Author Topic: CBX550  (Read 3923 times)

Offline SteveD CB500K0

  • Administrator
  • SOHC Jedi
  • Posts: 4442
  • Ride on the Steel Breeze...
    • View Profile
    • Steve's Blog
CBX550
« on: December 30, 2012, 11:52:47 AM »
Rather than hi-jack the CB550K4 (?) thread, I thought I'd start a new one.

Eamon had one of these:



It featured in MCN when they did a "then vs now" article and put it up against a CBR600RR (!)

The old CBX did quite well, putting up:

Standing 1/4 mile:
CBX: 14.02 seconds @ 96.4 mph
CBR: 11.48 seconds @ 126.8 mph

Top Speed:
CBX: 117.35 mph
CBR: 160.04 mph

On the dyno:
CBX: 53.02 bhp, 31.70 ftlb
CBR: 108.07 bhp, 44.59 ftlb

I'll bet not many CB750s could make a real 117mph?

More here: CBX550 vs CBR600RR

The bike is in Canterbury now and still ridden regularly.



MCN Verdict (Roland Brown):
"The CBX, outdated, out-moded and out-performed or not had two massive things going for it even by modern standards: it was impressively comfortable and roomy (especially for pillions) and, better yet, it had bags of character. And maybe that's why today's bikers, more than ever, often have a superb modern bike - but also either own or lust after a classic from their youth too."

That's us then...   :)
« Last Edit: December 30, 2012, 11:54:31 AM by SteveD CB500F »
2022 Tiger Sport 660
1971 CB500K0

Offline mickwinf

  • SOHC Master
  • Posts: 1737
    • View Profile
Re: CBX550
« Reply #1 on: December 30, 2012, 04:22:36 PM »
I quite like the look of this model, never ridden one though!
Love the 500 and 550 have a 500 called Lazarus under restoration

Offline Norniron

  • SOHC Expert
  • Posts: 496
    • View Profile
Re: CBX550
« Reply #2 on: December 30, 2012, 07:18:01 PM »
I think theres one for sale in gumtree (belfast)
1977 400 cafe
1972 500/4
2013 triumph STR675

Offline Rozabikes Tim

  • SOHC Master
  • Posts: 1182
    • View Profile
Re: CBX550
« Reply #3 on: January 17, 2021, 08:48:34 AM »
Rather than hi-jack the CB550K4 (?) thread, I thought I'd start a new one.

Eamon had one of these:



It featured in MCN when they did a "then vs now" article and put it up against a CBR600RR (!)

The old CBX did quite well, putting up:

Standing 1/4 mile:
CBX: 14.02 seconds @ 96.4 mph
CBR: 11.48 seconds @ 126.8 mph

Top Speed:
CBX: 117.35 mph
CBR: 160.04 mph

On the dyno:
CBX: 53.02 bhp, 31.70 ftlb
CBR: 108.07 bhp, 44.59 ftlb

I'll bet not many CB750s could make a real 117mph?

More here: CBX550 vs CBR600RR

The bike is in Canterbury now and still ridden regularly.



MCN Verdict (Roland Brown):
"The CBX, outdated, out-moded and out-performed or not had two massive things going for it even by modern standards: it was impressively comfortable and roomy (especially for pillions) and, better yet, it had bags of character. And maybe that's why today's bikers, more than ever, often have a superb modern bike - but also either own or lust after a classic from their youth too."

That's us then...   :)
Just thinking. Who bought this in the end - was it Moorey? Whoever it was, how did you go on with it etc?
One day I'll have the time to restore it, not just talk and dream....

Offline Bryanj

  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 10692
    • View Profile
Re: CBX550
« Reply #4 on: January 17, 2021, 09:12:20 AM »
Had one but had to go when i hadheart attack, went to a dealer near Southampton who was buying all the good ones he could find and re exprting them to Japan making good money apparently

Offline cooleronthecoast

  • SOHC Expert
  • Posts: 307
    • View Profile
Re: CBX550
« Reply #5 on: January 17, 2021, 10:03:00 AM »
I must admit I've looked at them a few times.  I've never ridden one though.  The front brake looks a bit of a dogs dinner.  Typical Honda though, trying something new all the time.  I'm not a big fan of the linked brakes on my VFR.  Stopping on gravel driveways can be fun!   Hats off to them for pushing the envelope all the time with more advanced technology though.
Now where did I put that 10mm socket?

Offline mike the bike

  • SOHC Jedi
  • Posts: 2652
  • CB400F, Royal Enfield Interceptor.
    • View Profile
Re: CBX550
« Reply #6 on: January 17, 2021, 10:29:46 AM »
The front brake looks worse than it is.  Three Allen screws hold an outer ring in place, then it comes free and gets in the way.  Best keep it out of the way with a piece of wire.
After it's all back together,  you find a shim that's supposed to fit between the disc rotor and something else on the floor, so you have to redo it.
DAMHIK.
Where's that 10mm socket got to?

