Honda-SOHC

Other Stuff => Misc / Open => Topic started by: SteveD CB500K0 on December 30, 2012, 11:52:47 AM

Title: CBX550
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 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:

(http://www.nirvana-motorcycles.com/images/CBX550%20800.jpg)

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 (http://www.nirvana-motorcycles.com/gallerycbx550.htm)

The bike is in Canterbury now and still ridden regularly.

(http://www.nirvana-motorcycles.com/images/CBX550F2-2%20800.jpg)

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"The CBX, outdated, out-moded and out-performed or not had two massive things going for it even by modern standards: it was impressively comfortable and roomy (especially for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...   :)
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: mickwinf on December 30, 2012, 04:22:36 PM
I quite like the look of this model, never ridden one though!
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: Norniron on December 30, 2012, 07:18:01 PM
I think theres one for sale in gumtree (belfast)
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: Rozabikes Tim 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:

(http://www.nirvana-motorcycles.com/images/CBX550%20800.jpg)

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 (http://www.nirvana-motorcycles.com/gallerycbx550.htm)

The bike is in Canterbury now and still ridden regularly.

(http://www.nirvana-motorcycles.com/images/CBX550F2-2%20800.jpg)

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"The CBX, outdated, out-moded and out-performed or not had two massive things going for it even by modern standards: it was impressively comfortable and roomy (especially for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?
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: Bryanj 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
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: cooleronthecoast 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.
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: mike the bike 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.
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: Moorey 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:

(http://www.nirvana-motorcycles.com/images/CBX550%20800.jpg)

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 (http://www.nirvana-motorcycles.com/gallerycbx550.htm)

The bike is in Canterbury now and still ridden regularly.

(http://www.nirvana-motorcycles.com/images/CBX550F2-2%20800.jpg)

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.   :)
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: Bryanj 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.
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: Moorey 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.
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: Rob62 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.
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: Trigger 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  ;)
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on January 17, 2021, 12:38:58 PM
How can they compare a CBX550 up against a CBR 600.

They’re MCN Graham.


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Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: Laverda Dave 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.
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: mike the bike 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.
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: K2-K6 on January 17, 2021, 08:44:13 PM
"The weird thing for me was that the engine ran backwards, most rotors go anti clockwise but that engine ran clockwise."

This gets rid of a countershaft like the sohc  500 etc has, quite advanced thinking for that time as it's often seen in MotoGP now.  Also the gyro effect is opposite to the wheels,  if you like that sort of thing.

This and the 750 are more CBX  in terms of engine design (innovation not exact copy ) than is argued, I believe. The three of them seem to stand alone even compared to the CB 900 which is more SOHC  750 with a twin cam head than the true CBX DNA.
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: K2-K6 on January 17, 2021, 08:53:01 PM
Are you sure it's that one that runs backwards?  The schematic suggests the drive is "normal"

[attachimg=1]

As top gear direct driven is straight through from clutch basket to output sprocket,  unless all ratios were through the intermediate shaft to alter rotation on the whole set including top.
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: K2-K6 on January 17, 2021, 08:57:39 PM
Like the CBX six, it does look like a sixties Honda grand prix engine when you see it like this

[attachimg=1]

Looks like one of those pictures taken in the pits years ago.
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: Johnwebley on January 17, 2021, 09:14:39 PM


  I would love one of these,

  smallish,

 light.

  slightly unusual
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: Laverda Dave on January 17, 2021, 10:17:12 PM
I've always liked them. I remember reading the launch in MCN, MCM, Bike, Which Bike and MCW (I used to get them all back then and read them cover to cover!). I really wanted the F2 with the nose fairing. To me they were a mini RCB1100 with the paint scheme. Only problem I had was I didn't earn enough to buy one, even on HP, apprentice money was poor back then and any spare money I had was poured into my CB400/4 and 2 Valve Jawa speedway bike!
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: K2-K6 on January 17, 2021, 10:29:31 PM
Yeah I’m almost certain I watched one run backward, the diagram does though contradict my memory

It may be the 400 (super four) as that seems to be geared straight from crankshaft to clutch,  but can't find a decent schematic for that one.
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: robvangulik on January 17, 2021, 11:13:06 PM
Yeah I’m almost certain I watched one run backward, the diagram does though contradict my memory
Take a good look at that drawing, the axle with the front chain sprocket isn't centered in the clutch basket, the other axle is behind there, so when the clutch turns anti clockwise the rear gear axle turns the right way. And remember, it's just a drawing......
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: Athame57 on January 18, 2021, 12:28:20 AM
My flatmate had one in 1983, the nudie one, the bike I mean. Endless trouble with the cam chain tensioner but when all was running well I'm sure it had a top end well above the 117mph given here. I was on the back with her on a trip to Margate from London, the clock hit nearly 130 mph a few times. Maybe the one tested here was just showing age, or did that fairing take a lot off? 
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: K2-K6 on January 18, 2021, 08:09:43 AM
Yeah I’m almost certain I watched one run backward, the diagram does though contradict my memory
Take a good look at that drawing, the axle with the front chain sprocket isn't centered in the clutch basket, the other axle is behind there, so when the clutch turns anti clockwise the rear gear axle turns the right way. And remember, it's just a drawing......

I can see your view,  yes it does look slightly unresolved from their illustration. It's usual though that most gearbox have top gear as direct drive to avoid gear train losses in potentially the most long term use gear, otherwise it would always be running through both shafts for every ratio. Not impossible,  but they normally don't do that on bikes.

Intriguing details though, wonder if anyone knows for certain.

If Honda had run the 750 SOHC crankshaft backwards, then they could have deleted the sprocket "jackshaft" from the design and made the engine smaller  :) but guess they had quite a lot to consider at that point.
Title: Re: CBX550
Post by: andy_c101 on January 18, 2021, 10:09:56 AM
I restored one 2 years ago to a very high standard. Had 25k miles, 2 previous owners. A great midsized sports tourer, is how I describe it, a great free reving engine. The rear shock was quite "dull" despite full refurbishment. Yes the brakes were "novel" but were better than a cb550sohc front disk (not difficult!). New cast vented disks are like hens teeth, cast with 3 perimeter lugs, must've costed a fortune. I did have an oem Honda 4-2 set of pipes, looked spectacular as well as a good deep sound.
Shame I had to have a clear out & sold it to a guy in Gloucestershire....
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