SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB500/550

Fully restored...? :-)

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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...

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