Difference between revisions of "Honda CB550K"

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{{Infobox Motorcycle
{{Motorcycle
|name            = Honda CB550K
|name            = Honda CB550K
|image           =  
|photo           = CB550.jpg
|aka              =  
|aka              =  
|manufacturer    = [[Honda]]
|manufacturer    = Honda
|parent_company  =  
|parent_company  =  
|production      = 74-78
|production      = 74-78
Line 9: Line 9:
|predecessor      = [[Honda CB500K]]
|predecessor      = [[Honda CB500K]]
|successor        =  
|successor        =  
|class            =  
|class            =Standard
|engine          = 550cc
|engine          = 550cc
|bore_stroke      =  
|bore_stroke      =  
|compression      =  
|compression      =  
|top_speed        =  
|top_speed        =90 mph
|power            =  
|power            =  
|torque          =  
|torque          =  
|ignition        =  
|ignition        =  
|spark_plug      = {{sparkplug|D7EA}} '74-78
|spark_plug      = {{sparkplug|NGK D7EA}} '74-78
|battery          = {{battery|12N12A-4A-1}} '74-78
|battery          = {{battery|YUASA 12N12A-4A-1}} '74-78
|transmission    = 5-speed
|transmission    = 5-speed
|final_drive= {{chain|530x100}}
|front_sprocket= 17T
|rear_sprocket= 37T
|frame            =  
|frame            =  
|suspension      =  
|suspension      =  
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|fuel_capacity    =  
|fuel_capacity    =  
|oil_capacity    =  
|oil_capacity    =  
|oil_filter      = {{oilfilter|K&N KN-401}}<ref name="kl_2019">{{cite book|title=2019 K&L Supply Co Catalog|publisher=[https://www.klsupply.com/ K&L Supply Co]|date=2019}}</ref>
|recommended_oil= Honda GN4 10W-40
|fuel_consumption =  
|fuel_consumption =  
|turning_radius  =  
|turning_radius  =  
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The '''Honda CB550K "Four"''', introduced in 1974, replaced the [[Honda CB500K|CB500K]]. It was produced until 1978 with minor revisions each year.   
The '''Honda CB550K "Four"''', introduced in 1974, replaced the [[Honda CB500K|CB500K]]. It was produced until 1978 with minor revisions each year.   


The [[Honda|Honda]] CB550 is a motorcycle manufactured by Honda. It is considered the younger cousin to Honda's CB750 and was introduced in 1974 as the CB550K0. Later iterations were produced through 1978 ending with the K4. Furthermore, the CB550 was offered in a Super Sport, "F" model called, simply, the [[Honda CB550F]]. Cosmetically, the CB550 looks much like its larger and smaller cousins. Colors included Flake Sunrise Orange with Black, Boss Maroon Metallic with Black, Freedom Green Metallic with Black, Candy Jade Green, and Flake Sunrise Orange. Stock exhaust was a four-into-four style. Other options included a two-into-two style and a four-into-one on the Honda CB550F.
Specifications for the CB550 were virtually unchanged over the model lines.
== Reviews ==
Reviewers were overwhelmingly positive in regards to the CB550 during the 1970s. However, in some aspects the CB550 is lacking; especially in terms of braking. Despite the reviewer's suggestion, the CB550 is not a beginner's bike. Power comes on suddenly and with lacking brakes, can make the CB550 unforgiving. Furthermore, the handling, when compared to modern sport bikes, is unresponsive with considerable head shake when riding aggressively through corners. However, the CB550 still garners respect.
== Maintenance ==
Maintenance on the CB550 is nearly identical to the [[Honda CB750|Honda CB750]] and can be completed, mostly, with common hand tools. Some specialized tools, including feeler gauges, a timing light, chain breaker and riveter, amongst others. Common maintenance tasks include chain tensioning and cleaning/lubing, valve adjustment, rear brake adjustment, oil and filter changes, etc.
Overall, if common maintenance is performed regularly at the proper intervals with quality parts, the CB550 is very reliable and has been reported to be good for 100,000+ miles.
==1974==
==1974==
[[Image:honda_Cb550k0.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Honda CB550K]]
[[Image:honda_Cb550k0.jpg|left|thumb|1974 Honda CB550K]]
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==1975==
==1975==
[[Image:1975_honda_Cb550k1.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K]][[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K1-Green-0.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green]][[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K1-Green-1.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green]][[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K1-Green-2.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green]][[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K1-Green-3.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green]][[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K1-Green-4.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green]][[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K1-Green-5.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green]][[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-0.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]][[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-1.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]][[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-2.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]][[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-3.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]][[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-4.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]][[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-5.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]][[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-6.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]][[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-7.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]][[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-8.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]][[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-9.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]]
[[Image:1975_honda_Cb550k1.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K]]
[[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K1-Green-0.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green]]
[[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K1-Green-1.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green]]
[[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K1-Green-2.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green]]
[[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K1-Green-3.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green]]
[[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K1-Green-4.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green]]
[[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K1-Green-5.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green]]
[[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-0.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]]
[[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-1.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]]
[[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-2.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]]
[[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-3.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]]
[[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-4.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]]
[[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-5.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]]
[[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-6.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]]
[[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-7.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]]
[[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-8.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]]
[[Image:1975-Honda-CB550K-Orange-8284-9.jpg|left|thumb|1975 Honda CB550K in Orange]]
<br style="clear: left"/>
<br style="clear: left"/>


