Topic: Noob looking to get into bikes, specifically CBs

[MattB]

Hi all, I'm here to seek advice to get into bikes. My first and only experience on a bike was riding some ancient italian bicycle with a motor that was probably made back when mussolini was still in grade school. I've always been interested in the cafes, long before I even knew they were called cafes, after seeing professional coolguys such as mcqueen and dean on them. I've always been been doing something motor related and with the price of petrol and the prices these seem to be at versus the cars I am into, they're very appealing.

So, from what I understand the CBxx notes the general cc rating the bike has. I'm about 6'2 if not taller with shoes on, and 175 pounds. Is there a frame thats more suited for someone of my height?

And what kind of cash does one need to spend to get a decent road worthy CB? I assume the higher the model number is, the more cash they demand. I'm seeing numbers from $500 all the way up to 5k on cl and forums.

[nayto550]

I'm 6'-3", and ride a 550 a lot.  It's a bit small though.  I fit way better on my 750, the 550 is just more fun to ride at point (mostly because the 750 is dismantled at the moment).

In the area I live you're going to spend a minimum of $800 to get your hands on a ridable CB K-series bike (if you can find one first).  I imagine that they would probably go for more where you're at, however.  Mind you, that $800 CB is probably not going to ride well, and will most definitely not be pretty.

[mickey6]

At your height I wouldn't go smaller then 650 and would suggest a 750. Now with that in mind, not be familiar with these bikes and what to look for you may get hosed the first time you buy one. Don't let it discourage you though it has happenned to, if not all, than most of us. If I were in your shoes I would buy one in the 800 - 1500 range. Here you should be able to have a ridable CB, even if you have to do some tweeking. You will want to check the compression, timing, and you will most likely have to rebuild the carbs and adjust your valves. While this may sound like quite a bit, it is pretty easy to do, and if you run into any problems you will find plenty of help here.

My main suggestion would be take your time and shop around. We have all gone to look at a bike, started drooling and bought it, only to find later we had made a mistake.
Hey you never know, you can really score as well, I bought my 73 CB500 for 400 dollars, the PO thought it was toast.
It cost me 150 dollars in parts and I have one of the best running bikes I've ever owned.

Lastly feel free to bounce ideas off of us, find a bike and give us the run down, I'm sure someone will give you their 2 cents and maybe be able to give you an idea of what a bike may be worth(include pics, makes it easier).

Happy hunting.

[lone*X]

You say your only experience is with a converted bicycle?  Do yourself a huge favor and take the time to take a motorcycle safety/riders course before you buy.  You will get some saddle time and a basic foundation for bike safety.  Don't know about your area but many states require the safety course before getting the motorcycle endorsement on your license.

Bikes can be a lot of fun, but only if you can operate it safely.  Quickest way to lose your enthusiasm is to get hurt right off the bat.

[Stev-o]

If you haven't ridden, I'd suggest a 550 to learn on. The 750 is quite heavy for the inexperienced rider.

Start looking!

[Nortstudio]

In our area, bikes end up being higher priced than what a lot of these guys are used to.

I often see just "decent" bikes around here for $2000 or more.  But patience will be your best friend in this area.  I ended up getting a $550 CB550k that ran, but was definitely lacking in many areas.

I will have put a bunch into it, but still less than the typical $2000 price tag that I often see, and it will be more my bike.  And I have the satisfaction of having done it myself.  So I'm cool with that.

2 things I definitely know: the motorcycle safety course is a great call, and the folks on this site can get you through just about any issue you encounter.

Good luck!

[swellguy]

Hi all, I'm here to seek advice to get into bikes. My first and only experience on a bike was riding some ancient italian bicycle with a motor that was probably made back when mussolini was still in grade school. I've always been interested in the cafes, long before I even knew they were called cafes, after seeing professional coolguys such as mcqueen and dean on them. I've always been been doing something motor related and with the price of petrol and the prices these seem to be at versus the cars I am into, they're very appealing.

