Author Topic: 1976 550 Super Sport or 1971 750 K1? (Read 3623 times)

jakec · « **on:** February 10, 2018, 08:49:13 PM »

Two bikes recently came up in my area, same relative condition and just about the same asking price, too. $3,800 and $4,000 respectively. I'm just wondering what you'd prefer, if you really wanted a bike and had the money burning a hole in your pocket.

I had a 1981 cb750 and I sold and wanted to get something smaller, a 400f or 550f. But it's hard to pass on a 750 that's so early and in such nice condition. Gotta have those painted fork ears.

the 550.

the 750.

jakec · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2018, 08:51:07 PM »

In case I dont have enough posts yet to show images.

jakec · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2018, 08:52:34 PM »

sorry for the reversed images

MoMo · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2018, 09:00:50 PM »

If the K1 had original exhaust it'd be a no brainer. For me it'd be the better choice. Good luck with whatever you choose. Both? ....Larry

goldarrow · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2018, 09:01:58 PM »

Quote from: jakec on February 10, 2018, 08:49:13 PM

I'm just wondering what you'd prefer, if you really wanted a bike and had the money burning a hole in your pocket.

the 550.

the 750.

Get both!

jakec · « **Reply #5 on:** February 10, 2018, 09:07:23 PM »

The bike budget was originally supposed to be $3,000. Maybe more for the right bike. I am leaning toward the 750 just due to the rarity. All i have seen before is K4's asking $4-5,000. so this stands out to me as a deal. Earlier this month I passed up on a red 550ss that was only asking $2,200... it was in great condition but it had been assembled from parts. I'm not paying over $2,000 for a botched home restoration.

Ideally I would go for the 750 if I could grab it at $3,500. The ss i feel is not worth the $3,800 ask but I am waiting for them to get back to me with some questions about how it had been restored. Ad says "completely gone through"

jakec · « **Reply #6 on:** February 10, 2018, 09:12:57 PM »

THIS is my real dream bike.. unfortunately I don't think I can find one

ekpent · « **Reply #7 on:** February 10, 2018, 09:17:52 PM »

They both looks to be very nice. I am biased as I am considered a '750 guy' though and the K1's are one of my favorites.Stock pipes as Larry mentioned would warrant more money on that bike, for the asking price a shame that aren't there. Each bike has its own merits,many folks here also prefer the 550's for their lighter weight and other characteristics.
Good luck on the hunt ! Those 400's are sexy and they are out there somewhere. Keep looking if that is your dream bike.

kaptainkid1 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 10, 2018, 10:33:29 PM »

1971 CB750 for the resale value since both bikes are great riding bikes regardless of engine size. The 69-72 CB's were part of the performance years and has lots of power. Much more than the later 73-78 years. I love the CB550SS since that bike is lighter and rides more like a modern-day bike in my opinion. You don't have to worry about the sump pump hoses on the 550 but that shouldn't be the reason why you pick the 550.
I say ride both and make a decision after that. I lean towards resale because you can't keep everything for the rest of your life and I always sell my stuff after a few years of riding.

754 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 10, 2018, 11:03:03 PM »

K1 moreso if you want to hit the open road..

jakec · « **Reply #10 on:** February 10, 2018, 11:04:05 PM »

I am also prone to sell things sooner rather than later. I dont want to pay top dollar on any bike, and be someone's big pay day. I would only buy a bike that I can foresee going up in value or at least having my break even. I can see the value of the 750 and that's why I'm leaning toward it, even tho the 550 is what I actually want... it's just asking too much.

The 750 I think I can get closer to 3. then maybe ride it with the 2 into 1 and maybe pick up a 4 into 1 some day. Then sell if I ever feel the need. The 550 on the other hand, for their asking, I feel like I could never get any money out of it after I was done with it. but it is closer to what I actually want in a rider.

jakec · « **Reply #11 on:** February 10, 2018, 11:06:06 PM »

Like I said above, all I need practically is a 400f.. when I had the '81 750 the furthest I ever went was about 20 miles out of the metro area. I'm really a town bike guy. I did like the power and accel of the 750 tho.

Yamahawk · « **Reply #12 on:** February 11, 2018, 03:32:20 AM »

I personally would get the 1971 CB750K1, and then get either a Hindle or Delkovic 4-1 header for it. Or, save up and get the re-pop 4-4 no number exhaust from Yamiya. Terry has a set of those 4-2's that he cut the baloney slice off, and made some header caps for out of billet aluminum that fell off of a N.Korean missile test... I think

...they look really nice! I also have a 1971 CB750K1 with that set of 4-2 pipes with the Lake type side pipes, and they sound really good. Myself, I am trying to graft the fins off of a set of H-D Dyna mufflers onto mine, as they are both 3" O.D.!
If my local muffler shop can reduce the fin side so that it fits into the cut 3" side pipe, I will hold it in with s couple set screws, or rivets.
Charlie

Scott S · « **Reply #13 on:** February 11, 2018, 03:39:24 AM »

They both look like nice bikes and are not priced outrageously. The vintage bike market is down right now, so you may be able to negotiate.

