CB550K3 rebuild - spare spring?

[Oddjob]

That's a very noble cause, building a bike to remember your friend.

If I can help, let me know. The 550K3 shares an awful lot of parts with the CB550F2 in case you didn't know.

[Bookmark1]

This is it so far. New frame, crank casing, fork stanchions, fork ears (I might have bought them off Oddjob) and handlebars. Top end, all internal workings, engine covers, carbs, Airbox, wiring loom, fork sliders and rear suspension from the original bike. Wheels are stainless and have been built around the original hubs. I’ve had the tank repaired and resprayed along with the original side panels. sourced new mudguards, seat, clocks and rear light but I have managed to save the clock chrome casings, mounting plate, two indicators, the head light (God knows how it survived) and all handlebar controls. Although the finished article will be far from pristine I am considering getting a new set of pipes as all 4 of the original sustained a degree of damage ranging from cosmetic right up to that will never sit straight again.

[Oddjob]

I think you did buy a pair of fork ears off me, remember that now. Not sure how you saved the clock bowls as they look a little worse for wear in the before pics.

[Oddjob]

I see you've retained the dreaded PD carbs, I'd suggest you think about replacing them with the carbs off a 550F instead as they are known to cause problems down the line. Feel free to ignore this advice, it's your bike after all, just some words gained from experience.

[Bookmark1]

At the moment I want to use as much of Rob’s original bike as possible but further down the line I may make some changes. When he bought this bike I bought a 550F2 in that lovely deep burgundy colour so I’ve always actually preferred the F models.
The clocks themselves are second hand (at least) but amazingly the mileage is to within 2,000 miles of the originals. How’s that for luck.
As to clock cases, one was out of shape but after a bit of effort I managed to get it pretty straight and, with the aid of tin foil and elbow grease, got them looking really nice.

[Johnny4428]

Lovely to see the k3 progressing some great work going on there and some great work done. I have had mine for 35 years now and is now fully restored! (although still tweaking)😜

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Interesting back story about the bikes origins - sad circumstance that has led to your ownership of the machine.

It will be interesting to see how the final build reflects the bikes history combined with your motivation to achieve the end result.

[Hondacb550k3]

Is it not from the rear light bulb holder?

[Laverdaroo]

That's looking really good,what a great job. Keep us updated on the progress, this is going to be quite a resto