Topic: Why do people seem to prefer SOHC over the DOHC bikes?

[weekend_junkie]

It's sometimes nice to switch around and try another for a while.

My garage looks very similar to your front yard.  Minus the grass.  And minus the house.  And plus 150cc on the right side.


Personally, I like my SOHC because I can lift it in the air easily compared to my DOHC.

[kpier883]

It's sometimes nice to switch around and try another for a while.

Would you look at that picture.  q2418130103p is right!  The SOHC motor does look better than the dohc.  Nice to see them side by side and compare. 

"The engines look nice and simple, not bulky."

[oldhondarider]

Is it just because they are older?

It's because they're #$%*'ner.

[kpier883]

I have never had a DOHC but this answer deserves to be recycled.  One of my favorite responses of all time!  Props to 754:

Cuz we dont like 9mm, 11mm, 13mm, 15mm, & 16mm boltheads...

[BeSeeingYou]

Technology and performance averse?

Who you calling old fashioned?

[detdrbuzzard]

i've always liked my '79  750k more than my '75 750k and that was before i put the 900f motor in the '79 but i'm not parting with my '75 because i love it

[Spanner 1]

One word; Quality!!....... the DOHC bikes of the early 80's were not half as well made as the SOHC bikes, let's just say 'lighter metal' ( and cams made of chocolate ). P.i.t.a. valve 'shims', bad head wobble at speed and nasty vibration right at cruising speed, that was my experience, and oh, did I mention the uncomfortable riding position ( stock set-up ) 

[Stev-o]

Cuz they are more better!

[Steve F]

Cuz they are more better!

More gooder too, I might add.
 
Steve F

[Don R]

They are the bike that made all other bikes have to be better. The day they came out they were the most advanced bike ever seen in a dealership. And it's the one I owned in my youth. Never should have sold it. Now I have two, maybe soon, three!

[Ernest T]

I like them both, the DOHC's produce about 17 more HP, or in the case of my CB1100F about 45 hp more in the same size bike.  Adjusting valves is not any more difficult than the rocker adjustment on the SOHC bikes, there are just more of them.  I've spent about $25 for shims over 25 years of ownership.  The dealer lets you swap them out, but occasionally doesn't have a size I need in the swap bin.  I've replaced the valve cover gasket once in that time.  Its rubber and reusable.  

I like the SOHC bikes too and have decided to get  a 400, 550 and 750.  My first big bike was a '71 750 purchased in 1974 and I've always liked the look.

[phil71]

if this prototype ever went into production, all the SOHC and DOHC guys might call a truce..
"Hands across the forum"

[Duke McDukiedook]

That's a big maybe.

I also heard that DOHC's run on the blood of dead virgin sacrifices- talk about bad for the environment. 

[phil71]

yeah, i know.... big maybe.

[Gaither]

Yeah, I've been here just under a year and only had the 550 about 19 months, but IMHO:

I think DonR "hit the nail". These bikes made every other bike mfg sit up and notice - then they had to improve their product/s ASAP playing "catch-up". Honda had already "hit the ground running" and had the other mfg's chasing their tails!

Also, Honda built 'em to last. Otherwise, there wouldn't still be so many of 'em still up and going and we couldn't be still riding 'em. (And, without this great Forum, a LOT of us wouldn't be riding 'em because we wouldn't know how to fix 'em!)

They're not the only bike to own/ride by any stretch. But, they are a great, successful over-all design, powerful enough for most sane folks, dependable, unique, vintage and  fun to ride.

Why look any further?!!!

[DavePhipps]

For me, they are easy to work on. Much easier than my DOHC FZR600. They are more than adequate for whatever you are doing. They are UJMs after all.

Most of all for me, is that they are beautiful.

[jaguar]

i love my SOHC4 honda but would really like a CB1100F.....

[Really?]

I would take a 900SS. The silver and light blue one.  Almost had my dad talked into one when I was 15 but he decided I needed the XS1100 instead.  So, I got that one.  Been looking for another XS1100.

[weekend_junkie]

Don't be jealous...

[754]

 Why trade a troublefree CB 750 sohc alternator for one with a slip ring..??

[Roach]

Don't be jealous...

nice bike its slick but the back rest makes it look off..but i guess the old lady needs a place to hold onto

[mrbreeze]

What's the old saying? If you have to ask?

.........ya' wouldn't understand............yeah....I'll go with that!!!

[somesuch]

I would take a 900SS. The silver and light blue one.  Almost had my dad talked into one when I was 15 but he decided I needed the XS1100 instead.  So, I got that one.  Been looking for another XS1100.

XS11 is a great bike. The inside exhaust valves do not burn up like the CB900, the motor makes a ton more torque, everything is easy to fix (i.e. pulser wires, and second gear), and is shakes it's head a lot less, and generally lasts longer.... your dad was right

--Nick

[weekend_junkie]

Don't be jealous...

nice bike its slick but the back rest makes it look off..but i guess the old lady needs a place to hold onto

Oh, come on! You know the sissy is removable and, yes, it's for the Mrs.  I'll get a photo with my GIVI rack instead since you don't approve. 

[Gordon]

Don't be jealous...

nice bike its slick but the back rest makes it look off..but i guess the old lady needs a place to hold onto

Oh, come on! You know the sissy is removable and, yes, it's for the Mrs.  I'll get a photo with my GIVI rack instead since you don't approve. 

You had to know you were gonna get some #$%* for posting a picture of that bike with a back rest.  I was going to say something, but Roach beat me to it!


I'd do it for my wife, too.