Author Topic: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....  (Read 1178 times)

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Offline kaptainkid1

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Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« on: May 13, 2016, 11:03:51 PM »
So I've been looking at the following bikes and wanted to get the forums opinion about these following bikes.
Put these bike in order you consider best to worst.
1977 Suzuki GS750
1977 Kawasaki KZ750
1977 Yamaha XS750
1977 Honda CB750

Which of these will hold the best best value?

List the pros and cons of each bike.

Which one would you choose today if all the bikes were fully restored?

Which one looks the best?











« Last Edit: May 13, 2016, 11:43:09 PM by kaptainkid1 »
1975 Honda CB750F Daily Rider      
1974 BMW R90S Barn Find
1995 BMW R1100GS Dual Sport Daily
1996 Triumph 900 Adventurer Bobber

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #1 on: May 13, 2016, 11:25:06 PM »
i don't speak for everyone here....but this is sohc4.net home of honda afecionados worldwide!  The CB750 is an icon, and holds a special place in hearts and memories of members here.

I feel the yamaha xs750 would be a tough, maybe terrible project to tackle in this day and age.  I looked into the idea of bringing my fathers neglected and derelict xs750 back from beyond the grave.  But the parts availability simply isn't there.  The OEM parts are by and large NLA and ebay salvage isn't much better.

Anyway, you meet the nicest people on a Honda
« Last Edit: May 13, 2016, 11:27:59 PM by BomberMann650 »

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #2 on: May 13, 2016, 11:45:29 PM »
you are asking us to compare two 4's to a twin and a triple ::) ???...I have owned all of the above except for the Kaw.  XS750  is a total piece of garbage, seriously, it's junk.  Probably the worst idea Yamaha ever had amongst several clunkers and many fine machines.  Few have love for the Kaw, but I don't have first hand knowledge.  GS Suzi is sweet and will spank the pants off a cb in acceleration and handling despite some well documented electrical issues.  Cb750's are just rock solid, bulletproof, goodness.
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline martin99

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2016, 12:11:45 AM »
I've not owned the Kaw, but I've had two GS's and one xs750, along with probably six or seven CB750s (There's a reason for that ;)).

Having just restored a Yam I'd say avoid the xs. Unlike Sean, I actually quite liked mine but prices for genuine Yamaha parts are absolutely ridiculous compared to Honda. Even the equivalent suppliers of the likes of DSS (we have Yambits over here as the usual first port of call) know how to charge.

I love the GS. Fast (for their time), good handling and great looks. For me though, the seat is set too high and both mine underwent modification (chopping foam out of the seat ;D).

The CB just ticks all the boxes for me, and I always come back to them. Wide parts availability, great options for customisation if that's your thing, best looking engine of their era (the 750 that is), and when I sit on one it just seems to 'fit' better than others I have tried.
Build threads:
77 750F2 Refresh Project http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=144075.0
TRIBSA http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,160296.0.html

1977 CB750 F2
1958 Norton Model 99
2011 Triumph Street Triple 675

Offline Don R

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #4 on: May 14, 2016, 12:22:35 AM »
 I had a yammy triple fugedaboudit, the kaw is OK for a twin I have nothing against them, The suziki is a great bike as is the cb750. I've just always been a cb750 guy so that's my choice. I prefer the F0/F1 and K0 but like them all up to 78.
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Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #5 on: May 14, 2016, 12:42:02 AM »
1977 Suzuki GS750
1977 Honda CB750
1977 Kawasaki KZ750
1977 Yamaha XS750
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline ekpent

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #6 on: May 14, 2016, 04:52:30 AM »
1977 Suzuki GS750
1977 Honda CB750
1977 Kawasaki KZ750
1977 Yamaha XS750

I'll second that nomination

Offline PeWe

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #7 on: May 14, 2016, 05:41:56 AM »
The GS750 looked really cool when I saw one back in the 1978.
You forgot Kawasaki Z1-900 first half of the 70's and its follower Z1-1000 1977 with rear brake disc. Find one!
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline Lostboy Steve

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #8 on: May 14, 2016, 06:04:34 AM »
I absolutely love my cb550. Its fully loaded (weight) and still cruises nice.

I live by these rules: Vintage Honda's, Modern Yamaha's. Not that new Honda's aren't nice, but the styling to me is wacky and they have no business making a v-twin that's supposed to compete with the other V's, Yamaha and Kawasaki included. The newer Kawasaki's are nice too, but I've always felt like Kawasaki was at the bottom of the Japanese market. I toyed with buying a Vaquero but the reviews weren't great and I don't know where I can test ride one. Anyway, sorry I'm off topic.

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Offline Bodi

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #9 on: May 14, 2016, 06:43:59 AM »
My limited experience with the triple has been bad: the thermal design is poor so they break in expensive ways.
I like twins - heresy here I suppose - but I would turn to a Yamaha rather than the Kawasaki. Kawasaki has about the worst record for Japanese out of date model OEM parts supply.
One big reason old Hondas are popular is that Honda would supply parts for them pretty much forever. That's changed now, but they still have better support for older bikes than any other Japanese make.
A very few models - for example the CB750, XS650, and Z1 - have enough enthusiasts keeping them going that many non-OEM parts are available.

