Topic: New Quandry...CB 550 or Suz. GS450S

[Japbikemike]

Goldwing a no go!

Suzuki '81 GS 450S  $1000.  Or, CB 550, in parts $600.

Thoughts?

[putnaja1]

I gotta say, I've always liked the looks of the GS sport models..  I've never owned a Suzuki, but I always thought they looked neat- even the more modern GS500E (before it got all the bodywork it has today!) looked really well equiped, especially for a two cylinder bike.

I also like some of the cafe'd racers some of the XS650 owners have made, over at yamaha650society.com  Oh, and KZ's are cool too.  DAMN!  I like them all!

Jason

[74cb750]

Well, I have both. Much prefer the cb550 over the gs450.
But the gs450e gave me a run for my money when we raced from
Manchester, nh to Hampton Beach at over 100mph all the way
(before the interstate was installed many years ago.)I was on my
XS650.

The GS450S is a nice fast bike that is very light and easy to drive fast.

Good luck deciding.

[Noel]

I have owned three Suzukis, from an early eighties 250 twin to a late nineties Bandit.

Every one of them was plagued with electrical troubles and every one was an utter pain to work on. And of course, Suzuki's legendary build and finish quality *ahem* only added to the overall experience.

I think CB500/550s are wonderful bikes.

I think damn near everything Suzuki has ever made is a big steaming pile of #$%*.

Which is what you get for asking opinions. 

[jsaab2748]

I've owned both at different times. The Suzuki will probably outrun the 550. The 550 definately has more charm and handles like a dream. The 550 is also simpler to work on imho. I saw  (more than just once) someone stand an american nickel on it's edge atop the tank of a similar Honda, a cb 500, while it was revved. The nickel never fell over. A 450 Suzuki on it's best day could never do that. That said, the Suzuki is more along the lines of a modern bike, and does most everything well. Depends on what you like better. A well built/customized/restored Honda 4 will always turn heads.
My Suz. when I owned it, never did that.
just my 2c..

[stevej]

Whikst Ive never owned a GS450 I have owned two 550/4 motorcycles,one a suzuki the other a honda,one I kept for a year the other I still have Twenty one years later it may have only one camshaft and maybe a dated design but for quality and character I dont think you you cant beat the honda.

[bill440cars]

                 I like some of the Suzuki models through the years and got my sweet running 66' CB72
        continually blown away by an X6 Hustler ( I know, a 2 stroke). But, what I'm trying to say is, the
        Honda is a better all around choice IMHO of the 2. Of course, it's your choice and nobody's going
        to boot you out, unless you pick the Suzuki, Nooo, just kidding You do what's right for you.
        You've gotten plenty of opinions and no doubt will get more, so go with your gut feeling (your
        gut should be plenty full soon, if it's not already) and we'll be waiting to see what you pick.

                                                          Later on, Bill

[Japbikemike]

Forgive me, I went new tech (80's).  Still has some quirks, I've put drag bars on it and lost the fairing (for now).  I think another CB550-750 is in the cards, but...it starts every time, maintenance wise is rather boring, and I've never had a red bike before.  My apologizes.

[byidesign]

If the 550 is"complete?any damage?
    Mileage between the two?
        {which is lower}
    Easier to find parts for honda
            {More Confusion}
                 Enjoy whatever you pick,
       and RIDE IT.........
              Bruce