Author Topic: which is better for a cafe project? 550 or 750?  (Read 2451 times)

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Offline shaunzo

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which is better for a cafe project? 550 or 750?
« on: February 15, 2009, 10:05:43 am »
so i stumpled across this group after researching for a bobber build which i have started out of a cm400t.  of course i stumbled across some pics of the cafes you guys are building and i have decided that my next project will be a honda cafe!  they are amazing looking machines and i just have to have one.  however, before i buy a bike and start i would appreciate some info/opinions on what bike i should use...a 550-4 or a 750-4???  what are some of the advantages/disadvantages of each?  please excuse my ignorance...thanks.
« Last Edit: February 15, 2009, 06:18:36 pm by shaunzo »
2007 kawasaki versys 650 - everyday
2008 xl1200n nightster - somedays
1981 cm400 bobber - somedays
1983 cm450 - nodays (gf's)
1982 kz1000j2 - a project
1976 cb750k - project bike
1971 norton commando 750

Offline Steve_K

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Re: what is better for a cafe project? 550 or 750?
« Reply #1 on: February 15, 2009, 10:39:17 am »
I have 550s because that what i could find when I started looking.  I would have brought 750 if I found one first.  I never rode a 750, but my 550's turn like a sportbike. 
Steve
Steve_K

76 CB 550, 73CB750, 86 GSX-R750, 16 Slingshot
Old rides:305 Honda, CL350, 74 CB550
 05 SV1000S, 88 CBR600,92 VFR, 88 Hawk GT, 96 Ducati 900SS, 98 Kaw ZX6R, SV650

Offline FunJimmy

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Re: what is better for a cafe project? 550 or 750?
« Reply #2 on: February 15, 2009, 10:50:59 am »
I was looking for a 550 because of an article in Cycle World.
Peter Egan had wonderful things to say about the nimble handling and weight difference.

I’ve never ridden a 750 but the reviews weight the 550 better for a balanced feel and the 750 for muscle and power. 550’s also seem to be cheaper to acquire parts for, but the selection of aftermarket goodies is better for the 750’s.

Six of one and half a dozen of the other.

Cheers
FJ
You never see a motorcycle parked outside of a psychiatrist's office!

CB550 Cafe Interceptor a Gentlemans Roadster
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.0

Offline volkswagendan

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Re: what is better for a cafe project? 550 or 750?
« Reply #3 on: February 15, 2009, 11:11:22 am »
i'd say picking a 550 or a 750 to cafe depends on how big you are, and where you plan on riding the bike most.
if you live in a city and your under 5'10 get the 550.  if your in the country and have open road then rock the 750!
i had the chance to buy both and went with the 750. im 6'0 180lbs.  i ride in the city and open road and love it.
good luck with your choice and your build.
don't take me too seriously.

Offline volkswagendan

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Re: what is better for a cafe project? 550 or 750?
« Reply #4 on: February 15, 2009, 11:16:21 am »
oooh. one more thing.  the oil tank.   the 750 has an oil tank that in my opinion looks like crap on a cafe bike. the 550 does not and that allows you to open up the area under the seat.  im still trying to figure out what to do with mine.
don't take me too seriously.

Offline fastbroshi

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Re: what is better for a cafe project? 550 or 750?
« Reply #5 on: February 15, 2009, 04:51:38 pm »
oooh. one more thing.  the oil tank.   the 750 has an oil tank that in my opinion looks like crap on a cafe bike. the 550 does not and that allows you to open up the area under the seat.  im still trying to figure out what to do with mine.

+1 On that for sure. 

Quote
I was looking for a 550 because of an article in Cycle World.
Peter Egan had wonderful things to say about the nimble handling and weight difference.

I’ve never ridden a 750 but the reviews weight the 550 better for a balanced feel and the 750 for muscle and power. 550’s also seem to be cheaper to acquire parts for, but the selection of aftermarket goodies is better for the 750’s.

