Honda Cbx 550 Review

Used Buyer Review

The CBX550 is one of Honda's most underrated middleweights from the early eighties, and finding a clean one is genuinely worth the effort. That inline-four pulls smoothly from about 4,000rpm and keeps building to a satisfying 9,500rpm redline — it's not a screamer, but it's got real character that modern bikes struggle to replicate. The handling is period-correct, meaning it feels a bit soft compared to today's standards, but it's forgiving and predictable. Here's the honest part though — these bikes are 40 years old, and most survivors have been neglected, modified badly, or crashed. Carburetors are the biggest headache. Four Keihin CV carbs that have sat with old fuel turn into expensive paperweights fast. Budget for a full carb rebuild immediately. Cam chain tensioners are another known weak spot, so listen carefully at idle for any rattling. Wiring harnesses get brittle at this age too. If you find a genuine low-mileage example with service history, don't hesitate. If you're buying a project, go in with realistic expectations and a decent tool budget.