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==1976==
==1976==
[[Image:1976_honda_Cb550k.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K]][[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-0.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]][[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-1.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]][[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-2.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]][[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-3.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]][[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-4.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]][[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-5.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]][[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-6.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]][[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-7.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]][[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-8.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]][[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-9.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]][[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-10.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]][[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-11.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]][[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-12.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]][[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-783-0.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Brown]]
[[Image:1976_honda_Cb550k.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K]]
[[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-0.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]]
[[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-1.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]]
[[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-2.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]]
[[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-3.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]]
[[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-4.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]]
[[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-5.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]]
[[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-6.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]]
[[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-7.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]]
[[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-8.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]]
[[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-9.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]]
[[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-10.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]]
[[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-11.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]]
[[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-6835-12.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown]]
[[Image:1976-Honda-CB550K-Brown-783-0.jpg|left|thumb|1976 Honda CB550K in Brown]]
<br style="clear: left"/>
<br style="clear: left"/>


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==1977==
==1977==
[[Image:1977_honda_Cb550k.jpg|left|thumb|1977 Honda CB550K]][[Image:1977-Honda-CB550K-Brown-5060-0.jpg|left|thumb|1977 Honda CB550K in Brown]][[Image:1977-Honda-CB550K-Brown-5060-1.jpg|left|thumb|1977 Honda CB550K in Brown]][[Image:1977-Honda-CB550K-Brown-5060-2.jpg|left|thumb|1977 Honda CB550K in Brown]][[Image:1977-Honda-CB550K-Brown-5060-3.jpg|left|thumb|1977 Honda CB550K in Brown]][[Image:1977-Honda-CB550K-Brown-5060-4.jpg|left|thumb|1977 Honda CB550K in Brown]]
[[Image:1977_honda_Cb550k.jpg|left|thumb|1977 Honda CB550K]]
[[Image:1977-Honda-CB550K-Brown-5060-0.jpg|left|thumb|1977 Honda CB550K in Brown]]
[[Image:1977-Honda-CB550K-Brown-5060-1.jpg|left|thumb|1977 Honda CB550K in Brown]]
[[Image:1977-Honda-CB550K-Brown-5060-2.jpg|left|thumb|1977 Honda CB550K in Brown]]
[[Image:1977-Honda-CB550K-Brown-5060-3.jpg|left|thumb|1977 Honda CB550K in Brown]]
[[Image:1977-Honda-CB550K-Brown-5060-4.jpg|left|thumb|1977 Honda CB550K in Brown]]
<br style="clear: left"/>
<br style="clear: left"/>


