CB550 Forks

[Freddy]

Hi, I've recently returned to biking not having riden for 25+ years and gone back to my original 1st proper bike a Honda CB550F2.  Unfortunately, I've bought a bit of a lemon and have completed the majority of the work to get my bike (1979 F2) back on the road. However, at a minimum, I need to replace the front fork tubes but am considering replacing the front end in total for either CB750 or other compatable front end. I'm struggling to find decent second hand replacement tubes without paying a lot of dosh can anyone help and are any other Honda front fork tubes parts compatable or does anyone know of any complete front ends for sale that can be fitted onto a CB550F2. Any assistance would be grately appreciated.
Thanks Freddy

[andy_c101]

Freddy
I got my550K3 forks re-chromed at Philpotts ( http://www.pittedforks.co.uk/ )
- did a great a job;
- really pleased I went that route.
AndyC

[matthewmosse]

As a short term fix, areldite can be used to fill pitted forks if carefully ground back with very fine emery paper - It's a bodge but can keep things legal and leak free until a bergin falls into your lap. I'm due a sortout of my shed and revival of my 500, I may find a good set surplus by the end of that process. Cb500/4 forks fit but are shorter. cb650 may very well fit but I've not tried personally. Cb250N/ 400N front end would fit the same headstock bearings but you'd want the new yokes too - I've done that one successfully myself but finding the bits in my shed is pretty well inpossible until a few projects get done to make room to move.

[LesterPiglet]

I understand 1 of the CBR600 models front end fits. New tubes are available in the US as well.

[matthewmosse]

measure the diameter and length then trawl ebay for same diameter forks. I lucked out with my wifes 250, I found a Nos set off an unknown bike, same diameter 1/2 inch shorter, genuine Honda only fly in the ointment was they were for drum braked model not disk so I still had to use the old fork lowers and fit new seals but they were silly cheap as the correct bike was unknown to the seller.

[Freddy]

Thanks for your advice, I've been endlessly searching ebay and google with limited success so far but guess that I'll just have to wait a bit longer for the parts to become available from somewhere.  Frustrating as I'm desperate to get the bike back on the road.

[LesterPiglet]

I bought tubes around 10 years ago from David Silvers but it doesn't look like they do them anymore. Anyhoo, they were for a 550F1 and mine is the F2 so my mate did some simple mods to them. They fit but I don't know how they will behave as I haven't had the bike running since the 90's.   

[Tomb]

CB550 forks clicky   (...nowt to do with me)

Collection only, you don't say where you are Freddy

[Freddy]

Thanks for all the advice.  I've managed to pick up a pair of tubes for a reasonable price from David Slivers.

Hope to be on the road by the 2nd week of May.  yeahhhh 

[LesterPiglet]

Are they F2 tubes? I don't see any listed on Silvers.

[Freddy]

Yep, F2 fork tubes, I couldn't find them on their website either so ended up calling them.

Had the fork legs polished and wow!!! what a difference.

Just the tank and side panels to get resprayed now before having the decals done, then a few coats of lacquer over the top.