Topic: '78 CB550 SS exhaust.

[caferacer550]

Quick thought/quesion.

A neighbour of mine is selling a 550 SS 4 into 1 exhaust header for $60.
He says that it is the one from the factory.
It's in good condition - no holes, not bent.

I currently have a '78 550f.
The SS exhaust header seems to weigh a lot.
Quite a bit more than my current 4into1 exhaust.

Am I better off with my exhaust or the SS?
Was the SS a good header from the factory?

He also has a CB500 seat in good condition for $50.
Are these fair prices?
I'm new to the parts game, and don't if they're a good deal.

Thanks.

[Caferacernoc]

The stock Honda exhaust is a good design, but it's double walled to prevent pipe blueing and that makes it heavy. A lot of aftermarket exhausts don't necessarily add any power to the engine, but the combination of lighter weight and greater ground clearance make the bike faster overall. That CB500 seat will not fit your bike. I would buy the pipe for $60 if it's in good shape, it's nice to have a spare or you could sell it on eBay. Or run it for a while and send your pipe out to be ceramic coated, endless possibilities.

[TwoTired]

I currently have a '78 550f.

According to Honda America, the F model CB550s were only made 3 years from 75 to 77.
78 was the last year for the CB550. But, only K models were produced that year.

Some bikes were registered in the year they were first sold, which can be later than the model year.  However, when shopping for parts, it is most important to know what production model year bike you have.

The headstock VIN number can be used to identify the year model you have.

Cheers,