550 vs 550F

[Mikep328]

Is there any difference between the mechanicals/frame/etc between the two bikes?  IOW, can the tank/sidecovers/exhaust be swapped to turn the bike into either one appearance-wise? 

[mickwinf]

there are some differences between F/k frames and years, around the pillion mount and footrest and rear brake lever area. some things can be swapped with some work, for example early tank and seat can be used if both together.

[Mikep328]

Thanks, I'm going back to the USA in a few weeks for 5 months and wanted to replace my current BMW R1200RS there with a CB550 Honda (!) but I prefer the look of the F model, like my UK CB400 four.  But since the 550F is rather rare in the USA I was thinking about buying the K model and converting it.

[Seabeowner]

Early 550ks (K0-K2 sold in the US) are like the 500s with the smaller 500 tank. The K3 and 1978K are like the F at a glance but the footrests and rear brake lever and positions are different. Think 550F and 550K3, 1978K side panel mounts are the same, but different to K0-K2. As said as long as you replace tank and seat as a set you are OK. The swept 550F pipes (if you can find any) would probably fit K3 and 1978K, but may need a special bracket for any silencer.