SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB500/550

What's the difference between the CB500 K1 & K2 models ?

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Oddjob:
The early 500s had 200w generators but it was soon superceded and went down to 150w.

deltarider:
For the European continent this link shows the differences: https://www.honda4fun.com/faq/generali/400-cb500-differenze-tra-k0-k1-e-k2. (scroll down). Note that the CB500K2 [ED, F. G] aka CB500K2 GENERAL EXPORT marketed in 1976-7 differed from the CB500K2-A which was marketed in the US in 1973. CB500 models for UK were a bit poorer: black parts where other markets had chrome, ugly tail light support, etc.

Trigger:

--- Quote from: Bryanj on August 18, 2022, 03:14:21 PM ---All official UK bikes were K1, except the press bikes, everything else was an import plus even the K1 has different parts in other countries e.g. clocks were inclined more to rider but still small type, different holes in rear mudguard and light mounting to suit, huge rear light etc.
Only majour engine change was gear detent system as early ones were not so good and clutch but that was early on in the run. Camchain tensioner mech is better than 400 but can still be knackered by ham fistednesd and needs proper use, generator has slightly more output

--- End quote ---

There was a few more UK CB500K0's than the three press bikes that came to the UK Bryan. I have some Honda documents to show that there were UK 500K0's but, not a lot of them. There was a fair few that were sent from Holland and the clocks were changed but, they are easy to spot as, the pilot light plate was different and the right hand switch gear was different.  ;)

mickwinf:
Ted, if you are thinking of buying a 500 it is more important to find a bike suitable for what you want rather than the exact model. The early K0 bikes usually are a little more expensive as the first of any new bikes tend to be the most sought after by serious collectors, however the k1 or k2 bikes are probably a bit better as they have the improvements made by Honda over the life of the model. Also the parts that are unique to the rare ones are harder to find and very expensive. Do you want a full restoration or a bike in good nick? American imports often have good chrome, etc which keeps parts bills down a bit, but UK bikes fetch a bit more money, at the end of the day they look and ride pretty much the same so its personal choice. Another possibility is a 550, early US versions look like the 500 but with better gearbox, and later f1 and f2 also a good buy.

Bryanj:
I have heard of the dutch ones and back in the day we must have had a K0 where i worked as the side panel had the transfer below the 500 badge which no body could find a part number for, that was black transfer on a gold panel damaged in accident. I eventually found a part number a few years ago in the japanese parts book i found

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