Topic: CB550 and classic "middle child syndrome"

[deKA]

Is it my imagination, or are CB500/550's not as popular as other models? They seem to be overlooked. For example, I've seen quite a few web pages out there devoted exclusively to the CB400F, or CB750. Those bikes seem also seem to have owners clubs devoted entirely to them. I haven't yet found the same thing for the CB500/550 machines. I understand the CB750 was an historically innovative motorcycle, and I guess the same might be true for the 400F's, but I really don't know that much about them. (Or the 350's either, for that matter.)

Was is it because the 500's weren't very popular as racing bikes? At least one reference that I found online claimed that that was the case. Or was it because they didn't really break new technical ground? Or did they? And if I'm right about all of this, does this mean that these bikes, and parts for them, are generally easier to find than other Honda's of the same period, or harder to find?

I'm tempted to set up a web site specifcally for the CB500/550 and their owners -- a place to post tech tips, pics, manuals, and/or general info. I understand that Rob Lloyd had some 500/550 pages up at some point, but they seem to be offline now.

BTW, I happen to have a '74 550K that I love dearly. It's sort of a beater though, and I'm not much of a wrencher right now, but I'd love to learn, and having a repository of data, plus photos of other 550's to inspire me, is sort of why I started thinking about this.

[Harry]

I'm tempted to set up a web site specifcally for the CB500/550 and their owners -- a place to post tech tips, pics, manuals, and/or general info - hey, sounds kinda like the setup we have here 



There is a fair amount of info on this very site: www.sohc4.us and there is a bit on http://hjem.get2net.dk/bioscience/CB500/ - not much, I know, but there. If you have some good stuff my feeling is it would be better to contact Glenn and see if you can have it added to this site, as SOHCers are stronger united.

[Glenn Stauffer]

We have a fairly decent 550 section here.  Sure, not quite as much as the 750, but only because the 750 was a revolutionary bike and the 550 was more evolutionary.  My first bike was a 550 which I still own.  I later bought a 750 which is in much nicer condition (my 550 was a $250 junker when I bought it).  I'll admit to having a preference for the 550 for everyday riding - it handles better, is easier to deal with (size/weight) and isn't a heck of a lot slower.  It really can be argued that the 550 is the best of the SOHC4's.

Maybe there aren't as many dedicated websites for this model, but I have about 9 articles on this bike.  Only the 750 has had more written about it.  There is a dearth of information about the 650 by comparison.

I would like to add more information about all of the SOHC/4 bikes.  Country-specific model guides; photos of all the variations and years; and more model-specific articles.

--Glenn

[deKA]

[...] If you have some good stuff my feeling is it would be better to contact Glenn and see if you can have it added to this site, as SOHCers are stronger united.

Well, you know I did just let tintin dump around 600MB's of hi-res PDF versions of the CB500 manual on my server (*OOF!*) for folks to download, either in sections or as one big ol' chunk. Glenn, if SOHC/4 wants to host this behemoth instead, I'll be happy to transfer it all to ya. 

But the point is well taken. I did check out the articles on the 500's and they were great reading. And like Glenn suggested, it would be great to see galleries specific to the different models' variations over the years -- but also including modified versions as well. I've tracked down the photos of Harry T's 500 "Clubman", and also Rob Lloyd's stable of beauties, but it'd be great to have all those drool-worthy bikes showcased in one area on SOHC/4 (and add to them that crazy red Japanese 550 mod that Glenn just poted -- whoa.) More articles for specific models, maybe even breaking up the tech info library into general and model specific tips as more stuff gets added there -- it all sounds good. I'll just be patient. In the meantime, I'll be looking for whatever I can find to contribute.

BTW, I'm definitely not knocking what's available on the site already. I just stumbled onto SOHC/4 about a week or so ago, and I'm blown away by the amount of information and support that's being offered here. The only complaint I have, really, is that it's completely wrecking my productivity at work! 

"Hi, my name is deKA, and I'm an SOHC/4 Forums-aholic!"

Cheers all.

[jsaab2748]

Ok, for what this is worth, I had the oppertunity to ride both the 750 and the 500 when they were new, back in the day. Both great machines, but the 500 "sat" better, was VERY smooth, and handled a little better if memory sevres me. I wish I could get lucky enough to find a 500 or 550 k series in decent shape in my area now. They are great motorcycles.