Ok here's my dilemma, Up here in Manitoba, Canada insurance rates are calculated based on engine size and we only have 1 choice for insurance, Provincial government monopoly MPIC.
I was running a 74' cb550 for awhile ran good shifter seal leak problem was about it. Priorities shifted and could no longer afford to insure my 550, cost approx. $1100.oo cdn per year. Again this is due to engine size brackets used here.
1-100cc=cheap, 101-500=reasonable, 501and up = Rip off.
So I decided to look for a cb500 motor to swap into my 550 frame(custom hardtail) which would allow me to insure it at a lower cost approx. $700.oocdn.
I ended up finding a motor locally only problem was that a complete bike came with it. Just needed clean carbs and fuel tank which I quickly swapped over to it since I was just finishing a carb rebuild, dropped my 550 tank in, fresh gas, VROOOM bike runs fantastic no leaks nothin'
Easy enough to just swap engine to 550 but I could sure notice the reduced CC's . at the top end.
Here's my main thought, I'm thinking Big Bore kit 555cc or 605cc kit have a line on a 605 in town bit more $ than the 555 kits, but how big of difference would I really notice between the 2 in the way of performance.I like the high top end speed for the highway and 500cc just doesn't do it, whats and average cost in getting the heads bored etc.
I'm really unsure if I want to risk disturbing a really good running motor, sure I could have someone do the work for me and set up properly but of course that costs $$. Have 4 more months of winter before rinding season resumes so times not an issue.
I'd like to hear the opinions and experiences from others who have gone with a BB kit. on a cb500.