Topic: OK, almost done. Need some input!

[HondaMan]

As far as I know the CB450Ks originally did not have the slanted version friction disks. Not that it matters much: they're interchangable. IIRC the slanted ones were first introduced on later CB500s. Partnumber went from 22201-323-000 to 22201-323-010.

Yep, that's how it went: the last 3 digits of the plate number changed when ordering the 'normal' plates, but were later substituted to a common part number for all the bikes that used them. Honda always "fixed" immediate problems like that, and then later consolidated their part numbers for the same part in multiple bikes by changing the middle number to something along the lines of "-MG8-" or similar.

[bryanj]

You dont rerivet the clutch basket after replacing dampers, you tap the holes and use countersunk allen screws locktighted in.
The primary dampers you split the primary gear by removing circlip.
If you meant primary chain you dont, you remove crank and replace as a complete chain

[Oddjob]

You don’t, you tap the pillars where the rivets fit to 6mm, you then use thin headed socket screws to bolt it together afterwards. Need to have a head on the bolts less than 3mm or it will foul the gear change mechanism behind the clutch.

[HondaMan]

Need to have a head on the bolts less than 3mm or it will foul the gear change mechanism behind the clutch.

Good catch to note there, Oddjob: the modern DIN 6mm screws have taller (and wider) heads than the older JIS form.

[Oddjob]

Actually it was the rivets Honda used which dictated the clearance, they stood 3mm proud at the back of the clutch basket, so any alternative bolt/rivet needed to have the same or less clearance, most were too tall head wise, it took a little bit of searching to find suitable bolts with the right size head etc.

[hawaiikid]

Aloha Mark, interesting reading about the 500/550 bikes. If you ever do a book on the 350/400 models i want to be first in line for one. I have a lot of interesting articles i can donate if you would like them.
just passed 65000 miles on my 400. Couldn't have don it without all your help and valuable information.

[HondaMan]

Aloha Mark, interesting reading about the 500/550 bikes. If you ever do a book on the 350/400 models i want to be first in line for one. I have a lot of interesting articles i can donate if you would like them.
just passed 65000 miles on my 400. Couldn't have don it without all your help and valuable information.

Wow, you're rockin', HK! That's terrific miles on that bike. I know it runs well, you've put the hard work into it to make it do that. Nice job!
There's a bunch of people wanting me to do the 350F/400F, but I haven't done the research [yet] to find out how possible it might be. I have a 350F of my own which would be great for the pictures and stages, don't have a 400F [yet], though. My shed is also currently full, so I'm out of space until I get one of the 750's in there built and sold. Maybe it could fund that book? Dunno yet.

[jlh3rd]

Have you mentioned that the UK model ranges, specs and parts fitted are different for both the 500 and 550?

I'm a little "short" in that area (other than mentioning it) due to lack of hands-on experience with the Euro bikes (other than 1 of them). It's hard to learn something you've never seen? 

I agree Mark. Maybe put a mention in the front of the book that only USA models / specs etc are covered and the rest of the world has different models and varients. It's very confusing for many owners here in UK (and other countries I expect) when, as an example, the UK had the 500K1 up until late 1975 and we didn't get any 550 model at all until the F1 in 1976 and in USA the model range was totally different. Plus, in USA bike models are refered to by their model year, in UK they are only know by the actual model, ie, 500K0,500K1,550F1 and F2 and 550K3, that is entire model range for 500/550 from 1971-1978.
"[/ Plus, in USA bike models are refered to by their model year," in UK they are only know by the actual model,

officially only after 1973 in the U.S.....prior to that , the actual model should be used to avoid confusion.