   Funny you said that Jimmy, I read Egan's Leanings and Leanings 2, I'm sure the column you're talking about is in there.  I think he'd rather have the 400 though, and for good reasons.  For one, they share that beautiful header design that the later 550's adopted. 

  About the weight thing: if you were weened on newer sport bikes and their ilk,  you'll like the 550 better, as they weigh about 30 lbs more than a modern 600.  The 750's, well, let's just say they could go on a diet.  To me the 750 has these things going against it if you're going to cafe:

 1.  heavier weight (90lbs??)
 2.  oil cooler (you don't have to go for the stripped, put-your-through-the-frame  look though, look at Carpy's stuff)
 3.  Wanna remove the head?  Engine's gotta come out.  Same if you just wanna have a look under the valve cover.
 4.  Do I get a '76 K, or a '77 F or a '71 K1.....?  Gets kinda confusing to me at least. 

 3. 
Just call me Timmaaaaay!!!

Offline shaunzo

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Re: which is better for a cafe project? 550 or 750?
« Reply #6 on: February 17, 2009, 02:15:30 pm »
im glad you guys feel the 550 is better because that the one i can get my hands on.  right now its fully decked out with saddle bags, engine guards, fairings, and backrests.  perhaps i will be able to sell them off.  thanks for you help!
2007 kawasaki versys 650 - everyday
2008 xl1200n nightster - somedays
1981 cm400 bobber - somedays
1983 cm450 - nodays (gf's)
1982 kz1000j2 - a project
1976 cb750k - project bike
1971 norton commando 750

Offline fastbroshi

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Re: which is better for a cafe project? 550 or 750?
« Reply #7 on: February 17, 2009, 06:10:15 pm »
Quote
right now its fully decked out with saddle bags, engine guards, fairings, and backrests

Thumbs down, fart sound :P.
Just call me Timmaaaaay!!!

Offline shaunzo

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Re: which is better for a cafe project? 550 or 750?
« Reply #8 on: February 17, 2009, 06:32:11 pm »
it sure isnt a good look!  in fact, i dont think i have ever seen anything uglier!!!
2007 kawasaki versys 650 - everyday
2008 xl1200n nightster - somedays
1981 cm400 bobber - somedays
1983 cm450 - nodays (gf's)
1982 kz1000j2 - a project
1976 cb750k - project bike
1971 norton commando 750

Offline volkswagendan

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Re: which is better for a cafe project? 550 or 750?
« Reply #9 on: February 17, 2009, 09:05:34 pm »
people will buy that stuff.  i sold the king and queen seat that came on my bike. ha! 

don't take me too seriously.

Offline shaunzo

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Re: which is better for a cafe project? 550 or 750?
« Reply #10 on: February 21, 2009, 10:56:53 am »
the plan would be to sell it all...ebay it i guess. 

vwdan, what makes you "vwdan"? i own a 77 bus that i have devoted quite a bit of time to.  wish i had a recent pic to post, but this one is close...
2007 kawasaki versys 650 - everyday
2008 xl1200n nightster - somedays
1981 cm400 bobber - somedays
1983 cm450 - nodays (gf's)
1982 kz1000j2 - a project
1976 cb750k - project bike
1971 norton commando 750

Offline rachet

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Re: which is better for a cafe project? 550 or 750?
« Reply #11 on: February 21, 2009, 11:04:30 am »
One more point to consider is the Power to weight ratio.  some where on the forums is the formula of how much horsepower you gain by losing "X" amount of weight.  The 500/550 is already lighter, and with some reasonable mods, you can up the HP in the Smaller bike considerably.  Everything I've read also indicates better handling with the smaller bike with out the need to modify it.  However, that can also be improved with the same effort it would take to mod the bigger bike.

I own a 750f2 and LOVE it.  I can pull through corners in second gear anywhere from 30 MPH to 60 MPH and all things consider it handles like a dream.  My current project is a 550 and only time will tell how the two bikes will compare to each other.

Hope that helps.

Rachet~
But I need Tacos!  I need them or I will explode!