Author Topic: What's your favourite SOHC4? (Read 3154 times)

LesterPiglet · « **on:** September 22, 2012, 02:11:39 PM »

Just for interest.
I like the 550 because it's fairly light and has a good power to weight ratio. I think it handles beautifully.
I've ridden 750's and I think they are too long, heavy and unwieldy.
The 400 is a wonderful bike but just doesn't have enough oomph for me.
Never had a 350.
Was on a 500 a couple of times and liked them but the time difference in riding, I can't compare to the 550.
The 650 was a big bulky thing and was nothing like the others.
Your views guys?

Dimitri13 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 22, 2012, 02:27:05 PM »

I can't say that I've ridden any sohc4 other than my 550. If I had a choice to do it all over again, I'd go for a 750 simply because of the aftermarket. I know it's really heavy, but that doesn't bother me all too much.

If I were living in the mainland where there were tracks, I think I'd want either a 350 or 500.

Damfino · « **Reply #2 on:** September 22, 2012, 02:29:52 PM »

The one that sits between my legs.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #3 on:** September 22, 2012, 02:36:11 PM »

Quote from: Damfino on September 22, 2012, 02:29:52 PM

The one that sits between my legs.

Is she called Samantha?

Stev-o · « **Reply #4 on:** September 22, 2012, 02:38:24 PM »

I like them all, well but not the 650 so much. My 550 and 750's are my favorite and I see a 400F in my future, just because.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #5 on:** September 22, 2012, 02:41:36 PM »

So what's wrong with the 650? Is it just us?

Stev-o · « **Reply #6 on:** September 22, 2012, 02:57:14 PM »

Quote from: LesterPiglet on September 22, 2012, 02:41:36 PM

So what's wrong with the 650? Is it just us?

Don't think there's anything wrong with them, many love them.

I'm surprised you don't like the 750's. Ever ride one?

jason41987 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 22, 2012, 03:04:27 PM »

before i purchased my 550F, i was looking at other honda CBs, the other CBs were mostly twins though... however, i did consider the CB750 as well, but its weight was atleast equal too if not greater than my old CX500 and i wanted something lighter, and more agile, that could work as an all purpose daily rider and touring bike, so i settled on the lighter, more agile 550, though i still wish it had the aftermarket the 750 enjoys

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #8 on:** September 22, 2012, 03:07:01 PM »

Quote from: Stev-o on September 22, 2012, 02:57:14 PM

I'm surprised you don't like the 750's. Ever ride one?

Yes, a few. I'm short though and the 750 was just too unwieldy. I don't think the power gain versus weight/COG makes for a better bike....for me.
I just compared it to my mates GPZ1100(in my head) and got the same thrill. Good poke but will you turn the corner please?

elbowdeep · « **Reply #9 on:** September 22, 2012, 03:47:41 PM »

Ive had a cb550 and now own a 750. They both corner very nicely! Light is nice, and I am assembling a 400f as we speak, but really any rider should be able to steer a 750 pretty aggressively without too much effort. If you're intimidated by the extra weight and power, now thats another story...

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #10 on:** September 22, 2012, 04:11:18 PM »

Not intimidated at all. I'm sure I could maneuver my 550 quicker over a course than I could a 750. It's about power to weight and weight distribution for me.

BeSeeingYou · « **Reply #11 on:** September 22, 2012, 04:35:28 PM »

Try the 75/6 750F for better handling. All 160 lbs. of me has never felt it to be unwieldy. I feel a noticeable difference from the K bikes I have ridden. The contemporary reviews of the time mention the improvement from the mediocre handling of the K's to a bike that handles like it's 100 lbs. lighter. Still a bit to push around the garage but once you are rolling..... no problems. My favorite...the F0/1 or course with the F2/3 coming in second.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #12 on:** September 22, 2012, 04:49:21 PM »

The last 750 I was on was a 76F. Sorry, this was meant to be a questionnaire not a debate.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #13 on:** September 22, 2012, 04:51:12 PM »

Quote from: srust58 on September 22, 2012, 04:35:28 PM

All 160 lbs. of me has never felt it to be unwieldy.

