Poll

Which 4 bikes were alternative to the CB750, aceesibly priced, '70 to '79, fastest on street & turned more heads? THIS POLL IS CLOSED           PLEASE VOTE HERE: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=144002.0

Honda CB750 K
Laverda 1000 (jota and std)
Laverda 750 SF (and SFC)
Kawasaki 900 Z1
Kawasaki Z900
Kawasaki Z1000
Kawasaki 350 H1
Kawasaki 500 H2
Suzuki 1000 GS
Ducati 900SS
Benelli 750 sei
Benelli 900 Sei
MV Agusta 750S America (accessibly priced?)

Author Topic: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??  (Read 27106 times)

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Offline ascanio1

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Which were the Fastest, Iconic, Head-turner, alternatives to CB750K in the 70s?
« Reply #125 on: January 04, 2015, 12:04:40 AM »
Please vote in my new poll:http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=144002.msg1637637#msg1637637.

The poll in this thread is closed due to a misleading title.

Which were the 2 fastest, most iconic & desirable alternatives to the CB750K in the 70s? I would like help to decide which 2 or 3 bikes, not more (budget constraints), were alternative to the CB750 K and would help rekindle the feeling of a specific era, the '70s when riders enjoyed to race each other on the open streets and then pose outside cafés to show off their bikes. Somewhat like the British motorcycle world of cafe racers of the time, but stock."

The bike must fit the following parameters:
1. Fastest on the street;
2. Turned more heads / desirable;
3. Accessibly priced;
4. Sold from 1969 to 1979;

It's obvious that a 1980's bike would be faster and more desirable than a 1970 one. So please consider each bike in its own time.
« Last Edit: January 04, 2015, 12:13:45 AM by ascanio1 »

Offline 754

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #126 on: January 04, 2015, 12:12:45 AM »
I just looked for Guzzi info. Wikipedia claims the 76 850 Lemans to be of the top 5 most powerful Motorcycles.   Hmm
 The one that I knew as a Burgundy 74? V7 Sport.  Lists them at 62 hp..I imagine pretty good torque..oversquare engine.. Probably revved nicely..
 Can't bring up any pics of a burgundy one.
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline calj737

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #127 on: January 04, 2015, 03:43:59 AM »
Where is Fendersrule when you need him? Certainly we have all overlooked the most impressive bike ever made, the CB450! How could we have? The shame and humiliation is staggering...
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline ekpent

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #128 on: January 04, 2015, 12:52:39 PM »
The original Black Bomber 450 from the 60's did make a few waves at the time and was Honda's big bike. Back to the 70's folks--------------------------

Offline 754

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #129 on: January 04, 2015, 01:09:30 PM »
New member on here has a 458cc 400 four.. And a 73 v7 Guzzi.. We need his thoughts.
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #130 on: January 04, 2015, 03:31:11 PM »
The original Black Bomber 450 from the 60's....


That is the IMPRESSIVE 450 I'd like to have.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline ascanio1

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #131 on: January 04, 2015, 06:13:08 PM »
New member on here has a 458cc 400 four.. And a 73 v7 Guzzi.. We need his thoughts.
Ask him to post pics of his Guzzi. I really want to see them.

I found a Jota with a damaged engine, no lights, ceriani suspensions, dunlop brakes (even rear) and a non original fairing. All for 3,000€: a very good price. If it's genuine. I am checking if the chassis/engine numbers match and are actually Jota: he claims it's a racer. There are 3 problems:
1. Seller seems very dodgy: I found the same pic online doing a google search + (sounds even more dodgy) he offers either that I pay shipping + bike to him or I pay for shipping separately and for bike directly to him. The dodgy bit is that he offers refund the bike price if the bike is not original... (??? weird... ??? never heard of such arrangement). I decided to offer to pick up the bike (UK) and pay cash in hand: I'll see what he replies. If he's genuine he should have no problems with that.
2. I don't want a racer so I would have to put it back to street configuration and that may cost a bomb: need to check for parts availability.
3. Online search shows that dunlop stopped making brakes in the 1960s. Why would a racer employ older technology brakes?

@ Simon ??? Can you help? Did Dunlop make racing brakes in '76?

Offline 754

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #132 on: January 04, 2015, 07:16:37 PM »
Sounds like a scammer. About three things pointing to that direction.
 Regardless of where he bike is,  tell them you will send someone to look at it, if they can't let go hat happen.. Not so good.
 If he is scamming, you will never look at it thru him, cuz he does not have it.
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline 750cafe

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #133 on: January 04, 2015, 07:56:25 PM »
Scam for sure. Ask to SEE it.  ;)

Eric
Is there anything more fun than riding? They are between your legs and are quiet when you turn them off.

Offline ascanio1

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #134 on: January 05, 2015, 02:39:51 AM »
Scam it is...
1. Offered to go see/pay cash - replied not necessary, he offered 100% refund if not happy. Never heard of before.
2. The shipping aggregator/consolidator company won't accept PayPal.
Too bad... I was hoping...

Offline simon#42

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #135 on: January 05, 2015, 10:19:38 AM »
New member on here has a 458cc 400 four.. And a 73 v7 Guzzi.. We need his thoughts.
Ask him to post pics of his Guzzi. I really want to see them.

