Author Topic: Please help me decide.  (Read 4932 times)

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Offline pjandrew99

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Please help me decide.
« on: July 24, 2017, 01:05:10 PM »
I know we are not in a two stroke forum but my guess is there are a whole bunch of people here with two stroke experience.
I've never had one and figure it may be time to deviate from my cb750 fetish. Looking for interesting street or dual purpose two stroke project. Vintage, lightweight and fun to ride would be my only criteria.
As I do the research it seems to me like it is hard to top the RD250/350/400 for value and performance. Anything you can think of that compares to the Yamaha RD's? Seems like a lot of bike in a little package. The Kawasaki triples are neat but I don't believe they handle as well. Not sure the Suzuki two strokes have it either.
Just to complicate things, anything in the vintage four stroke arena that competes well with the Yamaha RD's? I realize they are two different animals but maybe I am missing something.
Appreciate the help!
Current Projects

Honda CB750K1
Yamaha SR250
Honda SL350 K0

Offline innovativems

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #1 on: July 24, 2017, 01:18:06 PM »
The suzuki triples are pretty good and more tame then the kawi.  The later kawi triples had handling improvements.  The power of the smokers are amazing and so fun.  The rd350/400 are hard to beat if you find a deal.  All the smokers are really appreciating in price


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2007 KTM 990 adv
2003 Honda RC51
2000 Yamaha YSR50
1978 Honda Express
1975 Honda CB400f
1974 Honda CB350f
1974 Kawi H2
1974 Honda CB550f
1971 Kawi h1
1973 Kawi h1
1974 gt 550
1974 gt550

Offline MikeSimon

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2017, 01:43:06 PM »
  The later kawi triples had handling improvements. 
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Like what? Would be interested in details. I heard some "expert" saying once that they had a different frame in Europe and Kawasaki brought these over to the U.S. later.....
1973 CB350F -sold
1974 CB350F -218 orig miles, sold
1976 CB750K - in restoration

Other Hondas:
3 x CBX
CB1100R
GB500
Plus Kawasakis, BMws & Ducatis

Offline innovativems

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2017, 01:55:59 PM »
In 74 they did a longer swingarm and added the steering stabilizer.  And tamed the power a tad


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
2007 KTM 990 adv
2003 Honda RC51
2000 Yamaha YSR50
1978 Honda Express
1975 Honda CB400f
1974 Honda CB350f
1974 Kawi H2
1974 Honda CB550f
1971 Kawi h1
1973 Kawi h1
1974 gt 550
1974 gt550

Offline pjandrew99

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #4 on: July 24, 2017, 02:11:46 PM »
If you look at all of the later Kawasaki triples after 1973, which ones would you consider to handle the best? Also, how about reliability?
Including the S3 and KH400 as well. What is your opinion of these bikes?
Current Projects

Honda CB750K1
Yamaha SR250
Honda SL350 K0

ken65

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #5 on: July 24, 2017, 02:28:20 PM »
Yam Rd for me. Only two cylinders and tons of parts available.
 I've an Lc (81)  and they handle nicely.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #6 on: July 24, 2017, 03:36:59 PM »
The suzuki triples are pretty good and more tame then the kawi.  The later kawi triples had handling improvements.  The power of the smokers are amazing and so fun.  The rd350/400 are hard to beat if you find a deal.  All the smokers are really appreciating in price


I will agree to all that is written here ^^^, I have both an RD350 and an H1.   While I like both bikes immensely, the RD is more on a toy, it is a small [short] bike.
It is not a bike that I would consider taking on even a day trip on the highway as it is also lightweight [I dont like passing 18 wheelers on the highway on a lightweight bike]

With that said, I would recommend both bikes.  And as far as the Kaw Triples not handling well, dont listen to that BS.  My H1 is a blast to ride and handles well on the twisty roads in the Hill Country that I live in. Sure, it does not handle as well as a modern bike, but in the few years I had it, I've never felt unsafe and I regularly ride aggressive.

One last thing about buying a two stroke project bike.  It may not be quite as easy to get it running great after sitting idle for a few years.  The crank seals tend to dry out and only way to change them is to pull the crank.

Two strokes are becoming quite collectible, my current project is a '74 Kaw H2 750 and I recently bought two more smokers: '73 Kaw S2 350 [from PA] and a '66 Suzi X6 Hustler [250cc]

I say go for it!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #7 on: July 25, 2017, 04:42:46 AM »
I'm guessing Steve is not a very aggressive rider, I've ridden all the Kawasaki triples "back in the day", and they weren't called "Widow Makers" for nothing. Do a google search and you'll find tons of information on how to modify them to make them handle as well as other bikes from the era.

