Topic: 76 CB 550 top speed question?

[crazypj]

My 76 550k Tops out around 125 (per speedometer) with me on it and 130-135 with my girlfriend on it. Not sure how accurate speedo is but I do know that the PO of the bike had a lot of work done to the engine I just don't know what. My

 I have a 591 kit, ported, cam, exhaust and all the carb mods that go with it
Oversize tyres slowed speedo down a bit but it still went 'off the clock' (but really never went over 127mph)
 Its much cheaper to make a 'RTS' (race tuned speedometer'  )
 I think you have a 'special' speedometer as mine stops at 120 (see pic on left)

And Crazypj... how did you take the picture at that speed going around a curve?? I always wanted a pic like that.

 Easily  
 I just had camera around my neck on strap and pushed button. (only need one hand to hold throttle  )
 Cosina CSR, 50 or 80mm lens, pre-focus, forget film and exposure (probably Fuji film and 1/250th sec)
I used to be 'into' photography a bit  

PJ

[Pirate Gonzo]

Easily  
 I just had camera around my neck on strap and pushed button. (only need one hand to hold throttle  )
 Cosina CSR, 50 or 80mm lens, pre-focus, forget film and exposure (probably Fuji film and 1/250th sec)
I used to be 'into' photography a bit  

PJ

Yeah, now I know why they call you crazypj.

 

Pirate - IMO, if you like your GF you wouldn't haul her around anywhere near that fast. You just might get her killed and you wont feel right about it. It's optional to injure or kill one's self but take good care of that GF - she's someone's daughter. [No offense - Just the thoughts of an old man.]

No, I didn't have her on the back of the bike while doing this. She was on the bike by herself and we were on a closed track at a rally and they wouldn't let you on the track with out proper gear. Full face helmet, jacket, pants, boots, and gloves.

 I think you have a 'special' speedometer as mine stops at 120 (see pic on left)

Mine also tops out at 120 but has markings for 125 and 130. It just doesn't "say" 130. I can't really see your pic that closely, does yours not have the extra markings? I'm pretty sure the speedometer is stock up to 130 markings for the 550.

[Laminar]

That ain't exactly what I said.

Example: We had a guy here - crotch rocket - with his GF on the back. He did a wheely at a too fast speed. She slid off the back and was in really BAD shape. Can you imagine how stupid he feels?

[I'm confident you know what I said and what I meant.]

I know what you said and what you meant, and I know that you interpreted his post incorrectly.

It was pretty clear to me that she was on the bike by herself going that fast.

[Gaither]

OK - Now I see your point.

I assumed [incorrectly] they were riding double. After reading it again, I apologize to all involved. [This likely wont be my only mistake.]

Thanks for calling my attention to my error in reading the post.

[Pirate Gonzo]

No problem. I just don't want people thinking that we're ripping up the roads. We take safe riding very serious. We both have taken rider's safety and believe in the 5=Zero in Wisconsin campaign.

[MCRider]

The comments using the GPS were on the mark. That's the only way to really know, or timing traps like at the drag strip. Top speed conversations comparing 30+ year old speedos, regardless of their mileage (time and gravity still does their damage) are wasted breath. But fun bar talk.

Also, attention to the road tests tells the tale, per TT. Those guys are at sea level, are using timing traps, and usually know how to get the last bit out of a bike. Doubtful any of us can do better.