For a SuperSport there is really no big difference in looks, but a CB750 or 550 withouth four pipes is not a real CB. Maybe it can handle as well or run as well, but it doesn't look as well. If you are riding it also for the looks you can't settle for less than stock (or near stock)
If I drag my pipes I'll be more than happy if I can stand up by myself and live longer to buy a new set.
It's like that old joke of two lads discussing what was best, video tapes or laser disc. The ultimate argument was: laser disc is better because if there is a nuclear explosion the radiation will demagnetize the tapes unlike the discs...
So if your main concern during a nuclear attack is what will happen to your video collection, go and buy an aftermarket set. It's always the right time to spend 1800$ buy a set of new pipes. I rather have 1800$ on my bank account than hanging on my shed.
Use the worst case scenario: You have your pipes on your bike. Two things can happen: you drag the pipes or you don't (for the rest of your life).
If you never drop your bike, then it's perfect. If you drop it, you have to buy a new set of pipes. It could happen:
a) NOS are available but very expensive.
b) NOS are not available, only aftermarket.
c) there are available reissues of the pipes at an affordable price.
You never know when that will happen. What if by then 1800$ is pocket money for you?. If you use your originals pipes today and when you need a new set there is only aftermarket, it's the same situation than if you replace today the originals for aftermarket, but the other way round. You will be riding part of your life with aftermarket. Why starting today? You never know if that day will come.
The only reason for wanting to keep the pipes is if you plan to have the bike for a museum collection. Or, if you keep them away today for the future, would you reinstall if you drag an aftermarket set? Of course not.
It's like keeping spare parts. Generally you always need the part you don't have spare for. I rather pay three times its value in the future than buying it today. The money you spent today is money gone. You never know if you ever will need the part, or your bike will be stolen, or burnt, or you will die tomorrow from a heart attack, or simply you will get tired of the old japanese bikes and buy a Harley. And I tell you what, if you have the dough you will always find a part, or somebody will find it for you.
There is a fable about and old emperor who had a horse he loved dearly. A man was sentenced for life and claimed that he can make the emperor's horse to speak. The emperor's ordered the man to be brought in front of him. Asked wether what he said was true and the prisoner said it was, but he needed 10 years. He would also need to be taken out of prison to the stables, better food etc. The emperor agreed but told him that if the horse didn't speak by the deadline he would be killed.
His cell companion asked him are you crazy? You can't make the horse speak. you will be dead in 10 years.
And the prisoner replied: But until then I'll be out of this cell, with good food and drink and smelling the fresh air. Who know what will happen in 10 years? The emperor may die, the horse may die, I may die, or maybe we all die. Maybe I find a way to escape. Until then, I'll enjoy life. What do i want the life for inside this cell?
So, don't keep your life (pipes) for the future. Enjoy them now.
Raul (a.k.a. chinese biscuit lover...
)
Raul