Topic: Reviews of 500, 550 in "used bikes"

[Philly550K1]

i followed a link in another thread and found these.  anyone care to chime in on the comments below?  in my case, i'm wondering about my 550's camchain, as i'm in the low 30K mile range.  author seems to be referring to UK bikes...  -jon


HONDA CB500/4
1972-75, 499cc OHC four,
50hp, 110mph, 50mpg, 410lb
Classic looking but lacks any blood and guts, although the power and chassis work well together. Simple for a four, engine tough to 30,000 miles when camchain can snap. 40k means rebore but can run for 60 to 65000 miles before complete rebuild’s needed – if oil changes done every 1000 miles. Check for slick gearbox, lack of head gasket leaks and bodges to camchain tensioner or electrics.


HONDA CB550F
1975-81, 544cc OHC four,
50hp, 110mph, 50mpg, 400lb
Update on the CB500/4, with more punch and better handling. Most chronic problem’s cutting out in the wet – fixed with new coils, HT leads, caps and plugs, plus a few tubes of sealant! Runs happily to 35k when either camchain, pistons or tensioner give problems but some made it to 50k. Quick rot exhaust and caliper, plus base gasket leaks. Still a few nice ones running around but the majority are drifting towards rat status.

[TwoTired]

I've never heard of an SOHC4 Cb500 or CB550 cam chain snapping unless the tensioner was really screwed up.

Anybody actually have this experience of one breaking?

[SteveD CB500F]

Me neither.

I've seen these "short reviews" before (Used Bike Guide?)

Agree with the coils / wet cutting out - but then we all know that already.

[clarkjh]

Stange, never had mine cut out in the rain, but then I replaced the gasket on the points cover before the wife and I got cought in a downpour.  No place to get under and couldn't drop below 60 or I couldn't see, glad I had new rubber, (200K on them)

James

[TwoTired]

Agree with the coils / wet cutting out - but then we all know that already.

Yes, I cursed the coils for a couple years of commuting.  But, found out that if the points cover was sealed well (made a neoprene gasket), the coils and ignition wires could be totally drenched and the engine would still purr reliably. (Until the ignition wire insulation cracks, anyway.)
Then I had reliable power in the rain.  But, the front brake still is iffy, at best, when wet.  Skidding the rear is really only fun when other traffic is not around.

I wanna know what tires clarkjh is using.  200K miles on tires is quite an accomplishment!

[clarkjh]

Opps ment 200klicks, just had them broken in.  Much nicer running in good weather.

James

[74cb750]

I have had 4 1974 cb550's, but never any of them with over 22,000milies, so....
When one of  my running cb550s reaches waht 35,000miles I should check for something?

I'll be selling one of theim this spring (5,600 miles) all OEM, and perfect restoration. My best bike
be well,
michel

[TwoTired]

I had a 75 CB550 with 38K on the the clock.  I got it used.  But, I did see any evidence the cam chain was replaceed.  I've also got a 74 Cb550 with over 40,000 miles on it.  I know darned well that one has the original cam chain.  It does have the weepy o rings at the head, and a bit of bluish tinge to the exhaust.  Still runs great, though.  I never even thought to worry about the cam chain until I read this thread.  I'm wondering if I should give the reviewer any creedence?

I've seen cam cover wear issues.  But, I know of no cam chain issues. 

 

[Paul]

Got caught out in a bad shower last year,Bike died, wet plugs / leads / coils. Spent 10 mins drying and covering....and off again. five miles later same problem (And the first time it was genuine!) 30 Mins later.and P***ed wet...turned to reserve.... and off home wet and fuming for not realising 
Sold my 550F....sorry now, 500 starts and runs like new.