Topic: 550 or 750

[zaskar]

Im very new to this. Im looking at a CB550 or CB750 to buy. I plan to modify it with my oldman. Found the squigley cafe racer (550) inspirational with GSX-R forks. Problem is I cannot decide between the 550 or 750. How do I make up my mind? Please suggest the reasons for favouring one over the other? Is one easier?

[KB02]

The 550's are generally lighter and a bit smaller than the 750's which makes them inherently a bit more nimble overall. The 750's are a bit more popular which means there are more bits and pieces out there to get for them (as far as Hi-Po goes).

It really comes down what you like when all is said and done. I'm a 750 guy, but would love to get a hold of a 550 to play around with. I know a guy who has one that he is selling, but he knows that "it is a classic," so he's asking way more than than I can afford (granted, it might actually be worth it. He keeps it in really nice shape and hardly ever rides it).

[zaskar]

sorry, meant squirley not squigley!
thanks for the response 

[zaskar]

so KB02, another dumb question. If you have some GSX-R Suzuki forks to put on, can they fit on  both the 550 and 750?

[Stev-o]

Start shopping for both. When you come across a good deal, jump on it, they are both great bikes.
If your a newbee rider, you may lean towards the 550, it's a little lighter and will be easier to learn to ride.
I bought the 550F last year and the reestoration is almost complete...now I am looking to buy a 750 to add to the "collection"!

Good Luck.

[traveler]

Having built a 550, I can tell you, go with a 1973-1976 750 "K" model.  parts are easy to find, and ALOT of hi-po parts are available.

If you go my route, then you have to get "inventive" when modifying the bike.

Good luck!

~Joe

[KB02]

so KB02, another dumb question. If you have some GSX-R Suzuki forks to put on, can they fit on  both the 550 and 750?

Measure the length of the steering stem. I put an '89 GSX600F (Katana) front end on my 750. The stem was too short and I had to have it lengthened. I think most (and later model) GSX-R's have a longer stem. Longer than the stock Honda stem is easier to work with than shorter.

[KB02]

Start shopping for both. When you come across a good deal, jump on it, they are both great bikes.

+1

[steam-powered man]

i really, really, really like the ability to remove the top end of a 550 with the engine in the frame.  

replacing weeping head/base gaskets or pucks, re-torquing head bolts after run-in, etc on a 750 is a huge pain (requires engine removal).  if i stumble upon a project that happens to be a 750, the "gordon kit" would be a must.

you'll find the lighter 550 pretty quick, very nimble, and easy to push around your "shop" as needed.
bobp

ps.  whatever you find, you'll find this site to be invaluable if you do your own wrenching.  listen very closely to the likes of "two-tired", "gordon", "hondaman".  very cool dudes.          

[lone*X]

I have owned both the 550 and 750 and loved both for different reasons.  I love the 550 for just tooling around the neighborhood or short jaunts.  Its light weight makes it very nimble.  The 750 was more capable on the open highway with a full load or two up.   Both are great bikes.  Look for both.  You will probably find that your budget and the condition of the bikes you look at will mean more than which model it is.  

[Hootis29]

For cruising, and hi-way use. 750.

For custom cafe type stuff, 550. Because its lighter, but also because you dont have an oil bag to deal with.

Hootis,

[Lars]

The CB 550 K model received much better comments from the motor journalists regarding handling than the CB 750 K model. The CB 550 is not that heavy, the power compared to the ccm's is better and the lower point of weigh balance makes it a very good bike to ride. Speeding 30 - 60 miles, you will not feel any significant power difference on these two models when you are riding without a passenger. Still lots of parts for this model, but the 750 have more. Depends a bit how fare you will take a rebuilt - and not at least - how you want to use your bike. Touring and highways, the CB 750 is great. Winding roads and more fun ride? Go for the CB 550.

If you are very tall, the CB 750 might be a bit more comfortabel on longer rides.

Lars

[zaskar]

thanks to everyone for their help. Looks like a great community here. I do hope to be able to ask more questions in the future once I start creating chaos. I am very good at pulling things apart......and I think dads (who's 72) pretty awesome at putting em back to together.

[zaskar]

What's a Gordon kit?

[CB750Ken8]

It turns your bike into Jeff Gordon's race car, just kidding if I'm not mistaken its one of these http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=64333.0

[KB02]

It turns your bike into Jeff Gordon's race car, just kidding if I'm not mistaken its one of these http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=64333.0

Yes. Awesome kit. Well worth the price when wrenching on a 750. It is a god-send for me right now since I have to take my top end apart.

[Accolay]

There's a list of fork sizes in the FAQ under "Suspension and Forks" if you're interested.