Topic: Differences between the 1979 Honda 750F and K

[Tews19]

Some may have read my post on my lost deal of a lifetime with the Honda CB550..  I have come across a 79' 750k now... Can someone tell me the differences between the F and the K? The K is in good shape, guy is asking 1k. Fair price? Not really concerned on the price as I understand each person will pay what they see fit......Is the 79' 750k frame different then the F? I think the F is the performance model? Any insight would be great... Thanks

[Elan]

dohc

[Tews19]

The frame is the same?

[hesselfuzz]

Tews,
This is the SOHC forum. The last year they were produced is 1978. In, I believe, 76, 77, and 78 the F was a "performance" model of the K. The differences are subtle.

[Tews19]

Thanks, I just wanted to know the differences and found out through google that it was a DOHC. Sorry guys... Now being a SOHC site, this may be another dumb question I have but besides one less cam, What are the advantages of a SOHC that Honda produces over the DOHC's?

[lone*X]

SOHC is the original 4 cyl.  DOHC isn't.  SOHC's were only made for 10 years (not counting the 650s).  DOHC were made for a bazillion years.   SOHC's are cool and becoming scarce.  DOHC's are a dime a dozen and are still being produced, like the new CB1100 (that HONDA will not bring to the US).

[Tews19]

Thanks, I really like the 78 and below models.

[BobbyR]

The 1979 DOHC 750s are much more rare than the DOHC. The early DOHC tended to blow up. The SOHCs are still running. 

[Tews19]

Really? So the 79 DOHC's were poop? Didn't Honda make the frames different then the 78's as well?

[BobbyR]

I am not sure about the frame. They look similar. Honda had intended to replace the SOHC motor much earlier, but, they kept making improvements to the very end. The 1978 750 had a different head. It may be they knew they had problems they were trying to work out and they kept the SOHC. Finally market forces may have forced them to make the change.

[736cc]

The 79 F's were great bikes, much sportier than any sohc CB750. I had a new one in 79, put 50,000 trouble-free miles on it. Big 5 gallon tank gave 200 mile range ez, a very comfortable and fast bike. Early models had a head oil leak problem, look at the studs on the cylinders, smooth studs leaked, spiral studs were the upgraded fix. Discs had a warping problem, and swingarm bushings were plastic. Shocks were usually junk.

[mlinder]

Damn near everything is different.