Honda-SOHC
SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB500/550 => Topic started by: Mariner Wayne on January 24, 2022, 06:18:19 PM
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Hi, Can anyone please advise / help identify what bike I actually have.
I thought (hoped) I had a 1978 550 K3. The bike wasn't identifiable when I purchased it some years ago.
Since embarking on the rebuild I have discovered it has F carbs and now I have found it has F front forks as well.
It has an engine no CB550E 2022251 and a chasis no CB550K 2021517
How can I confirm the model from this info?
Thanks
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The K3 shares a LOT of parts from the F model, especially the F2. if I remember correctly the forks are the same part numbers as the F2.
It's quite common for the carbs to get changed to the F carbs as the standard PD carbs are a nightmare.
Quick way of identifying a K3 from an F is the swinging arm, if it has removable bungs on the end it's a K3, if the ends are closed it's an F. This was because the K3 got 4 exhausts and you couldn't get the rear wheel spindle out so they fitted ends that detached so the wheel came out backwards.
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Hi Wayne. My 550 Mongrel, Millie, has a K3 frame and that has a 20*****VIN. Mind you, that is about the only part that is K3 😂😂😂😂 Oh, maybe the forks are K3 🤔🤔🤔
[attachimg=1]
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Another clue, just remembered the rear brake lever is flat on the F but round on the K.
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Hi, Can anyone please advise / help identify what bike I actually have.
It has an engine no CB550E 2022251 and a chasis no CB550K 2021517
How can I confirm the model from this info?
P.4 will give a clue: https://www.honda4fun.com/dwnload/Part-List/CB500/CB500-K3-CB550-K3-K4-Parts-List.pdf Is the speedometer in miles (DM) or in kilometers (DK)?
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Simples. My F is stamped CB550F xxxxxx and the K is stamped CB550K xxxxxx.
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Thanks to everyone for their replies, much appreciated. I think I know what the score is.
I do have a K3. It has F type carbs fitted by persons unknown.
The forks internals are the same as the F type, contrary to the Haynes and Clymer workshop manuals. However, a later version of the parts list for the K3 shows the same fork internals as mine. I therefore think that Honda changed the K3 fork design to the same as the F type after July 1977 (the issue date of the manuals I have).
I think this explains it and I'm happy to believe this.
The forks are the same externally by the way, the earlier K3 design has a central rod through the centre of the spring, the F type does not.
Nurse Julie, mongrel Millie looks very nice and I bet barks very loud as well.
Thanks to all
Mariner Wayne