Topic: Choosing the right bike

[mgzych]

In an effort to soothe the vintage motorcycle itch I have, I'm narrowing my search. I found two bikes: 1972 cb350 (I know, not a 4) and 1975 cb550f super sport. I'll withhold price points for now so as not to skew comments in that direction. (But I'll likely ring in with value queries next.) Suffice to say I'm comfortable with the prices of both. Both bikes are in good running condition, nearly stock, and cosmetically appealing, with the 350 wearing its original colors.

Here's where I need some help...it's a best bike for the mission question. I've read a number of things, and maybe I'll get similar feedback here, but I'm hoping that by offering a little more specificity about my situation, I may hear something I haven't before.

I'm 5'-11" and about 180lbs. It'll be my second motorcycle (but I haven't ridden in about 17 years!). Bike I learned to ride on was a mid-90's Kawasaki Zephyr ZR550. Now, I just want a "fun" bike for weekend jaunts on twisty country roads. Probably 2 hours at a time MAX. Not going to need it for "real" transportation. Not going to see much highway time. Mostly 45-55 mph posted two-laners. I might do some bolt-on customization (nothing too serious) and I'm looking forward to trying my hand at light tuning and maintenance.

I've heard/read that the 350 offers more of the "fun" quotient--lighter, more nimble and torquey out of turns. To me, it has more "character" too. (I know I may be asking for trouble saying as much on this site!) But I've also heard that it might be too cramped for me and the vibrations overwhelming, or at least detracting from the "fun", for more than an hour ride. Hence my inclusion of the 550. I suspect it probably possesses more versatility--a better all-arounder. Is it as fun to "throw around" on the back roads?

Looking forward to your opinions!

Thanks,
Mark

[lrutt]

That 350 does shake a bit. If you intend to do much 2 lane bombing at all I'd stick with the 550, especially if you ever take a passenger. Although if your 2 lane is limited to 45 to55 both would work fine. The 350 will be easier to service, ie carbies etc. but note it does NOT have a real oil filter, just a slinger which needs attention and takes a bit of work to clean properly.

At your height, either bike will fit you fine so no issue there.

That 350, not sure they had disk front brake in 72 yet or not. While the DLS drum is fine, and looks the nostalgic part, a disk might be better for you.

Also, what are your mechanical abilities? Keeping 4 carbies in check is challenging for some, not as easy as 2. Parts are a wash for each, easily available.

[ekpent]

For a little historical insight on the cb350 it was the biggest selling Honda model. According to this data in its 6 year run and including the CL and SL variants they built/sold 626,000 units.
   I like the larger 4's personally  but it would be great if you could ride one of each before making your decision.   http://www.honda350k.com/

[Bankerdanny]

Given how you intend to use it either on would work just fine and I do like the 350. However cost being about the same I would favor the 550 as it is also light and agile and the larger engine gives you more options.

You could certainly ride a 350 across the country, but the you probably wouldn't be happy. The 550 however will take you in comfort. I rode mine on a 1,400 mile trip a couple years ago and it hauled my 220lbs plus gear quite happily.

[flybox1]

+1 on the 550.
I'm quite a bit bigger than you, and really enjoyed a ride on Travis's 550 earlier this summer.

[lrutt]

I mostly agree with lrutt, but, I'd tend to lean towards the 550 as parts for it are much more available whether stock or aftermarket. There's no replacement for displacement, and the 550 will provide more options for you long term than a 350.

The 350 is a great little bike, but it's underpowered for 2-up and despite the challenge of synching 4 vs 2 carbs, (you still need a synch gauge) it's a more reliable motor by many accounts. The 550 is a far more plentiful bike having been made for more years as well. So the bounty of used parts is much wider and the custom parts (should that appeal to you) is greater too.

synching 2 carbies with the drill bit method is a piece of cake. Can be done with 3 or 4 carbies  but more likely to need a follow up check with gauges. Although I'm pretty good at it these days like bench timing and rarely if ever need to change anything.

[mgzych]

Thanks for all the great feedback!

So, I'm getting that the 550 may offer me greater versatility...opportunity for the "mission" to evolve/expand beyond carving the country roads.  But it sounds like maintenance and repair should be simpler on the 350.  So some follow up questions...