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==1978==
==1978==
[[Image:1978_honda_Cb550k.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda CB550K]][[Image:1978-Honda-CB550K-Black-7634-0.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda CB550K in Black]][[Image:1978-Honda-CB550K-Black-7634-1.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda CB550K in Black]][[Image:1978-Honda-CB550K-Black-7634-2.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda CB550K in Black]][[Image:1978-Honda-CB550K-Black-7634-3.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda CB550K in Black]][[Image:1978-Honda-CB550K-Black-7634-4.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda CB550K in Black]][[Image:1978-Honda-CB550K-Black-7634-5.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda CB550K in Black]][[Image:1978-Honda-CB550K-Black-7634-6.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda CB550K in Black]]
[[Image:1978_honda_Cb550k.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda CB550K]]
[[Image:1978-Honda-CB550K-Black-7634-0.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda CB550K in Black]]
[[Image:1978-Honda-CB550K-Black-7634-1.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda CB550K in Black]]
[[Image:1978-Honda-CB550K-Black-7634-2.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda CB550K in Black]]
[[Image:1978-Honda-CB550K-Black-7634-3.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda CB550K in Black]]
[[Image:1978-Honda-CB550K-Black-7634-4.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda CB550K in Black]]
[[Image:1978-Honda-CB550K-Black-7634-5.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda CB550K in Black]]
[[Image:1978-Honda-CB550K-Black-7634-6.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Honda CB550K in Black]]
<br style="clear: left"/>
<br style="clear: left"/>


The CB550K'78 550 Four K was sold in 1978 in one of two colors: Candy Alpha Red or Black. The gas tank stripe was red with a gold pinstripe. The "550 FOUR" side cover emblem was gold. The "K" side cover decal and stripe were gold. The seat had a dual contour. The exhaust system was a 4-into-4. The engine was a 544cc SOHC wet sump inline four linked to a 5-speed transmission. The serial number began CB550-2100001.
The CB550K'78 550 Four K was sold in 1978 in one of two colors: Candy Alpha Red or Black. The gas tank stripe was red with a gold pinstripe. The "550 FOUR" side cover emblem was gold. The "K" side cover decal and stripe were gold. The seat had a dual contour. The exhaust system was a 4-into-4. The engine was a 544cc SOHC wet sump inline four linked to a 5-speed transmission. The serial number began CB550-2100001.


==References==
{{reflist}}


{{Honda CB}}
{{Honda CB}}

Latest revision as of 20:03, 23 November 2019

CB550.jpg
Honda CB550K
Manufacturer
Production 74-78
Class Standard
Predecessor Honda CB500K
Engine
550cc
Top Speed 90 mph
Spark Plug NGK D7EA '74-78
Battery YUASA 12N12A-4A-1 '74-78
Transmission 5-speed
Final Drive Chain: 530x100
Front Sprocket 17T
Rear Sprocket 37T
Front Tire '74-78
Rear Tire 3.75-18 '74-78
Weight
Oil Filter K&N KN-401[1]
Recommended Oil Honda GN4 10W-40
Manuals Service Manual


The Honda CB550K "Four", introduced in 1974, replaced the CB500K. It was produced until 1978 with minor revisions each year.

The Honda CB550 is a motorcycle manufactured by Honda. It is considered the younger cousin to Honda's CB750 and was introduced in 1974 as the CB550K0. Later iterations were produced through 1978 ending with the K4. Furthermore, the CB550 was offered in a Super Sport, "F" model called, simply, the Honda CB550F. Cosmetically, the CB550 looks much like its larger and smaller cousins. Colors included Flake Sunrise Orange with Black, Boss Maroon Metallic with Black, Freedom Green Metallic with Black, Candy Jade Green, and Flake Sunrise Orange. Stock exhaust was a four-into-four style. Other options included a two-into-two style and a four-into-one on the Honda CB550F.

Specifications for the CB550 were virtually unchanged over the model lines.

Reviews[edit | edit source]

Reviewers were overwhelmingly positive in regards to the CB550 during the 1970s. However, in some aspects the CB550 is lacking; especially in terms of braking. Despite the reviewer's suggestion, the CB550 is not a beginner's bike. Power comes on suddenly and with lacking brakes, can make the CB550 unforgiving. Furthermore, the handling, when compared to modern sport bikes, is unresponsive with considerable head shake when riding aggressively through corners. However, the CB550 still garners respect.