I found a Jota with a damaged engine, no lights, ceriani suspensions, dunlop brakes (even rear) and a non original fairing. All for 3,000€: a very good price. If it's genuine. I am checking if the chassis/engine numbers match and are actually Jota: he claims it's a racer. There are 3 problems:
1. Seller seems very dodgy: I found the same pic online doing a google search + (sounds even more dodgy) he offers either that I pay shipping + bike to him or I pay for shipping separately and for bike directly to him. The dodgy bit is that he offers refund the bike price if the bike is not original... (??? weird... ??? never heard of such arrangement). I decided to offer to pick up the bike (UK) and pay cash in hand: I'll see what he replies. If he's genuine he should have no problems with that.
2. I don't want a racer so I would have to put it back to street configuration and that may cost a bomb: need to check for parts availability.
3. Online search shows that dunlop stopped making brakes in the 1960s. Why would a racer employ older technology brakes?

@ Simon ??? Can you help? Did Dunlop make racing brakes in '76?

dunlop never made bike brakes at all as far as i am aware , in the 60's people modified dunlop car brakes to fit bikes with limited success
in 1976 the best brakes to have were either lockheed or brembo and as the jota came with brembo brakes why on earth would anyone change them

Offline ascanio1

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #136 on: January 05, 2015, 03:19:07 PM »
I thought as much...
Too bad. I was really hoping... the poll puts the 2 Kawa way ahead of anything else, so one of them + a Laverda would be marvellous.
Simon, please vote in my poll! :-)

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Offline kwbikr

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #137 on: January 08, 2015, 05:59:10 PM »
Really? You left the 1979 CBX out of this list? Fastest thing on wheels at the time it was released...

Offline strynboen

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #138 on: January 09, 2015, 08:12:00 AM »
yes he dont have the "nosser" to bay one...or drive it... ;D..danish for meat balls
i kan not speak english/but trying!!
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=60973.0
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=144758.0
i hate all this v-w.... vords

Offline ekpent

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #139 on: January 09, 2015, 11:29:49 AM »
yes he dont have the "nosser" to bay one...or drive it... ;D..danish for meat balls
If 6 is good then 12 has to be better.   ;D   Where was that bike built Stringbean ?  There was a guy over in England I believe at one time adding cylinders to Kaw Triples that came out pretty cool.  http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-japanese-motorcycles/custom-5-cylinder-kawasaki-motorcycles.aspx#axzz3OM2Wq2J6
« Last Edit: January 09, 2015, 11:34:28 AM by ekpent »

Offline flatlander

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #140 on: January 09, 2015, 11:35:49 AM »
underneath the pic it says it was built by a bunch of honda engineers in their spare time, from 2 cbx1000 engines and some custom made parts.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #141 on: January 09, 2015, 04:17:06 PM »
yes he dont have the "nosser" to bay one...or drive it... ;D..danish for meat balls
If 6 is good then 12 has to be better.   ;D   Where was that bike built Stringbean ?  There was a guy over in England I believe at one time adding cylinders to Kaw Triples that came out pretty cool.  http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-japanese-motorcycles/custom-5-cylinder-kawasaki-motorcycles.aspx#axzz3OM2Wq2J6

Thats wild.....love the exhaust, looks well done. 
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline 754

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #142 on: January 09, 2015, 06:53:23 PM »
Was this thread about  iconic.......or cartoonish??
« Last Edit: January 09, 2015, 10:40:52 PM by 754 »
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline ascanio1

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #143 on: January 09, 2015, 10:25:22 PM »
Really? You left the 1979 CBX out of this list? Fastest thing on wheels at the time it was released...
I didn't include it only because it's more of an 80'sbike than a 70's bike... otherwise it certainly would fit.

EDIT:
They're super cheap here... might get one for the cost of a dinner date in an expensive restaurant...
Is this the bike that you're talking about?
« Last Edit: January 09, 2015, 11:04:16 PM by ascanio1 »

Offline 754

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #144 on: January 09, 2015, 10:42:31 PM »
It wasn't the fastest..nothing came close to the TC
For
A
Long
Time
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline ascanio1

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #145 on: January 09, 2015, 10:53:08 PM »
It wasn't the fastest..nothing came close to the TC For A Long Time
TC? What bike is that short for?

Offline 754

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #146 on: January 09, 2015, 10:55:57 PM »
Z1R TC
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline ascanio1

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #147 on: January 09, 2015, 11:05:36 PM »
It wasn't the fastest..nothing came close to the TC For A Long Time
Retro Rockets says that the GS1000 was way faster than the Z1. I'm confused... which is it?

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #148 on: January 09, 2015, 11:41:23 PM »
It wasn't the fastest..nothing came close to the TC For A Long Time
Retro Rockets says that the GS1000 was way faster than the Z1. I'm confused... which is it?

The Z1R TC was a turbo bike, stick a turbo on anything and it'll be faster, they handled like a pig and were quite rare, the GS was faster and the benchmark for handling, we've already gone over this.... The CBX was a 70's bike, 78/79...
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1970's alternative iconic bikes ??
« Reply #149 on: January 10, 2015, 06:53:08 AM »
Tom - I think we all agree that the Z1 is the iconic bike to buy....start shopping!


http://m.freeclassifieds.com/details.aspx?adID=oGl1iH9NjlJu0O-GwJseTw==

'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........