Faults:

The only problem I was with the charging system. Sometimes the battery was dead when I went to start it... But hey, that's why it had a kick-starter that worked like a charm!

General Comments:

Great bike for dependability. I want another one. I currently own a 2000 ZRX1100 and a 2000 V-Star 650, but I still want to find another one to restore.

I myself never had issues with the seat, but then again, I have a small butt.

I was once 30 miles out of town, noticed the oil pressure light came on, so I stopped to check my oil... there was none. Bone dry!!! But it still made it home and ran like a champ after...

Faults:

The Honda 500-550/4 – A Commentary:

I have owned 4 different Honda motorcycles at different times starting with a 1972 500/4 and more recently a magnificent Honda VFR.

However. Of all of the bikes, there is, to me one that standout, as the 500/550 – Four. Albeit not superlative at anything, it seems as though it was good at most everything with being a genuinely nice ride.

Also, although not incredibly quick or having massive braking by todays standards, assuming 0 to 60 in the 7s with a 6 figure top-end is good enough for you, you may be quite happy. It is also a very comfortable motorcycle to ride with an easy handling manner.

All being said, it is a nice motorcycle that seems to always draw very favorable nostalgic comments from people who know the bike.

Faults:

Head gasket needed replacing on purchase.

New batteries and bulbs occasionally, rear sprocket shock rubbers, rear suspension renewed, tyres and a horn.

General Comments:

A nice relatively comfortable bike, which has been very reliable.

Faults:

The Four into Four exhaust system had some small rust through in the low spots of the mufflers when I bought the bike. The previous owner used it for short trips in the Bahamas and the pipes tend to not heat up enough to burn off condensation on short trips. The pipes were just a little noisy. Not enough to bother replacing them.

The bike was parked outside, so the seat faded and cracked at the seams.

Overall, a very reliable bike. I never had any mechanical problems. The only time the bike quit on me was when a fuse blew. There was a spare mounted in the fuse box and I was running again in five minutes.

General Comments:

Overall, a great bike. Very smooth and comfortable. I once rode this bike from Vermont to Florida, and regularly rode it between North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida. I also used it to deliver pizzas when in college.

It won't set any speed records, but was adequate for the highway, nimble around town and enjoyable on the twisties. Handling was very predictable and could be ridden confidently right up to its limits. I discovered Deals Gap on this bike and had a ball.

I've had touring bikes, sport bikes and standard since, but none I've enjoyed so much.

Faults:

Replaced the muffler when I first got the bike.

Was thoroughly reliable, even though it was used every day.

General Comments:

An older style bike that was my second bike. It was very comfortable in a straight line and even at 160 kph it tracked straight with no tank slapping etc. Would not like to brake hard at that speed thou.

Not particularly fast, but it was extremely smooth. Did about 60 to 70 miles to the imperial gallon. Was a great cruiser, but was slow around the hills.

It never broke down and apart from regular servicing, never needed a cent spent on it.

Would love one again just to cruise and be a bit different today.