Alright, folks, strap in. Decided to check out this ’75 Honda 550 Four everyone keeps whispering about. Woke up thinking, “Could it really be worth the hype and the cash?” Figured I’d dive in myself instead of just reading forums. Here’s how the whole thing went down.
The Initial Buzz
Started like usual, scrolling online. Saw a few listings locally for the Honda 550 Four. Prices were all over the dang place! One guy wanted like four grand for one that looked like it lost a fight with a dumpster. Another wanted seven for a “pristine” example that had paint peeling like a bad sunburn. Got me wondering: what’s the sweet spot? Where does the price actually line up with what you’re getting?
Heading Out to See the Beast
Found a listing that seemed… kinda reasonable? Advertised as “runs good, needs minor cosmetic work.” Okay, buddy. Let’s see. Drove out to this guy’s garage Saturday morning. It smelled like old oil and faint regret.
First look:
- Body was rough. No surprise. Dings, scratches, seat looked like a moldy biscuit. “Cosmetic work” my foot.
- Poked around the engine. Crusty. Leaky. Tried checking the oil – dipstick looked like it hadn’t been pulled since disco was cool.
- Got him to fire it up. Sounded… okay? A bit rattly. Smoked like crazy for the first minute. Not great, Bob.
- Popped the tank cap – surprise! Rust confetti inside. Fuel filter probably crying.
- Brakes? Front disc felt mushy as overcooked noodles. Rear drum? Who even knows.
- Wiring? Let’s just say it had more questionable connections than a used car salesman.
The Price Dance
Guy wanted three grand. Based on what I just saw? I laughed. Not mean, just… you know, really?
Started talking reality:
- New tires – dead serious, those were dangerous.
- Carb rebuild kit – practically mandatory if you want it to run right.
- Tank clean/liner – hello, rust!
- Battery, plugs, wires… just the basics.
- Brakes? Front master cylinder rebuild, pads, fluid flush. Rear shoes? Probably glued on.
- And that was just to make it safe and run. Forget the dents!
Told him, “Look man, it needs a lot. Maybe fifteen hundred?” Stuck to my guns. He grumbled. We went back and forth like badminton players. Settled at eighteen-fifty. Still felt high, but whatever. It’s a project.
Honest Value Thoughts
So, after messing with it all week? Here’s the real deal for anyone else looking at these old 550 Fours:
- Cheap Ones are Traps: Anything under two grand is gonna bleed you dry. Parts aren’t cheap, time ain’t free.
- “Runs Good” Means Nothing: It could run now. Tomorrow? Ghosted.
- Assume Everything is Worn Out: Seals? Gone. Bearings? Gritty. Every rubber bit? Turned to stone.
- Factor In Immediate Costs: Tires, battery, fluids, brakes – add $800 minimum instantly, even if the engine seems okay.
- Skills Required: You gotta know how to turn a wrench. This ain’t a start-and-go scooter. It’s 50 years old!
Is it a cool bike? Hell yeah. Simple engine, classic look, four pipes sticking out. But value? Only if you find one that’s genuinely been cared for, get it for a solid price, and know exactly what you’re getting into. Otherwise? That “bargain” becomes a money pit real dang fast. Ended up walking away from that one. Guy wouldn’t budge enough. Took my happy butt back home instead of gambling. Sometimes the best deal is the one you don’t make.