So, from what I understand the CBxx notes the general cc rating the bike has. I'm about 6'2 if not taller with shoes on, and 175 pounds. Is there a frame thats more suited for someone of my height?

And what kind of cash does one need to spend to get a decent road worthy CB? I assume the higher the model number is, the more cash they demand. I'm seeing numbers from $500 all the way up to 5k on cl and forums.

I think you've got a couple of things going on here.

First you need to learn how to ride a motorcycle. Take a MSF or other approved motorcycle riding course. In many states, passing their road test and the DMV written test will give you a full license, plus the cost of the course is probably tax deductible. They give you different bikes to try and though small in displacement, you can figure on whether a cruiser is more comfortable than say a dual sport.

Once you've got your license, my advice is to mostly ride not wrench - unless you're mechanic or have plenty of different tools. It's one thing to perform routine maintenance and period repairs on an older bike, but a lot of what you'll read here are about guys tearing down the bikes for months, even years, until they're rideable again.

I get something that 400-500cc in nice shape that has a good service record and will be reliable for a year or so. Ride it, care for it, find room in your life (and garage) for it. In a year from now you might want the latest Harley Decker or 200 mph sport bike and perhaps only thing you'll want to do is wash and wax it.

These older bike survive, in some cases because they've been cared for previously, but in most cases, through hard work and determination. They say it's not the destination, it's the journey. In many cases on this board, it's dreaming about the journey while you ready yourself for it.

[jacksonc]

For your first bike I'd suggest getting one that runs and can be ridden right away unless you are good with tools and engines. CBs are not hard to fix. But it can drive you mad trying to get something on the road and shops are charging around 500 bucks to clean 4 carbs now a days if you can find one that will even do it.

[Nortstudio]

They say it's not the destination, it's the journey. In many cases on this board, it's dreaming about the journey while you ready yourself for it.

Great quote!  GREAT quote....

[MattB]

Thanks guys for the advice. I'm in the process of scheduling for one of those basic rider courses, which pretty much involves investing 15 hours one weekend, and I'll come out with my license. I'm just trying to get educated beforehand on these, since from my other vehicle endeavors, i'll look at a ton before actually buying one. I remember when I was buying my first wrangler to build, and it led me on a few month process driving all over PA, CT, NJ and upstate, just to find one in good shape.

I'll start looking for a 550. I'm really not looking to break any land speed records so I guess the smaller cc rating will be better. But, what about the 350 or 450? I've been looking at the cafe build page on the dotheton forum, and I see alot of 350-450 builds, and not many of 550-750s. Any reason for the popularity of the smaller bikes?

[Anti-Johnny]

Make friends with someone on here that is local and take them with you before you buy. Dont take the sellers word on anything.

[mickey6]

+1 anti-johnny

[swellguy]

I'll start looking for a 550. I'm really not looking to break any land speed records so I guess the smaller cc rating will be better. But, what about the 350 or 450? I've been looking at the cafe build page on the dotheton forum, and I see alot of 350-450 builds, and not many of 550-750s. Any reason for the popularity of the smaller bikes?

Price, mostly. 750s tend to be the prize for doing Honda cafes. But really, get newish bike, 400-500cc, maybe 5-6 years old and just ride it. You'll get highway speeds, modern braking, maybe even fuel injection. Fill it with gas and go. If at this point you start thinking about cafes you'll buy something that will suck you wallet dry, either because it's already done or requires so much work (compared to your expectations) that you'll tire of it and or take it to someone to complete.

Alternatively, you find a nice old cb, fairly stock, you'll get a $200 Vietnamese seat from eBay and clubmans from somewhere. You'll open your headlight bucket and think that organizing spaghetti noodles is simpler. Once done, voila, you have what a few people would consider a cafe.

Just ride, really, for the next while.

[andy750]

I am 6`4 (guy on the left) and ride a CB750. Not too small and not too heavy.



Both of us in this pic are 6`+



PM forum member "736cc" - he is in Long Island and always has a bikes for sale...

good luck
Andy