Author Topic: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550  (Read 2109 times)

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Offline hapsh

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Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« on: December 07, 2007, 12:10:07 PM »
I found a CB550 that seems to be in decent shape, runs good, tank and side panels are not scratched or dented- $375.  It is in the midst of a Cafe conversion so it already has new clubman bars.  The only issue is that the frame is a 71 Cb500 and the engine and side covers are CB550.  It also has front drum brakes with twin leading shoes.  Should I go for it?
'71 CB500/550, '72 CB450, '79 RD400 Daytona, '90 FZR600R

Offline Geeto67

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Re: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« Reply #1 on: December 07, 2007, 12:20:35 PM »
A running engine is probably worth about $375. How skilled are you at putting together bikes?

No mention of a title and you seem to not want to fill out your location in your bio, so no idea if the earlier frame is a benefit to you or not. Here in NY I don't need a title to register anything pre 1972, but your state may be different.

Personally I would take it. I would also ditch those clubmans and drum brake which have no business being on a big cb four.
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Offline dustyc

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Re: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« Reply #2 on: December 07, 2007, 01:21:50 PM »
First, do you want it?  Is it the right size for you?  If you weigh 300 lbs, then a 500 may be a little small to pull your butt up a hill.  $375 isn't too much money to blow if it turns out to be a loser, but it sounds like a Frankenstein bike.  -As far as I know 500s and 550s have always had disc brakes up front.  I wouldn't pay more than $500 for a Frankenstein bike if that, more like $100.  It might be miserable trying to figure out what's been changed for what when it comes time to fix something. 

1977 CB750

Offline neil young

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Re: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« Reply #3 on: December 07, 2007, 01:45:25 PM »
i have a 77 cb550 engine in a 71 cb 500 frame (no problems there)but i have a disk (soon to be a duel disk) up front.
as stated before who knows what the PO's have done to it though.
1972 CB500 k1
1974 CB550
1977 cb 550
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Offline hapsh

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Re: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« Reply #4 on: December 07, 2007, 02:44:09 PM »
It has a clear title that matches the frame and runs good enough to ride around as it is.  It needs a bit of carb adjusting because it takes a few seconds for the idle to settle when revved hard.  I have rebuilt a few 70's hondas before and enjoyed the experience.  I used to have a 72 CB450 that I got rid of, but wish I never did.  I 200lbs but like the smaller 550s, the CB750s were always to bulky feeling for me.  I have been looking for a Honda 350-400-500 four for a few years and this is the first I have gotten a good chance of getting.
'71 CB500/550, '72 CB450, '79 RD400 Daytona, '90 FZR600R

Offline dustyc

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Re: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« Reply #5 on: December 07, 2007, 02:50:56 PM »
So what's your hesitation?
1977 CB750

Offline Klark Kent

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Re: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« Reply #6 on: December 07, 2007, 02:55:35 PM »
if its still there buy it!

unless you dont want a motorcycle- that is the only reason not to get a running cb550 for less than $400

or tell me where it is  ;D
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download the shop manual:
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you'll feel better.

listen to your spark plugs:
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Offline hapsh

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Re: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« Reply #7 on: December 07, 2007, 03:04:40 PM »
So what's your hesitation?
Gotta figure out an explanation for the wife as to why I am bringing home another bike.  ;D
'71 CB500/550, '72 CB450, '79 RD400 Daytona, '90 FZR600R

Offline ekim98

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Re: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« Reply #8 on: December 07, 2007, 03:10:44 PM »
So what's your hesitation?
Gotta figure out an explanation for the wife as to why I am bringing home another bike.  ;D

Just get on your hands and knees and say "please"  :'( :'( :'( then offer her the moon or what ever it takes. ;D
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Offline dustyc

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Re: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« Reply #9 on: December 07, 2007, 03:21:28 PM »
How about $400 worth of whatever she enjoys -day at the spa?
1977 CB750

Offline FunJimmy

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Re: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« Reply #10 on: December 07, 2007, 05:13:33 PM »
Just buy it and tell her it's better than spending your time at the peeler bar.
Bet she tells you to buy two.
You never see a motorcycle parked outside of a psychiatrist's office!

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Offline dustyc

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Re: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« Reply #11 on: December 07, 2007, 05:20:25 PM »
Go with FunJimmy's response first, then fall back on the bribe/trade if it fails.
1977 CB750

Offline SEBNN

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Re: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« Reply #12 on: December 07, 2007, 06:22:32 PM »
Just send it my way, could always use a running spare, now I would just have to find 400.00 and a trailer.  :)

Offline hapsh

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Re: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« Reply #13 on: December 07, 2007, 10:51:27 PM »
I got it.  Talked him down to $350.  Can't wait to work on it.  I forgot how amazing these SOHC bikes sounded.  I am sure I will be posting lots of questions in the near future.  Thanks for all the help.
'71 CB500/550, '72 CB450, '79 RD400 Daytona, '90 FZR600R

Offline dustyc

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Re: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« Reply #14 on: December 08, 2007, 05:20:25 AM »
Well done and welcome to the forum. 
1977 CB750

Offline hymodyne

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Re: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« Reply #15 on: December 08, 2007, 06:43:21 AM »
Welcome and enjoy. the 550 is a more reliable engine than the 500, parts are a little easier to come by as well.

hym
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Offline Geeto67

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Re: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« Reply #16 on: December 08, 2007, 07:24:16 AM »
good for you. Sounds like you have a great foundation there for a 500/550 hot rod. I wouldn't sweat a nut and bolt restoration but rather finish the cafe job right (forget the drum brake though) or build a Q-ship out of it. I have always loved the look of the 500s but thought one with a 550 or a 650 motor would make it a better motorcycle.
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Offline hapsh

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Re: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550
« Reply #17 on: December 08, 2007, 08:37:40 AM »
The front drum brake at first made me hesitate, because I knew they came with disk front ends.  But, I actually like the way the drum brake looks on there.  I just need to get a proper CB350 brake control lever so that it will actuate the tail light.  Right now there is no brake light switch for the front brake.  I plan on riding it around and slowly fix it up, not a total teardown at this point (Already have a 79 RD400 I am doing that on  :D),  I am just going to use the bike for around town commuting at this point.  The things I need right now are;
  • New seat cover -nothing too fancy at this point, just somthing like the old JCwhitney seat kits. Just something that does not soak up rain water
  • Possibly Brake shoes -Are there any available still? I read about having the shoes re-bonded at Diesel truck shops.
  • Tires
  • Mirrors

One last thing, the spokes are kinda rusted on the rear wheel, is that of a concern for strength?  In my younger years I just used Naval Jelly and didn't worry about it.

I'll keep you all posted and upload a current pic as soon as i can.  Thanks for the warm welcome!
'71 CB500/550, '72 CB450, '79 RD400 Daytona, '90 FZR600R