Topic: Only CB650 in the world?

[pgagy]

I was wondering if I had the only '79 CB650 (aside from the mint conditions ones that go on sale on ebay).  There are parts of CB650Cs all over the place, but the straight up standard CB650 has nothing.  Mine seems to be lame duck that only stuck around for 2 years.  Are the any ol' CB aficionados around that remember why so few of these were sold, while thousands of CB650Cs were sold in that era?

[Pinhead]

I've wondered the same thing. I have a '79 CB650 that I drive every single day. I've gotten to the point where I stopped looking for 650 parts and am trying to fit parts off other bikes to my 650. The alternator will hopefully be my first success. I'm trying to install a CB550 alternator on my 650, since the 650's rotor seems to be so unreliable.

About the popularity thing, the 1979 650 looks a lot like the previous models, while teh 650C and later models look like more of the '80s styling of cruisers. Higher tank, lowered seat, etc. I personally like the looks of the later 650s better, but like the performance of the '79 a lot better.

[scunny]

in New Zealand, we mainly got the Z model, a favourite for the traffic cops of the day. haven't seen a custom personally.

[Ibsen]

There are at least on other member of this forum (Vatch) who has got the first 650Z, US model.

The rest of the world got this Z model late in 1978:

http://kz400.com/CB650/1979%20Sales.pdf

http://home.wi.rr.com/kgebauer/cb650history.htm

http://home.wi.rr.com/kgebauer/cb650c.htm

[scunny]

yup, that black puppy is my one
http://kz400.com/CB650/1979%20Sales.pdf

[Pinhead]

It has rear sets?

[kghost]

Only CB650 in the world? Lordie I hope so 

Just kidding.

You guys are worse off than Eldar master of the K8 dundar 

[Ibsen]

It has rear sets?

Yes, as standard equipment. And a double front disk brake.

[gearsoup]

I'm in the process of getting my '82 CB650 on the road. If that helps any....
Fortunately, I've been able to find most of the stuff I need on E-Bay.

[gasguzler]

I have the straight '79 CB650 too. The older styling suits me just fine, I am not a fan of the nighthawk style at all.. but thats just personal taste. I have little trouble finding parts relatively easy and cheap. It seems to me that these bikes are parted out by most people unless they are in pristine condition. That too suits me just fine.

[eldar]

I dont know ghost, there seems to be quite a few K8s running around here! More and more keep coming! I think you all just need to accept the fact that the alpha male K8s have arrived!

[dusterdude]

Only CB650 in the world? Lordie I hope so 

Just kidding.

You guys are worse off than Eldar master of the K8 dundar 

[DRam]

You cannot claim exclusivity.  I, too, have a '79 CB650.  Bought it new in the fall of 1980 with a Vetter Vindicator fairing mounted (the fairing now resides in my basement).   Parts are hard to come by at times, but it turns out that pieces off other bikes will fit.  The $22 float valves from Honda are the same $2 float valve that fits about fifteen other Honda models, for example.  It just takes some digging to find out what fits what.  Incidentally, see if Ibsen has a picture of his '79 posted.  It makes me turn green with envy everytime I see a picture of it.  Someday . . . someday my '79 will look as good as Ibsen's.

[pgagy]

Oh goody, there are others!  Then perhaps one of you could tell me what wheel I can use on the front of mine!  Mine is bent, and it's getting really annoying to ride.  Can I use the wheel or wheel/forks from a 650C?  or a 550/450?

I too like the older styling though - it's one of the main reasons I went with the vintage Honda.  (Can't afford a Triumph Boneville T100 )...plus I don't want to ride a 2 cylinder.

[cb650]

You could also use spooked wheels from a 80/82 standard.  Will fit no prob.



                       Terry

[scott_cb650]

Another '79 cb650 here.
I find most of my parts on Ebay or parts fish (http://www.powersportspro.com) and www.servicehonda.com.

I once heard of the cb650 described as the bastard step child.

I think the cb650 is less popular because the other bikes were going to bigger engines while the cb650 was being perfected.

[nickjtc]

Me too! Non-standard paint job, done by a PO. Unknown mileage; clocks changed by PO. I've put about 9500km under her since May, trouble free except for the first 'tidy-up'.

Parts from: eBay, http://www.siriusconinc.com/default.asp , my local Honda dealer, Scottoiler

She's been parked for the season, at home down south. It's -1c today here in Fort St.John, with snow forecast.