Honda-SOHC
SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB500/550 => Topic started by: Orcade-Ian on October 30, 2022, 06:07:26 PM
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Been thinking of buying a 550 for a while - seen all sorts of stuff advertised but would rather have a 'rolling restoration' this time. Cosmetics in the better months in stages and engine out in the Winter. Not looking for concours any more!
This is on fleabay at the moment and I hate some of his spiel - factory fresh paint (what about that side panel then? And a credit to its former owner of 24 years (who must have never heard of ACF 50)
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To me it looks like the vendor paid little for it and whacked £2k on to it for a quick profit. It says K3 and I know nothing yet of 550s but it's April 79 - my mate bought a new F2 in 77 so did they run side by side?
Ian
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It's a K3 with an F tank on it.
Fitted fork bellows over the rear shocks so makes me wonder what they are like under there. Shouldn't have fork bellows on the front forks, again, what's under there.
Bloody great dent in the tank, seats a mess unless you're vertical challenged as they say, I say unless you're a dwarf.
Ok if it's cheap enough but avoid otherwise IMO.
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It's a K3 with an F2 tank, it's a Mongrel.
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This one looks better.
.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115583574204?hash=item1ae95160bc:g:SzIAAOSwurVjLZFK&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoLH5%2BeEF3CsYdbaBo3KjwNkSlz9Xn2ye1G1fBWqAZivPm6H63kwrz8r%2F9ZNrk77ZubatxSgERgyAI843kIX%2FgeWsoXAm7vibI2Bx6Modx57fLNf8CT5NJif2fe5vNbGENhTc8fW%2FVvvfgokCogzh9M%2BiVHVs56IOg6uR2fv0uZQ2jgF3j6UgWB%2FGGKmVx3szeAyP%2FC3uINAJ9ioZkvmeQcY%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR9Czn6KFYQ
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Thanks Julie and Ken,
It's not particularly cheap at £3250 and would need a fair amount spending, even doing everything myself. Thanks too to Ted, yes that looks so much better for the same money and a hell of a lot nearer too!
Ian
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well my bike is a K3 with an F2 engine and I think it looks just fine, not really bothered about corresponding numbers etc
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well my bike is a K3 with an F2 engine and I think it looks just fine, not really bothered about corresponding numbers etc
How do you know that you have a F2 engine in a K3 frame when it is the same engine in the UK.
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Ian - might you want this? :
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221031/304ad2a5bf3239eec9efa5e5ec66ad52.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221031/b581aadcbea93e80ff6607d882497aa8.jpg)
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Hi James,
That looks more like my kind of thing!
Cosmetically challenged, very complete has it run recently? - I'll pm you for more info.
Thanks,
Ian
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An Apparently fully furnished American import F2. Nab it while you can?
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Or I will……
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Ian I have your Pm. I’ll get some current photos together for you. Last ran a couple of years ago, was planning to restore but the pile of 750 projects kind of got in the way. It’s a solid bike.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
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Thanks James,
Much appreciated - look forward to seeing more but already definitely looks like a candidate for my quest for a riding restoration, once the carbs have been sorted and the usual re-commissioning.
Speak soon,
Ian
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Good on ya Ian! Feel a phone call to M & R coming off, exciting times.
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Hi Johnny,
No doubt I'll be round your place begging for help and info. Why do I keep buying work?? I could just sit and watch day-time TV.
Ian
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But why would you want to do that when you could be fiddling with a lovely orange 550. I'd love that looks a cracking bike.
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Only joking Roo,
Can't imagine anything worse than watching daytime TV. I know some are forced down that route and feel desperately sorry for them. At 73 it's on with the overalls and out into the toy-cupboard for me!
Ian
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Bloody marvelous!
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I have no time for daytime TV I have a brake pedal return spring to find.
So have you bought a 550 yet Ian?