Maintenance[edit | edit source]

Maintenance on the CB550 is nearly identical to the Honda CB750 and can be completed, mostly, with common hand tools. Some specialized tools, including feeler gauges, a timing light, chain breaker and riveter, amongst others. Common maintenance tasks include chain tensioning and cleaning/lubing, valve adjustment, rear brake adjustment, oil and filter changes, etc.

Overall, if common maintenance is performed regularly at the proper intervals with quality parts, the CB550 is very reliable and has been reported to be good for 100,000+ miles.

1974[edit | edit source]

1974 Honda CB550K


The CB550K0 550 Four was sold in 1974 in one of three color schemes: Flake Sunrise Orange with Black, Boss Maroon Metallic with Black, or Freedom Green Metallic with Black. The gas tank was 2-tone with a black panel. The exhaust system was a 4-into-4. The engine was a 544cc SOHC wet sump inline four linked to a 5-speed transmission. The serial number began CB550-1000001.

1975[edit | edit source]

1975 Honda CB550K
1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green
1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green
1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green
1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green
1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green
1975 Honda CB550 "Four" (CB550K1) in Candy Jade Green
1975 Honda CB550K in Orange
1975 Honda CB550K in Orange
1975 Honda CB550K in Orange
1975 Honda CB550K in Orange
1975 Honda CB550K in Orange
1975 Honda CB550K in Orange
1975 Honda CB550K in Orange
1975 Honda CB550K in Orange
1975 Honda CB550K in Orange
1975 Honda CB550K in Orange


The CB550K1 550 Four was sold in 1975 in one of two colors: Candy Jade Green or Flake Sunrise Orange. The gas tank stripe was gold and black. The instrument faces were dark green. The exhaust system was a 4-into-4. The engine was a 544cc SOHC wet sump inline four linked to a 5-speed transmission. The serial number began CB550-1200005.

1976[edit | edit source]

1976 Honda CB550K
1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown
1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown
1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown
1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown
1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown
1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown
1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown
1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown
1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown
1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown
1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown
1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown
1976 Honda CB550K in Candy Garnet Brown
1976 Honda CB550K in Brown


The CB550K'76 550 Four was sold in 1976 in Candy Garnet Brown. The gas tank stripe was gold and black. The instrument faces were light green. The exhaust system was a 4-into-4. The engine was a 544cc SOHC wet sump inline four linked to a 5-speed transmission. The serial number began CB550-1230001.

1977[edit | edit source]

1977 Honda CB550K
1977 Honda CB550K in Brown
1977 Honda CB550K in Brown
1977 Honda CB550K in Brown
1977 Honda CB550K in Brown
1977 Honda CB550K in Brown


The CB550K'77 550 Four K was sold in 1977 in Excel Black. The gas tank stripe was red with a gold pinstripe. The "550 Four K" side cover emblem was gold. The exhaust system was a 4-into-4. The engine was a 544cc SOHC wet sump inline four linked to a 5-speed transmission. The serial number began CB550-2000007.

1978[edit | edit source]

1978 Honda CB550K
1978 Honda CB550K in Black
1978 Honda CB550K in Black
1978 Honda CB550K in Black
1978 Honda CB550K in Black
1978 Honda CB550K in Black
1978 Honda CB550K in Black
1978 Honda CB550K in Black


The CB550K'78 550 Four K was sold in 1978 in one of two colors: Candy Alpha Red or Black. The gas tank stripe was red with a gold pinstripe. The "550 FOUR" side cover emblem was gold. The "K" side cover decal and stripe were gold. The seat had a dual contour. The exhaust system was a 4-into-4. The engine was a 544cc SOHC wet sump inline four linked to a 5-speed transmission. The serial number began CB550-2100001.


References[edit | edit source]

  1. 2019 K&L Supply Co Catalog. K&L Supply Co. 2019.