Choosing a cb550 donor bike

[DomP]

I'm on the lookout for a 550 donor for a cafe racer build of sorts, more of a removing and storing some of the original parts for returning to original at a later stage kind of build.  I've researched some of the model differences and see that the F's have the different side covers, brake pedal and headlight bowl but are there any other things to look out for that I should be aware of? I have a preference for the concealed filler cap as I prefer the look and lines of the tank.

[Trigger]

Look for a F1 or F2 if you want a flip top on the tank. Keep away from K3's 

[DomP]

What's the issue with K3,s?  I've seen quite a few k,s with the flip top tank, is that a case of a swap that has happened during the live of the bike?

[Oddjob]

No, the K3 uses the same tank style as the 550F, it's the carbs which are the main problem with that model, they are prone to problems if you don't run the bike often. If the K3 has been converted to use the 500/550 style carbs then it's ok.

There are 2 different F models as well, the F1, has fork gaiters fitted and has green faced clocks amongst others small things. The F2 doesn't have any gaiters fitted so looks more modern in that respect, it has blue faced clocks the same as the K3 uses. The K3 is the touring version of the F2, they share a LOT of parts, the main difference besides the carbs are that the K3 uses a 4 into 4 exhaust system whereas the F2 uses a 4 into 1. This system is incredibly rare in good condition, the K3 exhausts are available to buy new but not cheap. Depends on the look you want, a cafe racer not so much 4 into 4 I'd say but other after markets systems like Delkevic are available

[DomP]

Yes a cafe racer or similar stripped back kind of look is the aim and a delkevic 4 in to 1 is what I've been looking at so other than the carbs a K3 isn't such a big problem I would have thought.

[Oddjob]

A K3 is also usually cheaper to buy than an F1 or F2. Due no doubt to the carb issue which TBH is simple to cure.

[DomP]

A K3 is also usually cheaper to buy than an F1 or F2. Due no doubt to the carb issue which TBH is simple to cure.

So not a bad option for a project then, what would be the simple carb solution, complete carb swap?

[Oddjob]

Yeah, you swap the carbs off a 550F ideally, they are 069A carbs, or the carbs off a 500/4 which are 627B carbs, both will work. However you also need to change the intake manifolds over as well as the 550K3 doesn't have vacuum adapter outlets on them and they are needed for the 500 or 550F carbs. Those are usually easy to source. You would also need to change the rubber boots between the inlet plenum chamber and the carbs as I seem to recall those are different as well.

Sounds a lot but it's not really.

[DomP]

So it's more about getting the best bike at the best price really and work with what I get.  Thanks for your help!

[Trigger]

You can pick up USA import 550 K0,K1 and K2's from DK cheap. 

[DomP]

You can pick up USA import 550 K0,K1 and K2's from DK cheap. 

Yeah I keep looking but they seem to be strong money compared to some private sales and regularly have loads missing from them. 

[Bryanj]

You are better off going to see them rather than look at ebay sales

[Oddjob]

You can pick up USA import 550 K0,K1 and K2's from DK cheap. 

Yeah I keep looking but they seem to be strong money compared to some private sales and regularly have loads missing from them.

DK have a nasty habit of robbing stuff that's worth a few quid, then they sell it separately and make a few more quid on the same bike, leaving you with the bother of trying to find whatever it is they've robbed.

[Davelu88]

My 550F is still for sale , look in member sales 

[DomP]

You can pick up USA import 550 K0,K1 and K2's from DK cheap. 

Yeah I keep looking but they seem to be strong money compared to some private sales and regularly have loads missing from them.

DK have a nasty habit of robbing stuff that's worth a few quid, then they sell it separately and make a few more quid on the same bike, leaving you with the bother of trying to find whatever it is they've robbed.

That's exactly what my thoughts were, I've watched loads of DK's XS650 and now cb550's and they regularly have side covers or expensive bits missing.  To me it's crafty business knowing they list those bits at high prices, so your £2.5k project needs another £700 of their spare parts