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I have a chance to buy a 1976 Honda CB550 for $500.

I was wondering if it would be a good idea for a first bike. Im 5'10" and 135lbs and Ive ridden a dirt bike before(only a 125) and had no trouble ridding it.

I was also looking at the Suzuki gs500e and a lot of places say its a pretty good beginner bike but it is $1500 and i like the style of the CB a lot more. I understand the CB would probably require more maintenance since its a 1976 bike.

any opinions would be appreciated.

ps im 17

i havent looked at it yet so lets assume its in good condition which the ad says it is.

The CB550 was a great bike in its day. A little heavy, bouncy, and sloppy brakes by today's standards. If I ran across a 550 in good shape for $500, I'd buy it and ride it until it died.

I had a girlfriend that went from a scooter to a 500 (same bike except displacement) with no problem. If you take the BRC, you'll have no problem adapting to the 550. You will go through a lot of sparkplugs. Invest in an electronic ignition. The rest of the maintenance isn't bad at all. JCWhitney has air and oil filters for next to nothing compared to dealers.