Exhaust Gaskets (Composite) | Honda CB175 / CB200 / CB500 / CB550

Composite Exhaust Gaskets for Honda CB175 / CB200 / CB500 / CB550

These composite exhaust gaskets seal the joint between the cylinder head exhaust port and the header pipe on Honda CB175, CL175, SL175, CB200, CL200, CB500, CB550F, and CB550K motorcycles. The CB175 and CB200 twins use a set of 2 gaskets, while the CB500 and CB550 fours require a set of 4. Each gasket replaces the factory composite ring that sits inside the exhaust port.

Why You Need This

Tick, tick, tick — that rhythmic ticking at idle is the telltale sign of an exhaust leak at the cylinder head. These composite gaskets get crushed and carbon-fouled over decades of heat cycles. They often become so coated in carbon that they blend into the port and go unnoticed when the pipes are removed, leading to reinstallation without fresh gaskets. The result is an exhaust leak that causes a ticking noise and can wreak havoc on running conditions, making carburetor tuning difficult. A fresh set of composite gaskets eliminates the leak and restores a proper seal at every exhaust port.

Specifications

Installation

Difficulty: Easy — No special tools required

1. Remove the exhaust system. Unbolt the 12 mm flange nuts at each exhaust port and the mounting nuts at the rear of the mufflers, then slide the pipes off.
2. Inspect the exhaust ports on the cylinder head. The old gaskets are often invisible under a layer of carbon. Scratch the carbon off the port surface with a small screwdriver until you can see the gasket material underneath.
3. Gently pry the old gasket out of the port with a flathead screwdriver. If you see bare aluminum in the port, the old gasket has already fallen out.
4. Press a new composite gasket into each exhaust port.
5. Reinstall the header pipes and tighten the 12 mm flange nuts evenly. The gaskets crush and conform when the flange nuts are tightened, providing a tight seal. Do not over-tighten.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my exhaust gaskets need replacing?

The most common symptom is a ticking or hissing sound near the cylinder head at idle. If you have had the pipes on and off the bike, there is a good chance the old gaskets were not replaced and are now leaking. Exhaust leaks can also wreak havoc on running conditions and make carburetor tuning erratic.

What is the difference between composite and copper exhaust gaskets?

Composite gaskets are used on the CB175, CB200, CB500, and CB550 models. They seat inside the cylinder head exhaust port. Copper exhaust gaskets are used on CB350 and CB360 models and sit between the header pipe flange and the cylinder head. The gasket type is determined by the engine design — they are not interchangeable between model families.

Do I need to use gasket sealant with these?

No. Simply press the new gasket into the exhaust port and reinstall the header pipe. The gaskets crush and conform when the flange nuts are tightened, creating a seal by compression.

How many gaskets do I need?

The twin-cylinder models (CB175, CL175, SL175, CB200, CL200) use 2 gaskets — one per cylinder. The four-cylinder models (CB500, CB550K, CB550F) use 4 gaskets — one per cylinder. Select your bike model when ordering and the correct quantity is included.

You Might Also Need

• Exhaust Clamps — Honda CB500 / CB550 — replacement exhaust port clamps (sold individually, 4 needed per bike)
• Copper Exhaust Gaskets — Honda CB350 / CB360 — copper port gaskets for the 350/360 family (sold in pairs)
• Graphite Exhaust Gasket — Honda CB350 / CB360 / CL450 — seals the pipe-to-muffler joint on factory exhaust systems
• Overhaul Gasket Kit — Honda CB550 — complete engine gasket set including exhaust gaskets

Last updated: March 2026