Author Topic: Thoughts on a 75 CB 550F? (Read 6698 times)

Vreihenmotor6 · « **on:** February 21, 2012, 03:07:42 PM »

so, my fiancee and myself started restoring a 76 CB750F over the winter and thru this process she's determined that she wants her own bike (she's never ridden before, but shes very good at mountain biking and has a scooter currently , we plan on taking the safety course together in the spring)

a CB550F currently has caught her eye

is this a good choice?

also, being an F, does it mean that parts will be harder to find? I'm finding that the rear disc setup on my 750F makes parts a bit harder to find/ more expensive (I know this bike doesn't have discs, but is there any reason to avoid the F model?)

if I had my way I'd have her buy a 400F, but they don't seem to be around for reasonable prices in the north east

thanks
she's 6' tall, and can straddle our 750F but the weight is a bit much for her

bollingball · « **Reply #1 on:** February 21, 2012, 03:19:32 PM »

I think if she can straddle a 750 you should look for that. The smaller bike may get old fast. She is all ready use to other bikes so it is not like she is a complete newbe. Let her try to ride your bike and go from there.

Ken

geminimotors · « **Reply #2 on:** February 21, 2012, 03:26:52 PM »

I'm 5'8" 155lbs w/32" inseam. My 550F fits like a glove. Flat footed in the saddle and I can pick it up if it falls over. Plenty fast enough for me.

Gordon · « **Reply #3 on:** February 21, 2012, 03:49:40 PM »

The seat heights of the 750 and 550 are almost exactly the same, so that really doesn't figure into it. Rider weight/strength and the difference in weight/center of gravity of the two bikes does make a difference, though. The 550 is much easier to keep upright in low-speed, unexpected quick-stop situations than the 750. Above 5mph, though, that difference pretty much disappears.

The 550F is essentially the same as the K with cosmetic differences and a 4-1 instead of a 4-4 exhaust, so finding parts shouldn't be an issue. What it comes down to is the particular bike in question, what you want from it, what you're willing to pay for it and what you're expecting to put into it after purchase.

TwoTired · « **Reply #4 on:** February 21, 2012, 03:53:40 PM »

The F's are my favorite Cb550s.

The Cb550 can do 0-60 in 5.4 sec, the 1/8 mile is 8.66 Sec. and the Quarter in 14.02 sec. Of course, owner modifications, abuse, and neglect can reduce all those times.

She'll easily be able to handle the bike while in motion. But really, you should be able to flat foot on both sides while standing still. Remember that on inclines, you'll need longer legs to keep it upright. The 550 is better for shorter people due to the seat width reduction over the 750.

Being smaller displacement, if you really want to scoot fast, you'll have to use the transmission gear changes more often, as throttle twists outside the engine's power band are unimpressive.

They were made for three years, same as the K model before bigger changes. Many parts can interchange, some parts cannot. Parts are where you find them on a 30+ year old machine. Although, I must say the original muffler is very hard to find, but perfect for this bike.

Cheers,

Stev-o · « **Reply #5 on:** February 21, 2012, 04:28:40 PM »

I had a '76 550F, I think this would be a good bike for her, much easier to ride/park at slow speeds, very nimble and quick too.
I restored it and was able to find every part I needed including a stock muffler, brown seat and side covers all in good cond [but, can be a challenge].
Go for it!

Duanob · « **Reply #6 on:** February 21, 2012, 08:27:51 PM »

I agree the 550f is my fav. That would be my next choice either blure or orange.

RFogelsong · « **Reply #7 on:** February 21, 2012, 09:03:46 PM »

I've got a 550k and highly recommend it. The weight factor alone is why I chose it over the 750 (used to newer bikes where 350-400 pounds pretty much covers everything). I use my 550 for basically a campus bike in Cincy and it's brilliant at it. Good pep and low speed maneuverability.

To my knowledge (and some "F" guys may be able to add to this), the major changes from the "K" were: the tank/sidecovers being different, different frame geometry for the passenger pegs (round tubes instead of a pressed piece), different brake lever to clear the exhaust, different kick start lever to clear something else, and obviously the 4-1 exhaust. Finding parts shouldn't be an issue as mechanically the bikes were pretty much the same. Cosmetically though I'm not sure the availability of sidecovers, they have a tendency to be ridiculous on some models.

Also, on that bike you posted the pic of, I think it has a later 550 front fender on account of there not being a front brace.

cameron · « **Reply #8 on:** February 21, 2012, 10:18:15 PM »

Naw.. thats a F model fender!

Get it, Vreihen. I am 6'.. Ive had mine for 10 years now.. and I never want a bigger bike. Never. But I am pretty skinny.... hopefully she is too

Heres a little bit of what she can be:

RFogelsong · « **Reply #9 on:** February 21, 2012, 10:54:03 PM »

Today I learned the difference between F and K fenders...and that I have an F fender on mine (not complaining).

Duanob · « **Reply #10 on:** February 22, 2012, 03:45:26 PM »

Quote from: cameron on February 21, 2012, 10:18:15 PM

Naw.. thats a F model fender!

Get it, Vreihen. I am 6'.. Ive had mine for 10 years now.. and I never want a bigger bike. Never. But I am pretty skinny.... hopefully she is too

Heres a little bit of what she can be:

Cameron. you're not from west seattle are you? There used to be a nice orange 550f just like your pic, on california ave across from the middle eastern restaurant and rite-aid store.

cameron · « **Reply #11 on:** February 22, 2012, 04:07:37 PM »

My girlfriend used to live there

singedebile · « **Reply #12 on:** February 22, 2012, 04:19:49 PM »

The 550 really has plenty of power, and if anything I really enjoy making the bike work to get the most out of it.

