Topic: Thoughts on going from CB750 to CB550?

[pjandrew99]

I downsized into a one car garage. Space is an issue.
Also, my CB750K1 is getting pretty heavy for me at my age.
So, because of the size, weight and space I decided I'd put the CB on ebay. I went out to take some pics. As I stood there, I marveled at the design and a bike that has surely stood the test of time. I left the garage taking no pictures.
That week, I bought a Bikemaster dolly, put the CB on it and rolled it out of the way. With the dolly I can pull it straight into the garage, turn it around and get it ready for the next ride. Very easy to move around wherever you want.
I totally get moving toward a smaller bike. Honestly, especially as you get older, you're probably apt to ride it more.
I figured there are plenty of old, ornery (lol) members on the forum riding cb750's. I should be able to do it for a few more years. 
I just can't get rid of this damn bike!

[RAFster122s]

With a couple bike dollies like that you can nest the two bikes together closer than you would normally, allowing better use of the space.
Drop a 650 motor in a cb550 frame if you cannot find a 79 cb650 with the standard ujm style frame. The extra go from the 650 motor will more than make up for the smaller bike.
The cb750 pretty much requires you to use counter steering whereas the 550 can be ridden turning the bars like you would a bicycle or using counter steering.
My VStrom can be ridden either way.

If the cb550 had the cb750 power it would make it a no brainier. Brent Walker developed a cb550 race bike that season after season dominated against cb750 and other makes with Mike R's help. It had over 70 HP!

I like riding quickly through twisty roads, not dragging a knee but a very brisk pace. The 550 will allow me to do that easier and that's why I chose a cb550.

[HondaMan]

I just can't get rid of this damn bike!

[Rosinante]

Denward, I suspect it would be very fun to ride a 550.  I have long admired them, but never ridden one.  I wonder if you can find one to ride.  Before making a purchase decision, I mean.  I'll bet you could.

[denward17]

My first street bike was a Honda CB500 (Brown) back in the late 70's, I remember loving that bike, but just was not fast enough, lol.

That's when I moved up to the 900Z1.  It was a mistake to sell either bike, but life got in the way, so to speak.

[Rosinante]

I think you should have both.  I'm sort of an instigator.    What freud called the "Id."

[dave500]

im mid 60s and only 5 ft 4",suits me fine,id like to ride a cb750 but i dont think id like to own one exclusively,bit big n heavy for me?thing is as you age the reflexes also get a little slower?these smaller bikes make the right noise and feel faster than your going so its all taken care of in that respect,having said that i live in a hilly twisty area,big sports bikes cant shake these off easy in the tighter stuff where its 3rd n 4th gear up n down over n over,new adventure bikes excel in the twisty hills!

[drodg33]

I am 66 and last spring I bought a very nice 72 CB500.  I have ridden bikes for years mostly BMW R1100RT's and 1200RT's with a few other things thrown in.  I don't ride any over night trips anymore and mostly do 50 and under back road riding.  The CB500 fits that well.  If I started riding more on highways that are 65 mph plus I think I would want a bigger bike.   

[Deltarider]

If I started riding more on highways that are 65 mph plus I think I would want a bigger bike.   

You don't need to worry. I've cruised at 85-90 m/h for hours on end. The only moment I was afraid, was when the Italian autostrada continued in a tunnel. All of a sudden I got what I only can describe as 'lift'. I don't know what wind or turbulence was in there, but I was about to become airborne. That was frightening, but for the rest... if you pack your CB500 the right way*, it will be like a brick on the road. I should add I never had a screen which could affect handling in a negative way.
* For who is interested, here my thoughts on packing. http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,188492.msg2188271.html#msg2188271 and http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190773.msg2219831.html#msg2219831

[MauiK3]

I've often thought a lighter, smaller bike would be a good idea.

[PeWe]

Bikes are very personal. Lenght of legs and ev hip pain.

I have noticed that I get hip pain during acceleration and long rides if distance between seat and foot peg is too short for me.

My K6 had a rebuilt seat as many of us did in the 80' s.
Cut it more rounded and a little lower with comfy foam inside. Worked well during long tours in the 80's, over 1000km no problem.

That seat caused hip pain a few years ago. Mounted a NOS K6 seat plus kept ride height in the upper section of the shocks.

