Topic: Which CB model for first bike?

[mac_48]

I agree with others that say that a 750 is easy to handle, but it does take more effort to take a corner on than a 550 would.  I am not saying that the 750 isn't a great handling bike (I wouldn't have gotten one if it wasn't), but if you are looking at which is more nimble than the two I would say the 550.  They both have adequate power and handling for the street, you just have to ride them differently to get the most out of them.  It's not like we are talking about a 250 here.  Most people that ride motorcycles don't even begin to tap into the bikes potential (including me) so in reality you may want more power, but I don't think you really outgrow either, you'll just have to get up on the revs more on the 550 and will have a lower top speed.  If I remember correctly, the 550 is around 70 lbs lighter than the 750 and on top of that I think others were talking about the COG being lower as well which both have major impacts on handling.  So back to my last post, if you want handling go with the 550 and if you want power go with the 750.  It's not that both bikes aren't both adequate in each category, its that you can't go past the fact that one is better than the other in each category when comparing the two.  Choose whatever is more important to you: handling or power.  For what the OP wants, either would be a great bike. 

*I know that the CB 750 handles better than a bike that's bigger than it, but that doesn't mean that a 550 can't handle better than a 750

CB 550 top speed: 102 MPH
CB 750 top speed: 125 MPH
I don't think that most people reach either of those speeds very often so it's more about grunt vs. handling IMHO

[LesterPiglet]

You have found the 750, if it's good go for it. I'm only 5'4" and 126lbs and I can handle a 750 fine. Oh, 27" inside leg Although the riding I do, I find the 550 easier to live with. Very little motorway/freeway riding and lots of curves.   

[Schnell]

Let the bike find you.

[Moffman]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. Certainly cleared the subject up a bit. It seem's like the general consensus is the 750 would be a manageable first bike without any problems. Time to start looking. Now I saw a few times mentioned the 69-76 750's are more popular? Tried searching a bit and the only thing I found was the seat was changed and the compression was bumped down a bit  but nothing really stating the differences between the model years, so why is this?

[LesterPiglet]

I don't think you will be able to tell any differences until you have lived with them all. Just find one you like and buy it...then buy another.

[mac_48]

http://www.sohc4.net/index.php/thecb750timeline/
http://www.sohc4.net/index.php/cb750/

this site has a lot of info under the CB 750 tab, another great resource about these bikes is the hondaman book but it is a little spendy  http://sohc4shop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=30

there was a lot more finish work done to the earlier K bike engines which cause them to have some extra hp compared to the later K versions.  They decreased the finish work to decrease cost and keep up with demand.  You can make the later k bikes to gain HP but it takes time and you have to tear the engine apart for certain fixes. This stuff is in the Hondaman book.  I don't have it in front of me so I can't get more specific.  I personally like the CB 750K's but it's down to preference really since all of them are great bikes.

[Retro Rocket]

a CB750 is about a 500lb bike... for a beginner this can get to be an issue when youre traveling slow riding down city streets...

my recommendation would be the 320ish pound CB350, much easier to maneuver as a daily driver, and they can break highway speed limits too, so.. it has enough of what you need, but not too much of what you dont need for a first bike

The 350 is far too small for this guy. The 750 is quite well balanced, i am 5'10" and 145pounds and can easily throw a 750 around, balance has never been a problem, actually, i like seeing how long i can sit at traffic lights with my feet on the pegs. I was 16 when i bought my first 750 {with 850 kit} and had no trouble at all riding it, i was a little worried before actually getting on it, but after riding it, those worries went away  quickly. I find smaller bikes frustrating as they don't have enough power to overtake quickly enough and get blown around on the highway a lot easier than the bigger bikes.... Not dissing the smaller bikes i just think the 750's are a good allround bike, especially for a guy of your size.....

[LesterPiglet]

The only problem with bikes I have found is getting your feet on the ground. I can't get both on the ground on my 550...not a problem. I have ridden an XL600 turned to the topmost setting on the shocks for the 6'4" owner. Once the bikes are moving it doesn't matter.  Weight and centre of balance are a priority.  It's up to you. You can't go wrong no matter what you choose in the upper range of SOHC4's. IMO anything smaller than 500 will not satisfy you.
 I'm open for retribution.

[Tripps]

I started riding later in life, I got a 78 CB750 for my first bike, love it and still have it, it was my first and will be the last to go.

[Don R]

Sounds like a lot of good info. A little off subject but whatever bike you get I believe the thing to do is take a course or at least find an empty parking lot to practice riding in. Practicing stopping is the most important thing you can do. Don't believe what they do in the movies. Keeping your bike on it's tires is the most effective and safest way to stop. Now have fun with your project. And yes at 35-40 years old they are all projects.

[bjbuchanan]

Im five ten, 210 with a flat stomach and i taught myself how to ride 3 weeks ago on a 76 cb750. I stuck to msf kinda stuff  like covered clutch and first gear at stop and it was Easy.

[bender01]

Get it . I started a few years ago with small twins and I was blown all over the rd. The heavier 750 will be much more stable in my opinion. Getting blown by wind alone as a new rider..(blows), and to add traffic.. even oncoming, (blows).