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SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB500/550 => Topic started by: CB5501977K3 on April 12, 2020, 09:46:42 AM

Title: CB550 1977 Grab Rail Dimensions - replacement won't fit.
Post by: CB5501977K3 on April 12, 2020, 09:46:42 AM: Hello all 550 owners.
I finished my 550K3 restoration back in November but the machine came without the grab rail. They are like hens teeth but I recently acquired one off ebay after doing some careful comparisons on the size and the angle of the bend on the tubing over the rear mudguard.

The rail has arrived and is in excellent condition but it's too short to fit my 550. If I mounted it on the top of the shocks it would be covered by around an inch of the back of the seat (which isn't right).

I am wondering if there is a difference in size from the 550 F or perhaps this is off an earlier model.

I have attached two images of the rail against a tape measure and tried to show the side profile too.

If you have a CB550K3 could you compare and let me know the length of the rail and any comment on the elevation of the rear bend in the handle compared with this one.

My 550 was a machine originally built for the South African market, perhaps it was never meant to have one and the seat is a little longer - just a thought?

Perhaps it's something to stimulate the mind during lockdown !
Title: Re: CB550 1977 Grab Rail Dimensions - replacement won't fit.
Post by: Bryanj on April 12, 2020, 10:35:02 AM: Could be a US 500 or 550 up to K2.
Dont think there was any difference in market for that part. Cant go to my lockup to check what mine are at the moment.
Title: Re: CB550 1977 Grab Rail Dimensions - replacement won't fit.
Post by: bobv7 on April 12, 2020, 01:22:32 PM: Measured my US K1 500 and that is 13" and would appear to be original.
Title: Re: CB550 1977 Grab Rail Dimensions - replacement won't fit.
Post by: Bryanj on April 12, 2020, 01:44:25 PM: Is that 13 to the shock bolt or the end?
Title: Re: CB550 1977 Grab Rail Dimensions - replacement won't fit.
Post by: bobv7 on April 12, 2020, 01:47:29 PM: To the end. I tried to measure it the same as it looked like you had.

Try measuring the seat pan from the rear to the end of the actual metal part. (Not the extra padding part at the front.)
Title: Re: CB550 1977 Grab Rail Dimensions - replacement won't fit.
Post by: SPR on April 12, 2020, 03:18:43 PM: I've just measured my 78 550 k3 and its nearer 15.5"

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: CB550 1977 Grab Rail Dimensions - replacement won't fit.
Post by: CB5501977K3 on April 13, 2020, 04:55:49 PM: Hi Again
Thanks very much for clarifying this for me, it's definitely off an earlier model and noted re the size of the later 550 grabrail being longer.
This explains the non fitting of the part.

Many thanks again and query now resolved. It will have to go back on ebay!

Regards Chris
Title: Re: CB550 1977 Grab Rail Dimensions - replacement won't fit.
Post by: Bryanj on April 13, 2020, 06:20:27 PM: PM me with how much please