Author Topic: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?  (Read 2581 times)

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Offline briandk

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Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« on: February 01, 2019, 12:58:44 AM »
I've seen a few running 2x2 K&N filters such as these on CB650 and CB750, anyone know if there is a model that will fit 500/550 also?
« Last Edit: February 01, 2019, 01:00:36 AM by briandk »

Offline dave500

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #1 on: February 01, 2019, 01:37:53 AM »
use the stock airbox.

Offline briandk

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #2 on: February 01, 2019, 02:01:20 AM »
use the stock airbox.

Thanks. I know about the benefits of the stock airbox, but if that was the road I wanted to go, I wouldn't ask for pod filters.

Offline Deltarider

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #3 on: February 01, 2019, 02:08:43 AM »
The road much travelled is from stock to pods and then back to stock.  ;D
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Offline briandk

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #4 on: February 01, 2019, 02:18:58 AM »
The road much travelled is from stock to pods and then back to stock.  ;D

Next you're going to tell me I shouldn't mess with the suspension :)

Offline flatlander

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #5 on: February 01, 2019, 03:00:22 AM »
dave and delta are right.
pods 'can' be made to work but it takes a lot of effort to adjust the carbs so they run right, and on a stock engine you don't get any performance benefits. if it's a style thing than it's a different question. many pseudo cafe racers that go for the look just slap on pods, look cool but run crap.
your choice of course, but at least now you know the pros and cons ;)

Offline briandk

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #6 on: February 01, 2019, 03:41:02 AM »
dave and delta are right.
pods 'can' be made to work but it takes a lot of effort to adjust the carbs so they run right, and on a stock engine you don't get any performance benefits. if it's a style thing than it's a different question. many pseudo cafe racers that go for the look just slap on pods, look cool but run crap.
your choice of course, but at least now you know the pros and cons ;)

It's indeed a style thing, the bike is my "play around with" bike. I've rebuild the carbs before and I'm fully expecting to have to work on them again to get it to run right.

So anyone know of any dual K&N model numbers that fit? I prefer the look of those to the single pods.

Offline calj737

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Offline flatlander

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #8 on: February 01, 2019, 03:53:29 AM »
i'm not aware of any dual ones for the 550/500. so it's probably between single pods and the one that cal links to.

Offline Gurp

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #9 on: February 01, 2019, 04:30:21 AM »
Cal that cognito moto intake is a great looking piece. I may end up with one of those myself.
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Offline briandk

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #10 on: February 01, 2019, 04:52:17 AM »
Thanks for the input.

I actually seriously considered the cognito moto breadbox style airbox and might end up going with that. Having their goods shipped to Europe does make it slightly less attractive, I bought a build hub+rim a few years ago for another bike and paid a fortune in taxes, so might have to wait until I go to the US again next time. Last vacation, I had them ship a triple tree to a local UPS shop and had it held there until I could pick it up, worked out great.

Offline slikwilli420

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #11 on: February 01, 2019, 06:46:46 AM »
The road much travelled is from stock to pods and then back to stock.  ;D

Next you're going to tell me I shouldn't mess with the suspension :)

No one here will tell you that. The stock airbox happens to be one of the best options for these bikes. The suspension, on the other hand was crap in the 70's, let alone when compared to the quantum leaps in suspension tech we have had since then. You want to enjoy your bike to is fullest? Run a K&N filter on the stock airbox and make some suspension upgrades like decent shocks and new springs/seals/oil up front. That will make for a more fun bike to ride that is still stone ax reliable.
All you gotta do is do what you gotta do.

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Offline briandk

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #12 on: February 01, 2019, 07:04:00 AM »
The road much travelled is from stock to pods and then back to stock.  ;D

Next you're going to tell me I shouldn't mess with the suspension :)

No one here will tell you that. The stock airbox happens to be one of the best options for these bikes. The suspension, on the other hand was crap in the 70's, let alone when compared to the quantum leaps in suspension tech we have had since then. You want to enjoy your bike to is fullest? Run a K&N filter on the stock airbox and make some suspension upgrades like decent shocks and new springs/seals/oil up front. That will make for a more fun bike to ride that is still stone ax reliable.

I was trying to make a joke, but should probably had said "mess with geometry" instead of suspension. Together with pod filters, change trail/rake seems to be what get people going (and for good reason).

