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.
Specifications
Engine
- Type
- SOHC inline-4
- Displacement
- 544 cc
- Cylinders
- 4
- Power
- 50 hp @ 8500 rpm
- Torque
- 43.0 Nm
- Compression
- —
- Bore × Stroke
- 58.5 × 50.6 mm
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Fuel System
- 4x Keihin carburetors
Chassis & Transmission
- Frame
- Steel double cradle
- Front Suspension
- Telescopic fork
- Rear Suspension
- Twin shock
- Front Brake
- Single disc
- Rear Brake
- Drum
- Front Tyre
- —
- Rear Tyre
- —
- Transmission
- 5-speed
- Final Drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top Speed
- 180 km/h (112 mph)
- ¼ Mile
- —
Dimensions & Weight
- Dry Weight
- 195 kg (430 lbs)
- Wet Weight
- 211 kg (465 lbs)
- Seat Height
- 800 mm
- Wheelbase
- 1410 mm
- Ground Clearance
- —
- Fuel Capacity
- 14.0 L
History & Story
When Honda unveiled the 1974 Honda CB550 Four in 1974, it signaled the company's commitment to the standard motorcycle segment. Built in Japan, this standard motorcycle embodied the spirit of 1970s motorcycling.
The 1974 Honda CB550 Four is motivated by a 544cc SOHC inline-4 four-cylinder unit delivering 50hp at 8500 rpm. Breathing through 4x Keihin carburetors and kept cool by air-cooled, the engine drives through a 5-speed transmission with chain final drive.
Built around a steel double cradle frame, the 1974 Honda CB550 Four suspends its 195 kg (430 lbs) on telescopic fork forks and twin shock rear units. Braking relies on single disc at the front and drum at the rear, with a 1410 mm wheelbase providing stability.
Performance-wise, the 1974 Honda CB550 Four achieves a claimed top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). With a fuel capacity of 14.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for standard motorcycle duties. The seat height of 800 mm makes it comfortable for most riders.
The 1974 Honda CB550 Four is motivated by a 544cc SOHC inline-4 four-cylinder unit delivering 50hp at 8500 rpm. Breathing through 4x Keihin carburetors and kept cool by air-cooled, the engine drives through a 5-speed transmission with chain final drive.
Built around a steel double cradle frame, the 1974 Honda CB550 Four suspends its 195 kg (430 lbs) on telescopic fork forks and twin shock rear units. Braking relies on single disc at the front and drum at the rear, with a 1410 mm wheelbase providing stability.
Performance-wise, the 1974 Honda CB550 Four achieves a claimed top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). With a fuel capacity of 14.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for standard motorcycle duties. The seat height of 800 mm makes it comfortable for most riders.
Known Issues
- Cam chain tensioner wear
- Carb synchronization needed regularly
- Charging system can be weak on early models
Fun Facts
- The 1974 Honda CB550 Four was produced in Honda's Japan facilities
- The 1974 Honda CB550 Four featured a steel double cradle frame typical of 1970s design philosophy
Collector Information
- Parts Availability
- Good
- Collector Rating
- 6/10
Resources & Parts
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