Topic: Wonder why the SOHC seems much more popular than the DOHC CB's?

[HondaMan]

To the original question:
Styling. Voluptuousness is hard to ignore.
Handling (the DOHC bikes handled poorly after 10k miles or so, lousy supports everywhere).
The Legend. The CB750 SOHC changed motorcycling to be what you know today, largely by itself.
Parts. Honda built so many, EVERYBODY has parts. And they mostly all fit!
Power. If you want 100 HP from the SOHC 750, get the RC 1000 kit and bolt it on.
Reliability. The CB750 was the first (yes, it was...) factory-stock bike that would run 100,000 miles without a rebuild. Even BMW wouldn't do that, and Harley knuckle riders just lied about it.
Simplicity. Only those who haven't been inside the CB750 don't understand that hundreds of parts, assembled in only 1 way, make an easy-to-maintain bike.

Not that I'm biased... 

[jawshunter]

The SOHC engines are easy to work on and very durable, the styling of the bikes were beautiful in 1969 and will still look beautiful in 2069...timeless... The F model DOHCs does look pretty good, however, the Ks are dogs.

 I agree, to a point. The "F"s are pretty good looking but, the "K"s are dogs? One of those
 Dogs just might bite you in the butt! I happen to have one of those "Dogs" and while it's not as
 good looking as the "F" model, it's not that bad and it is a pretty good runner I might add. The
 only reason I happened to get it was because a buddy gave $250 for it, cleaned it up,put a
 voltage regulator, put an air filter on it, decided it was bigger than he needed nd traded it to me
 for a 175cc dirt bike ( which I had no money in at all). Pretty good deal I'd say, for a Dog. I
 wouldn't class it with the SOHC 750 but, I wouldn't count it out either! My 2 cents Bill

Bill, I didn't mean the Ks were dogs from a performance stand point, its just that I think people like the styling of the SOHC Ks much better. I have owned two DOHC 450s. The first one was a CB 450 I got when I was 16. It was a screamer. I loved that bike and so did the girls. I still smile ever time I think back to those days. I sold it when I was 18 to buy a Chevelle. Then at 21 a friend rode up on a new 1979 DOHC K and I got the fever all over again. I went to a Honda dealer to check out the bikes and a saleman told me he would make me a good deal on a 78 K he had in the back still in a crate ( too bad it wasn't a pre-77 ). I bought it for 1995 +59.85 tax and still have it all original today along with a 75 K I bought a couple of years ago. Congratulations on the good deal on the DOHC for 250, I too would have jumped on that one, however, I don't think I will ever like the styling as much as the SOHC 750s.
Mark 

[ofreen]

Reliability. The CB750 was the first (yes, it was...) factory-stock bike that would run 100,000 miles without a rebuild. Even BMW wouldn't do that...

You'd get a lot of Beemerphiles squawking at that one, but I can concur.  My 750F is now over 100,000 miles and has required no major (and hardly any minor) work.  It runs the same now as it ever did, uses almost no oil, and the valve clearances don't change.  My R100GS has less than half that many miles and requires far more maintenance.  The tappets need adjusting every interval, I had to replace the driveshaft at 32,000 miles, the pushrod seals leak, uses a quart of oil every 1500 miles, etc., etc.  

Don't get me wrong though.  I love that GS, I'm just crabby about it because I'm going to do yet another spline lube on my next break.  ha ha

[crazypj]

Did anyone record Corbin's Ride On or Two Wheel tuesday ? There was a piece about Vintage racing, with some guy 81yrs old. I just caught tail end of interveiw with guy who influenced Honda decision to go with inline 4 instead of twin. Sounded like some good history of CB750.
It was being repeated yesterday morning /afternoon, 26th April 2006
PJ

[Bob Wessner]

If it is worth $19.95, looks like you can order individual episodes of the 2006 season..

http://www.rideontv.com/

[bill440cars]

 
                      jawshunter,  No doubt I misunderstood you. I definitely like the early "K"s better than the
        later ones. The early "F"s have a certain appeal to them. I also think that the later "F"s are pretty
        sharp looking. I'm thinking about changing my 80" CB750Ks appearance. I like the 79 & up "F" model   
        fenders and seat but, I don't know if the seat will mount without modifications. But, that's another
        story. Also, about the look of the DOHC"K", it may not have the appeal of the SOHC 750, it does
        look better (to me) than some of those sold today IMHO. Later on there and let me say, "At Least
        It's A Honda and It's A 750." (2 out of 3 ain't bad)  Later on, Bill 

[SteveD CB500F]

In 1979 Honda launched the CB900FZ in the UK and I really REALLY wanted one.

I don't know whether they sold in very large numbers but they are certainly rare on eBay - especially if looking for something stock.

I'd still buy a blue one if it was stock and in good condition...

Watch this space for imminent announcement of addition to the SteveD garage 

[crazypj]

In 1979 Honda launched the CB900FZ in the UK and I really REALLY wanted one.

I don't know whether they sold in very large numbers but they are certainly rare on eBay - especially if looking for something stock.

I'd still buy a blue one if it was stock and in good condition...

Watch this space for imminent announcement of addition to the SteveD garage 

Steve, see post about cam chains/tensioners on CB750/900 DOHC earlier in this thread. I spent 3 yrs changing them out, almost specialised in the damn things. Had the first mobile motorcyle servicing business in Britain (PJS, 1985, tax man didnt have anything to base my expenses on ) this was a couple of years before Galea cam chain services came into being. Its a good bike if you can find one that hasnt been screwed up. If it has any oil leaks towards front of cylinder leave it alone though or if you can see where cylinder has been welded (usually right frontside of cam chain tunnel, below cylinder head.)
PJ
PJ
A good 750/900 was difficult to come find even then, dont think time has helped any, lot of hooligans bought them, natural progression from 'elsie' 350

[Stevearino]

No winner.  Sorry.

Gold Wing.  I still surprise a lot of people with my '81 GL1100 Standard.

[bill440cars]

                                      Man oh man, talk about stumping the crew! Stevearino, gotta hand it to
                 you, you're good!!. Later on, Bill