Topic: Buy a cb650

[fmctm1sw]

If mine had not been so close to my house and cheap ($250 w/title & delivery), I probably would have passed.  I'd prefer spoked wheels too and the bike feels very heavy in turns but perhaps only because I usually ride a 350F.  It needs new tires too and gas tank work.  I'd never get my money back out of it parts wise let alone including my "labor costs."  I've ridden it around the block though and I like the way it runs.  My nieghbors were like WTF though, since the tank is off and I just have a funnel and tube connected to the carbs.  Very low seat too, I can stand flat footed.  I can't even do that on my 350F    It's definitely growing on me especially with the stock exhaust I found for it.  I'm glad I have something nobody wants.  Nobody wanted an Edsel back in the day either.  See what they're going for now...   

 

Just saw this as I may be helping a neighbor with a 650 soon.  So you were riding around the block with a funnel full of gas balanced between your legs.  I need pictures...that's is just too funny.

Ah, didn't see this.  It was actually a very small funnel that I was able to shove into the end of the fuel line.  I'd wedge the funnel against the rubber mount on the front of the tank.  Come back, and dump some more gas in the funnel.  Thankfully I'm past that phase now!

[Hush]

I've used 6 feet of clear hose that had gas sucked into it and coiled it around the bars so I could ride my son's GSX250 around without a tank on, neighbours think I'm nuts anyway.

[trueblue]

I have 2 650's in my shed, one is a 79 650Z which is on the road but not finished yet, the other is an 82 nighthawk which is in the process of a slow resto.  It is great, I definately wouldn't call it heavy in the corners, and it has plenty of balls.  I probably have more into it than I'll ever get out of it if I sell it but I don't care, I have no intention of ever selling it.  Personally I like the comstars.   As far as being unique, the only other 650 I have seen is the one in my shed.

 

[cb650]

nice Z.  I always liked the way the tail lite blended with the rear and not a afterbirth like on the US bikes.  Yea its nice  having a bike you dont see everyday.  I see maybe 2 others over a year.

[adrianm1972]

I have a CB650 that I am working on.  Basically is a bored out CB550 with a better cylinder head...actually the best SOHC head.  It has as much or more power that the mid 70's CB750's.  Parts are easy to get and cheap.  Almost all the chassis parts are borrowed from the CB550.

I wanted a 750 but their prices are going up and I found a good 650 deal.

My Build Thread: http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=34165.0

[Magilla]

I might be able to get a 1980 cb 650 for 750, I really want a 750 but they are going for 1500 plus in my area.   I have a 550 k I'm considering selling.  Why are the 650's so devalued vs a 550 or 750.

1: the 650 is a tweener bike.  It's not that it is a bad bike but due to being considered a tweener it carries less value.  Most people classify it as a rebel.

2: the 550 four has a cool factor. It looks/feels like a European bike of the 60s.  Cool is cool.

3:  I'd the 650 is in nice, clean, presentable condition buy it.  You live in CT.  That 650 should sell for over $2000 as long as it is nice, clean and presentable. And yes it must run.  If ever I can buy a nice running bike for under a grand I will.  A quick sale on these bikes is $1500.  It's an easy money maker for you.

4:  if a 750 is what you want, wait for it.  Your 550 is cool so at least you have a cool ride while you wait.  Also you could use your profit from the 650 to help buy a 750.

That is my $0.02 on this