Topic: ** HELP** Swapping everything from a 1972 cb500 four into a 1975 cb550 frame????

[Spencer111]

I’m new to the forum and new to vintage Honda motorcycles! I found a 1972 cb500 four cylinder (without a title), and I also found a 1975 cb550 frame.  and I’d like to know if I’m able to take everything off the cb500 frame and swap it to the cb550 frame. Plz help because this could save me a ton of money so I can do a proper cafe racer build!!!

[Spencer111]

 :)Gees that was fast!! Awesome thanks! So do you know if everything else will fit such as, forks, swingarm etc...? Pretty much asking if it will be a direct swap other than the clutch cable lol

[dave500]

youll have to change the actual clutch cable not just re route it,they have have a different free length and cable outer etc,you can use the 550 rear engine/clutch cable mount itll just have an unused cable perch.

[bryanj]

Everything fits, but keep a note of what you use where as some internal parts are different like fork internals.

[Bankerdanny]

I know you already have the 500 engine, but as someone with a spare titled 550 frame myself (and 2 550 engines and another 550 frame without a title) I wouldn't go to all the trouble of doing a complete swap of the less powerful 500, I would go the other direction and find a 650 (which is what I will probably do at some point). It also bolts into the 550 frame and is almost as powerful as a 750 while weighing less.