Topic: Something more modern.

[Shenanigans]

    So with the 550 cafe getting close to being done I was thinking of whats next. And what a disease motorcycles can be but hey, I can think of worst ones. I really what something with more modern performance/braking etc... Which has me thinking of a streetfighter or to be honest some sportbike that someone had layed down. However by chance when inquiring about a bike sitting in a yard a few streets down the road (Turned out it was a GS850?) I started talking to a pest control guy working their yard and he wound up offering me a CB900f. Its a later year I think 83' 84'? He said it was the last year before they added fairing. It runs but has been layed down and would need gauges, bars and the normal stuff. The very easy stuff, one would hope.

    So my question is, how much of a improvement is it from my 76' 750, 550? I know it can be subjective but is it a world of difference or I am better off looking for something a bit newer. Thanks for opinions.

[ChevelleSSLS6]

It'd be unique being the last year for naked hondas.

I love my ninja (ex650), but miss the vintage vibe of the cb550 (still for sale, make a reasonable offer, pm/email me).
-Matt

[Joksa]

    So with the 550 cafe getting close to being done I was thinking of whats next. And what a disease motorcycles can be but hey, I can think of worst ones.

Even though my 500 is not near finished, I could not help my self and I bought a wrecked Kawasaki ER-6n (EX650)

http://picasaweb.google.com/Joxaco/ER?authkey=Gv1sRgCI_eg8HUsKbJtwE#

Idea is not to modify this too much, but on the other hand LSL's UrbanX is quite inspiring:
http://www.thebikergene.com/custom-bikes/lsl-goes-all-supermoto-style-on-the-kawasaki-er-6n/

[kirkn]

The 900F Honda will be head and shoulders above your 76's.  More power all over, better handling and waayy better brakes.

'82 was the last year of the 900F.  '83 it grew to an 1100F for one year before the whole line was discontinued for the V-4 line.  In '83, that 1100F sported a little handlebar-mounted bikini fairing.  The 900's were all naked.  Oddly enough, the 900C, when it was superceded in '83 only grew to a 1000C.  I wonder why?

And, by the same token, a newer still sport bike (say, anything after the early 90's or so) will be head and shoulders again over the 900F.

You pays your money and you makes your choice...

Personally, I'd go for the 900F.

[Shenanigans]

Talk about digging a topic up from the grave 

[bucky katt]

as much as i love my k4 750 i have been longing for something more modern, heavier and more comfortable. can you say "beemer twin"?

[azuredesign]

i believe all aircooled Beemer twins are about the same weight as our cb750s, a smidge over 500 lbs wet.
Mine's an '82 so I'm not sure it's more modern, it doesn't even have overhead cams. It is however smooth as silk and a joy to run.

[bucky katt]

i'm looking at the 1150 or maybe a 1200, preferably the r1150r, i just fell in love with the rockster when i worked for beemer.

[azuredesign]

I had dinner several weeks ago with a 70 year old fellow who rode over to our home. He's the long time lover of a good friend of ours, but I'd never met him. As I didn't see him before he entered the house, I asked him what he was riding, and his reply struck me as curious. He said, "What else would an old man ride?"
Of course, I immediately said BMW , and told him that I had one too! He was in fact riding an r1150r, but as I thought about it afterwards, I don't think beemers as a rule are for old folks. The older ones are a bit sedate for sure, but look at the k1300s or the new conventional literish bike that's supposed to be out about now. I still think it was a weird thing to say though.

P.S. Sorry to highjack the thread, I think the cb900f is a cool ride. Naked and air cooled, looks nice IMO except for the custom model, I don't think there were any real maintenance probs, but others would know more than I. Good luck!

[Joksa]

Talk about digging a topic up from the grave 

Hey, I just wanted to whore my newest project and I did use the search function. EX650 was mentioned ;)

[Shenanigans]

Talk about digging a topic up from the grave 

Hey, I just wanted to whore my newest project and I did use the search function. EX650 was mentioned ;)

Hey no problem, while we are on the subject...

I have kinda been having the urge to get something with some real power for real cheap. Like an old oil cooled GSXR750 or something, any particular thing I should watch out for or look for? The only requirement I have is 100bhp at or near stock tuning. The cheaper the better.

(yes I know a 750 can be made to have some power, but that costs a lot)

[manjisann]

Ask the owner if they are a fan of NOS

Brandon

[rchrdms]

900F's are not easy to come by, at least in my area. If the price is right, you may be getting a valuable bike.

[CaféElite]

What about a mid 90's speed triple?

[hoodellyhoo]

I always hear the one should stay away from old Katanas. They're always cheap but something about a crappy motor.

[Shenanigans]

What about a mid 90's speed triple?

That reminds me, Triumph made a "speed 4" naked bike, but there are none for sale here or within a decent price.  

I always hear the one should stay away from old Katanas. They're always cheap but something about a crappy motor.

Weren't those just normal motors that were tuned a bit low?