Offline Moorey

  • SOHC Master
  • Posts: 1666
    • View Profile
Re: CBX550
« Reply #7 on: January 17, 2021, 10:45:14 AM »
Rather than hi-jack the CB550K4 (?) thread, I thought I'd start a new one.

Eamon had one of these:



It featured in MCN when they did a "then vs now" article and put it up against a CBR600RR (!)

The old CBX did quite well, putting up:

Standing 1/4 mile:
CBX: 14.02 seconds @ 96.4 mph
CBR: 11.48 seconds @ 126.8 mph

Top Speed:
CBX: 117.35 mph
CBR: 160.04 mph

On the dyno:
CBX: 53.02 bhp, 31.70 ftlb
CBR: 108.07 bhp, 44.59 ftlb

I'll bet not many CB750s could make a real 117mph?

More here: CBX550 vs CBR600RR

The bike is in Canterbury now and still ridden regularly.



MCN Verdict (Roland Brown):
"The CBX, outdated, out-moded and out-performed or not had two massive things going for it even by modern standards: it was impressively comfortable and roomy (especially for pillions) and, better yet, it had bags of character. And maybe that's why today's bikers, more than ever, often have a superb modern bike - but also either own or lust after a classic from their youth too."

That's us then...   :)
Just thinking. Who bought this in the end - was it Moorey? Whoever it was, how did you go on with it etc?

 Yes it was me. It was to be this winters entertainment unfortunately thanks to Covid knocking me on my arse it will have to wait just a little  longer before getting on the now empty bench.   :)

Offline Bryanj

  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 10692
    • View Profile
Re: CBX550
« Reply #8 on: January 17, 2021, 10:52:59 AM »
Yes the origami style brakes can be daunting but take pictures and it makes it easier, body parts are difficult but some still exist inAustralia, i got a NOS sidepanel from there, mecanicaly cam chain tensioners stick and there is a long shaft from starter motor that can wear but otherwise seemed very reliable. You cant alter float height and i had a wrong to part number float needle from DS (too long so no fuel) but due to health gave up arguing and refitted one original.

Offline Moorey

  • SOHC Master
  • Posts: 1666
    • View Profile
Re: CBX550
« Reply #9 on: January 17, 2021, 11:18:37 AM »
Yes the origami style brakes can be daunting but take pictures and it makes it easier, body parts are difficult but some still exist inAustralia, i got a NOS sidepanel from there, mecanicaly cam chain tensioners stick and there is a long shaft from starter motor that can wear but otherwise seemed very reliable. You cant alter float height and i had a wrong to part number float needle from DS (too long so no fuel) but due to health gave up arguing and refitted one original.

  The bodywork is quite reasonable, exhaust is shagged but i have another 2nd hand one that has cleaned up quite nicely that is now ready to go on.

Offline Rob62

  • SOHC Pro
  • Posts: 889
  • ZZR1100D9, CB750K4, RD250F, NSR250MC21, RD350YPVS
    • View Profile
Re: CBX550
« Reply #10 on: January 17, 2021, 11:57:37 AM »
I always liked the look of these bikes, nice and compact and nice colour scheme. But I always thought that they just didn’t warrant the “CBX” moniker... more of a modest sports tourer than a sports bike, but great looking.

Offline Trigger

  • Grogu
  • *
  • Posts: 8434
  • Engines built on reputation, not advertising.
    • View Profile
Re: CBX550
« Reply #11 on: January 17, 2021, 12:03:51 PM »
How can they compare a CBX550 up against a CBR 600. Totally worlds apart. The old CX500 would do 110 mph and the VT500 could do 116 mph and they are only V twins  ;)

Offline SteveD CB500K0

  • Administrator
  • SOHC Jedi
  • Posts: 4442
  • Ride on the Steel Breeze...
    • View Profile
    • Steve's Blog
Re: CBX550
« Reply #12 on: January 17, 2021, 12:38:58 PM »
How can they compare a CBX550 up against a CBR 600.

They’re MCN Graham.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
2022 Tiger Sport 660
1971 CB500K0

Offline Laverda Dave

  • SOHC Jedi
  • Posts: 2530
  • Health is wealth
    • View Profile
Re: CBX550
« Reply #13 on: January 17, 2021, 03:18:32 PM »
I saw a Triton with the CBX550 front brake fitted. It had been modified to take spokes laced to an alloy rim. The brake itself had been polished to remove any sign of the original black colour. It really did look nice and actually period looking like a drum brake.
1976 Honda 400/4
1977 Rickman Honda CR750
1999 Honda VFR 800FX
1955 750 Dresda Triton
1978 Moto Morini 350 Sport
1978 Honda CB400/4 'Rat' bike
1982 Laverda 120 Jota

Offline mike the bike

  • SOHC Jedi
  • Posts: 2652
  • CB400F, Royal Enfield Interceptor.
    • View Profile
Re: CBX550
« Reply #14 on: January 17, 2021, 07:12:56 PM »
I think it more a case of,  the discs can't be seen so we may as well make them from cast iron because they're cheaper.  The fact that they brake better is of secondary importance.
Where's that 10mm socket got to?

 

SimplePortal 2.3.5 © 2008-2012, SimplePortal