I'm a 550 guy so I'm slightly biased. And that one has what appears to be a nice original exhaust, which is the 2nd sexiest factory 4-1 ever, after the one on your dream bike!

Speaking of, if you're lusting after a 400F, the 750 is going to feel HUGE compared to the 400. Maybe the 550 is a better fit. Don't think solely about resale value.

jlh3rd · « **Reply #14 on:** February 11, 2018, 04:24:10 AM »

I’d have to go with the 750 for the reasons others have stated plus I have an original 75 550 f.....I’d like a 750 however and that one looks real nice.
....btw, it looks like the end of the muffler on the 550 is black, or just the picture, I can’t tell. It should be just chrome..and the seat should be a dark brown, hard to tell ....If not, maybe you could use this as a bargaining tool for a lower price on the 550....good luck with your purchase.....and looking closer, it looks like incorrect handlebars?, or just rotated up ?

Scott S · « **Reply #15 on:** February 11, 2018, 06:05:39 AM »

Not all 550F models had the brown seat. One year only, actually.

jlh3rd · « **Reply #16 on:** February 11, 2018, 06:08:47 AM »

All 75 and 76, U.S. import, 550f ‘ s had the brown seat....
1975 seat coat ...77270-390-000
1976 “. ...77270-390-000

strynboen · « **Reply #17 on:** February 11, 2018, 06:24:52 AM »

for city riding the 550 is perfekt
.i have a 400 and 550.

.400 is missing the power and very small..to ride on.
and not as stabile in the Wind/18/18 hveels..
.. the 550 is perfekt all raund bike .

.and the 750 is a bit heavy but have the power to overtaking..but still go for the best mekanic running bike..they are all fine..and can do the job..

evinrude7 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 11, 2018, 06:44:23 AM »

what's the mileage on these? any history?

Stev-o · « **Reply #19 on:** February 11, 2018, 06:48:10 AM »

Go check out both - see which one "feels" better. Really should have both.

I had a 550F, sold it to buy a 750. Then, missed the 550 and bought another. Still have both.

I once wanted a 400F. Then I saw a nice one at a bike show, physical size is too small.

754 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 11, 2018, 08:14:31 AM »

I did say 750 better for open road, butvthe back of my mind says think about Mooshie.
She did 7400 Mile's on her 550 in under a month.. you may want to ask her.

38rudge · « **Reply #21 on:** February 11, 2018, 09:03:58 AM »

You guys do not know how lucky you are!

Here in the UK the asking prices would be around the $10000 to $13000 for the 750 and for the 550 around the $8000 to $10000 mark!

TwoTired · « **Reply #22 on:** February 11, 2018, 09:06:29 AM »

Quote from: jlh3rd on February 11, 2018, 06:08:47 AM

All 75 and 76, U.S. import, 550f ‘ s had the brown seat....
1975 seat coat ...77270-390-000
1976 “. ...77270-390-000

I wish you'd stop saying that. Only the 76 CB550F models came with a brown seat in the US.

The colors in your posted brochure are 76 colors (paint and seat), printed for the 76 model year in late 75. It was common practice to introduce the next model year in September of the prior year. Copyrights can't be future dated.

Here is a page from the Honda Motorcycle Identification Guide published By American Honda Motorcycle company.

Cheers,

Ace Blackwell · « **Reply #23 on:** February 11, 2018, 09:10:36 AM »

Sounds like the 750 is the better deal and maybe more adept at open road riding. The 750 also has a little more 70s vintage look in my opinion which is cool but having a 550f, I'm a little bias towards that one.

brconstrux · « **Reply #24 on:** February 11, 2018, 09:45:29 AM »

Quote from: jakec on February 10, 2018, 08:49:13 PM

Two bikes recently came up in my area, same relative condition and just about the same asking price, too. $3,800 and $4,000 respectively. I'm just wondering what you'd prefer, if you really wanted a bike and had the money burning a hole in your pocket.

I had a 1981 cb750 and I sold and wanted to get something smaller, a 400f or 550f. But it's hard to pass on a 750 that's so early and in such nice condition. Gotta have those painted fork ears.

the 550.

the 750.

I’m partial to the ‘71 since I own a ‘72.

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Author Topic: 1976 550 Super Sport or 1971 750 K1? (Read 3623 times)