« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: To 650 or to not 650. That is the question.  (Read 1434 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline FunJimmy

  • Who you calling
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,797
  • Vancouver
To 650 or to not 650. That is the question.
« on: February 17, 2010, 11:06:29 AM »
I have a chance to pick up two CB650's for a reasonable price, but don't really like the looks of the 650.
Even if I go at it with a cafe focus or flat track in mind, should I?

What is the consensus on the 650?
Is it a good or better platform than the 550 or 750 from a handling prospective?
Any opinions would be welcomed.

Thanks
Jimmy
Logged
You never see a motorcycle parked outside of a psychiatrist's office!

CB550 Cafe Interceptor a Gentlemans Roadster
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.0

Offline Hush

  • Finally they realise that I am an
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 6,761
  • "Lady, I've heard it all before"!
Re: To 650 or to not 650. That is the question.
« Reply #1 on: February 17, 2010, 11:26:04 AM »
Not that I am in any way biased ;D but the 650 is technically a far superior machine simply because it was the last of the SOHC4's. :D
No points to fiddle with, a slightly weak charging circuit that once sorted is very reliable.
I actually prefer the look of the motor and pipes set-up, the only thing I would like is the "punch" of the 750.
There are some great 650 Cafe' examples that have been created by forum members, one thing you will miss out on is the kicker.....650's don't have kickstarters.....but you'll get over the macho need to rip the zip from your riding boots eventually. ;)
« Last Edit: February 17, 2010, 11:29:37 AM by Hush »
Logged
I think the thing I most like about motorcycling is the speed at which my brain must process information at to avoid the numb skulls who are eating pies, playing the ukulele, applying make-up etc in the comfort of their airconditioned armchairs as they make random attempts to kill me!!!!!!!

Offline Shenanigans

  • At making holes in walls, Im a
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,560
  • Right turn?
Re: To 650 or to not 650. That is the question.
« Reply #2 on: February 17, 2010, 11:35:53 AM »
Quote from: Hush on February 17, 2010, 11:26:04 AM
Not that I am in any way biased ;D but the 650 is technically a far superior machine simply because it was the last of the SOHC4's. :D
I actually prefer the look of the motor and pipes set-up, the only thing I would like is the "punch" of the 750.
There are some great 650 Cafe' examples that have been created by forum members, one thing you will miss out on is the kicker.....650's don't have kickstarters.....but you'll get over the macho need to rip the zip from your riding boots eventually. ;)

What years? I know some of them are pretty close the the "standard style" of our bikes which makes a great neutral platform for a custom. I think Hush is right, they made only a few horses less then the 750 (claimed anyways) and the engine has tons of good things going for it. Ports are really nice, straight intake manifold, clutch etc. With a little work you could disguise it as a 550 motor to! If it had a kick start and an ignition system like all the other SOHC4's I think it would be one of the best motors...
Logged
   This pretty much sums it up.   76' CB592 cafe. 69 750 project, 03 CBR954, 75 750 super sport.

Offline MJL

  • Don't listen to me, I'm no
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,177
  • Oh hell, what's one more bike?
Re: To 650 or to not 650. That is the question.
« Reply #3 on: February 17, 2010, 12:06:14 PM »
My 650 seems to weigh less than my 750, and with a 4-1 and jet kit (the carbs on the '81 have non-adjustable needles) I can hike the front end off the ground. My 750 feels like it wants to, but can't quite make it.
Logged
No matter how fast or how far I rode, I couldn't leave her memory behind.

Offline mgbgt89

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 562
Re: To 650 or to not 650. That is the question.
« Reply #4 on: February 17, 2010, 12:37:55 PM »
I love my 650. I don't care for the noisy cam chain, and i haven't had any charging issues. I think it has the best looking head out of all the SOHC4's. The motor seems tiny when parked next to my 750, and it definitly feels like a lighter bike. At least sitting on it in the garage, haven't ridden the 750 yet. I have ridden a 500, and the 650 has a lot more guts than that bike did. Mine probably was in a better state of tune though.

You can also pull the head and cylinders while the engine is in the frame, that's a plus. No points to mess with, and sadly no kicker.

It was also the last of the breed. Mine is an 82.

