Topic: Newbie Questions, not yet in the FAQ (I don't think)

[putnaja1]

Hi All,

I've been riding Honda 4's for a while, but they were all of the DOHC variety.  I just got a '77 550k, and I can't wait to get it running like new, and with a little cafe flair to boot!  I'm glad I found this forum too!!

I have a few tech questions that I didn't find in the FAQs.  Here goes:

1)  Regarding parts availablility.  I know eBay and junkyards are a good place to find parts, also posting here, swap meets, etc.  But, in a pinch, for that one unobtainable part, is the Honda dealership still an option?  Do they still carry parts for this vintage of bike?  I know I'll have to pay $$$ at the dealership, but if there is a part that is otherwise nowhere to be found...

2)  About wheels and tires.  This is more of a handling/tuning question.  I know what size tires come on the bikes stock, but what will fit?  Is there any benefit to putting a slightly wider tire on the existing rims?  If so, what is the widest that will fit?  Additionally, I'm guessing the stock rims are made of steel.  If I built lighter rims with aluminum and spoked them to the same hub, would this be a good improvement due to reduction in unsprung weight?

Thanks All!

[petersan]

I have not had too difficult a time finding parts for my 76 550K.  Usually, using the microfiche at the local cycle shop to get the specific part if needed.

I've also come across an online version of many of these microfiche - http://www.houseofhondaparts.com/fiche_select.asp
I've never ordered from this site (as I've just found it) but it seems to be cheaper (at least not including shipping) than my local shop.

cheers.

[ProTeal55]

1) Regarding parts availablility. I know eBay and junkyards are a good place to find parts, also posting here, swap meets, etc. But, in a pinch, for that one unobtainable part, is the Honda dealership still an option? Do they still carry parts for this vintage of bike? I know I'll have to pay $$$ at the dealership, but if there is a part that is otherwise nowhere to be found...

I would say this board and Ebay are the best places to look for parts, as well as junkyards that deal with older jap iron. Honda still makes parts for these bikes, so the dealer is always an option. Some items , such as fuel and brake related parts I dont mess around with, and would rather go to the delaer and get new honda parts, then some re-fab thing from a junk yard. Just picked up a brand new petcock for the CB last week from the dealer..
My 2cents........

I've also come across an online version of many of these microfiche - http://www.houseofhondaparts.com/fiche_select.asp

Having the part numbers you need BEFORE you go into the dealer is always a good thing...

If I built lighter rims with aluminum and spoked them to the same hub, would this be a good improvement due to reduction in unsprung weight?

You can always remove un-wanted / needed parts from your bike to make it lighter. The "Speed Hole" method is also an option 

[crazypj]

There are more disadvantages than advantages to fitting wider tyres on stock rims (trye wear for one!) The tyre cannot 'spread out' so it becomes taller with a smaller contact patch when upright and the sidewalls being higher tend to flex more. ( this can help top end speed as there is less drag but there is also less tyre when your accelerating)
 If you intend to fit alloy rims its a good idea to go one size wider, then the wider tyres will work correctly (WM3 front and WM4 rear instead of WM2 /WM2~3)
 I would probably go with an 18" front to quicken the steering a little (use CB750 fork tubes and springs to maintain ride height and add some adjustability)
Hope this helps,
PJ

[Dennis]

I have a few tech questions that I didn't find in the FAQs.  Here goes:

1)  Regarding parts availability.  be found...

2)  About wheels and tires.  This is more of a handling/tuning question.  I know what size tires come on the bikes stock, but what will fit?  Is there any benefit to putting a slightly wider tire on the existing rims?  If so, what is the widest that will fit?  Additionally, I'm guessing the stock rims are made of steel.  If I built lighter rims with aluminum and spoked them to the same hub, would this be a good improvement due to reduction in unsprung weight?

If I recall correctly there is a listing of independent suppliers and a few dealers known to provide parts for the SOHC4's in the faq's. As previously mentioned there are many items still available from Honda.

As far as your wheel and tire questions, while the subject may not be covered extensively in the faq's it has been discussed frequently on this board. Do a search of the board and then ask any specific questions which you may still have.

[grumburg]

DEPENDING ON THE PART, sometimes you can substitute 71 -73 cb500 (not 75-76 cb500T) parts which are sometimes cheaper on ebay. However, the newer the 550, the fewer parts that are interchangeable. I have a 74 and 75 which gives me more choices. Engine parts are the least likely to be interchangeable.

[JHansen]

For Honda parts:

David Silver Spares in England has taken very good care of me (davidsilerspares.co.uk) They have generally undercut my local dealer prices, even after shipping to the Americas.

Cycle Motor Supply, over in the Netherlands, has sometimes has stuff that my local dealer says he can't get anymore. They have bailed me out sever times in trying to locate that must have part, but they are pricer. I only use them if I have no other option.

Have also found some treasures on ebay- sky's the limit

John

[Bill Vaughan]

I've had good luck with Service Honda (www.servicehonda.com) and Western Hills Honda (www.westernhillshonda).  You can checks parts availability online at either dealership as long as you have the part number.

Service Honda has online exploded part views for all Honda bikes, which makes getting part numbers much easier (www.servicehonda.com/test)