Topic: 73 CB500 vs. 75 CB550

[brett_bike]

So I've had a 73 CB500 for a couple years now and I just recently picked up a 75 CB 550 SS.  I've dumped a bunch of money into the 500, but the $300  550 basket case seems to run stronger and smoother, and pull harder that the old 500.  Does the CB 550 SS just have that much more torque/power than the CB500's or am I not tuning the little guy correctly?  Or maybe the CB500 is just tired.

[TwoTired]

You running the stock sized tires on both?

For that matter, are both bikes in stock configuration?

The Cb500 has slightly taller gearing than the CB550.

[brett_bike]

Thanks TT

The only difference I've noticed is the jet sizing between the 500 and the 550 are different.  The 500 has 40 slows and 100 mains, while the 550 has 38 slows and 98 mains.  All else is stock on both bikes.

[TwoTired]

Jet sizing is different because of displacement and exhaust differences.

Crank to rear axle drive ratio matters, as does tire height/circumference.

I must note that you really haven't quantified the "performance" difference.
"Feel" is quite subjective.  But, I think in stock form the 550 is faster than the 500.
If you go to a lower front tooth count on the front sprocket or a higher tooth count on the rear sprocket, the bike will feel more "peppy".