Author Topic: CB550 Short Cables  (Read 829 times)

Offline FlyinPhil

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CB550 Short Cables
« on: June 11, 2022, 06:54:26 PM »
Hello

I was wondering if anybody on here knew of a UK supplier of shorter throttle and clutch cables for a CB550 which has been fitted with clubman bars?  I've found some on 4-into-1 in the US but the postage is a joke.  I'm building a mild cafe style bike and have progressed quite well so far since my last post, however being a rookie and this being my first every motorcycle restoration I have been caught out by the long standard cables.  Photos of my progress attached.

Cheers
Phil
1977 CB550F
"She's built like a Steakhouse, but handles like a Bistro."

Offline philward

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Re: CB550 Short Cables
« Reply #1 on: June 11, 2022, 11:09:26 PM »
On my 750 and 500 builds, DS have listed the shorter UK and longer USA cables - I assume it's the same for the 550 - look on the CMSL website for the UK model low bar part number then enter it in the DS part number search facility to see if they have them in stock

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Offline Oddjob

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Re: CB550 Short Cables
« Reply #2 on: June 12, 2022, 12:47:09 PM »
How long are the current cables as they are most likely the longer version fitted to the US model, which I presume the bike is having a headstock plate, I can measure some genuine Honda UK cables and see how much shorter they are if that helps.
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Offline FlyinPhil

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Re: CB550 Short Cables
« Reply #3 on: June 12, 2022, 08:20:44 PM »
OK thanks very much for the advice Phil, I'll take a look.

Not sure Oddjob, I'm going to be taking them off next weekend and I'll check. I ran out of time this weekend for any more playing.

Cheers
Phil
1977 CB550F
"She's built like a Steakhouse, but handles like a Bistro."

Offline DigDil

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Re: CB550 Short Cables
« Reply #4 on: June 13, 2022, 04:29:39 PM »
I've been caught out by this as well. I believe the US bikes have longer cables so ordered the full short cable kit from 4 into 1 thinking that would work. I used the clutch and speedo cables but the throttle were to short to use with by "standard" style bars. On full lock you could see the carbs moving so I decided not to use them

If you think they might work with your setup let me know I'm open to a offers on them there new other than being put on the bike.


Offline Oddjob

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Re: CB550 Short Cables
« Reply #5 on: June 13, 2022, 04:32:21 PM »
cable lengths Digi, just so other can compare and see if they'd work for them.
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Offline Sesman

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Re: CB550 Short Cables
« Reply #6 on: June 13, 2022, 04:36:04 PM »
That’s interesting. I swapped out the USA high bars for uk bars and bought uk f2 cables. Worked out just fine.
Mine is a 1977 550 F2.

Offline FlyinPhil

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Re: CB550 Short Cables
« Reply #7 on: June 14, 2022, 06:35:26 AM »
Thanks for all the replies and help guys.

Mine is a USA import 77 F2, which had the high bars on and I've swapped them for the clubman drop bars, so in theory those 4into1 shorter cables should work (according to them anyway!)

The clutch cable that was fitted as standard is now do long I'd almost have to do a couple of complete loops round the bike just to get the thing to fit!  :o

Digdil, I'll send you a PM.
1977 CB550F
"She's built like a Steakhouse, but handles like a Bistro."

Offline DigDil

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Re: CB550 Short Cables
« Reply #8 on: June 14, 2022, 09:40:55 AM »
I took the measurements from the outer edge of the elbow to the end of the tread on the other end;

Short cables from 4 to 1 are 31" / 79cm. The cables which came with the bike are 35" / 89cm. The ones that worked for me I haven't measured but looked about 2" 1/2 longer than the shortest so I'd guess 33" 1/2 / 85cm

There's not much difference but its enough to make them fit or not in my experience.

 

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