Honda followed its sensational CB750 with a range of smaller fours, the first of which – the CB500 – appeared in 1971. The half-liter newcomer was just as well specified as its larger brother, boasting an air-cooled, wet sump, (single) overhead-camshaft, two-valve engine, five-speed gearbox, electric starter and disc front brake.
source.image: classic-motorcycle.com
The engine produced 50hp at 8.500rpm. Bike magazine reckoned there were several reasons for preferring the smaller four: ‘For starters the 500 is a lighter machine with a shorter wheelbase.
It therefore has a better power-to-weight ratio than its bigger brother and, significantly, it handles better through the curves. In fact, the 500 is faster up to 60mph in a straight line and its 80mph only a fraction of a second behind the 750.
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Upping the engine capacity by 10 percent, the CB550 offered the same blend of performance and civility when it first arrived in the USA in late 1973.This CB is a good runner and has papers of Germany. It comes with valid TÜV until May,2022.