I guess a modern lower bike will cause pain.
I test sat a CMX1100 Rebel at a Honda dealer.

Way too low seat-foot peg. Probably hip pain so no test on road at that visit

[drodg33]

Thanks for the tips on packing etc.  My BMW's that I mentioned always had seats that were hard as a rock.  I either had the seats redone or bought aftermarket.  The CB500 seat on my 72 is really a comfortable seat.  My last bike I had before the 500 was a 2014 Honda CB1100 EX. Really shouldn't have sold it but the seat on it was one of the best on all of the bikes I owned. 

[HondaMan]

I've had the 750 since it appeared. I had the 500 the 2nd year it appeared.
I could not (still can't) compare them to each other. The 750 is a somewhat unrefined idea that was designed a bit too quickly, despite nearly bankrupting Honda in the process, but changed what we now call "motorcycling" completely.

Then came the 500. Silent as night, smooth as silk, lithe in city traffic, seat height like a 350 twin - all the things the 750 "missed" while still capable of 100+ MPH out of the crate.

I couldn't let the 750 go at all when I had to go from 5 bikes to 1 (with 2 riders aboard) in order to move to Colorado, so it won. Otherwise I'd still have that 500, no doubt of it. My brother toured side-by-side with my 750 for many, many thousands of miles on his 500.

[drodg33]

I've had the 750 since it appeared. I had the 500 the 2nd year it appeared.
I could not (still can't) compare them to each other. The 750 is a somewhat unrefined idea that was designed a bit too quickly, despite nearly bankrupting Honda in the process, but changed what we now call "motorcycling" completely.

Then came the 500. Silent as night, smooth as silk, lithe in city traffic, seat height like a 350 twin - all the things the 750 "missed" while still capable of 100+ MPH out of the crate.

I couldn't let the 750 go at all when I had to go from 5 bikes to 1 (with 2 riders aboard) in order to move to Colorado, so it won. Otherwise I'd still have that 500, no doubt of it. My brother toured side-by-side with my 750 for many, many thousands of miles on his 500.

Thanks for that.  Such good info for comparing the two bikes.  I took my 500 out the other afternoon for a short back road ride and thought how I love this bike.  Okay maybe I don't always love the clutch from a dead stop but other than that I love the bike.

[HondaMan]

I've had the 750 since it appeared. I had the 500 the 2nd year it appeared.
I could not (still can't) compare them to each other. The 750 is a somewhat unrefined idea that was designed a bit too quickly, despite nearly bankrupting Honda in the process, but changed what we now call "motorcycling" completely.

Then came the 500. Silent as night, smooth as silk, lithe in city traffic, seat height like a 350 twin - all the things the 750 "missed" while still capable of 100+ MPH out of the crate.

I couldn't let the 750 go at all when I had to go from 5 bikes to 1 (with 2 riders aboard) in order to move to Colorado, so it won. Otherwise I'd still have that 500, no doubt of it. My brother toured side-by-side with my 750 for many, many thousands of miles on his 500.

Thanks for that.  Such good info for comparing the two bikes.  I took my 500 out the other afternoon for a short back road ride and thought how I love this bike.  Okay maybe I don't always love the clutch from a dead stop but other than that I love the bike.

Yeah, after about 10k miles that was its weak point. Using good oils will do a lot for it, though. Zinc is key!

[drodg33]

I've had the 750 since it appeared. I had the 500 the 2nd year it appeared.
I could not (still can't) compare them to each other. The 750 is a somewhat unrefined idea that was designed a bit too quickly, despite nearly bankrupting Honda in the process, but changed what we now call "motorcycling" completely.

Then came the 500. Silent as night, smooth as silk, lithe in city traffic, seat height like a 350 twin - all the things the 750 "missed" while still capable of 100+ MPH out of the crate.

I couldn't let the 750 go at all when I had to go from 5 bikes to 1 (with 2 riders aboard) in order to move to Colorado, so it won. Otherwise I'd still have that 500, no doubt of it. My brother toured side-by-side with my 750 for many, many thousands of miles on his 500.

Thanks for that.  Such good info for comparing the two bikes.  I took my 500 out the other afternoon for a short back road ride and thought how I love this bike.  Okay maybe I don't always love the clutch from a dead stop but other than that I love the bike.