Fat #$%*.

I'm 140 if I'm lucky.

BeSeeingYou · « **Reply #14 on:** September 22, 2012, 05:13:44 PM »

I know the 77/8 K bikes share the F0/1 engine but does anyone know if they also have the revised frame geometry of the F0/1?

BrianScb650c · « **Reply #15 on:** September 22, 2012, 05:18:11 PM »

I'm about 125 and have never felt like my 650 was unwieldy

. I've never ridden any other sohc4s so obviously I love the 650.

Magilla · « **Reply #16 on:** September 22, 2012, 05:33:51 PM »

I'm a big guy so the more power the better. I'm down 65 pounds to a slim 230 so I can't see myself on anything smaller than the 750.

Don R · « **Reply #17 on:** September 22, 2012, 05:37:47 PM »

I loved my K2 cb500, I have a K0 750 and an F1 750SS The K0 feels like a much smaller bike than the F1. I like them both but for some reason the K0 just feels more like the 500.
I'm a 220 plus pounder too and can flat foot both bikes. If I didn't have monkey arms and legs I might feel different.

Retroben · « **Reply #18 on:** September 22, 2012, 06:05:12 PM »

I've had a 82 CB650SC (Nighthawk) - the last SOHC sold in the US - and a few test rides on my current '78 550K project.

Rode the 650 across the US. Fitted with a Windjammer, it was very stable but handled very responsively, like a big bike only nimble. I don't know how it would feel naked, but probably awesome. It did look a bit 1980s tacky with the electric candy blue metallic paint, Comstar wheels and the chopper-esque styling. I sold the bike but I'd buy another one in a second.

The 550 feels like a nimble smaller bike. I've seen them dressed for touring, but for some reason it seems really small by comparison to the 650. My 550 also has hella cool old-school looks, black and chrome with spoke wheels.

Aesthetically I like all of these bikes. Have to admit I've never ridden a 750 SOHC four

jason41987 · « **Reply #19 on:** September 22, 2012, 06:47:37 PM »

i agree with the sentiments about the weight of the 750... its not about cornering, or handling on a road for me, but as a daily rider in a lot of stop and go traffic at slower speeds where i find it less comfortable, less nimble.. thats why i like the 550.. its a lot more comfortable for city driving while still having that open road capabilitiy... where the 750 is probably better for open roads and still ok for city riding.. so i guess it depends on what your primary purpose is? and i just found the 550 to be a better balance for what i need it for

fmctm1sw · « **Reply #20 on:** September 22, 2012, 07:23:33 PM »

Where's that other "best sohc4" thread we were all fighting about a few months ago?

bollingball · « **Reply #21 on:** September 22, 2012, 07:24:10 PM »

750K8 what else

and it has to be black

mickwinf · « **Reply #22 on:** September 23, 2012, 01:43:33 AM »

My personal fave is the 500/4 best looking and best performance/ weight combination. I always think the original version of each model is the best, i love the look of an early k 750 but not the later f models, even though they are probably a better bike for actual riding.Its all in the eye of the beholder!

trueblue · « **Reply #23 on:** September 23, 2012, 04:12:26 AM »

My favourite is my 650Z, it has twin discs, electronic ignition, alloy wheels, low euro style handlebars and rear set pegs standard, this makes for a nice ride in my books. I'm 165lbs and 6'2" it has never felt unweildly and can carve the corners with ease. I find the 500-550's to be too small, I feel like a dog trying to root a cricket ball sitting on them. My 650 has plenty of power for cruising and overtaking on the highway even with the missus on the back. I never took to the 750's, I just don't like them.

70CB750 · « **Reply #24 on:** September 23, 2012, 04:16:43 AM »

Mine.

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Author Topic: What's your favourite SOHC4? (Read 3154 times)

bollingball