Description
The CB 550 features an engine closely derived from the previous CB 500, but with a larger bore and a 544cc, air-cooled, wet-sump inline four-cylinder engine with SOHC valvetrain. The first version, the CB 550K, was directly derived from the previous CB 500 and featured quad exhaust pipes with quad mufflers and spoked wheels. The CB 550 was replaced in 1979 by the Honda CB 650, which featured an entirely new engine.
Compared to the 1969 dry-sump CB 750 from which it was derived, both the CB 500 and CB 550 were significantly smaller and lighter. The CB 550K shared some components with the CB 750 and positioned itself within Honda's mid-displacement four-cylinder range.
From 1975 to 1977, a second version of the CB 550, the CB 550 F "Super Sport," was offered. The CB550F shared the engine, instruments, lights, wheels, brakes, and frame with the CB 500K. The CB 550F also featured a lighter four-into-one exhaust, slightly flatter handlebars, and a different, chrome-free fuel tank. The CB 550F was part of Honda's Super Sport range, along with the CB 400F and CB 750F.
Both the CB 550F and CB 550K models had a rear drum brake and a single front disc brake.
