Front forks

[Trigger]

Not so fast, those are the progressive springs I have in my CB500K2-ED and they are definitely OEM. These springs were also on: the C550K, CB550K!, CB550K2 and the CB500T. They measure the same as mine and should be fine. I have best results with max 140-145 cc of 7,5 weight fork oil.

You do make me chuckle in the morning with your ignorance to parts and you just quote what you have read or heard, without having any real hands on experience of all SOHC units 

The measurement i gave was from a NOS 374 spring out of the packet with numbers ending in 000. Todays listed spring is ending in 003, that means it has been superseded or it comes from another supplier meaning, it will be a different spring. Boing goes Zebedee 

Parts lists have many errors to them and, I would not go on CMSNL. As a good example this week is that I sold off a load of  500 air box brackets (323) and everyone that ordered them by part number said, that they had received the wrong bracket as CMS had the wrong picture of the bracket against the wrong part number. But, the ones I sent out were correct 

[Bryanj]

Parts books correct! Check the gearbox page and explain to me where the forth selector in the quantity list fits.

[Trigger]

Parts books correct! Check the gearbox page and explain to me where the forth selector in the quantity list fits.

That's the part you order for your spares box mate 

[Bryanj]

I did! But the one they say you need 2 of is not the centre one that wears!!!!

[deltarider]

Look, it's not that complicated. First time I had my springs out, I discovered the data in manuals like Haynes did NOT apply or I had the wrong parts. It was not the first time I was confused about parts and manuals and it was not until I got the appropiate parts list for my model, that I discovered nothing was wrong. If you use a parts finder like https://www.hondaparts-direct.com/honda-motorcycle-parts you will learn even more, like on what other models that part was, which might help you going for used parts. My model is supposed to have the same legs and springs as the CB550K. So far I have received no complaints about the procedure I recommend: first determine exactly what model you have and then learn more from the appropiate parts list. To me that seems a good starting point. If there then still remain questions, folks in the field like us may know more. As for the other subjects that you bring up like air box brackets, gear selectors, I have no idea what you're talking about, unless you specify what model you refer to and what parts list you think is incorrect. Then we talk, not after some shots in the dark. But I'd rather see you very experienced guys help Ernie by recommending what steps to do first for a diagnosis. Just assuming someone must have put in the wrong springs (I mean: how likely is that?) or that they must be worn, is not a good starting point IMO, the more when on the point of spring length data the Shop manual seems to be incorrect. That's why I communicated Ernie I also ran in the same confusion he did. It was not until I consulted an old Honda mechanic that I found out. He said that I should not worry and informed me that there had been modifications.  He kindly allowed me to copy the Parts List for my model. He also warned me that the pic of the springs was not correct. After I had concluded he was also right on that point, I have seen no danger in communicating his and my findings ever since.
Back to the subject. It takes very little to create stiction. I'm confident some of the experienced mecs here will chime in and advise Ernie the correct mounting procedure and with that I yield back.

[deltarider]

The measurement i gave was from a NOS 374 spring out of the packet with numbers ending in 000. Todays listed spring is ending in 003, that means it has been superseded or it comes from another supplier meaning, it will be a different spring. Boing goes Zebedee 

First, I'm sorry, but part 51401-374-000 does not exist, nowhere. Part 51401-374-003 does. Second I'd like to inform you that the last digit in a Honda part number refers to the subcontractor, the two digits next (left) to it refer to an eventual modification. BTW, I tell nothing new, these basic info is found in the first few pages of some CB500/550 parts lists.

[Erny]

Interesting. So still the same question - what is free length and service limit? Maybe there was some error correction issued? (serv bulletin or so)

So I consider mine as OEM based of Delta's info

[deltarider]

Another thing came to mind during the Sunday morning walk in the park. On p.137 of the Honda Shop Manual CB500-550 it mentions 6.3-6.5 ozs (185-191 cc) as the prescribed quantity of fork oil. I have always mistrusted that figure. It seems like a lot. On p.77 of the Owner's manual it is less: 160-166 cc http://www.honda4fun.com/pdf_libretti/550/550_73/CB550_4.pdf and according to our american friends in the CB550K2 owner's manual 145cc is prescribed. Yet they all share the same front legs. Another error in the Shop Manual maybe? Now the CB550K, CB550K1 and CB550K2 came with two types of rear shocks: 52400-323-670XW and 52400-390-681XW. Could that explain the difference in front fork oil quantity? Anyway, for the time being my advice for Erny would be: before you might undertake all kinds of unnecessary operations, I'd first experiment with 145cc max. (7,5 wt) and see what the extra air cushion it results in, brings. Please report back.

[Bryanj]

The higher quantityis for strip and rebuild the lower quantity is for service change. NEVER  trust a Haynes manual without cross refering to genuine Honda

[deltarider]

Yeah... and what if the genuine Honda Shop Manual is not consistent with the genuine Honda Owner's Manual?

[Erny]

So, pring length is now clarified.
My friend had a look into CB500T HSM, here are data:
Free standard length : 466mm
Service limit : 440mm

So my springs are OK - no need to change them 

Oil volume is another story - my CB550K1 genuine owner's manual says 160-166 cc (5.4-5.6 ozs).

[Nurse Julie]

So, pring length is now clarified.
My friend had a look into CB500T HSM, here are data:
Free standard length : 466mm
Service limit : 440mm

So my springs are OK - no need to change them 

Oil volume is another story - my CB550K1 genuine owner's manual says 160-166 cc (5.4-5.6 ozs).

Are 500/T forks the same as 500/4 then?

[Erny]

Spring is the same p/n
Others not (legs, pipes..)

Seems there are some differences

[deltarider]

Excellent research, Erny! Now we know the source of that 185-191 cc. Most likely it was accidentely copied from that CB500T manual. I would not fill yours with more than 160cc max. I have the same legs and springs and I have a little over 140cc in them. I expect others can give you advice on how to address your complaint.

[Erny]

You actually gave a tip - that CB500T shares the same spring - this is where it started