Topic: Ok gentlemen, I just bought my CB650 (1st bike ever). *Pictures*

[checkflag]

Help me decide here. My first thought is to get a CB750f SS. I found one locally but
has 47k. Its pretty nice, and I can talk the guy down to less that a grand. I do not like
the high mileage though.

There are CB750K's around, but it does not have a rear disc brake.. should that
be a problem?

Ultimately I want to build a Cafe Racer. Which bike is a better foundation? the K or F.
(i also found a KZ750 for 2100, and its all finished as a CAFE).

I have been told that the bike with 47K might need new valve guides. (mileage thing).
what will that cost me. I don't mind doing it if i get a great price on the bike.

All input will be helpful. Thank you

[GammaFlat]

// disclaimer - I am partial to K bikes - end disclaimer //

The disc in the rear is nice in theory and lots of bikes have them but there are at least two reasons I'm not particularly fond of  them on these bikes.  #1 The drum setup works pretty well on these bikes.  #2 The drum setup will probably require less maintenance compared to the disc setup.  On the disc setup, you could end up rebuilding the master cylinder and the caliper (in addition to pads).  Rebuild kits for those are 30-40 each.  The drum setup may need adjustment or shoes - most frequently little or no maintenance. 

As you say, you're more likely to have valve guide issues with an 'F' bike.  The early 'F' bikes (prior to 77) have about the same engine as the 77 and 78 'K' bikes.  The 77 and 78 'F' bikes go a step further (in terms of head differences and additional reliability issues).  (I've just put my flak jacket on).  'F' bikes have more horses. 

Here's a nice article on the first 'F' (75): http://data.sohc4.net/AR750/750f75.pdf

The 'F' bikes are more "modern" looking with the integrated rear fender and updated tank.  It also had a 4-1 exhaust.  'K' stalwarts take issue with the "newer" look and are stuck wondering why it can't look more like "the original". 

I'm sure someone here can do a nice job of addressing the cafe part of your question. 

Good luck and have fun!

[Johnny5]

Yep, Gamma pretty much said it all. Nice explanation.

With that said, these bikes are universal in a lot of ways. Depending on what you want to do, and how you will mount things, ie Seats, Tanks, ect, the 750s are all really close.

I used a 750K7 as my cafe platform.


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[checkflag]

Hey.. i saw this bike on Ebay.. what is the reserve? It is really beautiful
 and a model to what I want to do on the one i get.. unless I get that one..
(probably out of my price range though). I would have to get it shipped..

[Johnny5]

Thanks for the kudos.

The reserve is waaay up there. This is my baby that I simply couldn’t sell right now, if ever. My brother wanted to do a study to see what a generic café style bike would sell for.

Of course, if the reserve was to be met…then I'd just have to build a better one to make me happy.

[KCRSXTypeS]

Help me decide here. My first thought is to get a CB750f SS. I found one locally but
has 47k. Its pretty nice, and I can talk the guy down to less that a grand. I do not like
the high mileage though.

There are CB750K's around, but it does not have a rear disc brake.. should that
be a problem?

Ultimately I want to build a Cafe Racer. Which bike is a better foundation? the K or F.
(i also found a KZ750 for 2100, and its all finished as a CAFE).

I have been told that the bike with 47K might need new valve guides. (mileage thing).
what will that cost me. I don't mind doing it if i get a great price on the bike.

All input will be helpful. Thank you

My opinion (as if it matters), when it comes to affordability...its always cheaper to buy something completed than to do it yourself.  If all you want is a CAFE style bike I would get the KZ750.  If you are in the mood to put A LOT of blood sweat and tears (and money) into getting the bike the EXACT way you want it then buy the 750K.

BTW...that 750 above is PURE SEX!  Do they make tanks like that for the 500?

[Johnny5]

Help me decide here. My first thought is to get a CB750f SS. I found one locally but
has 47k. Its pretty nice, and I can talk the guy down to less that a grand. I do not like
the high mileage though.

There are CB750K's around, but it does not have a rear disc brake.. should that
be a problem?

Ultimately I want to build a Cafe Racer. Which bike is a better foundation? the K or F.
(i also found a KZ750 for 2100, and its all finished as a CAFE).

I have been told that the bike with 47K might need new valve guides. (mileage thing).
what will that cost me. I don't mind doing it if i get a great price on the bike.

All input will be helpful. Thank you

My opinion (as if it matters), when it comes to affordability...its always cheaper to buy something completed than to do it yourself.  If all you want is a CAFE style bike I would get the KZ750.  If you are in the mood to put A LOT of blood sweat and tears (and money) into getting the bike the EXACT way you want it then buy the 750K.

BTW...that 750 above is PURE SEX!  Do they make tanks like that for the 500?

They (me) can do up a 500 tank for you. PM me if interested.

[JS550]

Thanks for the kudos.

The reserve is waaay up there. This is my baby that I simply couldn’t sell right now, if ever. My brother wanted to do a study to see what a generic café style bike would sell for.

Of course, if the reserve was to be met…then I'd just have to build a better one to make me happy.

I was wondering myself what you were doing when I saw your bike on ebay.

[checkflag]

so check this out. I am going to look at a 1979 cb650 tomorrow.
Original owner, 4,400 original miles. He had it in storage for 25 years, and
naturally the gas was all gummed up in the carbs. He has cleaned those out,
and it is purring after warming up. He ordered a new master cylinder for the
disc brakes as well, as the brake fluid was all gummed up too.. never the less,
all this is getting fixed b4 purchase.