I like the flexibility of being able to expand/evolve the mission with the 550, but will it be one of these deals where it's good at a lot of things but not great at any one thing...that target thing being a sporting, *fun* machine carving the country roads?  Is it as nimble and "peppy" as I've heard the 350 is?  Deeper question: What characteristics/specs of a bike contribute most to their nimbleness, sportiness, etc. for my stated mission?  Weight?  Power-to-weight?  Torque?  Others?

Some of the replies quickly turned to ease of maintenance.  That has me a little bit worried...I've never done much before.  How much maintenance/repair should I expect to have to do?  Carb synching...is that something that must be done routinely/regularly?  Sounds like that's the focus of the 4 vs. 2 maintenance debate.  My goal is certainly to spend more time riding than working on the bike.

Mark

[seanbarney41]

I disagree 350 is not really easier to work on and requires wayyyy more frequent maintenance...the 350 feels so light and nimble because it's just plain uncomfortable over 50mph, but yeah the 350 is gonna spank the 550 on a go cart track.  The 550 can be used touring, sporting, commuting and all quite practically and safe in modrn traffic situations of all kinds.

[Stev-o]

No question, get the 550. 

[lrutt]

I disagree 350 is not really easier to work on and requires wayyyy more frequent maintenance...the 350 feels so light and nimble because it's just plain uncomfortable over 50mph, but yeah the 350 is gonna spank the 550 on a go cart track.  The 550 can be used touring, sporting, commuting and all quite practically and safe in modrn traffic situations of all kinds.

Having restored both 350's and SOHC 4's. the twin is an easier machine save the oil filter issue mentioned. Although it's not recommended to clean the spnner at every change. It is something that needs to be done and baselined.

Otherwise, explain how a 4 is easier. They both have points. the twin has half the spark plugs, half the valves, half the carbs. Both still have a drive chain, both have oil to change.

?

Not saying he should get the 350, just saying he needs to be prepared for more maintenance / service work on the 550.  As we ALL know, the biggest issue with these old bikes is the carbs. Especially with the crap ethanol fuel these days. working carbies on the 350 is a cakewalk compared to the 550. BTDT.

[strynboen]

the 500/550 4 are universal/
,it can be used to all kind of riding..and do it vell..the twins are not real "all round.."..the 550 can go 100 all day long..with no problems...its even a plesure the hole vay...in city it smoots araund as a moped..and kickstart a 550 are easyer then a twin..senterstand are just as easy to pop it up..
i have a 500 tvin and a 550 4...the 550 vins..

drivint along with others the 550 can hold better on..50 hk does the job

[seanbarney41]

I disagree 350 is not really easier to work on and requires wayyyy more frequent maintenance...the 350 feels so light and nimble because it's just plain uncomfortable over 50mph, but yeah the 350 is gonna spank the 550 on a go cart track.  The 550 can be used touring, sporting, commuting and all quite practically and safe in modrn traffic situations of all kinds.

Having restored both 350's and SOHC 4's. the twin is an easier machine save the oil filter issue mentioned. Although it's not recommended to clean the spnner at every change. It is something that needs to be done and baselined.

Otherwise, explain how a 4 is easier. They both have points. the twin has half the spark plugs, half the valves, half the carbs. Both still have a drive chain, both have oil to change.

?

Not saying he should get the 350, just saying he needs to be prepared for more maintenance / service work on the 550.  As we ALL know, the biggest issue with these old bikes is the carbs. Especially with the crap ethanol fuel these days. working carbies on the 350 is a cakewalk compared to the 550. BTDT.

I have done both also, that is why I disagree...it just seems to me that, yes, the 350 does have less of everything, including good engineering...lots less  parts to fix, except you can pretty much count on always having to fix them.  In my experience a cb350 is pretty much in need of a top end rebuild by 15,000 miles whereas any sohc4 goes much further before it gets bad, only 2 carbs? that's great until you have to replace 1 or 2 cv boots at $80+ a piece,  550 carbs usually only need a good cleaning and a couple new o-rings.  Many consider the 550's charging system subpar, but it looks like a portable generator compared to a 350.  And the ignition sytem on the 350?...#2 points set the gap, then change it to set the timing?...that makes no sense to me and does not stay put once you finally get it close to right.   You can't even take the 350's gas tank off without messing with that damn crossover tube and either draining the tank or spilling gas all over the place.

[Duke McDukiedook]

Five Fitty.