I appreciate the input.



Offline Gurp

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2019, 11:34:43 AM »
The road much travelled is from stock to pods and then back to stock.  ;D

Next you're going to tell me I shouldn't mess with the suspension :)

No one here will tell you that. The stock airbox happens to be one of the best options for these bikes. The suspension, on the other hand was crap in the 70's, let alone when compared to the quantum leaps in suspension tech we have had since then. You want to enjoy your bike to is fullest? Run a K&N filter on the stock airbox and make some suspension upgrades like decent shocks and new springs/seals/oil up front. That will make for a more fun bike to ride that is still stone ax reliable.

I was trying to make a joke, but should probably had said "mess with geometry" instead of suspension. Together with pod filters, change trail/rake seems to be what get people going (and for good reason).

I appreciate the input.

You're not wrong. People get tore up on here about it.
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Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #14 on: February 01, 2019, 11:45:37 AM »
The road much travelled is from stock to pods and then back to stock.  ;D

Next you're going to tell me I shouldn't mess with the suspension :)

No one here will tell you that. The stock airbox happens to be one of the best options for these bikes. The suspension, on the other hand was crap in the 70's, let alone when compared to the quantum leaps in suspension tech we have had since then. You want to enjoy your bike to is fullest? Run a K&N filter on the stock airbox and make some suspension upgrades like decent shocks and new springs/seals/oil up front. That will make for a more fun bike to ride that is still stone ax reliable.

Depends on what kind of messing he would want to do. I've seen plenty of suspension mods cross this page that I would counsel against.
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Offline sixthwisconsin

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #15 on: February 01, 2019, 02:49:36 PM »
Here is an old thread that may interest you.
I think it's quite inventive.

This is from another thread I can't find. If someone knows who they belong to please post the original link.

"cb550 k&n air box
Thanks. Its a K&N RC2580 filter. I fabricated the adapter from 2 inch OD steel tubing and some thin plate.
Filter seems small to flow all 4 carbs but k&n rep did the math and made the recommendation  here:"

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=79958.0












Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #16 on: February 01, 2019, 03:01:25 PM »
 Brian, you might try pming forum moderator, Scott S.  I seem to remember he ran such a set up on one of his bikes.
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Offline Scott S

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #17 on: February 01, 2019, 04:54:28 PM »
 Ran one of those on the STF2 bike. Vintage Jardine 4-1 and a CB650 cam. No re jetting required,  that I remember.
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Offline Tracksnblades1

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #18 on: February 01, 2019, 10:53:04 PM »
+1 Dave and Delta.

Since we're all interested in reinventing the wheel,
Them filter tests results taken above idle speeds 1.5 H20.

https://nicoclub.com/archives/kn-vs-oem-filter.html

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« Last Edit: February 01, 2019, 10:58:43 PM by Tracksnblades1 »
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Offline dave500

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #19 on: February 02, 2019, 01:25:17 AM »
theres also probably less dust making its way under the seat to the stock filter setup anyway?those exposed pod types are in all weather and heaps of airborne grit.

Offline Deltarider

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #20 on: February 02, 2019, 04:49:46 AM »
I intend to do a test with my old airfilter elements and a low pressure differential gauge connected via a tube to the little drain pipe at the bottom of the airchamber. Does any of you know where I can find such a meter (has to have a scale to say minus 30 in H2O) that is not too costly?
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Offline Tracksnblades1

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #21 on: February 02, 2019, 06:17:28 AM »
I intend to do a test with my old airfilter elements and a low pressure differential gauge connected via a tube to the little drain pipe at the bottom of the airchamber. Does any of you know where I can find such a meter (has to have a scale to say minus 30 in H2O) that is not too costly?

Delta,

This is but one manufacturer's offerings across the pond. Indicators over 25"h2o that I've seen in service tend to be mounted on metal air filter housings. You may find this manufacturer has dealers on your side of the pond also. I like the tell tale type indicators for testing or comparisons.
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Offline Deltarider

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Re: Dual K&N filter for CB500/CB550?
« Reply #22 on: February 02, 2019, 06:57:23 AM »
Ha, thanks a lot, Tracks! I'll study it. For a good test I will probably need a gauge like in the third pic, so I'll be able to monitor what's happening whilst accelerating. Thanks!
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