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 1986 Yamaha SRX600 by contrast offered 608cc of SOHC single power, delivering 45hp at 6500rpm. Tipping the scales at 156.0kg (344 lbs) with a top speed of 165km/h (103 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 | 1986 Yamaha SRX600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 544 cc | 608 cc |
| Power | 50 hp | 45 hp |
| Torque | 43.0 Nm | 48.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h | 165 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 195.0 kg | 156.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 211.0 kg | 170.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 800 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1410 mm | 1395 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 13.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -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 1986 Yamaha SRX600 targets spirited café-racer style riding. On paper, the 1974 Honda CB550 Four's 50hp trumps the 1986 Yamaha SRX600's 45hp, 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 1986 Yamaha SRX600 for spirited café-racer style riding. Parts availability is good for the 1974 Honda CB550 Four and moderate for the 1986 Yamaha SRX600 — 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 1986 Yamaha SRX600
The 1986 1986 Yamaha SRX600 packs a 608cc SOHC single engine with 45hp into a cafe racer package from Yamaha.
Full 1986 Yamaha SRX600 Profile →