Topic: Interested in CB's... I need some easy information from more experienced guys!

[Kordyte]

Hey guys -- I'm new and pretty interested in buying/building a CB of some sort. Before I buy anything, I need to get some information about what exactly I want, and I'm not having luck finding out.

Which frames between CB models were the same? I mean there's no way the CB175 and the big bad CB750 were built on the same frame, but I would guess that the CB350 and the CB360 were.

Does a CB550 have more in common with a CB400 or a CB750? I can't figure these out, and I'd like to know before I buy.

More about me and what I'm looking for -- I'm pretty young and I've been into bikes for a few years, mainly new fuel-injected super sports. They're fun and brutally fast, but for the street they can get you in a lot of trouble. I've since moved to track-only riding, and ride an '01 GSX-R600 track bike with NESBA.

I want something for the street that I can use to rip through 3 gears and be going normal freeway speeds, not 140mph -- you can't do that on the street.

I recently discovered the concept of a cafe racer, and was instantly smitten. That's what I need -- I love the full-race riding position, the classic looks, and the low power levels. I want something fun, and good-handling (for it's day). The CB's look the coolest and seem to be more common.

I'm thinking a 350cc motor, either twin or four, will be my minimum -- I want something that's fast enough for me to cruise at about 80mph on the highway without pinning it, and hit 100mph if I really want to. The 750 is out as well -- I don't need all that power, and my research shows that the 350cc's are under 400lbs while the 750cc is nearly 500.

I'd really like to get a clean-titled frame or non-running bike for cheap and start building, choosing a motor, buying a cafe tank, tail, rearsets, and clipons, but don't know what my options are.

Off the top of my head, the CB400F is my favorite, because it seems lightweight, powerful enough, and beautiful with the 4 into 1 exhaust.
Thanks for reading my little story if you did  What else do I need to know?

[SteveD CB500F]

I'll answer the frames question and leave some of the rest for the others...

The 350/4 and 400/4 were largely the same with many interchangeable parts (note I didn't say "identical")

The 500/4 and 550/4 are largely similar with small differences in engine and running gear

The 750 is not similar in any way to the others 

[Kordyte]

Thanks... So If I buy a CB350 (twin or four), could I swap in a 400F motor? I'd figure the frames would be similar, but wonder if there are issues with mounting points and such.

Is there a good online resource or book I can learn this stuff from? I don't want to have to nag everybody on this board for it.

[SteveD CB500F]

The 400/4 engine will fit in a 350/4 frame.

The twins are completely different - don't go there!

[Bob Wessner]

The twins are completely different - don't go there!

I agree. I learned to ride on a 350 twin, OK for that, but you will appreciate the difference between a twin and a four. 

[Stev-o]

Welcome! I doubt there is a book out there with the info you are looking for.
Don't be shy, we don't mind answering questions. You can also try the search feature, most all questions have been asked before.

Sounds like to me that you should narrow your search to a 400 or a 550F, The 550 F has that same 4 into one exhaust that you like. I bought one last year that I am restoring. The 550 has 50hp stock and is a little heavier than the 400, I would look for both and see what turns up.

Good Luck!

[Kordyte]

Thanks guys.
I'm guess I'm spoiled, but I've only ridden 4-cyl bikes -- Yamaha R6, Suzuki GSXR600, GSXR1000, Honda CBR600RR, et al. What makes it so different from a twin? At this point, I don't know what I wouldn't like about a twin. Low weight and flickability is my highest priority here.

[bender01]

I want something for the street that I can use to rip through 3 gears and be going normal freeway speeds, not 140mph -- you can't do that on the street


 I had a 1970 cl 350 twin that was very flickable I guess. It was a twin cousin to the cb350. Fun but 80mph and comfort no way. Had a 73 350f and handled well but it too was  light and 80 mph would be work on the open road. My 550k is my favorite so far. You can ride 80 without being blown all over the road and youll get to use 4th also with pleasure. I have a 78 750f that  I ran up I-95 today for 20 miles at 80 mph. tractor trailers no problem but I think the 550F or K would be right for you, or custom build a 750! Parts for the 550 will be easier to find than the 350f or 400. 500/550k models will have the most parts available. These still wont compare to your previous bikes but heads will turn more! No one will try to race you except f-150 Harley Davidison edition P/Ups.
 That I cant explain....
 Hope that helps and welcome
   Ben

[Kordyte]

Resurrecting this thread from the dead...

