Topic: Cb550?

[skaboo]

Ive been really looking into the Cb 550, yet some question the motors reliability being almost thirty years old.

How does it perform, and what maintenence in required? difficulty?   Worh the money/effort??

[crazypj]

If you don't fit electronic ignition then rev it to 13,500rpm they are real reliable, mine did 70,000+ miles after 'some modification', avatar is when speedo rolled up to 100,000 miles

[Stev-o]

Ive been really looking into the Cb 550, yet some question the motors reliability being almost thirty years old.

How does it perform, and what maintenence in required? difficulty?   Worh the money/effort??

My '76 550 runs fantastic and maint is minimal as I don't put a lot of miles on it (have a couple other bikes).
Oil changes every 1500 mikes and tune ups every 3K. Well worth the money and so much fun.

What year/model are you looking at?

[crazypj]

Definately worth the effort, I always preferred 550 to the 750

[Steve_K]

++ on the above posts.  I love mine and hope to get her back in the road this year.
Steve

[skaboo]

Not sure what model year.  Preferences?  Are there any major changes between the years of the 550 that are critical

[Bailgang]

I got mine 5 years ago and it was my first bike. It's a perfect bike for a newb rider like I was and I still love it because it's a blast to ride. I picked up a 750 recently so my wife and I can go on longer trips together because the 550 does struggle a bit on the interstate though it's fine on back roads and 2 lane highways when 2 up riding. With just me on it it's a whole lotta fun.

[prov431]

You could buy mine!

[Stev-o]

There are two models and really no major changes from '74-'78.  The basic motor did not change but carbs, exhaust, paint, graphics, seats and few other minor things did.
While doing research before I bought my first one, I decided I wanted an F model with that great 4 into 1 exhaust, and that's what I bought. 

Click here for the model guide...

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

[crazypj]

F's are easier to 'tune' than later K's but that's only because of the late model PD carbs with press in pilot jets
 All the 550's have 2 oil pumps, one for engine, one for transmission
The second pump was unknown by most people until a few years ago, I posted pics of it now it's 'common knowledge'(although I'm sure a few CB550 aficionados knew about it previously)

[vonvendetta]

F's are easier to 'tune' than later K's but that's only because of the late model PD carbs with press in pilot jets
 All the 550's have 2 oil pumps, one for engine, one for transmission
The second pump was unknown by most people until a few years ago, I posted pics of it now it's 'common knowledge'(although I'm sure a few CB550 aficionados knew about it previously)

True hipster 

[2ceebees]

If you don't fit electronic ignition then rev it to 13,500rpm they are real reliable, mine did 70,000+ miles after 'some modification', avatar is when speedo rolled up to 100,000 miles

Is it the electronic ignition or the high revving that you are referring to?  I don't understand. 

Thanks.

[crazypj]

With electronic ignition you don't have rpm limitation, the points system is designed to cause a miss-fire around 11,000 rpm
when your revving to 13,500 the rings wear real quick, I had to change mine every 6~8,000 miles

[Bankerdanny]

I bought an original low mile (7,000) 550 that had been sitting (on its original tires with most of a tank of gas) for 28 years.

I did no mechanical work except to clean the carbs and replace all the seals.

I Installed new exterior rubber (fuel hoses, tires, tubes, grips), spark plugs, and a battery; bled the front brake and adjusted the rear (keeping the 34 year old pads/shoes), lubed the (original) chain, and then put over 4k miles on it over 4 months before (foolishly) selling it.

The miles included a 6 day, 1,400 mile trip around Lake Michigan with a bunch of other SOHC4 members in the first Relay Rally.

I only had one mechanical issue and that was my fault for not retightening something while setting the points.

I ethusiastically recommend the 550 and personally bought a basket case 550 a few months ago I am very slowly putting back together.

[goldarrow]

I have been considering selling my 750, and stick with 550's

[Stev-o]

I have been considering selling my 750, and stick with 550's

No no no, must have both. 

[2ceebees]

With electronic ignition you don't have rpm limitation, the points system is designed to cause a miss-fire around 11,000 rpm
when your revving to 13,500 the rings wear real quick, I had to change mine every 6~8,000 miles

Good info, did not know that.  I'm going to do a EI on mine, maybe I'll extend the search to a programmable unit.

[skaboo]

Now i hear the 550 has poor handling from a man who does a lot of motorcycle restoration..    True?  Is it dangerous? how does it compare to todays motorcycles

[goldarrow]

Get Harley bikes, super reliable

[skaboo]

Dont like harley bikes. Not my style

[goldarrow]

I bought a cm400 last february, sold it 6 months after, didn't even ride much on that bike, now a year and half later, I have all the bikes in my signature. 

just go get a bike already

[Stev-o]

there's no comparison between a CB550 and a modern sportbike.
The sportbike will be much faster,more reliable and have better handling.
If speed and great handling are a priority, then a CB is not for you
If owning a vintage piece of history interests you, then buy a CB.

[Bailgang]

Now i hear the 550 has poor handling from a man who does a lot of motorcycle restoration..    True?  Is it dangerous? how does it compare to todays motorcycles

This is a trick question right because you're asking to compare 40 year old technology to current? My kids cbr600 will run not walk away from my 550 in a full throttle blast, I might as well blow every shift his bike takes off so quick compared to my 550 but that doesn't stop me from having fun trying to catch him. Being a cautious buyer is a good thing but you seem to be beating yourself up with issues that you'll have to deal with on any vintage bike regardless of make or model.

[Vinhead1957]

That is true we bought these for nostalgia. And the joy of solving puzzles

[mono]

Yes.  Many many joyful puzzles.   I'm probably gonna figure women out first. 

But really - nothing's more satisfying than riding around on a vintage bike.  My stock 550K turns heads all day long. 

Harley guys make fun of it now and then, but my response is always "hey I didn't need to spend 20 grand to make friends."

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2