Most of the people that own the CB500 or CB550 seem to be the chopper and bobber and cafe sort. I am not against these folks getting motorcycling however they get it, though my opinion is those are unfortunate things to be doing to your motorcycle. These folks are usually also bucks down and not the connoisseurs that the 350/400 Four and CB750 guys are. That's okay. But it's also too bad. The bike really gets no respect. And one of the really awful ways the bike is disrespected is by putting a $29 battery in it. I think a lot of the electrical problems folks experience with the Honda SOHC Fours, after wiring harness connectors, is attibutable to the dime store batteries. Put a good battery in your bike.

A few years ago gel technology made its way into the mainstream. And while I am not in favor of supporting China's economy, it seems that country leads the way at present in this area. And at a good price. This battery is phenomonal. Yes, you can get a gel battery for the CB500/550 for less, much less in fact. But I wouldn't. And yes, this Bikemaster battery is made in China, which is just sad. Truly. But there is nothing cheap or inferior about this battery. In all my years of working with powersports batteries, I have never seen one this powerful and this durable. It is really a great battery. And yes, I know, there are lithium ion and other types that have outpaced the gel. But the gel works, and it works well without needing an aftermarket voltage regulator like the Lithium battery does. This particular gel surprised me. And, best of all, since Honda and Kawasaki put this model battery, the 12N12A-4A-1 (12v, 12a/h, positive on left, negative on right, terminals facing forward) in literally sixty different bike models altogether, some as late as 1997, the availability of the correct spec battery for the CB500/550 looks good for years to come, whatever brand you buy.

2023 update:
It appears the company has gone out of business. Too bad. I have never had a better battery in any of my vehicles.