If you had your choice cl360,cb550,cb500 witch and why

[Scarry Deuce]

Hi all :
If you had your choice of a Honda 1974 cl360 a 1977 cb550 or a cb500 made some time in the 1970s witch would you choose and why
they are all in about the same condition " not running low compression engine turn freely "


I want to turn one into a Cafe racer ..

 

[ktree]

Cb500
better engineering
better reliability

 

[Ringo]

If you want a 5XX, go with the 550. The 500 had a pretty bad clutch design. Other than that, it's basically the same motor. Four cylinder bikes are going to be more expensive to build than twins (buying 4 of everything, versus 2), and a little more work (same reason). Personally, I like the sound a four makes, compared to a twin. And you can't beat a couple hundred extra CCs. Which do YOU want to build though? That's the question.

 

[Scarry Deuce]

I like the cl360 it's a lighter bike and i thought it would make a better handling bike for twisty back road riding the problem is the guy who owns it cant find the titel

 

[Ringo]

If the title is in his name, he could always get a duplicate.

 

[hillsy]

Is the CB500 a twin or four cyl?

 

[Ringo]

mm, good call. If it's a twin, never mind that stuff about the clutch.

 

[Scarry Deuce]

If the title is in his name, he could always get a duplicate.

I got it at action they botched the sale and lost the title

 

[ridesolo]

I have a CL360 and am pretty happy with it. There are times I'd like a bit more "snort" but, like stated above, I don't feel like dealing w/ two extra carbs, sets of valves, exhaust pipes, etc. I also like the six-speed transmission. I know the 360 engine doesn't have the reputation of the 350 or its hop-up potential and parts availability, but if you maintain it and respect its 35+ year old engineering it can be a good and faithful, fun machine.

 

[Scarry Deuce]

Thats what I want a fun machine that can set quick into a tern with snap acceleration and to me those Four cylinder bikes make me think there going to be less nimble in cornering


Now I have to admit I've never ridden either in fact this would be my first road bike that's why I'm asking you guys..

 

[swan]

If the CB550 is the Supersport F model, go with it.

 

[Scarry Deuce]

it's a 1977 cb550k

 

[Scarry Deuce]

I know this is probably a dumb question but what is the difreants in a 1977 " 1974-1978 " cb550k and cb550f I've looked all over the web and it seems know one realy knows ..

 

[swan]

http://www.sohc4.net/index.php/cb550

 

[Scarry Deuce]

So there's really no difference between the cb550k and the cb550f outher then a four-into-four or a four-into-one exhaust and sum trim Colors ..