The Suzuki is a nice machine. Good record for durability (not a Z1 but not bad). The aftermarket parts supply is poor, Suzuki OEM parts availability worse.

Distributors (other than Honda), on factory orders, used to dump all parts a set number of years after a model was retired. Some would crush them to ensure destruction. Now they take the profit in selling them for cents per pound to businesses like CMSNL.com. That keeps them available but the prices reflect demand and stock - rare and in demand NLA OEM parts are, naturally, outrageously expensive.

The CB750, in my opinion, is the best choice if you plan on riding it a lot. Stuff will wear out: this one has the deepest well of aftermarket parts and some Honda parts are still listed (fewer every year of course). A good one will cost more than the others - price of popularity - but will probably hold its value better.

"Fully restored" covers acres of ground... restored to running, restored to "stock", concours level... what do you want? Asking for a fully restored bike suggests maybe you don't want a daily rider. If you want a "display" bike, pick the one that looks best to you.

Online CycleRanger

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #10 on: May 14, 2016, 07:42:56 AM »
1977 Suzuki GS750
1977 Honda CB750
1977 Kawasaki KZ750
1977 Yamaha XS750

I'll second that nomination

Third.
Do you have a copy of the Honda Shop Manual or Parts List for your bike? Get one here:
https://www.honda4fun.com/materiale/documentazione-tecnica
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Offline kaptainkid1

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #11 on: May 14, 2016, 09:20:16 AM »


Well I have three hondas and I love them all. The purpose of this poll was forum's opinion on 750's of the time. I chose the 750's because all the Japanese bike of this age are about the similar price.
Most expensive to cheapest: CB750, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kaw.
I'm aware of 1972-76 Kawasaki z1-900 legendary race history and the crazy prices if you can find one.
They're more expensive then the 1969 cb750 sandcast.

Interesting replies regarding parts in the aftermarket. It seems of the four bikes I've picked above in the So California the honda's are preferred bike and command a higher selling price and I wasn't sure why.

I like to buy bikes and try them out for a couple of months and move on. I think Suzuki might be the next classic worth checking out.

Love to hear more opinions on these bike.
« Last Edit: May 14, 2016, 09:23:55 AM by kaptainkid1 »
1975 Honda CB750F Daily Rider      
1974 BMW R90S Barn Find
1995 BMW R1100GS Dual Sport Daily
1996 Triumph 900 Adventurer Bobber

Offline Desert-SOHC

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #12 on: May 14, 2016, 02:21:12 PM »
1977 Suzuki GS750
1977 Honda CB750
1977 Kawasaki KZ750
1977 Yamaha XS750

I'll second that nomination

Third.

Fourth
90 F350 Lariat CS S/C Dually
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Offline rrecroc

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #13 on: May 14, 2016, 02:42:57 PM »
The GS is more "sleek" looking ...
The Honda "chunkier" .....
But there are other factors involved as you have seen

Offline Dunk

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #14 on: May 14, 2016, 03:24:14 PM »
I'm not a fan of 77/78. Of the options I think the Suzuki looks the best. Can't comment on performance or mechanical as I have no experience with those bikes. I would be most comfortable with the Honda from my experience with the SOHC4, but the Suzuki might be fun. I'd prefer a 69-76 CB750 over any of them. I just don't care for the newer bikes.

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #15 on: May 14, 2016, 03:51:11 PM »
Kind of a shame the yamaha xs750 has a lousy powerplant, the lines on the tank and seat are really damn attractive.

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #16 on: May 15, 2016, 02:28:23 AM »
Kind of a shame the yamaha xs750 has a lousy powerplant, the lines on the tank and seat are really damn attractive.
actually, the engine is a gem...it's the frame, suspension, shaft drive, and electrics that totally suck dick
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline dhall57

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #17 on: May 15, 2016, 03:25:53 AM »
I'd prefer a 69-76 CB750 over any of them. I just don't care for the newer bikes.
I'm with you Dunk ;)
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Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #18 on: May 15, 2016, 08:30:05 AM »
Kind of a shame the yamaha xs750 has a lousy powerplant, the lines on the tank and seat are really damn attractive.
actually, the engine is a gem...it's the frame, suspension, shaft drive, and electrics that totally suck dick

I stand corrected
Someone led me to believe the transmissions were problematic too.

Offline ekpent

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Re: Poll and Opinion on Japanese bikes....
« Reply #19 on: May 15, 2016, 10:12:05 AM »
Kind of a shame the yamaha xs750 has a lousy powerplant, the lines on the tank and seat are really damn attractive.
actually, the engine is a gem...it's the frame, suspension, shaft drive, and electrics that totally suck dick

I stand corrected
Someone led me to believe the transmissions were problematic too.
Definitely on the big bore 1100/1200's
« Last Edit: May 15, 2016, 10:15:14 AM by ekpent »