78 Honda CB550
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Very nice looking bike, looks like no one has messed with it except to replace the stock exhaust. This is not unusual as the stockers tended to rust through pretty quickly unless meticulously maintained.
You don't say how many miles are on it, but these bikes would go 100K miles on just routine maintenance easily. If it is at 16K miles or more, you should have the valve clearance checked and have a look at the cam chain tensioner.
These air cooled engines are noisier than water cool motors, so expect some clatter from the engine. Also, all the air cooled motors from this era have a distinctive smell when hot, it is normal. I don't know how to describe it, but my 81 CB 900 has it, my old CB 750 had it as well. My 96 Kat has it but the Suzy is a little different odor. They also make little snap crackle pop noises while cooling off.
I'd go for it unless it has a horrendous number of miles on it, if the engine is in as good of shape as the rest of the bike it is a steal. In my part of the country these bikes are becoming collector's items (or were before the economy sh%t the bed.
Glad it isn't around my house, I would have to buy it, then the missus would have my head on a plate. Don't wait too long or it will be gone, gone gone.
You don't say how many miles are on it, but these bikes would go 100K miles on just routine maintenance easily. If it is at 16K miles or more, you should have the valve clearance checked and have a look at the cam chain tensioner.
These air cooled engines are noisier than water cool motors, so expect some clatter from the engine. Also, all the air cooled motors from this era have a distinctive smell when hot, it is normal. I don't know how to describe it, but my 81 CB 900 has it, my old CB 750 had it as well. My 96 Kat has it but the Suzy is a little different odor. They also make little snap crackle pop noises while cooling off.
I'd go for it unless it has a horrendous number of miles on it, if the engine is in as good of shape as the rest of the bike it is a steal. In my part of the country these bikes are becoming collector's items (or were before the economy sh%t the bed.
Glad it isn't around my house, I would have to buy it, then the missus would have my head on a plate. Don't wait too long or it will be gone, gone gone.
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4,184 Posts
looks good, well cared for.
rear wheel is not stock. original is 18" rim. maybe aftermarket shocks too, not sure about that.
i'd go for it, for the cafe project. don't worry about mileage, they are easy to rebuild.
rear wheel is not stock. original is 18" rim. maybe aftermarket shocks too, not sure about that.
i'd go for it, for the cafe project. don't worry about mileage, they are easy to rebuild.
Here's the ad for the bike: http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/1118077016.html It's almost at 12k miles
I also found a CB750 for the same price: http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/1118325567.html Doesn't list milage though.
I'm leaning towards the CB550 so I can have my friend who's taking the MSF soon ride it after he's done with the class.
I also found a CB750 for the same price: http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/1118325567.html Doesn't list milage though.
I'm leaning towards the CB550 so I can have my friend who's taking the MSF soon ride it after he's done with the class.
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653 Posts
The 79 (actually 79 1/2, they started the year with the SOHC motor) is a dual cam motor, 4 valves per cylinder. These things really rock, that is the one I had. Was the fastest 750 when it came out.
I would be torn, as this one also looks well cared for. But the 550 is lighter and smaller, had a stiffer frame, and really looks good as a cafe. The 750 Sport is pretty cafe from the factory.
At 12K miles, the 550 is "just broken in". I bet the 750 is also low milage, still has the stock exhaust and looks way too clean to be high milage.
Thats a tough choice, it su&ks to be you (in the best way, it looks like you couldn't go wrong with either).
I'm really glad I don't live around there.
I would be torn, as this one also looks well cared for. But the 550 is lighter and smaller, had a stiffer frame, and really looks good as a cafe. The 750 Sport is pretty cafe from the factory.
At 12K miles, the 550 is "just broken in". I bet the 750 is also low milage, still has the stock exhaust and looks way too clean to be high milage.
Thats a tough choice, it su&ks to be you (in the best way, it looks like you couldn't go wrong with either).
I'm really glad I don't live around there.
Looking at them both and I'm leaning more towards the 550....bleh, I'll have to check them out tomorrow or Tuesday. See which one will give me a better offer.
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1,329 Posts
In my opinion the 750 looks much better.
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here's my buddie's CB750 with fiberglass tank and tail. Such a sweet bike!
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233 Posts
if that pic is current, then thats a good looking bike for $1000, if it runs too, then all you risk is $1,000. if i wanted a second bike though i'd probably by an old ninja250 for just a bit more bread.
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4,184 Posts
"dyna s" electronic ignition replaces the point plate and plugs right in. have to do an initial timing adjust then forget about it. had one for my kz900, worked great for about $100. (that was in 1980, don't know what you'd have to pay now, or even if they are still around. just a thought.)
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