Registration – DJO2 16N

Chassis No. – TBC

M.O.T. – Exempt

Odometer – 34,000

The Honda CB550 was released in 1974 and helped the firm cement its place as purveyors of choice of extremely accomplished compact, mid-range motorcycles. Fans of TV motorcycling shows may well recognise ‘DJO216N,’ as the star of a 2017 Motorcycle Show episode. Bike guru and show host, Henry Cole, undertook a full restoration of ‘DJO216N,’ subsequently retaining it in his collection for around four years. The restoration delivered a pristine motorcycle from what was already a nicely preserved example. Works included an engine rebuild, powder coated frame, new tyres and the re-chroming of the brightwork. Offered here by its current keeper, ‘DJO216N’ is still described as “in stunning condition,” and “mechanically perfect.” With ‘DJO216N’ originating from Ireland, it comes complete with its old, buff logbook, a copy of an earlier V5, featuring Mr Cole’s name, and ample other documentation. Here is a rare chance to own a pristine CB550 with some added celebrity provenance included.

‘DJO216N’ features a charming, archetypal 70’s livery of Candy Garnet Brown with red and gold accents and decals. Being a 1977 model, ‘DJO216N’ has the much less fussy single, low slung exhaust pipe, lending the motorcycle a purposeful and aesthetically refined persona. The ample brightwork adds just the right amount of bling to proceedings with the CB550 offering a comfortable upright riding position. The cross spoked wheels wear recently new tyres making ‘DJO216N’ not just a guaranteed head turner but also a motorcycle that is ready to use and enjoy immediately. Unsurprisingly, given ‘DJO216N’s’dilligently restored past, the vendor rates all aspects of the motorcycle as “excellent.”

The heart of the CB550 is the 544cc four cylinder, four stroke, eight valve SOHC transversely mounted engine. Originally good for around 50bhp, this provided the CB550 with reliably genuine 100mph top speed, good tractability and the smoothness that only a four cylinder can offer. This proved to be a durable unit, too, with regular maintenance surprisingly high mileages can easily be achieved. With a comfortable, commodious saddle, ample room for a pillion and a five speed closely stacked gearbox, the CB550 really was the first of the highly accomplished Japanese all-rounders.

In summary:

· Fully restored in 2017 by motorcycling celebrity Henry Cole

· Maintained in that “just restored” condition by the current vendor

· Benefitting from an engine rebuild, re-chroming and ample powder-coating