About the Honda CB550K
The early and late K carburetor applications are the key ordering split for this classic Four.
Honda’s CB550K Four belongs to its 1970s air-cooled OHC four-cylinder range. Honda’s 1977 specification identifies a 544 cc engine and five-speed transmission. In the current repair selection, carburetor kits divide into two groups, while the featured pads and fork seals span both. A restoration list is therefore best built one assembly at a time.
Use the 1977 boundary for carb kits
The early carb kit lists 1974–1976 and the later kit lists 1977–1978. Keep that distinction even when other parts share a broader range. A CB550F Super Sport carburetor rack requires its own identification; the F and K kits are separate listings. The later SC Nighthawk also needs its own model-specific parts.
Know your CB550K before choosing partsCB550K repair checkpoints
Use these assembly-specific notes to plan your repair.
1974–1976 carb application
Early K kit
Three early K years share the selected rebuild-kit listing.
Parts checkpoint: Retain the fitted rack’s markings when comparing the kit contents.
1977–1978 carb application
Later K kit
These later years use the other featured K kit.
Parts checkpoint: A 1976 frame does not establish which rack is fitted after a swap.
1974–1978 chassis examples
Pads and fork seals
The selected front pads and fork oil-seal pair span both carb-kit groups.
Parts checkpoint: Use each product’s own application instead of extending the carb split.
Identify your motorcycle before orderingCB550K model and identification checklist
Use the model year and the installed assembly together. No serial-number range is assumed in this checklist.
| Model or component | Year or identification | Check before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Complete identity | CB550K plus model year and market | Use frame documentation to distinguish the K from the F and SC. |
| Catalog-code examples | CB550K0 (1974), K1 (1975), K2 (1976), K3 (1977), K4 (1978) | Confirm the original market and frame label; the code does not identify a swapped carburetor rack. |
| Early carburetor application | 1974–1976 | Confirm the installed rack matches the early rebuild-kit listing. |
| Later carburetor application | 1977–1978 | Compare carburetor markings before selecting the later kit. |
| Brake and fork parts | Component-specific applications | Check dimensions and component type independently of the carburetor year split. |
Model-code reference: Honda CB550 model catalog. Market listings vary, so confirm the motorcycle’s own identification.
Contact PartsNMore with the model year, frame and engine markings, and clear photos of the part being repaired.