Topic: Help evaluate 550K

[Jayplum]

I am trying to assist the widow of a friend.  Bob had a '78 CB550K; wife was afraid of it.  Bike sat in basement for about 20 years with < 9700 miles on it.  I have brought it out into the sunshine and have her running.  Drove her about a block up the road; runs good and shifts well.  Still needs work but mostly maintenance.  The bike needs exhaust and a right side cover but other than that major tune up and tires.

Any assist in evaluation?  Hagerty has it at $3,000 to $4,000 for condition 2.  I believe with the work listed above it would be at a 2.

I can provide photos or just discussion.

[Scott S]

 Photos would be immensely helpful.

 I don't see many '77-78 models sell for $3-4K.

[ekpent]

  I find the NADA values to be a little more closer and realistic to the actual value, at least in the rust belt region I live in.  https://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles/1978/Honda/CB550-FOUR/Values

[Jayplum]

Hope these come through
In my basement

[Scott S]

 The '77-78's had unique side covers. And other than being the same shape, the color and badge were different, so you're looking at a one year only side cover. Figure $50 minimum for a nice one you can just stick on there. Double that to get one that needs work/painted to match (by the time you pay for paint, etc.).
 
 If you want a stock exhaust, figure at least a couple hundred for a nice set, if not more. Or around $350-400 for a Delkvic, etc.

 Tires are another $2-300 or more, plus mounting and balancing.

 That's a nice bike, but the true number on the value probably starts with a 1.

[ekpent]

DIBS on that sissy bar !!     

[Jayplum]

Thanks to all.

[bryanj]

That year 550 has to be one of the most unloved and unwnted Honda models ever. A lot of parts are unique and unavailable plus the carbs,fitted to meet the Californian emmission regs, are the most finiky and awful to work on and made worse since the advent of ethanol in gas.

[Jayplum]

Talked to owner and her son this morning in church.  They are going to discuss and get back to me. 
I suggested selling as is and moving on but the choice is hers.

If she wants me to proceed.  What is consensus on 4 to 1 exhaust?  It is bound to affect the sound and probably the performance.

[Jayplum]

That year 550 has to be one of the most unloved and unwnted Honda models ever. A lot of parts are unique and unavailable plus the carbs,fitted to meet the Californian emmission regs, are the most finiky and awful to work on and made worse since the advent of ethanol in gas.

To one geriatric to another, even the ugly duckling has some fans and finicky defines my play toys S(69TR6 and 95 XJS).  Being a UK mechanic you can understand what happened when you guys sent the TR5 over here.

[Scott S]

Talked to owner and her son this morning in church.  They are going to discuss and get back to me. 
I suggested selling as is and moving on but the choice is hers.

If she wants me to proceed.  What is consensus on 4 to 1 exhaust?  It is bound to affect the sound and probably the performance.

 In today's market, Delkevic is the best bang for the buck and shouldn't require rejetting.

[MauiK3]

Did they come stock with black cylinders or has it been apart?

[Scott S]

 Stock came silver. But you can tape it up and paint the cylinders.  Doesn't necessarily mean it's been apart.

[bryanj]

550 never had black cylinders from the factory so would guess its been apart

[BenelliSEI]

 Funny how certain models and years get undeserved reputations...... I rode my totally stock 1978 cb550K for years. No issues, always ran beautifully. I only “lost it” when my wife started riding it, instead of her ‘77 400F. She said the back end was “softer” and a more pleasant ride. Sold it a few years ago for about $US3500.

[Scott S]

 I had a '78 that I loved. Probably the most comfortable 550 I've had.
 And the PD carbs aren't as bad as people make them out to be, either.

 I was just say that in it's current condition it's probably worth South of $2k.

[Mr. Mike]

New exhaust for sure. Pipes 2&3 are shot. IMO, once improved upon, $28 hunnerd to $3K might see it go bye bye quickly.

I think Scott’s estimate for “as is”, is a fair one.

[bryanj]

I agree with both posters that said they had no problems as from reading the bikes were in everyday use, the PD carbs get nasty when the bike is used irregularly or parked up for a time.
As head mech for a reasonable sized Honda dealer in the 70's we found that the bikes with US emmission type carbs(77/78 550, twin cam 750/900 etc) needed the carbs drained if stood in showroom for a week and stripped for cleaning if stood a month. The "old" models like the majority on here just fired up and ran.

[TwoTired]

The stock 78 CB550K used high pressure pipes to help pass US emission requirements that went into effect for 1978 (see below).  EPA was demanding "lean Burn" engines, which also made them all run hotter and more fuel efficient.  I'm not sure this bike actually passed, though.  And, may have been "forgiven/allowed" because it was the last year model Honda sold in the US.

Anyway, the aftermarket exhausts, will not be high pressure type, and make the engine run even leaner/hotter.  This will require carb rejetting to keep it from running so lean and wrecking the valve guides.  Even in stock form, the engine runs hot and wrecks valve guides, if a good quality, high temp withstand oil is not used and changed frequently.   That's what happened to my 78 CB550K, anyway.  I don't think many people understand this idiosyncrasy of this model.  The PD carbs work just fine in stock form, though parts are unique to both 77 and 78 models, making alterations more problematic.  Neither year sold all that well.  So, far less popular than earlier models.  Delightful bike to ride.  But, not a "performance model" which was more popular during that time period.

Better to patch the original pipes if carb rejetting is not performed.

In good form, probably a $2500- $3000 bike.   Subtract from that any repairs to make the bike ridable again.

Cheers,

[Bankerdanny]

I was quite happy with my '77, which I bought after sitting over 20 years. It took minimal work to get back on the road.

Why do you think you need an exhaust?

Here's mine a week after I got it after a nice wash up. 100% as from the new, including the original tires

Value wise, it is hard to get more than $2k for a 77-78. 550's in general don't command big money, and the last couple years in particular don't.