About the Honda CB550: Four, Super Sport & Nighthawk
Three CB550 branches, with different choices for carburetors, forks and clutch repairs.
The 1970s CB550K Four and CB550F Super Sport belong to Honda’s classic four-cylinder range. The F’s original four-into-one exhaust is a useful styling clue. The later CB550SC Nighthawk takes a different mechanical direction with a DOHC engine, hydraulic clutch and shaft drive. The full model code matters more than the shared 550 badge.
Choose the model before building your repair list
Start with the CB550K guide for its 1974–1976 and 1977–1978 carb-kit split, or the CB550F Super Sport guide for the separate F application. The CB550SC Nighthawk guide covers hydraulic-clutch service and the selected 37 mm fork-seal application. These are part-specific examples, not one interchange list for the whole family.
Know your CB550 before choosing partsCB550 repair checkpoints
Use these assembly-specific notes to plan your repair.
CB550K | 1974–1978 examples
Two carb-kit groups
The selected K kits divide into 1974–1976 and 1977–1978.
Parts checkpoint: Use the fitted carburetor’s markings to resolve a changed rack.
CB550F | 1975–1977 examples
Super Sport service parts
The F has its own carb kit, while selected brake pads and fork seals also list K applications.
Parts checkpoint: Shared chassis items do not establish carb-kit interchange.
CB550SC | 1983–1984 examples
Nighthawk assemblies
The selected SC fork seals are 37 × 50 × 11 mm and supplied as two seals.
Parts checkpoint: The SC engine-related kits featured here list 1983 separately.
Identify your motorcycle before orderingCB550 model and identification checklist
Use this checklist to distinguish the motorcycle from any replacement assembly. It is not a frame-number decoder.
| Model or component | Year or identification | Check before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| CB550K Four | K suffix and model year | Choose the early or late K carb application. |
| CB550F Super Sport | F suffix; original four-into-one styling | An aftermarket exhaust does not change the required carb kit. |
| CB550SC Nighthawk | SC suffix; hydraulic clutch and shaft drive | Keep engine, clutch and fork applications separate from F/K. |
| Changed components | Carburetor markings and fork dimensions | Order for the assembly being serviced. |
Contact PartsNMore with the model year, frame and engine markings, and clear photos of the part being repaired.