That doesn't make them bad bikes, they were wickedly fast and light, and until the mighty Z1 came along, the H2 was the fastest bike on the planet and would leave a CB750 or Suzuki GT750 in it's dust. When I was a kid one of my local heroes had a black H2 with 3 separate chrome expansion chambers, and he'd see me and wheelie past my place at warp speed, that bike was a weapon!

The Suzuki triples were great, torquey 2 strokes with a wide power band, but heavier than the Kawasaki's, especially the GT750 (my fave) due to the extra weight of it's water cooling. The Yamaha RD 350 (air cooled) was a great bike, I still remember sitting on the back of a mate's R5 (RD350's predecessor) @ 105 MPH with the cop car's flashing lights fading in the mirrors, they were quick.

The later water cooled RD/LC's were better again, and the final RZ's (including the very rare and expensive RZ500) were spectacular, as was Suzuki's last 2 strokes, the RG250/500 (unobtainium) and RGV250. Aprilia liked the RGV so much they used the engine in their sexy RS250. Cheers, Terry.
I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

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Offline MikeSimon

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #8 on: July 25, 2017, 04:58:02 AM »
In 74 they did a longer swingarm and added the steering stabilizer.  And tamed the power a tad


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My 73 H1D has a steering stabilizer
1973 CB350F -sold
1974 CB350F -218 orig miles, sold
1976 CB750K - in restoration

Other Hondas:
3 x CBX
CB1100R
GB500
Plus Kawasakis, BMws & Ducatis

Offline innovativems

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #9 on: July 25, 2017, 05:08:06 AM »
Sorry 74 is when they put them on the h2.  Couldn't remember on the h1


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
2007 KTM 990 adv
2003 Honda RC51
2000 Yamaha YSR50
1978 Honda Express
1975 Honda CB400f
1974 Honda CB350f
1974 Kawi H2
1974 Honda CB550f
1971 Kawi h1
1973 Kawi h1
1974 gt 550
1974 gt550

Offline pjandrew99

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #10 on: July 25, 2017, 05:18:01 AM »
Great info.
Sounds like I was a bit premature ruling out the Suzuki Gt's as an option.
Anybody have any experience with the S3?
Thanks
Current Projects

Honda CB750K1
Yamaha SR250
Honda SL350 K0

Offline innovativems

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #11 on: July 25, 2017, 05:34:40 AM »
I haven't rode an s3 but from what I have heard they aren't bad.  One important question is what kind of budget are you working with?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
2007 KTM 990 adv
2003 Honda RC51
2000 Yamaha YSR50
1978 Honda Express
1975 Honda CB400f
1974 Honda CB350f
1974 Kawi H2
1974 Honda CB550f
1971 Kawi h1
1973 Kawi h1
1974 gt 550
1974 gt550

Offline pjandrew99

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #12 on: July 25, 2017, 05:46:22 AM »
Not much.
I'd like to pick up a project for under 2000. I know that does limit my options.
Current Projects

Honda CB750K1
Yamaha SR250
Honda SL350 K0

Offline innovativems

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #13 on: July 25, 2017, 06:08:35 AM »
Well hey, I thought you wanted running and ready to go.  If you're after projects I have varying levels.  Got a 70 h1, 73 h1, and pair of 74 gt550's. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
2007 KTM 990 adv
2003 Honda RC51
2000 Yamaha YSR50
1978 Honda Express
1975 Honda CB400f
1974 Honda CB350f
1974 Kawi H2
1974 Honda CB550f
1971 Kawi h1
1973 Kawi h1
1974 gt 550
1974 gt550

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #14 on: July 25, 2017, 06:23:36 AM »
I'm guessing Steve is not a very aggressive rider, I've ridden all the Kawasaki triples "back in the day", and they weren't called "Widow Makers" for nothing.

Well, your wrong there Terry, maybe you weren't as good a rider!

And I highly doubt you've ridden "all the Kawasaki Triples!"   You think the Baby S1 250cc was a widow maker?  HA!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline pjandrew99

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #15 on: July 25, 2017, 06:56:25 AM »
Re: Projects
Wouldn't mind seeing what you have.
Thanks
Current Projects

Honda CB750K1
Yamaha SR250
Honda SL350 K0

Offline CBGhia

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #16 on: July 25, 2017, 07:01:51 AM »
I'm guessing Steve is not a very aggressive rider, I've ridden all the Kawasaki triples "back in the day", and they weren't called "Widow Makers" for nothing.

