Topic: to cb550 owners

[dusterdude]

on a public road,my balls aint that big.

[paulages]

i've never took my cb550 up to those speeds before i started tearing it down, but it surprises me that this model has auch a hard time getting there. i've taken my cb350 (twin) up to 90mph many times, and though it's geared in a manner that allows you do do it in a 1/2 mi. stretch and be done with it before you know it, it's not a problem at all. it won't get past it, though, and i know the speedometer's not quite accurate.

[MetalHead550]

Yeah I have a pretty detailed restore/custom diary in the gallery.  Most of the pics are pretty sorry but I got a new camera so I'll get some decent pics up one o these days and probably delete the rebuild post and replace it with a couple finished shots and some shots of my original 75 550.  I think it turned out decent but I plan on making it nicer and hopefully doing some performance mods eventually.

Good point with the speedo accuracy.  The previously stated speeds I reached were on my 75 and its a rock solid runner.  Everything tuned the best I could get it w/ fresh rubber and chain.  The 78 has only seen 75mph, its not completly ready for the road yet but is safe.  I run my bikes hard and take corners hard on roads I know.  I dont abuse them mind you, but that said I make sure everthing is tight and in safe running condition.  I have a daily check list before It leaves the garage.  Anyway the speedo on the 75 does tend to bounce at a certain range.  Ive run it next to a couple buddies, and my dad, and they confirmed the speed at just over 100mph.  Lots of lightly traveled straight-aways near my original hometown Bellflower.  Middle of nowere.  The time I hit 115 I was on a steep asphalt highway that leads into Bellflower with a 20mph due North tail wind and I was giving it hell.  The was the hardest Ive ever run that bike.

volz1fsu:  I'm interested in details on your build.  How much of an overbore to fit 750 pistons?  What rods? etc.

[clarkjh]

I’ve had mine close, but am a little light in the seat, wants to suck me up off the bike.  My first 550 quite a few years back with about 12000 miles on it would do 100mph and still have twist in the grip.  I don't get a thrill at high speeds, must me getting older, or maybe just a little wiser.

And as Glenn says, they seem a little twitchy at high speeds.

James