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Definitely looks that way! Very reasonable price from James and a good deal from the local Couriers McAdie and Reeve all the way from Brighton to Orkney - looking forward to winding you all up with a string of daft questions. What's the brake pedal spring for? - I have a 350/4 one which hooks around the frame tube if it's the same.
Ian
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I've posted the part number under Desperately Seeking.
It's different to a 400 as I have a spare one of those.
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An Apparently fully furnished American import F2. Nab it while you can?
It's an F1 Phil, green clocks, the F2 got blue clocks like the K3.
Plus F1 had fork gaiters fitted, F2 didn't.
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Thanks Ken,
Yes, I had sussed from a brief history on the 550 that it must be an F1 - I think the F2 was available in metallic maroon (like my mates new one back in '77) or metallic blue and broad gold stripe.
I believe Orange was F0 and F1 and as you say, no gaitors on the F2 - could have all been changed of course in 40+ years - I'll have to wait for frame number when it arrives :o. 2 slightly different clock face colours too - but I'm not after winning pots.
Ian
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F1, even better. Nice that it seems to complete with all the important bits present.
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Hi Johnny,
No doubt I'll be round your place begging for help and info. Why do I keep buying work?? I could just sit and watch day-time TV.
Ian
Think you’re a bit too creative and active for day time TV. 🤣
I have some new bits and pieces Ian for CB550, fittings etc depending how deep you need to go into this resto.
Went a bit crazy on the ordering at times during my 550 rebuild. You’d be welcome to them if any good.
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Thanks Johnny,
It will be a while before it touches down - M&R will pick it up sometime on their way back from the (in)continent. Stator cover and badge are needed and James says L/H fork ear damaged - I think that might straighten carefully - like the ding in the front mudguard. I'll sing out if there is anything you might have in the 'stash'. Yes Sesman, seems pretty complete and relatively unmolested and as I have said previously it's to be used quickly and improved slowly!
I'm away at the weekend to NEC (Cars and Bikes) with the Shetland chaps so nothing much will happen for a while.
Ian
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I know where they are a pair of NOS fork ears for an F1 if you need them.
Stator cover is off a 500, the 550 got one with the Honda sign embossed into the cover not a separate cover like the 500. Plus it's pretty damaged, clearly been down the road at some point.
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Thanks for that info Ken,
I'll start the search for that - bound to be one around somewhere. I'll see how I get on with the fork ear - careful planishing and a bit of rub n buff where the chrome will fail might be enough. Tidy and useable will suffice - for the time being anyway. I still wonder at my age how a far distant pile of inanimate metal can create such enjoyment - little lad at Christmas and all that!
Ian
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I have a brand new 500 alternator cover badge if required…..
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He'd need to ensure the clips are still inside the holes Phil, they have a tendency to rust and fall to bits.
If Ian doesn't want it I'd be interested, may do a swap for a pair of polished end caps ;D ;D ;D
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Wow, this really is coming together quickly, thanks to this wonderful forum again! I'll hang on till the bike's home and then shout for help from all who have offered. It gives an old man a rosy glow (might be the wine too!)
Ian
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An Apparently fully furnished American import F2. Nab it while you can?
It's an F1 Phil, green clocks, the F2 got blue clocks like the K3.
Plus F1 had fork gaiters fitted, F2 didn't.
I have the same and it's my favourite ride. Mine was a DK special, yours's looks truly a shiny orange. Sure you will be pleased.
Always a few things to fiddle/change: Silencer, brake pedal, clutch lever.........
Phil
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Well folks, the deal is done!
I'll report back when it touches down in a couple of weeks (well it is about 800 miles away!)
James is now one CB550 poorer but 4s 6d (plus a balloon) richer and I am one happy bunny!
Ian
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I like the throw in of a ballon, I'd have sold too but I thin youve had him for 4s 6d what a steal ;D
You know it'll be good coming from James, well done Ian, bet you cant wait? Your post about being a kid at christmas made me develop a broad smile which stayed for quite a while.
Top man, well done,makesure you enjoy italthough I know you will
Bestest
Roo