Author Topic: Which CB550F do I have?  (Read 2186 times)

Offline Trigger

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Re: Which CB550F do I have?
« Reply #15 on: February 11, 2018, 07:52:31 PM »
Just jumped in the car and went to the lock up to check the bike.
There are no rubbers on the front forks and the electrical wires run inside the handle bars is it still a F2?
I also noticed that the front flashers/indicators are bolted to the side of the headlamp. Nearly all pictures I've seen have the flashers/indicators about 6" down attached to the forks is this normal?

A CB 550 F2 original head light bracket looks like this. If the indicators are mounted to the head light, maybe someone could not get a original head light bracket or stems. These old girls are getting on a bit and have been changed with non original parts over the years  ;)


Offline Trigger

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Re: Which CB550F do I have?
« Reply #16 on: February 11, 2018, 07:54:57 PM »
Welcome, you get plenty of help on here.
http://www.sohc4.net/cb550-model-guide/
Try this.

This guide is for USA units, not UK, Europe or anything else outside of the states  ;)

Offline garyb163

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Re: Which CB550F do I have?
« Reply #17 on: February 11, 2018, 08:25:30 PM »
Thanks for that Trigger.
I'm going to try and source some original headlight brackets as I would like to keep my bike as standard as possible.

Offline Seabeowner

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Re: Which CB550F do I have?
« Reply #18 on: February 11, 2018, 10:03:33 PM »
Welcome Gary from another 550F owner.
The US site http://www.sohc4.net/cb550-model-guide/    is pretty confusing, even for US owners as it lists an F1, F2 and F3 and then if you scroll down shows pics of a F0, F1 and F2. Don't think the F0 was out in the UK. In reality our F1 looks similar to the F1 picture shown and our F2 similar to the F2. Take it yours is original UK bike.
The correct headlight ears in good condition are pretty rare. There are two varieties around, some have brazed on fittings that only fit the large US indicators. (US K type) You need ones which will take the screw on stems. And of course the tapered screw on stems are also rare as they are for European small indicators only.
My import is a 76 F1 (made in 6/75) but has a VIN CB550F-200*****. More confusing.
Phil
1971  CB500K0  Candy Jade Green or Candy Gold
1973  CB500K1  Candy Ruby Red
1975  CB550F1   Shiny Orange
1978  CB550K     Excel Black

Offline garyb163

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Re: Which CB550F do I have?
« Reply #19 on: February 11, 2018, 10:46:38 PM »
Hi Seabeowner, mine too is an import from the USA. I'm getting very confused about frame/engine numbers I'm pretty sure that my bike is an F2, I think??

Offline deltarider

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Offline AshimotoK0

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« Last Edit: February 12, 2018, 08:12:10 AM by AshimotoK0 »
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Offline deltarider

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Re: Which CB550F do I have?
« Reply #22 on: February 12, 2018, 12:54:20 PM »
Excellent! The only problem is that I seem not able to enlarge it. Is that typical for Dropbox? Are you aware that that K3 parts list only covers the 'A' (US) model?
« Last Edit: February 12, 2018, 12:58:38 PM by deltarider »

Offline deltarider

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Re: Which CB550F do I have?
« Reply #23 on: February 13, 2018, 08:22:04 AM »
If you look you'll see that NON UK parts are not listed, check indicator page and you'll see loads of them. If it was an American book that wouldn't be there.

I can enlarge them, bring mouse pointer to bottom of page and there is a + and - signs there
Oddjob, it's just that once I have selected full screen, I seem not able to enlarge anymore. Is there a trick maybe, because I really love the higher resolution of the file.
The K3-4 parts list differs from the one I have as it doesn't depict the 'area code' differences. Also there's - but correct me if I'm wrong - no list of engine- and framenumbers in the first few pages but of the US model.
« Last Edit: February 13, 2018, 08:24:04 AM by deltarider »

Offline Seabeowner

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Re: Which CB550F do I have?
« Reply #24 on: February 13, 2018, 09:26:18 AM »
Gary, I think the F1 came with engine with generator cover with a removable (held by three pins) logo "Honda" plate. On the F2 the "Honda" is machined directly on the cover and the three screws that hold the field coil are visible.
But: 1 That could be changed.  2. I could be wrong.
Phil
1971  CB500K0  Candy Jade Green or Candy Gold
1973  CB500K1  Candy Ruby Red
1975  CB550F1   Shiny Orange
1978  CB550K     Excel Black

Offline Seabeowner

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Re: Which CB550F do I have?
« Reply #25 on: February 13, 2018, 02:43:34 PM »
Oddjob my guess was because my US F1 has the press on plate. looking CMS show it for England too.
https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550f1-super-sport-550-four-1976-england_model17113/partslist/E08.html#results
Think it's just 550F2, K3 and 78K that have the later design. Plus of course the later Euro 500s (K3 type)
Phil
1971  CB500K0  Candy Jade Green or Candy Gold
1973  CB500K1  Candy Ruby Red
1975  CB550F1   Shiny Orange
1978  CB550K     Excel Black

Offline deltarider

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Re: Which CB550F do I have?
« Reply #26 on: February 14, 2018, 07:53:56 AM »
Try this Delta, choose direct download at top right of screen. Open the download and select fit to screen in bottom left, if you press this twice it gets pretty large.

AFAIK Seabeowner they all had the 3 screws arrangement, only the 500 had the press on Honda logo plate.
Got it now, Oddjob. Thanks a lot!

 

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