Bottom line, it is running good, its in excellent condition and the price is 1,400.
BAM..

what do you think?

[ev0lve]

Not sure if this'll be helpful or not but I came down on the K model mostly because the aftermarket is so robust, they sold a ton of them so used parts are easier to get and a majority of the parts fit 71 - 76 interchangably.

Plus those model years are sexy beasts 

I'd think $1400 bucks would get you a pretty nice machine if you can wait for one to come available.

[checkflag]

Not sure if this'll be helpful or not but I came down on the K model mostly because the aftermarket is so robust, they sold a ton of them so used parts are easier to get and a majority of the parts fit 71 - 76 interchangably.

Plus those model years are sexy beasts 

I'd think $1400 bucks would get you a pretty nice machine if you can wait for one to come available.

Im confused.. what exactly are you saying? I found this bike today and its 1,400. Its a cb650 and has 4,400 original miles being sold by the original owner. its mint.

whats this about the "K"?

[ev0lve]

K model 750. Originally you're talking about a 750 yes? My preference for $1400 would be a k model 750 for the reasons above. Your reasons may be different    69-76 750Ks kind of turn my crank. 77s are nice but the tanks are weird (not that they can't be made to look awesome if you've got the talent) and 78 on are just not the same profile.

Really, if you look at it and are filled with lust and admiration while it's on the kick stand - that's the model bike you should get 

[checkflag]

ahh. Yes.. originally i was looking at a 750f. I wasnt thrilled with the one i saw
because it had nearly 50k miles and needed to much work. I have since revised my
needs and want a smaller bike. I have been looking at 550's and 650's.

Do you not like the 79 cb650 for some reason? i think this bike is a really good deal
considering the mileage and owner history. it is really sweet. I have heard good things
about the 650. I also saw a good deal on a 500t, but it turned out it was very undesirable
DOHC, and way under powered.

[ev0lve]

I think the 650s are a smaller market for used parts (assuming you'll need some at some point). The 550 is popular and there's a ton of them as well as aftermarket mod parts. Not sure the 650 is as popular a starting point for a cafe. I'm partial to spokes too (79 is mags?)

How I think a 650 looks is kind of immaterial though. If it turns you on I say go for it  

Now I have to go outside and have a smoke while staring lovingly at my bike. That's, like, a solid 50% of the fun right there 

[cb750fbomb]

Here's some info on the 500t

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda_cb500t.htm

[Peters1983]

If you are mechanically inclined a fixer upper isn't a bad idea(you might appreciate it more). But if you are on a budget something a little less worn would be best.

I have a 77 k-model and have put a lot of time in it(a steal for $150). It will NEVER leave me, it is a fantastic bike. As was said before there is a lot of compromise with a f-model. The main differences are the gearing(different sprockets and 5th gear) and combustion chamber size as was mentioned before.

If you are set on a cafe style bike, a near mint, one owner might not be the bike to tear into as they are much more valuable stock at that point.

I have had a lot of experience with Honda motors(cars, dirt bikes and street bikes) while they have their quirks, If you take the time to learn the tricks you won't have too many problems with them. Plus if you look around parts can be had relatively cheap.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

If you are set on a cafe style bike, a near mint, one owner might not be the bike to tear into as they are much more valuable stock at that point.

+1.  I cringe when I read about someone tearing up a decent near-stock bike.  If you want to build up a custom, please start with a torn down wrecker.  that way the stock bike lives and the wrecker is brought back to life and the world has TWO CB!

[checkflag]

I bought it. 1979 honda cb650. It needs a little tuning, some spit and shine.
I am a super novice when it comes to motorcycles, so i have to spend a day
getting used to it.

I got the bike for $1,400. it has had only one owner. It has 4,450 miles. The
guy i bought it from knows alot about bikes, and is going to help me get her
running real nice. it needs a chain adjustment, some more carb tuning. it is
stock and in great condition.

The engine looks a little cruddy, but its all age. it needs a polishing. Any suggestions?
I want to get it as clean and shiny as possible without removing it and taking it apart.

Pictures are coming....

[checkflag]

Here are the Pics!

[Beans]

man thats to nice of a bike to turn into a cafe.   I would say leave it stock ride it for awhile save up some cash and buy a junker for a few hundred to build a cafe out of that way u still have a bike to ride while u build one.

[hav150]

 I have polished the cases in frame using a drill with a buffing pad. Mothers aluminum polish & a product called Never Dull will clean it up nicely.

[michrobi]

$1400?

Well done.

[Zaipai]

man thats to nice of a bike to turn into a cafe.   I would say leave it stock ride it for awhile save up some cash and buy a junker for a few hundred to build a cafe out of that way u still have a bike to ride while u build one.

Yea I could not agree more. Its too nice to transform into a cafe racer..

Good work and nice going..

[checkflag]

yeah, i decided to Leave it "mostly" stock. I may swap out the exhaust, new handle bars, and a couple of
other easily reversible Mods. I will leave the paint because its 99% perfect. I polished it today, and WOW.. it
is really beautiful.

It definitely needs new tires. I was thinking B.Stone Spitfires. I really want the raised white lettering on the tires.
other than that.. i going to leave it alone. A lot of the chrome is pitted too, so I might try to find some NOS parts
in good shape or find a good deal on re-chroming them.

EDIT : oh yeah.. The signal lights and the tail light.. The stock ones are just Fugly.

[checkflag]

Problem #1. One front fork seal is leaking oil.