Topic: Need Advice ! CB350 ? 750 ?

[andrewexd]

Hello, this is my first post my name is Andrew and I'm a new (ish) rider who is looking to buy a 70's Honda CB as a daily rider (no car). Just a little info about me I am 17 years old and have been riding for almost a year and am riding an GSXR600 currently and had a ninja 250 before that. I'm getting rid of my GSXR for a new, more comfortable bike, Initially I wanted the CB350 because it's light and good for around town but now I'm having doubts about it's freeway capabilities. Most of my riding will be around town (proabably less than 5k a year) but I have to go from LA to Santa Barbara (100 miles) about twice a month or more, Is this feasible on the 350 ? I know power isn't an issue because I did long trips on my Ninja 250 but I've read the vibrations can get to be unbearable... so now I'm looking at the bigger bikes, it seems that the 500's and 550's are rare because they never pop up on craigslist  which is why I'm looking at the 750.

I'm also worried about Maintenance on these bikes because my dad was poisoned by one of his friends into thinking I should avoid the older bikes because of maintenance and parts (he wants me to buy a newer bike). But, I don't really see any other interesting bikes - the big 4 dump all their money and effort into the 600's/1000's and it seems there are slim pickings for someone (on a budget) who doesn't want a cruiser or a supersport... I actually wouldn't mind another baby ninja but Id rather try something new.  Pretty much all I did on my 2 bikes was change the oil/filter and clean/lube the chain until I racked up the miles and needed a dealer service and I know that these bikes need alot more care. I am not so mechanically inclined, but I figure I can do anything if I have enough pictures and a walkthrough    I know a newer bike would be less trouble but I've been eyeing a CB for a while now and now that I have the chance  want one !

Sorry for the long rambling, any advice would be appreciated !

[Johnie]

Welcome Andy...you have come to a board where the guys here love the vintage Honda 550, 750, etc. Many of us drove these bikes in our youth and need more of the vintage ride. You were not born early enough to experience the ride and know the nostalgia of these bikes. That being said, there is nothing wrong with wanting to experience the feel of the vintage bike. You will get many olders guys envious as they see you drive buy. But this decision will be one to consider the cost and time to maintain the bike. Keep in mind if you find a 750 that has had fairly decent maintenance and was not abused, you will get many more riding miles out of it. Heck, I found a 1970 Honda CB750 tucked away in a garage for 19 years. I just did the basic tune-up and oil change and she fired right up. These vintage Honda's are unbelievably reliable and there are many stories here about bikes that have started right up after a long slumber. More so than some of the new stuff coming off the line today. So I say find yourself a well maintained 750 and go for it. Let us know where you are at and I am sure there will be some guys in your area that will help steer you to a good rider. I will post a short list of things to look for below that I look for when I check out a bike. It is easy to get off track when looking at a bike. So this list keeps me on track to give me an idea what I have to put into it. Last, you are 17 so you will need the backing and maybe some $$$ from your parents so do consider that issue too. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Rlint]

I don't think the 550 is all that rare, and it would suit your needs if you did find one.  From what I've seen, you can get one in great condition for less than $2k.  I ended up with mine because I had wanted to get a 750, and it turned out that my uncle just happened to have a 550 and sold it to me cheap.  I'm kind of glad I ended up with a 550, because I can barely reach the ground with both feet as it is (I'm 5'8"), and the seat is a bit higher on a 750.  It puts around great on the backroads, but it will gladly do 100 miles in a day averaging 75 mph.

[dhall57]

welcome Andrew, I think it's great that a young man of 17 is interested in some of the SOHC Honda's of the 70's. Both CB350 & 750 are good reliable bikes even by today's standards. Several of my friends had 350's at my high school and they were good running little bikes and very dependable. Of course on longer rides The 550 or 750 would be more comfortable and better suited for this, but just for basic riding around LA the CB350 would serve you well.
Good Luck, dhall

[bender01]

Some of the items on the 350 are getting harder to find new like throttle cables. Id go with the 550 or 750. Parts for the 750 are the most abundant from honda and aftermarket. Not sure but your 250 ninja probably would mop that 350. How much power do you want to give up?

[andrewexd]

Thank you all for your replies, and thanks for the list of questions. Well, my dad is still convinced I shoud get a new-er bike but I don't really see any interesting ones... I like the Ducati S2R800 but it would cost a lot more than a CB would, a lot more. I'm going to go check out a 750 I saw on craigslist this week. I still have yet to actually ride one so maybe that will make it break it for me  Hopefully my dad will be swayed if it's in good condition. I'll let you guys know.

[bender01]

Start shopping the prices of maintenance items like tires ,air filters, chain,sprockets, Oil, filter, Carb o-ring rebuild kits(Get them from Honda if you need them to ease your tune up and Fathers doubt. They will be pricey).Brake pads and fluid. Know the prices of these items when you go look at the 750 so if your Father brings this up you can let him know. Also research how to change/clean/fix/replace all these items here so you will have a leg to stand on. Cant wait to hear about your success. Chicks will see how hard your working to get that 750 up to speed also! No one sees a 17yr old on a gsxr