SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB500/550
Judge my CB550F2 1977 idling
deltarider:
Not much to worry about. Owner's ride CB500/550s often at too low RPMs. Sparkplugs face the almost impossible task to stay clean over a wide range from 1000-9000 RPM. At prolonged idling plugs tend to foul. On highways I always choose the rpm where the mirrors become clear again. Around 5000 they vibrate and the view is blurred (this can't be helped). My CB500 engine was always happiest over 6000 rpm. Try it out for yourself.
McCabe-Thiele (Ted):
When I am out on my 400, the expresion ride it like you stole it springs to mind.
It's like a video game, going through the gears, keeping the revs up to be on song.
alexdecker:
--- Quote from: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on August 17, 2026, 10:09:51 AM ---When I am out on my 400, the expresion ride it like you stole it springs to mind.
It's like a video game, going through the gears, keeping the revs up to be on song.
--- End quote ---
Interesting, I actually have a tendency to shift up all the time. For instance, shift up to 4th gear at around 60 km ph. I guess I should run 3rd gear a little longer then!
Do you have a set RPM you usually shift at?
McCabe-Thiele (Ted):
Not run my 500 in yet, on the 400, when in 3rd or above I like to see at least 6k revs on the clock on flat roads, on a uphill climb closer to 6500 depending on if it's feels under load. Here in the UK with 30 & 40 mph limits everywhere I'm often in 3rd or 4th.
K2-K6:
"At prolonged idling plugs tend to foul."
This is a direct consequence of setting idle airscrew mixture incorrectly. As noted in a recent pdf "document " of advice.
Set properly, plug fouling is all but unherad of in experience.
Advocating to run excessive fuelling when the throttle is closed has these results, along with bore wash and exhaust corrosion potential.
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