. The '76 and earlier 550K's use the same basic gauge, but the warning lights are different and the ignition switch is under the tank on the left rather than in the dash between the gauges. Starting in 1977 both versions used the same gauge/warning light/ignition switch setup.

[BomberMann650]

Is there a sticky thread with parts differences / cross-compatibility?

That would be a good thing to have.

[Duanob]

Yep we need to see a pic to see what model you have. I've had both K and F models and it is surprising how many little differences there are. Enough to be a huge PITA when you buy parts from EBAY and find out they don't fit your model.

Here is a guide to what years and models and even which colors they came in for a particular year.

http://www.motorera.com/honda/

The model number off the head tube tag will help as well.

These bikes are getting harder and harder to find in good complete shape anymore. It's always a sad story when some inexperienced person tries to cafe one and botches the whole thing. Prices on parts are going through the roof compared to the first time I restored a 70's SOHC4 honda. Not sure if I will restore another one or not since the price of the bikes hasn't gone up much. It will have to be a hell of a deal on a complete bike! 

[Stev-o]

Yep we need to see a pic to see what model you have.

Where is that Sara girl?!

[flybox1]

Yep we need to see a pic to see what model you have.

Where is that Sara girl?!

Duanob is in W Seattle.  Im near S. Everett. 
Plenty of other guys here in the Puget Sound, too.
Reach out if you need something.

PNW page - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,158360.0.html

[BomberMann650]

Yep we need to see a pic to see what model you have.

Where is that Sara girl?!

Duanob is in W Seattle.  Im near S. Everett. 
Plenty of other guys here in the Puget Sound, too.
Reach out if you need something.

PNW page - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,158360.0.html

Aw damn why havent I been lurking the nor'westers sub forum?! 

South Puget Sound represent!