[madmtnmotors]

As for "nimble", how would the 550 compare to a 750? I've only had a 750 and would imagine the 550 might seem nimble to someone like me with seat time being primarily on a 750.

The 750 is plenty nimble for me!

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.msg1571675#msg1571675

[goldarrow]

As for "nimble", how would the 550 compare to a 750? I've only had a 750 and would imagine the 550 might seem nimble to someone like me with seat time being primarily on a 750.

The 750 is plenty nimble for me!

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.msg1571675#msg1571675

very nimble http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+would+the+550+compare+to+a+750%3F+honda+cb

[seanbarney41]

mmm, ride a 550 sometime and you will quickly realize the 750 handles like a baby elephant on rollerskates...I would still rather have a 75o, though

[madmtnmotors]

As for "nimble", how would the 550 compare to a 750? I've only had a 750 and would imagine the 550 might seem nimble to someone like me with seat time being primarily on a 750.

The 750 is plenty nimble for me!

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.msg1571675#msg1571675

very nimble http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+would+the+550+compare+to+a+750%3F+honda+cb

Touché!     

[Stev-o]

...you will quickly realize the 750 handles like a baby elephant on rollerskates...

That might be fun to ride?!

[70CB750]

...you will quickly realize the 750 handles like a baby elephant on rollerskates...

That might be fun to ride?!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=q6WjfuxfIiw

[Stev-o]

...you will quickly realize the 750 handles like a baby elephant on rollerskates...

That might be fun to ride?!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=q6WjfuxfIiw

Not quite, Prokop.  Check this one out...

CKY News - Elephant on rollerskates (1980)

[Dave Voss]

I've had Honda CB twins and Honda CB sohc4s, and with the exception of the 750, they all naturally handle twisty back roads pretty well.  My current CB550 feels a lot like the CJ360T that I used to own, just with a bit more power.  I think the maintenance aspect is quite similar, as for the most part, all the same things need to be done.  Once I get setup to adjust the valves, the difference between 4 and 8 is trivial, likewise for other tasks.  If you like the tinker, don't let 4 cylinders dissuade you at all.  If you like the vintage look, its hard to beat an original 4-into-4 chrome exhaust.  Also, if you decide later that owning a vintage Honda is not for you, the CB550 might have a better resale value, judging by the ads that I see.

[Tempast]

I'm pretty much identical in height and weight to you. I'm 5'11 and 180. I have a '77 CB550 and grew up on my dads '72 CB750 and learned to ride on a '78 CB750.

I can honestly say the '78 is a pig. It's heavy, tall, wide and can catch you off guard while backing it up. Beautiful ride though. The '72 is a lot lighter feeling because of the smaller frame (it feels so much thinner) and then my CB550 is like getting on a little dirt bike after being on the 750. It's extremely light compared to them, a lot less torque but seems to get up to speed about the same.

As for being less torqy coming out of a turn than the 350, it's because the RPM wasn't high enough
The bike is totally fine for running around at 3-5k, but after 7 the thing is a rocket all the way to 11k.
My bike isn't tuned properly at the moment but it has no issue catching up with my dad on the '78 750 through the corners. Sure I have to pull the throttle a little further but this bike likes having its' neck ringed.

I can't comment on the 350 too much as I've never ridden one, but I know twins can be very shaky. My buddy has an XS650 and the thing pretty much hops on the ground at idle.

[Duke McDukiedook]

Yes, 78's are pigs, just ask uncle Terry... 

[mgzych]

Ok, guys.  Play nice now!

Anyway, thanks for all the advice.  I think I'll have an opportunity to get up close and personal with the '75 550F I'm considering sometime this weekend.  As I mentioned before, I don't have much (any) real wrenching experience, but I'm willing.  I want to give this bike a proper once-over to know that it's safe and running the way it ought to, and that I'm not facing any major initial expenses right out of the gate on top of my purchase outlay.  Can anyone offer a pre-purchase checklist that can guide my inspection?  If you can rank or qualify the list in terms of importance and/or potential wallet-draining impact, that would be an added bonus.

Forgive me if such a thread already exists...I wasn't able to pin it down. I'll take a link to it if it's out there.

Thanks again,
Mark

Oh, for what it's worth, I've attached a shot of the bike.

[goldarrow]

75 550F? Go get it