Topic: What year & Model to purchase?

[heavensjb]

 Im currently shopping for a Honda cb in San Jose CA. My Dad had one years ago that was a 1969-1975? and the size is unknown, I would like to have a nice stock bike to take on some summer rides. I dont want to buy a dog of a year or engine size that I would regret later. I dont think I have the money for one of the first years produced. If any one has some good advise for me it will be greatly appreciated.

[myhondas]

here ya go.... should be able to find a good on in this lot.

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/Motorcycles-/6024/i.html?Model=CB&Make=Honda&_dmpt=US_motorcycles&_pcats=49998%2C6024%2C6000&_rdc=1

[Kframe]

All years and engine sizes of most makes and models will have their quirks and pros/cons.

If any given bike has been maintained at least marginally, it should be in okay to good shape.

If I were me   I'd watch your local craigslist and find a runner that looks good and is in your price range.  

One more thing, if you're planning on doing a lot of long range touring or two up riding, you may want a larger engine than you would for just blasting around the twisty's.
Good luck, -K

[TwoTired]

What is your price range?

[Bob Wessner]

How tall are you?

[jeepster]

It's a lot easier to find parts for 750s as they sold much more than 500, 550s and 650s. You will pay a bit of a premium though. In NY I've seen them go for around 2.5k for a mid 70s 750 in OK shape. You might find a 550 or 650 in the same shape for $1500. 400fs are a bit of an anomaly due to the luscious exhaust. Expect to pay 3-5k.

If this is your first bike it might be a better idea to get a smaller bike as the 750 is also about 50 lbs heavier than the 650. Of course a 750 is usually  a bit faster...

[heavensjb]

Thanks for the help, Im 6'2'' around a 195 lb and want to spend up to $2k. I dont mind holding onto it for a couple of years to get a safe and reliable bike on the road.

[ekpent]

750

[the technological J]

im about the same weight and taller i have a 550 im a little cramped it has great power gotta shift on bigg hills but it drives great... but i wanna get my hands on a 750 i think it will be the right amount of power that im looking for ( and haul me and my wife around) and i guess theyre a little longer(taller too)... but its hard to tell whats on the brink of going bad or how simple it would be to fix but i would find a bike u like( they will be the best nickles and dimes u will ever spend) and keep this site book marked... if u own a sohc its a must there are geniouses geniuoses ginoussses... very smart experts that are great to lead u inthe right direction  and lurking all about the site

[BeSeeingYou]

I would go for the 750.  To get the most out of your 2k I would look at the 75-76F Super Sports(or the 77-8F as a second choice).  They don't seem to be as "collectible" as some of the early K bikes and you should be able to find a very nice one for 2k or less.  I have seen two sell here recently in the $1500 range and they were very nice turn key bikes.  It would be hard to find an earlier K bike in that shape at that price, maybe a 77-8K as again they don't seem to have the "collector" thing going as strong.  The benefit of the F bikes is better brakes, a bit more hp, and little better handling due to slightly revised frame geometry.

[markjenn]

Since you don't have a  particular model in mind, I'd just get whatever is in the best condition within your budget.  All the years have their pros and cons and when you're talking 35-yo machines, how they've lived their lives matters a lot more than whether it is a 72 or a 73.

- Mark

[750Caferider]

I would have to agree with srust58 and markjenn, they both have solid advice!  I have a 78 750F (supersport) and I love it!
The only nag is that parts for the 77/78 can be a bit harder to come by.  After rebuilding my carbs and replacing the points
my gal can really pull no matter what gear or what rpm.