Logged

Offline Sporkfly

  • The frosty rider
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 727
  • Mmm, Guinness
Re: To 650 or to not 650. That is the question.
« Reply #5 on: February 17, 2010, 04:03:13 PM »
You can always put the 650 top end on a 550 bottom for the kicker if that is at all a concern.  ;)
Logged
1977 CB550K
1979 GL1000 - Current project, winter '09-'10
1979 CX500
1976 Suzuki GT500 Titan

Offline Soos

  • Just a butcher with a carbide hatchet, definitely not a
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,324
Re: To 650 or to not 650. That is the question.
« Reply #6 on: February 17, 2010, 05:23:52 PM »
A 650 is a good bike IMO.




A note to keep in mind, the '79 is tallest of the 4 years.
And the most year specific of the bunch.(IMO)

The '81/'82 frames are lower to the ground for seat height.


Sometimes hard to find parts for, but not too bad.
No real overbore kits in kit form, but not impossible to overbore.
( I have found several options)


The bad note of all the 650's(SOHC's anyway) is the charging system.
Not all 650's get it, but most eventually.

If you can snag 2 of them with titles, 90% complete bikes..
Running ones, up to 1000 for the pair.
Non running.... depends on the year.
I prefer the '79/80 framed bikes.(their heads accept cb750 carbs easily)



l8r
Logged
-=≡ Soos ≡=-
Just think to yourself what would Alowishus Devander Abercrombie do?
"Brix will be shat by your neighbors." - schwebel
(61mm)652cc 1979 cb650

Offline FunJimmy

  • Who you calling
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,797
  • Vancouver
Re: To 650 or to not 650. That is the question.
« Reply #7 on: February 17, 2010, 05:47:27 PM »
Thanks Soos

They are both claimed to be '79 CB650's but they look like different tanks in the pictures.
One is said to be in running condition and the second is a near complete parts bike.
Both are going for $750.00. Not a bad price.

Jimmy
Logged
You never see a motorcycle parked outside of a psychiatrist's office!

CB550 Cafe Interceptor a Gentlemans Roadster
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.0

Offline cb650

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,863
Re: To 650 or to not 650. That is the question.
« Reply #8 on: February 18, 2010, 04:56:11 AM »
The bottom one looks like a 79 with a 80 up tank on it.    On 79 seat is hinged and 80 up bolted.   Sounds worth it if the one does run. 
« Last Edit: February 18, 2010, 05:00:39 AM by cb650 »
Logged
18 grand and 18 miles dont make you a biker

Offline country joe

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 74
Re: To 650 or to not 650. That is the question.
« Reply #9 on: February 18, 2010, 05:56:09 AM »
Sounds like a good deal to me. You're only paying 375 a piece, and one runs. I'd jump on it. These things have a ton of potential. (I'd chop 'em myself)
Logged
'78 Honda CB550K
'79 Yamaha IT400
'74 H-D Sprint 350 (basket case)

Offline Hush

  • Finally they realise that I am an
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 6,761
  • "Lady, I've heard it all before"!
Re: To 650 or to not 650. That is the question.
« Reply #10 on: February 18, 2010, 11:15:58 AM »
Cafe' the bottom one and minter the top one. ;D
Anyone know when the reversed pressed mags came out, mines a 79 and it has the smooth Comstars?
Logged
I think the thing I most like about motorcycling is the speed at which my brain must process information at to avoid the numb skulls who are eating pies, playing the ukulele, applying make-up etc in the comfort of their airconditioned armchairs as they make random attempts to kill me!!!!!!!

Offline cb650

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,863
Re: To 650 or to not 650. That is the question.
« Reply #11 on: February 18, 2010, 02:24:06 PM »
Hush the US Z's got them in 79.  Only model of US Z.  Then they went to the customs with a change from 17 rear to 16. 
Logged
18 grand and 18 miles dont make you a biker

Offline Soos

  • Just a butcher with a carbide hatchet, definitely not a
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,324
Re: To 650 or to not 650. That is the question.
« Reply #12 on: February 18, 2010, 03:32:05 PM »
they both look like '79's to me.
The lower pic (like 650 said)  looks to have a diff. tank.



That's a deal I would personally jump on.




l8r
Logged
-=≡ Soos ≡=-
Just think to yourself what would Alowishus Devander Abercrombie do?
"Brix will be shat by your neighbors." - schwebel
(61mm)652cc 1979 cb650
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »