Fully restored...? :-)

[deltarider]

Although I've never seen one in real (they were not imported in Europe) the 550K2 '76 for me is the most desirable of the 500/550 series and here is why. It's the last model with the four original trumpet exhausts, that allow precise finetuning. In spite of the 550Fand F1, that had most power to offer, I prefer the looks of this model. The oldstyle carbs, that are so easy to work on compared to the later PDcarbs. It's all in all the model that stays closest to the original (the 500) by offering most of the features that were good from the beginning and least of what had become 'mode' later. In detail: there is the reliable engine and updated transmission. There are those wonderful harmonicarubbers that used to protect forkseals so well before shiny legs became mode. There is the oldstyle, elegant and sober dash with just four idiot lights and not the cheaplooking setup with that insulting fifth idiot light (I mean who needs to be informed WHAT indicator is on? Who else but a true idiot). The modest ignition key is still under the tank, where it can do no harm. No hanky panky with a choke knob to mimick a car. I bet the wires are still tidy inside the handlebars. A pity it only came in Candy Garnet Brown and not in Excel Black as the 500K2 '76 did (European models). If I had one I'd change the US for the Euro handlebars and would have those big and cheap looking indicators and rear light replaced by the earlier and smaller ones.

[Trigger]

Oddjob, the ears and rear foot pegs are right for a USA 550K2. That looks a nice original 500 Woodside

[JamesH]

This is what a clean original example looks like....this one is on it's way to Cyprus...

http://s886.photobucket.com/user/JamesH_Sussex/library/1975%20Honda%20CB550%20K2%20-%20Candy%20Garnet%20Brown

[Woodside]

Perhaps it should have been titled "sympathetically reconditioned "
It would be a shame on that bike to repaint the tank etc the ageing is perfect...

[JamesH]

Interesting perspective from Oddjob and Deltarider here. I often hear people knocking the 550 over the 500. As far as I'm concerned the 550 is the nicer more refined bike to ride compared with the 500. All down to personal taste / preference I guess. My green 550k1 is still one of my favourite bikes...

[peterengland]

I agree the bike looks fine and I would be happy to have it. So the decals are in the wrong position etc etc, so what? some people take things to the nth degree and I suspect you could find 'things wrong' with their bikes too!

[JamesH]

Think I've opened a can of worms here...wasn't my intention chaps...will bow out graciously from this thread now

[mickwinf]

Ken I like the 500 best also, but the 550s available in the US while we still had the 500 had the looks of the older bike with the updates such as the tilted instruments and better wiring, so best of both? just happens I have a 550 k0 as my next project!

[Trigger]

Mick, did you find a seat for the K0?

[mickwinf]

yes I did thanks Graham, got one from DK, turned out to be rough but did the job, its on my 500 at the moment ready for mot.

[deltarider]

Oddjob and Mickwinf, are you aware that the 500K2 (ED) offered the best of the 500 and the 550 combined? Like the bigger and tilted clocks. It was a 1976 model for the European continent.
Here's mine.

[Trigger]

Great mick. Seat sharing bikes, well you only need one seat if you think about it
Have a mate that has a CB750, CB500T, CB550 and a 400/4 and just moves the number plate and tax disc to what ever bike he is taking out.

[matthewmosse]

I also prefer the 500, size wise it suits me better and I prefer the old looks. Been there, done that on the fuse blowing on a single track road on a moonless night, to crown itbit was Christmas day, and I wad running late for work so someone was sat waiting for me before they could go home, lucky I had 2 spare fuses,mthogh fitting them in the dark was not fun. I since fitted a easy double up spare via a remote starting alarm, fuse blows you simply hit a botton on the key fob, it kicks in the spare fuse and bypasses the ignition switch, and restarts the engine. As a bonus you can start the bike to warm the engine on a frosty morning while you are still indoors having yer morning cuppa, and of course a nice loud alarm if anyone meddles with your pride and joy.

[Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)]

Trig
That is rife in France lots of bikes all the same on one logbook.Real easy here as there is no engine number,colour or mot,s just frame number
Cheers
Bitsa