Topic: Learning it's history.

[Chrisboden]

The information on my new bike is...

1209042 Frame# / CB550K / Enigne # 1046001


What can I learn about my bike from this information?

Any particular idyosyncrasies to this engine or bike as a whole that I should know about?

[Chrisboden]

I'm having trouble trying to figure out of I have a K, F, Supersport, or Custom (I'd also love to know what all those things mean, lol).

My VIN is CB55001209042 anyone know how to decipher that?

Also, on some sites I don't see the CB550 listed in 1974 at all. Will parts for a 75/6/7/8 work? I'm sure there have to be some changes.

The Title says it's a 75, but the plate on the bike says 74, so that's rather confusing.

[douglascoolgrey]

I don't know from frame numbers... I'm sure there is a FAQ somewhere on them.

From what I understand: The F-model is the supersport. The K isn't. I think Honda produced 550F's in '75, '76, and '77. I think Honda produced 550Ks from '74 - '78. Check out the http://sohc4.us/?q=node/5 page of this site for more details. You may also want to look at http://sohc4.us/?q=node/9 .

The easiest way to tell the difference between K models and F models is their pipes. The K models came stock with 4-into-4 pipes. The F models came stock with 4-into-1 pipes.

Post a picture of your bike! Congratulations on your purchase. I adore my '76 550f.

[Chrisboden]

I'll have a bunch of pics up next week when it arrives (it's still at the shop in Grand Rapids, I'm having new tires/tubes and chain installed before it gets here). But sh'es ugly, damn ugly. It looks as if it's sat outside for a couple years as everything chrome is rusted, but the engine kicks right over and starts up without any problems so I can't complain. I'm looking forword to spending the next couple years tinkering with it, learning about it and restoring it. I spend most of my days working on computers and other high-tech things, I really like the idea of playing with something low-tech and mechanical, especially since it's as old as I am

I'm really sorry if a lot of my questions are rather newbish, but they'll get better as I learn, and I'm a rather quick study. I greatly appreciate this powerful resource for knowledge in the arcane arts of nurturing these old beasts back to health again, thank you all for your help.

Chris "The Geek" Boden

[Gordon]

Chris,

You have a 1975 CB550 K1.  Congratulations on the new bike!

Gordon

[Chrisboden]

Thank you, are you sure it's a 75? The sticker on the...um...Neck? (the top vertical tube where the steering bearings are) says 74. Or would that mean it's a 75 model that was made in 75 and sold in 75?

Why do I have a feeling that everything involved with this bike will be this confusing

Chris "You meet the nicest people in a Honda forum" Boden

[smithrelo]

Chris-where in the world are you?  I have almost the same bike as you!  Mine says 1974 and title did also.  What color is he/she?  Bronco Bike is Orange - I live in Denver, Colorado area!

Can you post a photo - and go look at mine!  (Linda's Bronco Bike! album)  Can you keep me advised as you refurbish your bike?  I've got a totally original  550-4 and after reading all the forums here, I need to replace the 4 mufflers/pipes on mine in the next year or sooner if $$$ come through.

If I can work on mine (just a bit) you can certainly get yours all nice and spiffy!

Linda
(who is MUCHHHHHh older than you, or your bike!)

Here's a photo of Bronco Bike