Topic: Phenomenal 76 CB550K crossed the blocks on Bring A Trailer

[RAFster122s]

6K mile time capsule with original 75 date coded tires.
Best example I have ever seen. Crossed the blocks at Bring A Trailer today for $9100. Someone bought an exception collector's bike at that price. Absolutely gorgeous!!!

The comments are worth reading.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1976-honda-5600-mile-cb550-four-k2/

David

[KennyRedman]

Wow. Amazing.

[jlh3rd]

wow ...

I do have this. 1975 550F, 100% original, unrestored, mint, including tires, endless chain, all factory decals and markings, red striped fuel lines...in my possession since 1994. 10800 miles.
    nice to see these middleweight bikes getting some deserved attention.

[Kevnz]

Wow, both bikes gorgeous. Here in NZ the best CB750s , not sandcast, nor even K0 are hitting around $40K. Can't see why an equivalent condition 500 or 550 shouldn't be worth at least 1\2 that; they are rarer, cost near enough the same to restore and a lot of people, including contemporary road testers considered them better bikes.
Re the comments on the auction site, any Aussie members confirm good 550s are worth $AUD 20K? Also apply to 500s?
Last year I got $12K NZ for my 550 which was a pretty good bike; possibly could have held out for a bit more. Best I've heard is $15K for a mint 500.  I'm picking they have gone up a bit since then.
I'm doing up a couple of 500s, but it's hard to say whether the extra money to be had from doing it up properly , would be paid back. I'm thinking the average one of mine would be worth maybe $8-9K at best, but would cost another $5-6K to bring it up to mint. Might not break even, let alone make it worth the extra work. Looks like this, minus the pipes. Any ideas?

[PeWe]

Restore a bike to that status as the 76 bike will most likely cost more in total.
Fresh or new parts for these bikes are not easy to get as for a CB750.
An original mint looking bike is priceless.

[dave500]

yeah wow that would have to be the last one of those around?you cant say the 500  or 550 was better than the 750 or visa versa?im a smaller guy so the 500/550 fits me better,the smaller 500/550s probably handle a bit more nimble in the really tighter twisties?the 750 and 550 probably launch the same until 3rd gear in a straight line?prices are what anyone will pay but that is a special example!

[jlh3rd]

Restore a bike to that status as the 76 bike will most likely cost more in total.
Fresh or new parts for these bikes are not easy to get as for a CB750.
An original mint looking bike is priceless.

yep, ...there are repop K exhausts, but the F model headers and mufflers are non existent, except for the occasional beat up rusted ones that show up. I've haven't seen any vintage bridgestone super speed tires showing up. Especially for the rear as the 3.75 x 18 size was just on 550's from what i've researched.

[Little_Phil]

While we're showing original old stuff. Here's my 71 500. Still on original tyres. Had to swop wheels to get it legalised in UK.
First pic in Colorado Springs. 4867 miles.
Second in UK.
Third, now also available in gold. (I know that starlight gold was for the K0 but preferred the candy gold). And Anglified, different rear guard, and rear light mount, grab bar (LHS) to replace grab rail, re-positioned rear indicators, lower rise bars, different hand switches and headlamp. And now 4885 miles.
Still have all the parts including original tank.
Problems were carbs and fuel tank badly Kreem lined. (A completely unnecessary fad)

[ekpent]

I've got one of those hiding under my bed    Not quite as minty as that one though but close. If I can get to it sometime where its hiding I'll have to check the tires for a brand name. Doubt though they would be originals.
   That seller guy seems well connected and is uncovering some Michigan gems and treasures.

[Deltarider]

@ Phil. Man, had I known this, I had made you a good offer for that grabrail. Have looked for a good rustfree one for years. Two weeks ago, I capitulated and finally ordered (and now received) a new repro from CMSNL. Why you prefer the British rearlight holder etc., puzzles me. We in continental Europe also had the American style rear.

[Bankerdanny]

6K mile time capsule with original 75 date coded tires.
Best example I have ever seen. Crossed the blocks at Bring A Trailer today for $9100. Someone bought an exception collector's bike at that price. Absolutely gorgeous!!!

The comments are worth reading.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1976-honda-5600-mile-cb550-four-k2/

David

Reminds me of my '77 550K when I bought it in 2011 with about 8k miles and still original everything, tires, tubes, battery, hoses. I obviously replaced all those so I could ride it regularly, but I held on to the tires and gave them to buyer when I sold the bike.

Here it is the weekend I bought it after giving it a bath.