cb550 vs. cb500
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not sure what you are asking here but ok.
The cb500 was the first iteration of the 500/550 fours. By far the coolest looking in my opinion, espiclly with that two tone paint scheme. The 500 was made from 71-73. In 74 the 500 was introduced and was basically a punched out 500. The first 550s actually still wore the 500's paint scheme before switching over to the 750 style paint. 74 550s have some unique parts like the carbs. 75- 76 is still pretty close and 77-78 got the same updates that the cb750 got - carbs, bigger seat, and better brakes.
as far as I know the 650 motor should fit into all the frames. Wiring on the other hand is completely different as the 650 uses a cdi ignition and the cb500/550s are points. There is a lot of parts interchange between the 500 and 550 and very little between the 500/550 and the 650.
Sounds like what you really want is a 750, for what you are planning it is probably cheaper to go find a 750 and just ride that instead. I assume you are fairly expirenced at working on bikes becuase if you are having a shop do this kind of work it will get expensive very quick, espically when you dip into custom fab.
here is a model id guide:
http://www.sohc4.us/index.php?optio...53&PHPSESSID=a5d394dfa2d39a7ebd23bebede4194cf
http://www.sohc4.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=13&Itemid=56
http://www.sohc4.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=10&Itemid=52
doubtful? There is less fabrication in building a new frame than there is in adapting a 500/550 to take a 750.
The big engine little frame is a modern sport bike concept. Most old bikes use heavy steel tubular frames and really there is no weight savings unless you are putting a really big engine into a really small frame (say a cb750 into a cb400). Most of the power differences between models (espically hondas) can be made up with good tuning and a few speed parts (e.g. finding 10 hp in a 550 motor will get you to the 58hp most midyear cb750s put out stock).
Of course there are exceptions and you may want to consider other brands and two strokes. For example a kawasaki h1 500 or h2 750 two stroke in an s3 400 frame has a significant weight reduction and is possible (a 750 in a 500 frame is even easier since the motor mounts are the same, but it actually adds weight). Most two strokes can be made significantly lighter than their 4 stroke counterparts. S3 400s are cheap if the motor has a problem since pistons are scarce and 500 motors are pretty common and have a lot of speed parts available. 750 motors are out there but pricey.
read about a 500 into 400 frame here:
http://kawtriple.com/mraxl/khconv/400to500.htm
This bike belongs to cody (scrambler73 on the kawasakitriplesworldwide.com message board). It weights about 360 lbs and is a 750 in a 500 frame. A more badass road burner I have yet to see.
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