Topic: cb v cm - need help on knowing the differences that matter

[willm]

All,

Ive been looking for a scooter for my wife for the past few weeks. We've been focusing on honda cb models (and the occasional cl), Kaw KZ's, and a suzuki savage. Our ultimate goal is a custom cafe, she picks all the options and me and a bud just cut, fab and build.

I've found a great deal on a 1980 Honda CM400E. I've always heard of the legendary status and reputation of a honda cb, however the CM cadence is new to my ears. Can anyone tell me if there is any differences to be leery of with the CM model; frame, suspension, engine (is it the same as what was put in the CB's)? To me it looks to be the same scoot (from google search) as the cb however different seat and bars, more set up for cruising the highways than a street fighter.

[LesterPiglet]

Just custom versions. I believe some of the twins may have a single carb. BTW they are bikes, scooters are usually small wheeled italian 2 strokes. 

[Duanob]

CM400E, I think the E means electric start only. If you have a bad battery or starter you will have to push start it. Other than that they are a basic motorcycle, usually twin cyl, nothing to write home about but you might be able to make  decent cafe out of one. Make sure it has a disc brake up front. Some CM models amazingly still come with drum brakes. What was Honda thinking?

[LesterPiglet]

Oh, some of the gearboxes have 1 less gear. A friend of mine had a 200 or 250, it was almost identical to a CB250N with 5 speeds instead of 6.

[goldarrow]

Cm400e is the economy version. No disc brake, no kick start.  Slightly different frame than cb. Same engine as the 80's 400 hawk  Square frame rather than tube frame at the seat where people like to chop off for cafe racer conversion.

If you are looking to do cafe racer, cb is the way to go. Otherwise cm can be had for much cheaper.

[Don R]

There are kits for the suziki that make them look similar to a norton manx. i want one. Kinda cashey for the kit but a guy could make his own.