Topic: My new bike: a test of your motorcycle knowledge.

[bill440cars]

                  Well, I'd have to say that it has a conservative & durable look. After I read your last
       response, I went back and looked at it again and I cansee some Honda & Yamaha resemblance.
       I think now that it has a look similar to the Yamaha model called the Santa Barbara (or at least I
       think that's what it was called). I don't know about the Sanglas but, a number of the European
       bikes had flared fenders and sheetmetal shrouding like the Jawas, Zundapps and Maicos back in
      the 50's or so. The one you have has some of these features but, not overly done. Looks like you
      have gotten yourself a nice example. And that Raul, is my honest opinion. While I like the looks of
      a variety of bikes in stock, cafe (or whatever style), your Sanglas, like I said, is a nice example of
      those bikes along with the character it shows and the history behind it. Enjoy and feel free 
      to enlighten us with more motorcycle info when you can.        Later on,    Bill

[Raul CB750K1]

When I said "it was bought in an auction" it doesn't mean it was me. I was able to talkt this morning the first owner, a very kind gentleman.

The bike was bought by a scrapyard owner in an auction in a full lot. The man I spoke to this morning bought it from the scrapyard owner, and scavenged the rest of the bikes looking for the best parts. He restored the bike himself, painting the parts with an air compressor -not a pro work but pretty decent except for some visible "dropping"-, and rebuilt the engine. We are talking 1998, that is, the bike rested in the scrapyard for more than 15 years after his comission out of service.

He had a lot of trouble getting the paperwork done. After that, he used it for about one year and sold it to the guy I've bought it from. This "first" owner told me he rebuilt the bike with new piston, rings and bearings, but had to sell the bike because he had a back injury and couldn't ride, and after all his work he was spending more time cleaning the bike than riding it.

The guy I bought the bike from used it only one year, and in 2000 he put it to rest until the day before yesterday. It has a great, loud sound, some kind of "single Harley". The children were looking astonished as we started it. I'm a little dissapointed because it drops more oil than I expected, so I guess I will have to replace some seals. I will not rebuild it but I will have to "wrench" a little, when I tought it was "ready to run".

[SteveD CB500F]

Congrats and well done Raul.

I've read your "fancy something different posts for a while now and have just done the same myself.

Sold my (almost) concourse CB550K3 to John Elms in Surrey. I hope to see him on here soon as he is a "returner" to biking (and has a mint E-Type in a cocoon in his garage).

So what should I buy with the money.

Well - I've always fancied a CB900FZ from 79 as I really REALLY wanted one back then - however they are like hen's teeth in any reasonable condition. I've seen perhaps one in the last two years on eBay.

Maybe a daily rider and keep my 500 for sunny Sundays?

CB400N?

In the UK good 4 pipe 750s go for far too much money (£4k up).

When I decide (it won't be long), I'll run a little competition like you...

[Raul CB750K1]

I've read your "fancy something different posts for a while now and have just done the same myself.

Sorry I don't understand what you mean with "fancy something different post". Are you talking about the "forum fatigue"?

When I decide (it won't be long), I'll run a little competition like you...

Good idea! Let's test our knowledge


I remembered I already mentioned the Sanglas before, in the "Dream bike" thread a while back. Have a look at the end of the page, I mentioned it along with the Z1, the Ducati 900SS and the Triumph Hurricane. It goes without saying that the Sanglas can't match the performance of the others, but the nostalgie factor is very important for me when it comes to a classic bike.

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=462.15

Raul

[Raul CB750K1]

I forgot to mention... this Sanglas is a sandcast. True, all of them were.


Raul

[Bob Wessner]

I forgot to mention... this Sanglas is a sandcast. True, all of them were.

Must have cost an arm and a leg then. 

[Raul CB750K1]

They were the most expensive because they were the only spanish 4 strokes in a time where imports were banned. But people drooled about the japanese fours, and I guess the sandcast Sanglas were a proof of obsolescence as compared with "modern" -by the time- japanese die-cast engines. The curious thing is that recessed ignitions, non-lip front mudguard and sancast cases were superseded for better designs, but we give more value to the first "non-perfect" design.

The guy who sold me the Sanglas come the other day to sign the paperwork. He came in his Suzuki GSX750 -not the Katana, but the Inazuma, very similar to the Kawa Zephyr and Z1-. He insisted in me doing a test ride. I generally refuse because I don't like anybody else riding my bikes, but he insisted so I tried. Lighter than my CB750K1, strong stopping power, good acceleration.... It made me want a modern bike like it or a modern CB Seven Fity for the day-to-day...

[img ]http://www.moto-station.com/uploads/126_normal.jpg[/img]

[img ]http://www.motoplanete.com/honda/cb-750.jpg[/img]

[bill440cars]

         Raul,
                  My 80' CB750K isn't as modern as what you're taliking about but, that's basically how I
        feel as compared to the slightly older bikes I have. I like the updated look but, not a road racer
        with lights. I don't want to go as far as a "Busa" or similar bikes but, something around 750-
        maybe 1000cc. for me to go with my older bikes. I really like my 80' 750 and I may do some
        upgrading on it. I think I'd have a hard time buying a new or fairly new bike and do nothing but
        maintain  and ride it. How boring!!   Later on, Bill

[Terry in Australia]

Raul, I think I'd have a hard time buying a new or fairly new bike and do nothing but maintain  and ride it. How boring!!   Later on, Bill

Hey Bill, I just had an attack of deja vu, I remember reading a test report for the (then new) CB750, the author, an old BSA man, said almost exactly the same thing! I do like my Suzkuki GS1000S though, around 100 BHP and 145 MPH for a 25 year old bike is scary fun! Cheers, Terry.