Topic: We all love 4s - but what's the best 2 cyl classic?

[Goldbug]

I wouldn't mind owning any Honda, Yamaha TX or SX or Kawasaki KZ twin.

Since I have two Honda Fours I may try a Yamaha or Kawasaki next. The XS650 is getting into SOHC4 territory as far price/availability but I still see TX500s, KZ400/440s, and KZ750s for good prices. And by "good prices" I mean cosmetically pretty good but probably needs a battery and carbs gone through for <$1000.

[paulages]

I have owned 650 BSAs and Triumphs, many Honda twins, and have a Commando now. The Commando kills the other British cousins for raw power, but the oil-in-frame Triumph and BSA 650 twins are great, underrated bikes. They don't get the "classic" prices like pre-'71 bikes (especially the Bonneville), but handle great and are solid bikes in my opinion. The A65 engine has some oil pump issues, so I'd recommend the Triumph over the BSA, but either is great.

The XS650 is the only bike that is comparable, really. That's not to say the other Japanese twins aren't great, they're just very different with the 180° cranks. The CB/CL450 is a great bike, much more like the SOHC you're familiar with than a British twin.

If you want something modern that looks great (and better than the modern Bonnevilles), check out the 2000-01 Kawasaki W650. There weren't many in the US, but they are great bikes.

[Goldbug]

Those are great bikes. Wish they would have made them for longer than 1-2 years. Same with the Honda GB500.

[malcolmgb]

As much as I rag on their toad like looks I enjoy mine. Put about 700kms on it this weekend riding out to the cottage and took the wife on a tour of Prince Edward County vineyards....

31 years old with questionable mainteneance and still going strong!

Your wife will not thank you for talking about her like that.   

[kirkn]

Dammit!  Coke all over the keyboard, again!!  LOL! 

[johnny]

Those are great bikes. Wish they would have made them for longer than 1-2 years. Same with the Honda GB500.

Yes, and fetching close to $10 grand these days when one becomes available.

[Goldbug]

Yikes. I saw a GB500 sell on ebay for $8000. Saw my first one in person a month ago too- after the owner had dropped it in the midst of avoiding a kid backing out of his driveway at the same time. He hit the brake while coasting backwards and lost balance. The damage wasn't bad but it made me cringe.

I wish the bike companies would start making more vintage classics. I've been looking at Triumphs for awhile but I'd rather have a vintage classic Japanese bike. Bet it would be cheaper too.

[my78k]

Lmao!! That was funny....although if I was talking about the wife I would have said 35 years old....still fun to ride though!!

Dennis

[lucky]

I'm still working on my CB750 but am starting to think about a smaller runabout bike. As I have 3 bikes already I'd say in the interests of marital harmony I have to limit myself to a classic (30 years old or more) on club plates.

Opinions please - what's the best 2cyl classic bike?

Yamaha 650. After 1972

[Doggie]

I just bought (2) CM400T's....Interested in one?

                                          Doggie

[demon78]

60-62 Triumph T-Bird, a gentle mans bike turn on the gas tickle, a little choke, turn on the switch, a reasonable kick wait 30 secound put in 1st and away you go, Honda cb 450 5 speed, handles decently, will go like stink if you breathe on it, Matchless G 50 will go like "jack the bear" and scare all the crotch rocket people Vincent's not so sure didn't like the clutch, the hinge in the middle or the fact that you could go hyper sonic and not stop.
Bill the demon.

[Roach Carver]

I had an xs 650 and while I had a lot of fun on it, it  sure did vibrate a lot and was not that great in the power dept.

My choice is a BMW R series whatever displacement you choose.