Topic: Finally...! A CB550 Four!

[Dr. Frankenstein]

I've been searching for a CB550F for quite a while, after reading all about the improved engine performance and clutch over the CB500F, and FINALLY found one! This popped up on FB Marketplace a few days ago and only set me back two Franklins...one thing that made my eyes pop though was the odometer: 99503! I mean, Holy Mileage, Batman! Could that be right?? The guy had it advertised as an '84 CB554' which I don't think exists - or if it does it doesn't have those lines that a classic 550 does - but I know a 70's 550 Four when I see one, and I was right...it's a '73 with what I think is a pretty low serial number. Had to exert some effort getting it into - and especially OUT of - the truck; I had some help loading it but had to download it myself - not particularly fun with a super-tight rusty chain, which I cut off and it rolled a lot better - but finally got it into the garage. Yes, it has a healthy 'patina' on it  but it's pretty much all there except for the center stand, filter, side covers and the air box (which I already have)...but NINETY-NINE THOUSAND miles on it?? Can that be right...? Anyway - enjoy some motorcycle porn...the plan is to tear her down completely like I just did with my CB500 and go through everything to see what's what - probably in the spring, the garage gets too cold in the winter.     

[Gurp]

That tank is beautiful for my style and my favorite color.
Honestly compared to the stuff I see my way that's a wonderful project!

Sent from my LE2127 using Tapatalk

[Kelly E]

Your bike is a 74' CB 550 K0, I have a 74' CB 550 K0 with a 6/73' production date with the serial number of 1000449. In the US 74' was the first year of the 550.
Yours looks better than what we started with. My motor was on the floor with the top end off.
It turned out okay but took a while.

[bryanj]

Thats actually a CB550 K1 i think which is a 500 with a 550 motor and RH rear engine mount plate.
All the 500 parts will fit.
Even the tank is the same with a different paint job!

At least it has the sensible carbs not the K3 PD type

[jlh3rd]

you have a 1974 CB 550   (cb550KO) Freedom green metallic. U.S.
The build date is 10/73, build date does not designate a model year. There is no 1973 550.

[Kelly E]

you have a 1974 CB 550   (cb550KO) Freedom green metallic. U.S.
The build date is 10/73, build date does not designate a model year. There is no 1973 550.

My K0 was originally Boss Maroon. I still have one of the busted side covers. My buddy picked it up for me when I was on vacation. I was surprised by the low serial number. Mine has differences from the DR's like the non-locking gas cap. Because of the low serial number I didn't alter or cut anything off the frame. The only thing I cut was the seat pan, but it still opens on the original hinges and the seat lock still works.

The DR has a great start to resurrect, it should be fun.

[jlh3rd]

yep. The non-locking gas cap was an original factory part. The story goes that it seems in a collision as the rider gets catapulted forward, parts of his body could contact the push tab thus opening the cap. So I further understand that whenever a bike came into a shop, the cap was changed out with the superceded new locking cap......something like that....

it's a good find.

um...are you looking for a maroon side cover?

[bryanj]

The "lock" was a 400 four part and was the replacement for the catch, the cap stayed the same.
You can now no longer buy the original catch from Honda only the "superceeded" part number of lock which any key fits