Has anyone had experience with CB550 Fours?

**Bren** · 17th August 2007, 16:54

Hey guys, as some of you know I am bikeless and looking. I have always had a thing for late 70s and early 80s bikes and came across an add for a 1977 CB550 Four. I am wondering if anyone has had experience with this model and would like to share their opinions of these bikes with me.
I appreciate any feedback...
...Bren

**shafty** · 17th August 2007, 17:53

Gidday Mate - if it's the CB and not the later CBX, it is quite old SOHC technology, but a robust reliable - and now classic - bike. The brakes will reflect the technology back then also, but I had heaps of fun on my 500/4 never let me down and traversed the country. Check the seat base for rusting and instruments will be hard to replace I'd guess but www.econohonda.co.nz is a great source for older Honda's.

And ofcourse "You meet the nicest people on a Honda"

- post a pic when you see it

**trumpy** · 17th August 2007, 20:32

Originally Posted by linuxrunner

............ I am wondering if anyone has had experience with this model and would like to share their opinions of these bikes with me.
...Bren

Yep, damnably heavy to pick up if you drop one...................

Tip: ALWAYS make sure the side stand is on SOLID ground...

**Capt Caveman** · 17th August 2007, 20:57

Hi - I had a 500/4 in about '83 - can't remember what year the bike was though.
I neglected the hell out of it and it never let me down.........can't remember wot happened to that bike .........just sort of vanished.

**slowpoke** · 17th August 2007, 22:54

The old man had one when I was a hormone filled teenager. I loved the look and the sound of it....I reckon it still looks pretty good for that era of bikes. Unfortunately what it had in sound it lacked in performance and he used to laugh at the "Supersport" moniker. He ended up trading it on a poxy Suzuki GS450S, which he reckons was lighter, faster and more fuel efficient...but it certainly didn't have the same charisma.

**Paul in NZ** · 18th August 2007, 07:43

the 500 / 550 was pobably a better balanced bike than the 750, nearly as fast, handled a bit better etc. I remember cams slogging out the heads in the 500 if you were not fussy about the oil changes...

**trumpy** · 18th August 2007, 10:20

I had a 350/4 for about a year then traded it for a 550/4. Both bikes were relatively heavy, not stunningly powerful (especially the 350), the handling was ok (just) but both bikes were utterly reliable. Did a lot of miles, collected a few tickets (no quotas or points in those days) and other than usual maintainence, neither bike required any repairs whatsoever.
Very smooth and vibration free for the day and you could ride for long distances comfortably.