Topic: CB650 feature in UK's Classic Mechanics magazine

[JohnN]

I'm working on a feature about the CB650 in a coming issue of Classic & Motorcycle Mechanics magazine, the UK monthly (see www.classicmechanics.com). The main body of the text and images will cover the machines I tested back in 1978 at the launch in Germany (with the CB750F and CB900F), in 1980 and later in 1983 with the Nighthawk custom.
I'm looking for owners who would like to contribute their experiences of the machine (reliability, performance, faults, maintenance tips, memorable trips, mileage, etc.) along with a suitable picture (300dpi JPG around 6x4cm).

[SteveD CB500F]

I assume JohnN = John Nutting ?

Welcome to the board John - it's the first time we've had such a request (at least, it's the first time I've seen one...)

The 650 owners on here are a pretty proud lot so you should get a decent response.

We don't know how lucky we are in the UK to have a mag like C&MM (mine comes in the post every month).

I'll be interested to see the response (s)

Cheers, Steve

[cb650]

I can give a little info.  My dad bought a 81 brand new. In 84 I bought it from him and still have it plus a couple more and several in parts.




                          Terry

[SteveD CB500F]

Come on you 650 guys!  Answer the man!

 

[cb650]

They must all be ashamed to have the lowly bastard 650



            Terry

[scunny]

I do own a CB650- but haven't even tried to start it, I decided to just pull it apart and get it looking good before I ride it. The motor is heavy if that's any help and the PO seemed to use imperial tools when working on it.She has done 70,000 K's and there seems to be minimal wear on the running gear.

[fishtoft]

hi JohnN, Cb650Z owner, but wouldn't be much help to you,  I've hardly ridden it, but dont forget the classic Cb650 forum website, all about the 650 model and lots of knowledgeable people contributing to it, bound to get some feedback!! 

[dusterdude]

same here,when i get around to getting mine running ill be glad to let you  know

[Flying Tiger]

John, ..

I picked up a low mileage '81 650, this fall .. I love it, .. The last bike I owned was a CL 175, back when I was young (and my troubles were so far away) ... So, I have can't say how the 650 stands against the 550's or 750's, but this 650 seems to be the perfect size. The one thing I think I might do is gear it up, a tooth bigger drive sprocket has been the best sounding suggestion. I'm curious what 650's are supposed to get for gas mileage. I think I'm getting about 40 MPG, or so. Good luck with the story.

Ken

[scott_cb650]

I bought my '79 cb650 in August '05 and I love it.
It's easy to handle and rides great, even with a passenger.

I haven't had any maintenance problems yet.
I try to be proactive and keep up with the regular maintenance like changing oil, filter and occasional gas additive (Seafoam).

My time has mostly been spent cleaning and polishing what the previous owner didn’t take care of.

Let me know if you have any specific questions.

Scott

[Vatch]

I’ve owned a ’79 650 for about 2 years now.  As with most, I bought it used (2 known previous owners), and it required some work to get it performing as original specs said it should.  Much of the first year I had it was spent in the garage.  The bike now has 27000 miles on it, about 2500 of them are from me.  The bike was always kept in the garage and is still completely stock, except for things like chains and tires.
 
Reliability is good.  Now that I have gone over the bike I don’t hesitate to jump on it and ride it 350 miles in a day, including rural areas (I don’t have any cell phone). From what I understand the top ends of these engines are prone to leak oil.  Mine does a little when it has been ridden for a while, but not enough to be a concern. 

Engine performance:  The bike has great low and mid-range acceleration.  I’ve had the bike up to 105 mph.  It had not redlined yet, but the shaking was getting bad.  I have not overhauled for forks or suspension, so that may help.  For two-up riding, say 350 US lbs., acceleration at the low end seems effected, but there is no noticeable change in the mid-range.  I’m not sure if this is a characteristic of the bike or my carb adjusting skills. 

It’s not a great interstate bike.  Interstate speeds in the states are high and the acceleration at > 75-80 mph is a little slow.  Cruising above 70 mph is a buzzy, but some of that may be a suspension issue (see above).  The seat (still the factory original) gets really uncomfortable after about 250 miles.  I will take this bike on a long road trip, but I’ll minimize my time on the interstates.

Handling is nice.  The 650 is well balanced and moves with little effort from the rider.  Sure, my buddy’s GSR handles better, but the 650 is my choice over my cruiser for riding twisties. The feel of the 650 seems superior to some other standards I’ve ridden from the same era (Suzuki GS, Yamaha 400/650).  Braking with the single front disc is what one would expect for a 26 year old bike, but it is ample.

Part of the enjoyment for me is working on and maintaining the bike.  Having a ’79 with the original paint job in good shape is cool.  It seems a lot of the 650’s were hacked up as they were not as well revered as the 550’s and 750’s.   

I hope this helps.  I’ll put up a picture later.


JohnN, Check out cb650.net a site-dedicated to the bike you’re enquiring about.

[bigjims]

Hi please visit my site http://www.cb650.net please register to see all of the site.The only complete forum about this bike thanks

[Zeke]

Hi John:

I own a 1980 650 Custom.

I actually like the looks of the standard better as it's more like the other vintage sohc4s.

I've had mine for about two years.  Last winter I had to do a rebuild from the crank up because of a failed valve guide.  This cost quite a bit of money, but is running great now.

Last summer I commuted over 6000 miles on this bike.  The first two months were 120 miles per day, with the engine having been just rebuilt.  I had no problems at all and the bike ran great thru all of it.

I have noticed the valves need to be adjusted quite often.  With highway runs 80mph for 75miles or so, it won't make it to the suggested interval, which I think is 2000 miles or so.

Anyway, fun bike.

out,

Zeke

[Ibsen]

Update

The article was printed in the April issue of the CMM magazine, and all your comments about the CB650 in this thread was qouted in that article.

And it is a well written article btw. Good job on that one JohnN.