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Author Topic: CB550, good for new rider?  (Read 2313 times)

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avery_motorsports

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CB550, good for new rider?
« on: April 08, 2008, 08:12:05 PM »
I know this must have been mentioned somewhere on the site, but couldn't find it...

I'm 25, passed the MSF course a couple years ago but no real on road riding. Have my sights set on a CB550 or similar. What are you thoughts? Experiences?


Thanks,
Frank
Washington, DC


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Offline TwoTired

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Re: CB550, good for new rider?
« Reply #1 on: April 08, 2008, 08:25:34 PM »
I've had a CB550 since 1975.  More of them kept finding me along the way.  The first one is still a good bike after all these years.  I can't imagine a better choice.  There's enough power to thrill.  But, not so much that you kill yourself learning to control it.  The handling on twisty roads is wonderful. 

The only slight drawback is testosterone competition with those that believe a bigger bike makes you a "man".  (Such people don't usually have the intellect for long meaningful conversation or camaraderie.  So, dealing with said people doesn't take much enjoyment out of life in the long term.)

Cheers,
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Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
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Offline mattcb350f

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Re: CB550, good for new rider?
« Reply #2 on: April 08, 2008, 08:39:37 PM »
Welcome Frank  8)

I would say that the 550 is a good bike too.


Quote from: TwoTired on April 08, 2008, 08:25:34 PM
The only slight drawback is testosterone competition with those that believe a bigger bike makes you a "man".  (Such people don't usually have the intellect for long meaningful conversation or camaraderie.  So, dealing with said people doesn't take much enjoyment out of life in the long term.)

....that was refreshing  ;) 

 Matt.
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1974 CB350F,  1980 CB125S,  1981 XL80S
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Offline EdB

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Re: CB550, good for new rider?
« Reply #3 on: April 09, 2008, 05:56:30 AM »
550 perfect bike for beginers i think. also, it seems to fit in everywere. cruiser people and sport riders all tend to like this little bike. its easy enough to learn on but will still be fun to ride after your experience has grown.
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But thence came the Great Schism, when the two like tribes diverged, and the Bobbers did take the Road to Cruiserdom and the Cafe Racers did ride to Sportbikedom and they did pollute the lands along their paths with their abominable spawn of Choppers, Stuntaz and like manner of unholy douchebaggery

avery_motorsports

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Re: CB550, good for new rider?
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2008, 09:43:22 AM »
Quote from: TwoTired on April 08, 2008, 08:25:34 PM
The only slight drawback is testosterone competition with those that believe a bigger bike makes you a "man".  (Such people don't usually have the intellect for long meaningful conversation or camaraderie.  So, dealing with said people doesn't take much enjoyment out of life in the long term.)

Luckily I don't suffer from "bigger bike syndrome." I'd be happy riding a 250... but for the same $$ I would rather be riding a classic Honda.
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Offline Badger 5

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Re: CB550, good for new rider?
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2008, 09:56:57 AM »
I agree with everyone on this.  I just started riding last year and my 76 550 is my very first bike and I couldn't ask for anything more.  Great for around town and good enough for the highway.
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Offline EdB

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Re: CB550, good for new rider?
« Reply #6 on: April 09, 2008, 11:32:07 AM »
its been posted before but one thing i like is that you can ride it hard and your only slightly above the speed limit instead of into triple digits like i would be on a crotch rocket. open header and it sounds a lot meaner than it really is. of course im sure my neighbors dont like me much getting home at 2 in the morning
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But thence came the Great Schism, when the two like tribes diverged, and the Bobbers did take the Road to Cruiserdom and the Cafe Racers did ride to Sportbikedom and they did pollute the lands along their paths with their abominable spawn of Choppers, Stuntaz and like manner of unholy douchebaggery

Offline griff6-5-zero

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Re: CB550, good for new rider?
« Reply #7 on: April 09, 2008, 01:13:13 PM »
welcome from buffalo, post a pic of the 550..
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Offline Chicago550

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Re: CB550, good for new rider?
« Reply #8 on: April 09, 2008, 07:11:21 PM »
Yeah, I have to say 550's are my drug of choice. I was really close to selling mine last year (even posted it on Craigslist) but, I just couldn't do it. They're highly addictive...
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Offline dustyc

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Re: CB550, good for new rider?
« Reply #9 on: April 09, 2008, 08:23:01 PM »
How tall are you?  I'm 6' and the 500(same size bike as a 550) fits pretty good.  I bought it last year as a first bike.  After riding my 750, the 500 seems a little small.  I have to sit further back on the seat to have a good position on the pegs and that makes carrying my girlfriend a bit tight even as petite as she is.  The 750 fits me better, but I still love the 500.
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avery_motorsports

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Re: CB550, good for new rider?
« Reply #10 on: April 10, 2008, 04:06:54 PM »
I'm about 5'9.

I was hoping to look at the bike today, but the seller hasn't returned my calls...
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Offline 78 k550

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Re: CB550, good for new rider?
« Reply #11 on: April 11, 2008, 11:55:21 PM »
My first street bike was my 78 550K light, great handler, and still gets up and move's. I'm 6"1" 165. fit me perfect.

Paul
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Paul
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Offline steven400/4

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Re: CB550, good for new rider?
« Reply #12 on: April 13, 2008, 11:26:22 AM »
welcome
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