Well, your wrong there Terry, maybe you weren't as good a rider!

And I highly doubt you've ridden "all the Kawasaki Triples!"   You think the Baby S1 250cc was a widow maker?  HA!

Having chased Steve through the Hill Country in central Texas at speeds that were really irresponsible, I will attest that he rides the piss out of his bikes.  He lives in motorcycle riding heaven.
CB550 Cafe, GL1000, Buell Ulysses
if you dont trial spin the camshaft in the head and cover you are a novice,with no natural mechanical appitude,destined for destruction.
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #17 on: July 25, 2017, 07:05:44 AM »
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline ekpent

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #18 on: July 25, 2017, 07:08:26 AM »
  Some people are of the opinion that the Kaw 400 triple was the best of the bunch as far as power, safety, handling and such. http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-japanese-motorcycles/1975-kawasaki-s3

Offline pjandrew99

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #19 on: July 25, 2017, 07:18:59 AM »
Re: Thread
I'll check it out. Thanks

Re: S3 Article- That sounds like a great bike! Thanks for sending it along!
Current Projects

Honda CB750K1
Yamaha SR250
Honda SL350 K0

Offline KayOne

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #20 on: July 25, 2017, 07:51:33 AM »
Sorry 74 is when they put them on the h2.  Couldn't remember on the h1


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My '73 H2A came with two stabilizers. One on the steering stem and a hydraulic damper.
CB750 K1 restored
1979 CB750Fz - original except for exhaust, 14000km
1984 VF45F Interceptor - all original, 12000 km
1968 S90 - all original, 2100 miles
1973 H2a, Restored
1973 H1D, next project
CB750K1 (sold)
1976 KZ900 (sold)
1981 CB900F (under restoration)
2015 Yamaha FJ09, my appliance rider

Offline innovativems

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #21 on: July 25, 2017, 08:23:14 AM »
Sorry 74 is when they put them on the h2.  Couldn't remember on the h1


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My '73 H2A came with two stabilizers. One on the steering stem and a hydraulic damper.
Hmm maybe the it was a change in design in 74.  This is what I have seen on it. In 1974 the H2B engine was modified for more civilized performance at the expense of raw power. The race tail was slimmed down from the previous year. An oil-based steering damper and check valve were added.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
2007 KTM 990 adv
2003 Honda RC51
2000 Yamaha YSR50
1978 Honda Express
1975 Honda CB400f
1974 Honda CB350f
1974 Kawi H2
1974 Honda CB550f
1971 Kawi h1
1973 Kawi h1
1974 gt 550
1974 gt550

Offline MikeSimon

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #22 on: July 25, 2017, 12:09:45 PM »
The "straight line" steering damper on the H2 was indeed a 1974 H2B intro. It was moved from right to left on the 1975 H2C.
never heard of a swingarm/tail change.
The H1 had the first steering damper on the 1972 H1B.
Some of the engine modifications were attempts to make the oil-burning 2-strokes a tad more bureaucracy-friendly.
Float bowl oil injection, crank-case vents.
I cannot find any records or evidence for a deliberate frame or chassis change to improve handling except for a 1973 H1D steering head angle 2 degrees steeper than on the previous model.
1973 CB350F -sold
1974 CB350F -218 orig miles, sold
1976 CB750K - in restoration

Other Hondas:
3 x CBX
CB1100R
GB500
Plus Kawasakis, BMws & Ducatis

Offline MikeSimon

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #23 on: July 25, 2017, 12:36:02 PM »
That being said, I would like to obtain one piece that was different on the H1/H2 on Euro (and Canadian?) models from the U.S. ones:
The chrome rear fender that mounts under the tailpiece. Does anybody anywhere in the world have one to sell?
1973 CB350F -sold
1974 CB350F -218 orig miles, sold
1976 CB750K - in restoration

Other Hondas:
3 x CBX
CB1100R
GB500
Plus Kawasakis, BMws & Ducatis

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Please help me decide.
« Reply #24 on: July 25, 2017, 01:51:34 PM »
That being said, I would like to obtain one piece that was different on the H1/H2 on Euro (and Canadian?) models from the U.S. ones:
The chrome rear fender that mounts under the tailpiece. Does anybody anywhere in the world have one to sell?

Good question for the Triple's forum, Mike. Let me know if you want me to post [if you are not a member?]

http://kawi2strokes.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=26
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........