Sprockets: '77 Honda CB550F Super Sport

I was out in the barn today, getting out the snow tires, pushing the mower into the back corner and moving the plow to the front. I decided to pull the cover off of my old motorcycle and snap a few pictures.

It's a 1977 Honda CB550F Super Sport.

I bought it in 1991 and it took every penny I could scrounge up to buy it. Since I couldn't afford to have anyone else work on it, I bought a shop manual and basically learned how to wrench on it.

I put about 10,000 miles on it, riding all over the coast of Maine, down to bike week at Laconia, to the top of Mount Equinox in Vermont (stopping at Hemmings Motor News HQ in Bennington on the way) and to Lime Rock, where I shook hands with Carroll Shelby. I rode it year 'round when I was in college.

I was originally looking for a CB400F, but I couldn't find one. Then this bike came along and so I "settled" for a 550. Eventually, I got a 77 CB400F, too, but I ended up liking the 550 much more. I passed the 400 along to a friend, who still owns it.

A few years ago, I shined it up, bought a new battery for it and tuned it up, then threw a cover over it and haven't touched it since. I sure miss riding it.

One of the best looking factory headers ever, too!

Nice bike.

a true claasic ujm. this is on my top ten to some day own list.

You went back in a time machine to get that one didn't you?

Xceler8x wrote: You went back in a time machine to get that one didn't you?

Nope, just out to the barn!

Woody wrote: ...A few years ago, I shined it up, bought a new battery for it and tuned it up, then threw a cover over it and haven't touched it since. I sure miss riding it...

Epic FAIL. On behalf of hardcore bikers everywhere, I declare you in violation of the spirit of motorcycling and demand you surrend that machine at once. I will be there next week to relieve you of it.

This is what true bikers look like, I am the guy on the left.

Seriously, its a really nice bike. Ride it, you're breaking my heart

It took Mental a lot of balls to say that Woody; and once he warms up and finds them again.....

Very cool bike, too nice to mess with. I didn't know they came with that 4 into 1 pipe. Time for a ride.

Dan

EDIT: Mental, I just noticed that pic was taken in SEPTEMBER!! Yikes, what are the winters like?

Mental wrote:

Woody wrote: ...A few years ago, I shined it up, bought a new battery for it and tuned it up, then threw a cover over it and haven't touched it since. I sure miss riding it...

Epic FAIL. On behalf of hardcore bikers everywhere, I declare you in violation of the spirit of motorcycling and demand you surrend that machine at once. I will be there next week to relieve you of it. This is what true bikers look like, I am the guy on the left. Seriously, its a really nice bike. Ride it, you're breaking my heart

Let me defend myself here, if I may:

I mentioned that I have ridden year 'round. I live in Connecticut.

Somewhere, I have a photo of this CB550F and my and my CB400F, parked side by side. In my kitchen.

I also had a personal tradition of taking a ride on New Year Day (before noon) every year, regardless of weather or headache.

I don't exactly live a slothful life: I am a professional firefighter, I drive little sports cars around racetracks...

..and I have a beautiful little baby girl. I have to draw the line somewhere.

Woody wrote: ..and I have a beautiful little baby girl. I have to draw the line somewhere.

True, that is a higher priority, I will begrudging accept this. But you could at least ride the poor little thing to work in the Spring.

Plus;

Dan, that was September, but it was on a mountian pass at about 10K feet. C Springs actually has pretty mild winters most of the time.

As much as I love motorcycles, I'm not sure that I want my daughters to be dreaming about being around them.

If she can hold her own, she won't be taken in by some sweet talking Romeo with a cool ride. She will gravitate toward enthusiasts. Guys who will insist she wears a helmet and boots rather that a halter top and Oaklies. Or better yet, guys who will respect her when she rolls up on her own bike.

Nice bike..... I haven't been on mine in a week

maybe this weekend if it stays dry out