SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB500/550

Choosing a cb550 donor bike

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DomP:
I'm on the lookout for a 550 donor for a cafe racer build of sorts, more of a removing and storing some of the original parts for returning to original at a later stage kind of build.  I've researched some of the model differences and see that the F's have the different side covers, brake pedal and headlight bowl but are there any other things to look out for that I should be aware of? I have a preference for the concealed filler cap as I prefer the look and lines of the tank.

Trigger:
Look for a F1 or F2 if you want a flip top on the tank. Keep away from K3's  ;)

DomP:
What's the issue with K3,s?  I've seen quite a few k,s with the flip top tank, is that a case of a swap that has happened during the live of the bike?

Oddjob:
No, the K3 uses the same tank style as the 550F, it's the carbs which are the main problem with that model, they are prone to problems if you don't run the bike often. If the K3 has been converted to use the 500/550 style carbs then it's ok.

There are 2 different F models as well, the F1, has fork gaiters fitted and has green faced clocks amongst others small things. The F2 doesn't have any gaiters fitted so looks more modern in that respect, it has blue faced clocks the same as the K3 uses. The K3 is the touring version of the F2, they share a LOT of parts, the main difference besides the carbs are that the K3 uses a 4 into 4 exhaust system whereas the F2 uses a 4 into 1. This system is incredibly rare in good condition, the K3 exhausts are available to buy new but not cheap. Depends on the look you want, a cafe racer not so much 4 into 4 I'd say but other after markets systems like Delkevic are available

DomP:
Yes a cafe racer or similar stripped back kind of look is the aim and a delkevic 4 in to 1 is what I've been looking at so other than the carbs a K3 isn't such a big problem I would have thought.

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