1977 Honda CB550F Custom “Sapphire”

Description

Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1977 Honda CB550F. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

Built between 1974 and 1978, the Honda CB550 was “probably the best balanced Honda of the seventies,” according to this Silodrome recap. They go on to call it a “Goldilocks bike” as it fit in perfectly between the 400 and the 750 – the “CB550 was just right.”

The 550 remedied many of the bugs from its predecessor, the CB500. The clutch slipping issues were fixed and the 5-speed transmission sorted out the gear change problems.

The 550F, known as the “Super Sport” model had less chrome on the fuel tank, a lighter four-into-one exhaust, and two inch lower handlebars. All this lead to a dry weight of 423lbs and a sportier ride.

This example is VIN: CB550F2103652. The seller acquired the bike four years ago.

The seller estimates he has put on 15 miles since the engine rebuild. However, true mileage is unknown.

Maintenance:
Per the seller, “I’m an engineer and build bikes in my free time, this is my seventh build. It runs and rides but some slight tuning may be required. There is currently no “running” taillight but there are wires to allow for that.” And that, “The engine was fully rebuilt with all new gaskets, o-rings, freshly honed cylinders and piston rings. The piston and cam are stock. It has Murray’s carbs 4-2 carb set up with Mikuni VM34 carburetors. The front forks were rebuilt. The swingarm received new roller bearings and the 530 drive chain is new. All new electrical including Dyna ignition and coils, Motogadget M-Unit Blue digital control and fuse box, new regulator rectifier, and lithium ion battery.”

Modifications:
The seller lists the following modifications and states, “The quality aftermarket parts speak for themselves.”

Fresh paint in Sapphire blue.

“Front forks rebuilt with custom lightweight external springs that add slight dampening to make it feel modern.”

Venhill stainless braided cables and brake lines.

Full stainless Hindle exhaust with stainless muffler.

Ikon rear shocks.

Blasted and powder coated frame in aluminum silver.

60s headlight retrofitted for an LED bulb.

Turn signals integrated into custom fork covers.

Motogadget gauge cluster.

Polished and shaved top triple tree.

Custom all steel seatpan/cowl upholstered in new leather.

Matching leather grips and kick start lever.

Tarozzi clip ons, Kustom Tech levers and buttons.

Tarozzi rearsets, aluminum brackets.

Excel rims with stainless spokes.

Dual caliper setup in the front with new caliper pistons and brake pads. New drum brake pads in rear.

Rear taillight/turn signal combo tucked under cowl.

Not pictured: Custom wire loom, new tapered steering bearings, wheels fully rebuilt with new bearings.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires that the seller purchased new in May of 2022.

The sale includes two keys.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Per the seller, “A few small blemishes from a recent move. A VERY slight dent in the tank that must have happened in the move. I can only notice it by shining a light on it.”

Currently located  in Asheville, North Carolina, this Honda is offered on a clean California title that is non-op registered.
Have any CB550F stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!