New Bike - is it an import and why is the sidestand so bl**dy short !

[madoc]

Just bought this:

CB550F-2108190


Is this a U.S. import ? The V5 gives no clue but it's unrestored and very very clean (i.e. non rusty)
I don't think it is, as the stickers are in french/german/english ?

And
Why is the sidestand so short that the bike sits over alarmingly .. ? Is it just like that .. I see bits of wood shoved under the stand in other photos ?

And
The seat is actually shot (it's nearly broken in the middle) - will any CB550 (K/F) seat fit ?

And
Is there anything I should immediately panic over and check ?
and I'll do the usual oil/air/filter, tappets etc etc

As  bloke with a shed of brit singles and russian twins then it's alarmingly quiet and civilised ..

cheers

John

[Bryanj]

Not US and not original colour or seat cover.

Has UK indicators and rear light but not sure about rear light bracket.

Need picture of side stand to say if its been modified or not.

As to seat there are basically 2 different ones and they dont interchange as the hinges and length are different

[madoc]

It is an import of some kind, I think, as the logbook stub says it was registered in 1990.. sorry just thought to check that

Here is the stand:



Are there differences between import/UK model seats or just between K and F

[LesterPiglet]

Nice find. 

[madoc]

eight hundred of your english folding currency.
not cheap enough to be a bargain but about right.

The clutch cover looks like it was chromed but it's chipped/cracked/flaked ?
Is it an alloy cover ? Can I just strip it and polish it ?

[Bryanj]

Side stand is the wrong one, it should have a bolted on rubber bit on the end.

It should tell you on the V5 when you get it if its an import.

As far as i know there is no difference UK to import seats

Clutch cover was not originaly chromed, stripping and polishing will not be easy(impossible on the bike) probably easier to get a used one and polish that

[z1100r]

There is something wrong with that - unless its a photo illusion.....looks like its ran into a wall. The forks are practically vertical. I would check the yolks out. I thought I read somewhere that UK bikes all had black painted light/number plate brkts. My UK K3 did.

 Compared to Brit and Rusky jallopies its a Rolex.

[LesterPiglet]

My F has the black tail light bracket, and it doesn't have a rubber on the sidestand tho I don't know if it's original. Still keeps the bike upright at the correct angle....I think.

[Tomb]

I've had a few F's but never had a sidestand with the rubber foot flip up thingy.

The rear light bracket reminds me of a CD175 bracket thats been chromed.

[mickwinf]

i think the rubber end was US models only as was the chrome number plate bracket

[madoc]

The forks are ok; it's the image.
A "proper"sidestand didn't sort it out; it still leans too far for my liking. Oh well.

It's now MOT'd.
Charging sorted by a new reg/rectifier and a few wiring bodges sorted with proper connectors and the soldering iron.
Valve clearances fine. Timing sorted,  oil changed, new oil/air filter, carbs balanced and cam chain tensioner duly, er, tensioned.

Just a new seat needed .... old base is broken ...

[z1100r]

What size is your rear tyre and what is the free length of the rear shocks. Is it all std..?