On the highway there is plenty of power to pass, and I've done a bit of two up ridding with bags etc.. and it was great.

and if I can keep up 0-60 with this guy... im totally fine with that

Stev-o · « **Reply #13 on:** February 22, 2012, 04:51:39 PM »

WOW! Tell us more... 4 - 4 - 2. 400, 4 barrel, duel exhaust? Beautiful...

geminimotors · « **Reply #14 on:** February 23, 2012, 07:41:50 PM »

Not to hijack, but nice 68 Singedibile. Restored a 69 Cutlass S. I think theres a category in the open forum. I'll post pics there. Like to see some of your 68.

geminimotors · « **Reply #15 on:** February 23, 2012, 07:46:00 PM »

To steer back on topic, I never raced it, but I'm sure my 550F is quicker up to 90mph than the Cutlass. One half the cylinders, and quadruple the carburetors!

dave500 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 23, 2012, 09:35:06 PM »

that gutless,oops,i mean cutless needs a proper tune,we love tanks here.

Accolay · « **Reply #17 on:** February 23, 2012, 09:47:53 PM »

I'm 6' tall and about 160lbs. I have new progressive shocks and fork springs, the Hondaman swingarm build, and his ignition system, and a mac slip on muffler. I rode about 1000 miles on the relay last year on my '77 CB550F and never felt bad about it compared to a 750. I've had the bike for a few summers now and doubt I will ever tire of it. My only bike and runs like a champ. You wont be disappointed if you buy it.

I have never had a problem finding parts for it, but I didn't go through the engine, so there might be some harder to find bits in there. However, I'm certain there are plenty of parts for these around.

Raef · « **Reply #18 on:** February 23, 2012, 09:51:36 PM »

The 550 is an excellent bike, I have a 75 f and a 74 K. I ride the f almost daily, a 400 mile day is not uncommon and I went to deals gap on it last year. The question of speed is pretty crazy when discussing these bikes, you can by a 10 year old 600 that will out perform the 550 or 750 effortlessly. In the last 20 years I have had a 1000r and a zx 10 and the only street bikes I still own are cb 550's

dependable, plentiful, cheap and pretty cool.

I do think the 750's are good for more miles, the 550's have a few cam and cam chain issues. From what I hear it is the difference of 50,000 compaired to 100,000 miles, mine are currently in the 20,000 range so someone else would have to put in their 2 cents on that

Mark

dave500 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 23, 2012, 10:24:11 PM »

my only bike is a 500 with a 550 motor,i like the 550s improved clutch actuation and the shift mechansim,,the extra 50cc is a step in the right direction aswell,,ive had a few 500s and 550s but i like the 550 engine for its transmission and clutch that little bit more,the only real cam/chain/valve gear related issuse for me has been the early non-locked rocker shafts wearing into the cover(theres threads on here for that info),ive had perfectly good non locked ones aswell,,the locked ones are that edge better,im only five foot four inches but 80 kilos/176 pounds? so the smaller bike fits me,also im a little older now so my reflexes havent a snow flakes hope in hell of riding a late or even a fifteen year old faster bike to its limits,,my bike makes the right noise and feels faster than it is and i find that satisfying,plus i can actually tinker with it without a lap top.

Rgconner · « **Reply #20 on:** February 23, 2012, 11:17:17 PM »

The 550's are a superb balance of handling and power. I have a '75K and love it.

I like the 4-4 look of the K better, but the 4-1 does scavenge and that helps the top end.

A steeper rake helps it handle the curves better than the 750 and it is generally more nimble as the wheelbase is shorter too.

The 75 carbs do not have the compromises of later designs, and a quick performance mod is to put in a 650 cam.

The only thing better would be a 400, even lighter than the 550 and a lower saddle height, plus they win in the sexy department. =)

Bad news:

The swingarm is almost always f'ed up, unless it has been rebuilt before.
Alternator is marginal, but that is par for the course.

umm... that is about it in the negatives.

dave500 · « **Reply #21 on:** February 23, 2012, 11:28:38 PM »

the alternators are fine really,ive never had trouble with them,just make sure all the connections are clean,,you cant idle them in traffic for hours though,,thats not really riding anyway,switch the headlight off,im spoilt by living in an area with no traffic signals and all open road and twisties,hill and dale for miles and miles.

Vreihenmotor6 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 24, 2012, 08:21:45 PM »

so, I / we bought it becoming a SOHC family

its starts and runs nice, I have to fix the seat, find better side covers, replace the tires , and seal a header to muffler leak

Stev-o · « **Reply #23 on:** February 24, 2012, 08:35:16 PM »

Congrats, looks good! You can find a new set cover on eBay for about 50 bucks. Check the parts for sale thread on this forum, Frankenstuff sells side covers for the F.

Tews19 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 24, 2012, 08:48:30 PM »

Quote from: dave500 on February 23, 2012, 10:24:11 PM

my bike makes the right noise and feels faster than it is and i find that satisfying,plus i can actually tinker with it without a lap top.

When I removed the rotted muffler on my 550F, the loudness psychologically made me think it was much faster....

Dave, you have the lowest idling bike I've seen on here. PLus it didnt sound like it wanted to die when idling... Very nice

Didnt see you bought it! Congrats! How about a video of her running to hear the sound of the muffler.... Yours looks to be decent shape. Mine was rotted threw and would discharge all the years of carbon build up on my bare feet.

News:

Author Topic: Thoughts on a 75 CB 550F? (Read 6698 times)

bollingball