Is a 78 CB550 too big to start on?

[Samurai_Drak]

Hey guys, I'm new around here but I'm 17 and looking for my first bike. Found a 78 cb550 in great shape for a deal. Only issue is, my father is convinced anything over 500 is far too much power for me. Neither one of us have motorcycle experience other than the MSF course but we both work on cars often so that's where he's basing his knowledge. I was just curious if you guy could give me any tips that would help me convince him that these old Hondas are sweet to start on, thanks for any input

 

[coyote13]

The first bike I purchased for myself was a '78 CB750, but I also had a number of friends with dirtbikes who I rode with occasionally for a few years prior. If you have zero experience on a bike you might do well to look for something with a bit less displacement. Those 550's can get up and go pretty good, would hate to see a new rider get himself killed. On the other hand, if you have a good head on your shoulders and know your limits and the limits of your moto, you could be just fine. You can get yourself killed on any bike regardless of displacement if you don't keep your wits about you.

 

[DesmoBro]

I think it would be an ok starter bike cheap to insure if it falls over it wont break $1000 of plastic... I also think since its a bit older & heavier than a smaller bike you would feel more comfortable later on moving up to any size bike....anytime someone worries about dieing on a bike you just have to remember on average 5,000 people die per year in moto related accidents.
1.3 Million die in car accidents per year thats 5,000 a day!( United States Stats)

Just Remeber that next time you get behind the wheel of a death trap

 

[carnivorous chicken]

550 is a fine starting bike, although you didn't mention your height or weight, which should be considerations as well. You could also tell him that there are plenty of under-500cc bikes that are faster than CB550s...

 

[Samurai_Drak]

If it changes anything, I'm a tad under 6 foot and I weight about 165

 

[DesmoBro]

As long you go easy on it youll be fine once you learn the clutch

 

[VonYinzer]

550 (if running well and mechanically sound) is a great bike. Not too fast, but quick enough to be interesting. A good size for a person your size. Not too tall ot top heavy.

 

[Tune-A-Fish]

The fact you are here says more than you know, Tell yer dad to trust you on this one, don't beg or get upset, just sit down with him talk to him heart to heart... he's just jealous and afraid his boy is riding away.

 

[Hurco550]

I'm 25 bud, dad and I used to ride together all the time. Till last August when a great friend of mine lost his life to a cell phone jockey turning left in front of him. Dad immediately lost his spark for all things two wheeled, I did for a bit, but it's back.

Anyways, I guess I'm saying be happy that you have an old man that's worried about you. The bike shouldn't be to much for you. It's everyone else. Ride like you've got a target on your back. Be safe and have fun.... and go buy that 550 =)

 

[steveinwa]

550 is a great bike, I had an Aprilia Tuono 1000R and that was too much bike but it was my 2nd bike and had tons of dirt bikes before that. The nice thing is a 500 isn't too heavy, when you start out and you forget to put the stand down or uneven ground etc you can lay down a bigger heavy bike and you can't pick it up alone.
I think the size and weight are the important thing with a beginner, you shouldn't go fast anyway for long periods of time and my Aprilia would get too a ton asap so it was great for passing but a 550 is going to take a bit more and just stay in line till you have a bunch more experience, dirt bikes helped me a lot, I know how to fall and how much it will hurt and GET A FULL FACE helmet and leather jacket and leather gloves, don't skateboard outfit on a bike, skin grows very slow, just find some used stuff on craigs and get good stuff when you get money.

 

[Tim]

A 40 year old 550 is like a 2015 100cc bike (well, maybe a 250). Slow, low power... perfect for a beginner.

Honda CB550 is an excellent bike - my first bike was a 500 and then a 550. Only downside is 4 carbs but if it's running and you don't muck around with it, you're golden.

ATGATT - All The Gear All The Time. Full face helmet as mentioned for sure and always gloves and jacket. Proper boots too - no Converse or flimsy shoes. A proper boot keeps your foot from bending the wrong way when you crash and has armor to protect your ankles.

 

[Scooter trash]

At your height and weight a CB550 is far from what you need to freeway pass and two lane passing. It's a great starting bike, but it is old. Parts may be an issue, also is it a collector item now. You'd be surprised what people want and will pay for. The average car today can easily top 100mph, so your going to have passing competition. My son is a large dude, so his first bike was my old Gold Wing, anything smaller, he looked like a Shriner in a parade. It was still small!

 

[J-Rod10]

My 500 has no problems on the interstate. It's a great starter bike.

 

[carnivorous chicken]

I beg to differ, Scooter Trash. I'm 6'2" and 210 and have had a Cb550 for 25+ years. Never had a problem passing people when I want (but I'm also not trying to go 100, and neither are any cars). It'll cruise at 75-80 all day, and I've got a little more if I need it. Unless you're riding like a complete maniac, you're not going to want to go 100 on your first bike. CB550s are common and not that valuable -- some idiots try to sell them for $5k and up, but you can still get a nice running example for $1500, more or less. Spare parts are also easy to acquire. Some of this is, of course, geographically determined. Scooter Trash, if your son looked like a shriner on a mini bike while riding a Goldwing, just how big is he? 8 feet tall? Now me putting around on my CB160 -- that's more like the shriner situation, but I don't give a rat's ass, that little bike is fun as hell!

 

[steveinwa]

At your height and weight a CB550 is far from what you need to freeway pass and two lane passing. It's a great starting bike, but it is old. Parts may be an issue, also is it a collector item now. You'd be surprised what people want and will pay for. The average car today can easily top 100mph, so your going to have passing competition. My son is a large dude, so his first bike was my old Gold Wing, anything smaller, he looked like a Shriner in a parade. It was still small!

Um well if you're passing people on your starter bike as a beginning rider you are an idiot and will probably die, save the freeway antics for those on the Darwin path and stay in the slow lane and your main objective is to not hit the car in front of you and watch your back at stops so the car behind you doesnt hit you, I had a friend (woman) that raced and was hit from behind at a stop light so it's not always what you do as she did nothing and ended up out of racing for 2 years.