Author Topic: Opinions - 400f or 550f  (Read 771 times)

Offline rman

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Opinions - 400f or 550f
« on: January 20, 2019, 10:12:39 AM »
I don't wish to start an argument, ;D but having set my mind on a 400f have now seen a rather nice but expensive 550f.

To owners of both or either, which would choose and why?

Thanks in anticipation :)

Offline Johnwebley

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Re: Opinions - 400f or 550f
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2019, 10:19:53 AM »
I have the middleweight. A 500.
When I bought it.I had a choice of either a low milage 500
Or a new 400.
Since then.a few years ago. I have seldom doubted my decision.
The extra capacity. Makes it easier to ride.not much extra weight.
And not so many gear changes.


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Offline Nurse Julie

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Re: Opinions - 400f or 550f
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2019, 10:37:07 AM »
Both totally different bikes and cannot be compared. The 400 is buzzy, needs to be ridden like a 2 stroke, loves being thrashed, hates being ridden with the engine lugging. Hard work to ride properly as need to be up and down the gearbox all the time. Incredible fun, great handling and a true 1970's sports bike. Uncomfortable seat.
550F. Easy to ride, very comfortable, will pull in any gear, doesn't mind being lugged. Great handling. Good on longer journeys. Handles exceptionally well. Comfy.
I have both and love both for totally different reasons.
Edit....parts alot harder to source for the CB550F
« Last Edit: January 20, 2019, 10:46:55 AM by Nurse Julie »
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give 10% discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

Offline Nurse Julie

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Re: Opinions - 400f or 550f
« Reply #3 on: January 20, 2019, 10:42:57 AM »
Just to clarify, is it a CB550 F1 or F2 or a CB550K ?
« Last Edit: January 20, 2019, 10:48:26 AM by Nurse Julie »
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give 10% discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

Offline Bryanj

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Re: Opinions - 400f or 550f
« Reply #4 on: January 20, 2019, 10:43:25 AM »
If you have short legs the 400 if not the 550.

Offline Trigger

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Re: Opinions - 400f or 550f
« Reply #5 on: January 20, 2019, 10:50:04 AM »
Depends what you class as expensive  ;)

Offline rman

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Re: Opinions - 400f or 550f
« Reply #6 on: January 20, 2019, 11:31:00 AM »
I've got long legs, so looks like the 550 then! ;) but thanks for the replies, has sort of confirmed my thoughts about the two, especially the two stroke comparison with gear changes etc.

As a flat and V twin addict, a bit of torque goes a long way to a relaxing and enjoyable ride, but the 400f Parakeet yellow is so pretty!!

Expensive?? anything over £500 is expensive to this pensioner :'(

Offline Nurse Julie

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Re: Opinions - 400f or 550f
« Reply #7 on: January 20, 2019, 11:35:13 AM »
If it's a CB550 four K3 you are looking at, they have PD carbs fitted and the carbs block for fun if the bike is not ridden regularly. F's don't have PD carbs fitted.
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give 10% discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

Davelu88

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Re: Opinions - 400f or 550f
« Reply #8 on: January 20, 2019, 12:29:18 PM »
Like Julie said the 400 is a very racey engine and likes to be revved high to get the best out of the engine & it certainly needs lots of gear changes up hills & Bends  etc. Its not a bike for a Sunny Afternoon stroll , cant comment on the 550 but i have one coming soon. ;D

Offline Johnwebley

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Re: Opinions - 400f or 550f
« Reply #9 on: January 20, 2019, 12:38:26 PM »
Like Julie said the 400 is a very racey engine and likes to be revved high to get the best out of the engine & it certainly needs lots of gear changes up hills & Bends  etc. Its not a bike for a Sunny Afternoon stroll , cant comment on the 550 but i have one coming soon. ;D
Best of both worlds.
The larger has the ability to "potter"
And if you want fun.ride it like a 2 stroke.
They do go well

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Offline Harold 400/4

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Re: Opinions - 400f or 550f
« Reply #10 on: January 20, 2019, 04:11:51 PM »
Agree, very different bikes. I have a 400/4 and a 550k3. 550 more mellow to ride, more torque. Fewer gear changes. Never had an issue with the carbs as yet, although they do have something of a reputation. Only issue I've had with 550 was when ignition switch gave up the ghost. I couldn't chose between them. Suggest you need one of each......

Offline matthewmosse

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Re: Opinions - 400f or 550f
« Reply #11 on: January 20, 2019, 07:44:55 PM »
Dedicated cb500 man myself, prettier than the later cb550s. Tiny bit smaller I think. Not a lot to choose between the 500 and 550. But to me the ideal bike. I did go over to big BMW airhead boxers for a while, but the dependability and running cost of Hondas won me back. My cb500 has gone round the clock 2 times and some, carrying a sidecar for most of that. It's been off the road a few years with some pretty severe issues plus my own work issues but it's one of those bikes I would never sell. Cannot comment on the cb400, but the 550 or 500 to me is the perfect machine. Simple, economical and reliable. I have dabbled with newer Hondas, quality not quite as good on a 15 year old bike as these 70s bikes, more so as you go down in cc.
Got a 500/4 with rust and a sidecar and loadsa bits. nice and original and been round the clock

 

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