Thanks guys, just bought a 350 Four tonight. It's a non-running, titled, red '74 that is complete but needs an overhaul because it sat in a barn for a few decades, paid $600. Time to get rid of rust and rebuild carbs!

[Stev-o]

Sounds good. One more thing you need to know:

We want to see pics!

Good Luck.

[Kordyte]

[Kordyte]

There are my pics. Now it's bothering me, what kind of pipes do I have on the bike? Just the right side is on but I have the left one as well.

[bender01]

Mac turn outs. I had them on my 350f when I first got it. I pulled the loose rusty baffles out and it was almost the loudest thing I ever heard! Teenagers would cover ears,roll up windows etc.. at stop lights!

[Stev-o]

Now it's bothering me, what kind of pipes do I have on the bike? Just the right side is on but I have the left one as well.

You don't like 'em?

[vanillagorilla]

Bike looks nice. Anything you dont use, dont throw it away, There are guys here that need stock stuff! Looks like a great place to start. Have fun with it!

[Kordyte]

Thanks guys. I don't really dislike them, I suppose I like them more than the stock 4-into-4 pipes, but I really want a 4-into-1. I like the Mac 4-1 that is pretty common and cheap, I'll probably end up with one of those unless I find something cooler and still pretty cheap.

My priority will be to get this thing running, though. The motor kicks over freely and has 11k miles. I know the carbs need a rebuild, but how far in the motor should I go in replacing/refreshing? I'll do as many gaskets, seals, and lines as the parts catalog sells, should I do anything more than that? I've got a few hundred dollars to spend and no time frame.

Again, I can't find a resource on this site or others on basic things like this. I ordered the Clymer's manual or whatever, so hopefully that'll shed light on it as well.

[Stev-o]

I'd clean the carbs, get it running and give it a "3000 mile" tuneup to see what you have.
May be no reason to tear the motor open.

[Raef]

nice find!! I have 2 550's, a mostly stock F and a project,

I too had only rode 4cyl street bikes before the first 550, mostly Kawasaki's most notable were a ZX 10 and a 1000RR.
 I really like my 550's, they are fun to ride and they keep me honest

Mark

[Stev-o]

nice find!! I have 2 550's, a mostly stock F and a project,

I too had only rode 4cyl street bikes before the first 550, mostly Kawasaki's most notable were a ZX 10 and a 1000RR.
 I really like my 550's, they are fun to ride and they keep me honest

I too had a Kaw 1000 before my 550F. I find I don't want to go as fast as possible 'cause the 550 doesn't handle as well as a modern bike.

[Raef]

nice find!! I have 2 550's, a mostly stock F and a project,

I too had only rode 4cyl street bikes before the first 550, mostly Kawasaki's most notable were a ZX 10 and a 1000RR.
 I really like my 550's, they are fun to ride and they keep me honest

I too had a Kaw 1000 before my 550F. I find I don't want to go as fast as possible 'cause the 550 doesn't handle as well as a modern bike.

I have tried to explain to those that have never ridden a modern liter sport bike that 80 MPH on my 550 gives a very similar experience as 150MPH on the ninja, I'm not so sure the 150 isn't safer.

Mark

[Stev-o]

nice find!! I have 2 550's, a mostly stock F and a project,

I too had only rode 4cyl street bikes before the first 550, mostly Kawasaki's most notable were a ZX 10 and a 1000RR.
 I really like my 550's, they are fun to ride and they keep me honest

I too had a Kaw 1000 before my 550F. I find I don't want to go as fast as possible 'cause the 550 doesn't handle as well as a modern bike.

I have tried to explain to those that have never ridden a modern liter sport bike that 80 MPH on my 550 gives a very similar experience as 150MPH on the ninja, I'm not so sure the 150 isn't safer.

Mark

I hear ya. But don't want to anything going 80 or 150!!

[Raef]

I'll 2nd that, I've been lucky, never been down at speed, 550's are the only bike I own at present.

good night stev-o and the rest, high jack over, i'm out

Mark