Topic: Choose a motorcycle, beginner guy question

[big8mistake]

Hi for everyone

I'm new on this site and I looking for a bike to buy.
For that moment I've got three options

1. Honda CB 750 Four G super sport 1978
2. Honda CB 750 Four F four 1978
3. Honda CB 750 Four F Super sport 1976

All this bikes are in good condition.
I want make a little changes in bike, something like caffe racer but more that guy from holiday bikes do.
Another thing that I need bike for two person(my and my girlfriend)
Question is how about part availability, what are diffrents between this bikes.
Why supersport is usually cheeper that classic F. Its about "classic vibe?"
Supersport is easier to handling?

Have a great day guys !!!!!

[Stev-o]

I vote for the bike in the best condition.  If equal, than #3.   The later F models were known to have value guide issues. 

Parts are readily available in the States, not sure about Poland!

[strynboen]

all parts are avaibel.. Honda "s NeXT biggest marked var germany..a lot of good stuff at german e bay..
go for the nicest bike,,the Black engines vear a bit faster( 1978)..but have also more power..and better brakes..

[big8mistake]

So what are " value guide issues". There was something wrong with latest models?? One more thing. Its hard to remove a black paint from engine??

[Stev-o]

So what are " value guide issues". There was something wrong with latest models?? One more thing. Its hard to remove a black paint from engine??

The valve guides wore out prematurely, at around 20K miles. 

Why remove black paint? 

[flybox1]

black engine paint was standard on the late F engines.
Tough to get it all, but easy to repaint it.
Valve guides are cheap to replace.  Opening up the top end exposes you to many more money sucking adventures.

[big8mistake]

Why remove black paint?

I like shiny metal engines

[calj737]

Why remove black paint?

I like shiny metal engines

Then buy a K model. F models were black as stock. 

[Stev-o]

Why remove black paint?

I like shiny metal engines

Then buy a Kawasaki Triple, the motors are "naked"

Fixed

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Another consideration: if this is your first motorcycle, you might want to consider a slightly lighter bike, like a CB550.  The 750 models are very heavy (and about 90 lbs heavier than a 550 model). 

The 550 is a bike you can learn on AND keep.  If you feel confident about your skills, than a 750 might be better suited especially if touring is more your style (750 is a better higher speed platform). 

[Ericcb750]

I would have to agree, I owned a Harley prior to buying my first CB750 and it still was Very heavy. It's center of gravity is pretty high and high seat height (which I guess can be changed if going cafe). Now don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my 750 it's a 78 K. But If you've never ridden before you may be better off with a bit smaller bike. I've always wanted a 550 too. Keep us posted, this is the best place for info on these older bikes and everyone here is awesome with re-builds and questions.

Best of Luck, You won't be regretting any of them but just be careful at first, that's all... maybe get some engine case crash bars....

[strynboen]

think 550 goes for almost half preise as 750 in Europa...have seen a lot of 550 for 15,000 kr..and all 750 are over 30.000..if it is rideabel.
..vracks goes for lot less..bot koste too mutch to build up...go for a nice start point..even you cafee it

[PeWe]

CB750 was my first bike. I took my license on a CB125, CB750 was waiting home. NO problem to start with a CB750.
(I had a Zundapp KS 125 before getting the license...)
I had friends that guided me how to drive and not during the first time. Dangerous situations that could occur....

CB750 K1-K6 is sold for much higher price than the CB750F 76-78 here in Sweden.
I guess you need to open the head anyway. If not due to wear, age and eventuel corroded valves, seats.

The F 1976 is same engine as the K6, right? Not as the F2 head with mentioned guide wear.
F2 heads are most attractive among racers that tune the heads and like the larger valves, chambers...

[big8mistake]

Thank You all for BIG help.  I'm very grateful for all answers

About 550. I spoke to a guy who ride 750. He told me also that maybe I should but 550 for start. I'ts easier to fix and handle. And of course cheeper. For now I got a big mess in my head. Need to think about it.

[big8mistake]

So guys I find some 550s. Post some photos, let me know.

1. Honda CB 500 Four 1972

http://img27.staticclassifieds.com/images_tablicapl/304236669_4_1000x700_honda-cb-500-cb-four-k-cafe-racer-seria-550-motoryzacja.jpg

http://img27.staticclassifieds.com/images_tablicapl/304236669_3_1000x700_honda-cb-500-cb-four-k-cafe-racer-seria-550-enduro-funbike.jpg

http://img27.staticclassifieds.com/images_tablicapl/304236669_6_1000x700_honda-cb-500-cb-four-k-cafe-racer-seria-550-.jpg

2.  Honda cb 550 Four
http://img27.staticclassifieds.com/images_tablicapl/304236669_1_1000x700_honda-cb-500-cb-four-k-cafe-racer-seria-550-inowroclaw.jpg

http://img27.staticclassifieds.com/images_tablicapl/304236669_8_1000x700_honda-cb-500-cb-four-k-cafe-racer-seria-550-.jpg

3. Honda cb 550 Four Super sport 1978

http://img10.staticclassifieds.com/images_tablicapl/304238933_1_1000x700_honda-cb-550-f-four-cafe-racer-ladna-inowroclaw.jpg

http://img11.staticclassifieds.com/images_tablicapl/304238933_2_1000x700_honda-cb-550-f-four-cafe-racer-ladna-dodaj-zdjecia.jpg

Looking for advice


Have a nice day

[70CB750]

If possible, get a bike nobody tried to rebuild yet, better to deal with Honda than with somebody's efforts.

How are Honda parts availability in Poland? 

[big8mistake]

How are Honda parts availability in Poland?

Not so great ,but there is german and british ebay and in worst case american(high shipping cost and import taxes)

[70CB750]

Did you check this out?

http://www.cmsnl.com/

[Wobbly]

Honda CB 750 Four G super sport 1978

What exactly is a G Super Sport?

all parts are avaibel.. Honda "s NeXT biggest marked var germany..a lot of good stuff at german e bay..

Most parts are not available. And what is not available from Honda, costs a fortune.

The F 1976 is same engine as the K6, right?

No, more like K7


For your first bike, I recommend a newer Japanese bike. It rides a lot better, has better brakes, better suspension, and is a lot cheaper. Restoring or just overhauling the engine of one of the Hondas can easily cost more--if not much more--than the purchase price of the bike. A CB550 costs a lot less than a CB750. That is why it makes less sense to spend lots of money restoring them rather than restoring a SOHC CB750 if they are all the same to you.

http://satanicmechanic.org/enginemods.shtml

[big8mistake]

Honda CB 750 Four G super sport 1978

My apologies, my mistake

[big8mistake]

Did you check this out?

http://www.cmsnl.com/

Thanks, great site !!!!!

[Wobbly]

Did you check this out?

http://www.cmsnl.com/

Thanks, great site !!!!!

Only if you are rich.

When it comes to restoring a CB 750, getting one free might be too expensive (vs. paying $ 3,000 for one in good condition with known history).

I would never recommend a 40-year old car to someone as their first car. Would you?

The F2 does not only have a black engine but also Comstar wheels (along with six more hp than the F1). They look very different so that only you know which one you prefer--if it has to be a CB750.

[70CB750]

Wobbly lives in Germany, I would take him seriously.

Myself, I am from Prague, but in USA since 90ties, I don't know much about the situtation anymore.

If you feel like looking abroad, here are Czech for sale sites:

http://aukro.cz/motocykly-8502

http://www.motorkari.cz/motobazar/motorky/

[Stev-o]

I like #3 CB550.  How much?

[big8mistake]

I like #3 CB550.  How much?

Around 1800 $