Topic: 500, 550, 650, 750???? Which one?

[Tkinney1016]

So I know this question was just asked but my situation is different than the other members. I tried to search this topic but didn't come up with much. I'm going to get one of these bike as a cafe project and I'm trying to learn as much as I can before making a purchase. I am not new to riding (cbr600rr track bike) and I'm not new to tools and mechanical stuff.

So the question, which bike is better, worse, or is it just preference? I would like at least a 500 or larger because I do spirited twisty rides. I just don't know if one bike is better for some reason, easier to get parts, or whatever other reason you guys think a bike is better.

Thanks for any help your able to offer!

[Roach]

As a 550 owner i like the 550 and 500. Do to being able to do all your maintanence with the motor still in the frame. Power band seems nice aswell. Otherwise whatever way you go you really can't go wrong..

[Tkinney1016]

Hmm, good reason. What kind of maintenance can't be done on the engine while it's in the bike on a 650 and 750? I think I may try for a 550 and do some motor work to get some more reliable power out of it.

[Pinhead]

I drive a 650 so I may be biased...

The 650 is an example of all of the improvements that Honda learned in the 10 years of the 750/550/500. The only thing that isn't beter on the 650 vs the others, is the alternator. A few changes and it'll be just as reliable. The 650 will out-accelerate the 750 and out-corner the 550. Power-to-weight ratio favors the 650.

Parts are a bit harder to find, though various members of the forum have found parts from other bikes to work on the 650, so in that way parts are just as available (just takes a little more investigation).

The body style of the '79 is similar to the 550/750/500.

You can do everything to the engine in the bike, though the frame comes apart to make removing the engine easier when you do need to (someone on the forum sells a kit for the 750 to do the same thing, though I believe it requires welding).

[Tkinney1016]

What years were the 650's made and are they still sohc?

[Pinhead]

What years were the 650's made and are they still sohc?

The SOHC4 650 ran from '79 to '82. '82 featured a "Nighthawk" which is absolutely beautiful IMO. '79 is the same "flat" style as the other SOHC4s. '80 is a little different and '81 and '82 were more of a cruiser-inspired bike (smaler, teardrop tank angled up, etc).

Google some images for examples. I would but I'm posting at work on my phone.

[Stev-o]

Get a 550! Parts are widely available and reasonable.
The 750 is too heavy for a cafe racer, IMO.
The 500 is known to have tranny issues.

[Tkinney1016]

There's an 82 650 nighthawk for sale in town for $600 with a spare bike too. I thought they were dohc though. I'll have to call the guy and ask, don't remember what he said

[Tkinney1016]

Also is everything else basially the same on the 82 ad far as frame and such? Just a styling change?

[Gaither]

Whichever way you go, 'hope you wont cut up a nice original bike. They're getting too hard to find.

But then, it's really none of my business what you do with your bike.

[Pinhead]

There's an 82 650 nighthawk for sale in town for $600 with a spare bike too. I thought they were dohc though. I'll have to call the guy and ask, don't remember what he said.. Also is everything else basially the same on the 82 ad far as frame and such? Just a styling change?

Nope, the only thing that is the same is the engine/transmission. And even those are a bit different; the '79 has a different carb spacing than '80 through '82.

I don't think they started making the DOHC4 CB650 until '83 but I suppose there could be a few early production DOHC bikes in '82. The engines look unmistakably different, though.

[Doggie]

Thanks, now I know why the spacing is different on one set of carbs that I bought for my 81' CB650C. Must be a '79-'80 set-up.
 Anyone out there need this set?
                                                        Doug
Ps...I asked the same question a while back and most on here said the CB550 over the CB650. But they said to install the 650 cam into the 550. Good luck with the build.

[Pinhead]

Thanks, now I know why the spacing is different on one set of carbs that I bought for my 81' CB650C. Must be a '79-'80 set-up.
 Anyone out there need this set?
                                                        Doug
Ps...I asked the same question a while back and most on here said the CB550 over the CB650. But they said to install the 650 cam into the 550. Good luck with the build.

Most will recommend the 550 because the 500/550s outnumber the 650s probably 10:1. They ignore the 650's superiority. 

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the 650's clutch is much better than the 500/550 clutches.

[BeSeeingYou]

Thanks, now I know why the spacing is different on one set of carbs that I bought for my 81' CB650C. Must be a '79-'80 set-up.
 Anyone out there need this set?
                                                        Doug
Ps...I asked the same question a while back and most on here said the CB550 over the CB650. But they said to install the 650 cam into the 550. Good luck with the build.

Most will recommend the 550 because the 500/550s outnumber the 650s probably 10:1. They ignore the 650's superiority. 

We CB750F owners have the same problem.

[rickyracer]

Just been building my first cafe style bike and went with a 79 650 found on CL. It's been fun and been able to find all parts needed through eBay, and Yoshi's a local shop here in LA. I took it all the way down to the frame and now have it back to a few minor punch list items and finish paint. I like having a more limited and less common ride of the 650.... My vote but think any would be great!

[Tkinney1016]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. It sounds like it's mostly preference even though some bikes have one thing better about them than another. Guess I'll just have to see what I come up with.

Are there any bikes that are just regarded as being more sought after? As far as the model or year?

[Hush]

If I could pick a 650 it would have to be the very very last of the SOHC4 CB650 model, I had one a few years back and bitterly regret selling it to keep my older 79 650.
The front forks are massively strong, the engine is extremely responsive due to the CV (constant velocity) carbs and the whole setup is a great package.

[Pinhead]

If I could pick a 650 it would have to be the very very last of the SOHC4 CB650 model, I had one a few years back and bitterly regret selling it to keep my older 79 650.
The front forks are massively strong, the engine is extremely responsive due to the CV (constant velocity) carbs and the whole setup is a great package.

I agree, those are absolutely stunning bikes!

[Stev-o]

Thanks for all the replies everyone. It sounds like it's mostly preference even though some bikes have one thing better about them than another. Guess I'll just have to see what I come up with.

Are there any bikes that are just regarded as being more sought after? As far as the model or year?

They are all good bikes, start shopping and buy the best bike in your budget.

By far, the '69-'70 CB750 is the most sought after and valuable of all the CB's.

Good Luck.