Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1977 Honda CB550F “Sapphire.”
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.
Originally manufactured in July of 1976 this example is VIN: CB550F2103652. The seller purchased this bike from an Iconic auction and decided to resell it with us after owning the bike for a little over one year.
The odometer shows 7.4 KM but true mileage is unknown. The seller has only ridden the bike sparingly but it was enough to know the seating position is not comfortable for him. The seller states “I determined that it causes me as much pain to ride as pleasure to look at.” Our service department covered approximately 5 km on our test ride.
Maintenance:
The previous owner, Matt MacVittie, the custom builder currently based in Asheville, NC who built this bike, stated “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.” In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, our service department has cleaned and synced the carbs and installed a new front brake light switch. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Tire Year Front/ Rear: 3321/3421
Tire % Front/ Rear: 100/100
Tire Press Front/ Rear: 33/36
Brake % Front/ Rear: 80/DRUM
Front hydraulic fluid: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid: CABLE
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid: CABLE
Oil: OK
Coolant: AIR
Low Beam: OK
High Beam: ONLY ONE BEAM
Turn: OK
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light: NO FRONT
Plate Light: NONE
Kill: KEY ONLY
Horn: OK
Fork: OK
Shock/s: OK
Final Drive: OK
Battery Standing Voltage: 13.29
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.4
Notes:
NO STEERING STOPS, BARS HIT THE TANK
Modifications:
Custom 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.
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 with 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.
Custom wire loom.
Not pictured: New tapered steering bearings, wheels fully rebuilt with new bearings.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax BT46R tires with date codes of 3321 and 3421.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this Honda is offered on a clean New Jersey title. Have any CB550F stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!