Author Topic: 550F vs 550K tanks  (Read 181 times)

Offline Grewth

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550F vs 550K tanks
« on: January 12, 2026, 11:14:35 PM »
Could some kind person,  with a CB550F, please manage to run a tape measure along the tank, and post up the overall length please  ?
No rush, my 550 is a "back burner " project.
I'm asking because I've got what I thought was a half decent 550F tank, but I've read here and there,  that the K model tank looks very similar,  but is actually longer.
I guess that this refers to the later K model tank with the flush filler flap.
I've tried looking at various photos of the F and the late K models,  and TBH, I can't seem to see anything in it.
Obviously,  if I've got the wrong tank (there's no paint on it to give any clues), I'd really like to find out before I put any work into it

Offline mickwinf

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Re: 550F vs 550K tanks
« Reply #1 on: January 13, 2026, 09:56:10 AM »
pretty sure all the flush cap type ie F1 F2 and k3 are same just paint difference. earlier 500/550 are a different length but all will fit any 500 or 550 frame as long as you use the matcing seat.
Love the 500 and 550 have a 500 called Lazarus under restoration

Offline Grewth

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Re: 550F vs 550K tanks
« Reply #2 on: January 13, 2026, 12:41:30 PM »
Thanks for that.
After looking at loads of photos,  comparing the orientation of the rear of the tank to the vertical frame tubes, I've concluded they're the same length.
However,  the K3 side panels wrap around the air cleaner plenum chamber,  while the F panels don't.
This makes it look like the K3 tank is actually longer.

Offline 3scs

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Re: 550F vs 550K tanks
« Reply #3 on: January 13, 2026, 02:00:01 PM »
K3 and f2 tanks

Offline Oddjob

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Re: 550F vs 550K tanks
« Reply #4 on: January 13, 2026, 02:00:29 PM »
Mick is correct. The F and K3 tanks are the same, the 550K1/2 however are the same as the 500K, shorter. Match with the correct seat and like Mick says, they will fit the frame.
Kids in a the back seat cause accidents.
Accidents in the back seat cause kids.

Offline Grewth

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Re: 550F vs 550K tanks
« Reply #5 on: January 13, 2026, 03:23:27 PM »
Many thanks all !
BTW, I had a nice 500 tank with the bike that Bryan donated to me.
Only slight attention required........ [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

Offline Bryanj

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Re: 550F vs 550K tanks
« Reply #6 on: January 13, 2026, 05:05:06 PM »
Wont petseal cure that?

Offline neat street

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Re: 550F vs 550K tanks
« Reply #7 on: January 14, 2026, 08:27:20 AM »
maybe a little to far gone for lead filling, but you could try :-)
CB500 1975
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Online florence

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Re: 550F vs 550K tanks
« Reply #8 on: January 14, 2026, 09:41:28 AM »
if not concerned about originality, the 750 tank fits as well.  I've got one on mine.
« Last Edit: January 14, 2026, 09:44:14 AM by florence »

Offline Laverda Dave

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Re: 550F vs 550K tanks
« Reply #9 on: January 14, 2026, 10:25:22 AM »
Wont petseal cure that?


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Offline Bryanj

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Re: 550F vs 550K tanks
« Reply #10 on: January 14, 2026, 12:45:21 PM »
You remember petseal then Dave

Online florence

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Re: 550F vs 550K tanks
« Reply #11 on: January 14, 2026, 01:31:05 PM »
the paint looks pretty good.