Rudge Ulster 500 vs Honda CB 550 SS (1975)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Rudge Ulster 500stacks up against the Honda CB 550 SS. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Rudge Ulster 500 | Honda CB 550 SS |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1939 | 1975 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 499 cc | 544 cc |
| Horsepower | 45 hp | 50 hp |
| Fuel capacity | — | 4.5 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | — | 5-speed |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Single disc |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake |
| Tires | — | 3.25-19 / 3.75-18 |
Rudge Ulster 500 vs Honda CB 550 SS — which should you buy?
Picking between the Rudge Ulster 500 and the Honda CB 550 SS usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Rudge Ulster 500 brings 45 hp, while the Honda CB 550 SS counters with 50 hp.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: