Engine & Transmission

The Honda CB500K and CB550 family of engines was built from 1971 to 1978. The engine is a single overhead cam design, with four cylinders inline and two valves per cylinder. The CB500K used a bore diameter of 56mm with a 50.6mm stroke to make a 498cc displacement. The CB550 had an increased bore of 58.5mm while keeping the same stroke for a displacement of 544cc. The engine is joined to the 5 speed transmission via an internal primary drive chain. All of the bikes have a wet sump oiling system, wet clutch as well as a removable cartridge style oil filter. Drive chain to the rear wheel is a 530 pitch.