What Model is my CB550?

[brinkys]

I posted this message on the main forum, but SteveD CB500F suggested that I posted it here also.

Hi, I have just bought a 79' CB550, I am just trying to work out what model it is, but I'm having a little trouble putting two and two together.  Not sure if the bike has a different frame or the engine has been changed?  The frame and engine numbers are as follows: Engine No CB550E-1131939 and the Frame No CB550K-2025746.  I have tried working it out from the model numbers of the forum but I can't seem to see a match, can anybody shed any light on this please.  The carbs on the bike are PD46A's.

Here's a couple of photo's, she not pretty, basically i bought the bike as spare or repairs and a couple of boxes of bits!
 

 

[SteveD CB500K0]

Hi and welsome (back)

That's a UK CB550K3 from 78/79 (I had a couple of them)

The K3 was different as it was the only UK 550 with 4-4 pipes (the F1 and F2 had 4-1) and also had lean-burn carbs and different emmissions plumbing.

[captaindonutbikes]

welcome, the people here are top draw!

and i can see the beauty in your recent acquirement. 

[Bryanj]

There should be a vin plate on the RH side of the frame near the kickstart and i will bet it says 77 or 78 as all those sold in 79 were "left over" old stock.

If it was US the 20 start of the frame number would make it 77 as 78 started 21 BUT as its European Honda did all sorts of wierd things

[brinkys]

Thanks guys for the help

[brinkys]

Just thought I would let you all know that I have solved the puzzel over what year my CB550 is.  It would appear that the engine in my bike was changed in 2006.  I found this out from the DVLA, they can supply you with a copy of the log books and details of all previous owners for your own personal use.  This is what I have done and from the orignial engine number and frame number it would appear that the original bike is a 1978 CB550 K4 and the repacement engine that is currently in the bike is from a 1976 CB550F

[Bryanj]

No such animal as a 550K4 just a 78 K3

[daz]

Oh yes there is, have a look at the link. There is also a 750 f3 & 750 k8
http://www.sohc4.net/index.php?q=node/204

[SteveD CB500K0]

Us: F1, F2, K3
Them: K0, K1, K2, K3, K4....  greedy buggers...     

[Bryanj]

In the official Honda I.D. book its listed as "CB550K'78 550 FOUR K"

And if its a UK model its an old stock77 'cos the 78 never got to these shores via Honda

[deltarider]

Grey import maybe?