The 1974 Honda CB550 Four from Japan was powered by a 544cc SOHC inline-4 producing 50hp at 8500rpm. Weighing 195.0kg (430 lbs) and with a seat height of 800mm, it was aimed at standard riders.
The 1962 Norton Manx 30M, hailing from United Kingdom, by contrast offered 499cc of DOHC single power, delivering 54hp at 7200rpm. Tipping the scales at 136.0kg (300 lbs) with a top speed of 220km/h (137 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1970s bikes from the Japanese superbike revolution are increasingly sought after. Clean, original examples have seen significant value appreciation.
Specifications Comparison
| 1974 Honda CB550 Four | 1962 Norton Manx 30M | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 544 cc | 499 cc |
| Power | 50 hp | 54 hp |
| Torque | 43.0 Nm | 46.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h | 220 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 195.0 kg | 136.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 211.0 kg | 146.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 760 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 14.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 4 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1974 Honda CB550 Four is built for all-round versatility and everyday riding, while the 1962 Norton Manx 30M targets outright circuit racing performance. On paper, the 1962 Norton Manx 30M's 54hp trumps the 1974 Honda CB550 Four's 50hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1974 Honda CB550 Four if you value all-round versatility and everyday riding; pick the 1962 Norton Manx 30M for outright circuit racing performance. Parts availability is good for the 1974 Honda CB550 Four and very difficult for the 1962 Norton Manx 30M — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1974 Honda CB550 Four
Honda released the 1974 Honda CB550 Four in 1974 with a 544cc SOHC inline-4 powerplant making 50hp — a definitive standard motorcycle.
Full 1974 Honda CB550 Four Profile →About the 1962 Norton Manx 30M
A racing machine from 1962, the 1962 Norton Manx 30M delivers 54hp from its 499cc DOHC single engine.
Full 1962 Norton Manx 30M Profile →