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Judge my CB550F2 1977 idling

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K2-K6:
They probably needed "special " spark plugs because they didn't take notice of Honda's advice in how to set mixture correctly  ;D ;D

alexdecker:
Damn 143000 km. I think mine have gone around 83000. I actually thought that was in the higher end, and maybe the engine was reaching its end. I did a big engine job three years back, changing the shells on the crankshaft and rods, new sealings, new primary chain, top end rebuild, honing, new piston+rings etc.

How much life is normal to get out of these bikes?

- Alex

Bryanj:
The problem there is the honing, Honda tolerances are so tight that honing can put clearances out of spec

Oddjob:
I have 2 500s. The K reg is the 263000 one, no bore, same clutch. It’s had a few sets of rings, a few chains but that’s about it. The L reg one is the one I’m restoring right now, that’s done around 167,000 miles. No bore, one set of rings, new shells, both chains, new bearings but same clutch and gearbox. That still sounds like a brand new bike, great compression.

Change the oil regularly is one of the things that help them last and last. I have a nos set of barrels for this engine off a 550 but I may not use those if the present barrels are still ok.

I’m like Bryan and don’t advise honing anymore. Unless you have them under bored and hone them out to get a really tight clearance.

deltarider:

--- Quote from: K2-K6 on August 17, 2026, 05:53:17 PM ---They probably needed "special " spark plugs because they didn't take notice of Honda's advice in how to set mixture correctly  ;D ;D

--- End quote ---
Are you really, after been able to learn my detailed report, trying to still advocate that ridiculous method by AMERICAN Honda? The same ltd, co. that has managed to never miss an opportunity to mess up, especially data regarding the CB500? What is your opinion then on p.165 in Shop Manual Honda CB500-550? Doesn't that say 022A over the left column? Ever heard of a CB500 with 022A carbs? CB550 had them, CB500 didn't.
But I'll be a sport, why don't you show us a video where you practice what you preach? I'd love to see you doing it.
@Oddjob, what's keeping you from surprising us with a vid demonstrating that you really can manage to have a CB500 idle nicely @ 600 RPM. I'd love to learn that.

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