Topic: Honda CB550-->best production year

[mill1640]

I have the same tired question many other people have, but with all the searching I've done on this forum (and others) I can't seem to find a consensus. Maybe because such an answer doesn't exist. I am not new to motorcycles, but I am new to the Honda CB model and am currently searching for one. I don't have the time, nor the knowledge/skill to deal with a project bike, rather I am looking for a road-ready bike. After extensive research and hands-on experimentation (the little I've had the pleasure of experiencing), I've decided on the CB550. The problem I'm having is deciding on production year and version. I guess my "criteria" for coining a particular year "the best" would be based on parts availability and cost of maintenance. I feel the 550 is well balanced, proportionate (for me), and mechanically sound, however I am not real familiar with the "advances" made between '74 and '78, and how those advances attribute to overall quality. In addition, how much should I intend to pay for a "road-ready" 550? With everything I've seen, there seems to be no consistency. I am a "noob" so please be gentle.   

Addendum: two-up riding occasionally, primarily city riding, winter storage (I live in Minneapolis), and I don't have much interest in converting to a cafe. That being said, I would probably experiment with a different set of bars seeing as though I have a tendency towards the cafe riding "position" as-it-were. I'd also like to ask you guys what I should really be looking for mechanically when buying. Yeah, ok the bike starts, but what should I really be checking for in these bikes? Are there specific mechanical issues I can be on the lookout for when checking a bike out? Any CB550 "tell all's" that would turn you off as a buyer?

Thanks so much for the help so far.
I'm checking what you guys have to say several times throughout the day.

Best regards,

Josh

[Vinhead1957]

Need more info on riding style.   Two up occasionally or are you looking for cafe'  I rode a 550 74 for many years and felt like the bike was too small.  It was quick but seem to strain at highway speeds.  I did have oil seepage at the outer ends of the head. Common problem

[Stev-o]

The SOHC 550's were made from '74 - '78 and I've owned a few (currently have a '76 and a '77). 
As far as motor, changes over the years were minimal.  There is no "don't buy that year", they reallly were all well built and reliable.
What I would do is search for the best example that falls into your budget.
As you know, there were two models and minor changes over the years.
Study here....


http://www.sohc4.net/cb550-model-guide/

[Bankerdanny]

The real advances were made between the 500 and the 550 as the 550 got some transmission improvements that made it stronger.

On the 550, the changes over the years are primarily cosmetic. '77 and '78 550k models have different carburators than the prior versions with a different choke system that is, in my opinion, slightly better than prior years. But in day-to-day use it's a minor improvement and not enough to justify focusing on those years.

If you think the 550 is the way you want to go then just go find the best example you can afford and don't worry about the year.

Size wise, I'm 6-4, 220+ and was quite comfortable riding my bike on a 1,400 mile, 6 day trip around Lake Michigan in 2011. I also took it on a couple of 300 mile day trips. It easily cruised at 70-75 and got 45-50 mpg while doing it.

The 550 is a versitile and economical bike and I think you would be very happy with it.

[FunJimmy]

If memory serves me (and often, it does not) the '77-'78 have rocker shaft anti-rotation pins.
Earlier (non-pined) shafts would wear the shaft bores and cause valve clearance issues.
Late model valve covers can be installed to early model engines too.

 

[Bailgang]

I have a 75 550 K and for the most part I love it. 2 up around town, the back roads or 2 lane highway is no problem but I do tend to shy away from an interstate when riding 2 up. My wife and I have had it on the interstate so it can do it but it does make it work harder which is why I'm looking for a cb750 now.

[Stev-o]

Here is a nice one for sale, delivery available.


http://buffalo.craigslist.org/mcy/3687911663.html

[Duanob]

If memory serves me (and often, it does not) the '77-'78 have rocker shaft anti-rotation pins.
Earlier (non-pined) shafts would wear the shaft bores and cause valve clearance issues.
Late model valve covers can be installed to early model engines too.

I think that was halfway through 1976 cause mine has them. The improvements at 77 - 78 are dust caps instead of fork gators, leaner PD carbs ( I don't think that was an improvement) but the color schemes got ugly for the K model. I would look for a F supersport model. They have the best of both models and a four in one instead of cost prohibitive 4 x 4 exhaust replacement. And nicer color schemes too.

[InTheStreet]

One thing I wish I had known to look for was the primary chain.  I  can't describe the feeling well, but if it feels "jerky" at lower speeds, the primary may be getting worn.  There is no tensioner on the 550, so once it starts to stretch, it's over.  I'm rebuilding my engine now.  If you can hear it rattle, it's in big trouble.  I guess these chains should last a really long time most of the time, but from what I understand poorly sync'ed carbs can cause them to wear more quickly.  Mine had horrible adjusted points and some other things causing each cylinder to run a little differently.

[IndyFour]

I've had a couple of 550's (both are/were 1974's).  If I were buying another one today, I would take a multimeter with me and test the charging system.  That said, any bike that hasn't been gone through (electrically) within the last few years will probably need some attention...mainly with cleaning up contacts and such.

If you're out looking at bikes to purchase, a very simple thing that you can do is take out the headlight and peek at the wiring inside the bucket....if it's all hacked up (scotch locks, electrical tape, duct tape, etc.), you might keep searching for a better specimen.  Same for under the left side cover (melted fuse holder....or even bypassed fuses!).  These things can all be corrected, but chasing electrical gremlins is a pain in the butt....even on a simple bike such as the 550.

Good luck!

[rb550four]

I like the 500's and 550's, neither seem underpowered to me until I ride double. I go 165lbs  so does my wife, +. The 650 is reserved for wife rides around here, it just handles better under load and has enough power that it's  a comfortable ride.
   What I've seen for upgrades over the  years was nothing that someone that doesn't work on these bikes would even notice. like everyone else has said , there hasn't been many earthshattering changes just minor improvements.
   Like any other vehicle that you would purchase ,condition first,price second, especially if you aren't inclined to do the work , and you have a paying job,which would leave you in the " condition only"  group       The  example Stev-o gave you looks like a real nice place to start to us, but we are all veterans of project bikes, our eyes are trained at this point to search for obvious things that we have experienced in our projects and are more generous  with our idea of condition. Meaning , if you are looking for a showroom condition 550, be ready to spend $4500-7000, a really good rebiult $3500-5000, a low miler in really great shape $2500-4000, an every day beater in decent shape 1200-2500, something soon to be a project around a $1000, under a grand  will need work.  Anything less would be considered a project, unless it was in showroom condition-in which case it would be a gift from god or somebody"s pissed off old lady..
    Those are the pricing levels that I've been seeing lately, hope it helps, good luck and safe ride.

[Mercutiojb]

I'm in Minneapolis as well, and have to agree that a good specimen is better than a particular year.  I'd rather take a great 74 than a not-so-great 78!  They aren't as common here as the CB750, but they do pop up.  Sport wheels usually has a few too, but they're a bit pricey if you ask me.