oooh. one more thing. the oil tank. the 750 has an oil tank that in my opinion looks like crap on a cafe bike. the 550 does not and that allows you to open up the area under the seat. im still trying to figure out what to do with mine.
+1 On that for sure.
I was looking for a 550 because of an article in Cycle World.
Peter Egan had wonderful things to say about the nimble handling and weight difference.
I’ve never ridden a 750 but the reviews weight the 550 better for a balanced feel and the 750 for muscle and power. 550’s also seem to be cheaper to acquire parts for, but the selection of aftermarket goodies is better for the 750’s.
Funny you said that Jimmy, I read Egan's
Leanings and
Leanings 2, I'm sure the column you're talking about is in there. I think he'd rather have the 400 though, and for good reasons. For one, they share that beautiful header design that the later 550's adopted.
About the weight thing: if you were weened on newer sport bikes and their ilk, you'll like the 550 better, as they weigh about 30 lbs more than a modern 600. The 750's, well, let's just say they could go on a diet. To me the 750 has these things going against it if you're going to cafe:
1. heavier weight (90lbs??)
2. oil cooler (you don't have to go for the stripped, put-your-through-the-frame look though, look at Carpy's stuff)
3. Wanna remove the head? Engine's gotta come out. Same if you just wanna have a look under the valve cover.
4. Do I get a '76 K, or a '77 F or a '71 K1.....? Gets kinda confusing to me at least.
3.