Yeah, after about 10k miles that was its weak point. Using good oils will do a lot for it, though. Zinc is key!

Thanks!!!

[nvr2old]

I've had both a brand new '75 CB750 and currently own a '76 550F Super Sport, and I enjoy riding the 550 more.  It's so smooth and handles really well.  It'll cruise easily at 75-80 mph all day long.  I'm lucky enough to also have an '82 CX500 Turbo and a '79 GS1000S Suzuki when I feel the need for more power, but the lightness, the flick-ability, and ease of maintenance of the 550 can't be beat.

[HondaMan]

I'm lucky enough to also have an '82 CX500 Turbo...

Is yours like their fancy CX650 that had the EFI and a 'fake' throttle cable?

[ofreen]

You need both!

Just like with the false dichotomy of "Ginger or Mary Ann", "both" is the  best answer.

[Shtonecb500]

i ride both almost everyday, everything you posted initially warrants downsizing to a 550.

Downsides of the 550, not a very large or heavy bike so the wind can be an issue if its strong that day, not great for passengers.

Not gonna lie tho, somedays it feels like the 550 has the same footprint as the 750 as far as taking up space, or being difficult to move around the shop....a little less weight, but still the same kinda struggle....drastically different pushing the bike if when it dies though...pushing a 550 is no sweat but a 750 is real work.

the 550 you basically need all 5 gears for normal riding, the 750 lives in 3 or 4th. - more shifting and throttle work, fuel capacity kinda sucks in my opinion, maybe its cause i do so much highway commuting and ride above 80, but i fill up the 550 a lot, they also need more chain maintenance than a 750.



I cant really see myself not having one of each though.

[PeWe]

You need both!

Just like with the false dichotomy of "Ginger or Mary Ann", "both" is the  best answer.

Gin or Tonic?...

[seanbarney41]

+1 Shtone...those 550's are thirsty little gasoholics...I don't think I have ever managed more than 38mpg on one. 

In my opinion, the 550 has just barely enough power to be fun.  Probably if you weigh less than 190-200lbs., power is ample.  I have just been too spoiled by that fabulous cb750 mid range on up...also own some dohc Kaws and Suzuki's...and a 2004 cb600f Hornet 599, probably the closest thing to a modern incarnation of a 550.  I am looking for the right parts bikes combo to do a cb650 in a 500/550 frame.  I am thinking that might be an unbeatable combo of vintage power, handling, and good looks.

[grcamna2]

+1 Shtone...those 550's are thirsty little gasoholics...I don't think I have ever managed more than 38mpg on one. 

In my opinion, the 550 has just barely enough power to be fun.  Probably if you weigh less than 190-200lbs., power is ample.  I have just been too spoiled by that fabulous cb750 mid range on up...also own some dohc Kaws and Suzuki's...and a 2004 cb600f Hornet 599, probably the closest thing to a modern incarnation of a 550.  I am looking for the right parts bikes combo to do a cb650 in a 500/550 frame.  I am thinking that might be an unbeatable combo of vintage power, handling, and good looks.

The CB550 compared to a 79' CB650.. is there a big difference in handling ?
I see many install the 650 engine into a 550..

[RAFster122s]

Modern CB650R motor transplanting into reinforced cb550 frame with modern front forks and brakes and good quality tuneable rear shocks could be an interesting experiment.  Maybe the CMR racing frame would be a better starting point than bracing the original 550 frame, lighter and stronger design out of the box.

[seanbarney41]

+1 Shtone...those 550's are thirsty little gasoholics...I don't think I have ever managed more than 38mpg on one. 

In my opinion, the 550 has just barely enough power to be fun.  Probably if you weigh less than 190-200lbs., power is ample.  I have just been too spoiled by that fabulous cb750 mid range on up...also own some dohc Kaws and Suzuki's...and a 2004 cb600f Hornet 599, probably the closest thing to a modern incarnation of a 550.  I am looking for the right parts bikes combo to do a cb650 in a 500/550 frame.  I am thinking that might be an unbeatable combo of vintage power, handling, and good looks.

The CB550 compared to a 79' CB650.. is there a big difference in handling ?
I see many install the 650 engine into a 550..

I don't think there is much difference.  Hell '79 cb650 probably actually has slightly better suspension and brakes.  But the looks!  Yech!  Horrible!  And the 550/s are all beauty's.