Attach CB650 front end on CB550F2

[alexdecker]

Hey all

Somebody locally to me took apart a CB650 and is selling it for parts. He is selling a complete front end. This has dual brakes.

Would I be able to fit this directly on my CB550F2 from 1977? I heard that many of the parts on these two bikes are interchangeable, but not sure to what extent.

See the ad here with images: https://www.dba.dk/recommerce/forsale/item/3336960

Also, he is selling this indicator housing: https://www.dba.dk/recommerce/forsale/item/3191072

From the pictures it is looking identical to my (broken) housing on the CB550. Would I be able to fit this as a direct replacement?

Thanks!

- Alex

[andy120t]

Start by seeing if the head bearings match up. Look at the sizes on wemoto or another website. If they match up it should all slot together fine. Outer bearing bit will stay in the 550 frame, inner bearing bit will be on the 650 yokes ( if I have that the right way round)!
Stem length may be different though - I imagine it could be longer, if anything, for a newer 650 but a couple of spacers under the top nut may fill any gaps.

[Oddjob]

Connector is different on the idiot panel wiring. Could be worked around though.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Be interesting to read if anyone has done this previously.

As Andy has stated look at the inside & outside diameter of the headstock bearings for a 650 compared to your 550F2.
If they are different is there a bearing available that has the o/d of your 550F2 with the inside diameter of the 650 shaft for top & bottom bearings. Is there likely to be an impact on tank clearance if the whole assembly is wider?


Probably not important to you,  steering lock might not align.