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I enjoyed the 750 thread. My 1st bike was a 1980 CB750F. I loved it. I am also currently shopping for a bike as my beloved CB1100 was totaled. A guy near me has 1979 CB750F with only 3,500 miles on it. He's done a beautiful job putting back on the road. I took it for a spin around the neighborhood and I just didn't love it compared with our modern bikes. I definitely don't want a project and don't want a choke either. That being said, the bike is sweet. I'd like to try it out on the highway before really dismissing it. I took an 82 CB900F for spin a year or so ago. The old bikes just aren't as tight, if that makes sense, as the newer ones. They also have to warm up. I just want to ride.
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It's hard to go back in time with modern expectations. Older bikes had worse brakes, handling, ride, reliability, and overall performance.
I miss the good old days. I don't miss those drawbacks and limitations.
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Did anyone of you ever have a ‘75 550-4? One was almost my first bike back then. They let me test ride one in the parking lot. Not much of a test ride.
What were they like in real life?
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(08-01-2022, 07:36 AM)Lord Popgun_imp Wrote: Did anyone of you ever have a ‘75 550-4? One was almost my first bike back then. They let me test ride one in the parking lot. Not much of a test ride.
What were they like in real life?
I had a CB400f as my first bike. It was so sweet. I wish I had it back and might track one down one of these days. The breaks were fine for a little pup like me and the power was adequate as well. It wasn't fast off the line but it would run at 100 all day. Ask me how I know. I have the driving record to prove it
Anyhow, that's why I have a CB1100 now.
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I loved my 93 750 Nighthawks (I had 3 of them over the years) as they were smooth and reliable. Not the quickest, but not a pooch either.
That being said I love my 1100 and have no intentions of going back down.
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(08-01-2022, 06:43 AM)m in sc_imp Wrote: I embrace the old bikes.. more than most and ride them a LOT. however, an old k model SOHC4 is just a turd considering the weight it has to haul around. that's just my opinion. (a lot of sohc honda 4 of that era IMHO). as stated int he 750 thread, the 1st gen f's were kind of special though. that i would take in a minute. Ive had pretty much everything else of that era, none stand out as being particularly great performers in the inline 4 pre 78 era.
I understand the sentiment, but I'm quite the opposite in terms of what floats my boat. Old K's are a dream to ride. At least my K2 is (to me). I didn't see this thread before I logged on tonight, but after work I was looking for some decompression time and nothing beats that than the 750 so off I went. And though you are pushing the bike closer to its limits than a modern one, that's part of the fun.
I was riding back roads when I passed a farm that takes old retired thoroughbreds and puts them to pasture. Sort of like my 750... I wouldn't want it to be my only ride by any stretch of the imagination, but when taking off for an hour or so after work, it's the go-to.
(08-01-2022, 06:09 AM)Tom_imp Wrote: I enjoyed the 750 thread. My 1st bike was a 1980 CB750F. I loved it. I am also currently shopping for a bike as my beloved CB1100 was totaled. A guy near me has 1979 CB750F with only 3,500 miles on it. He's done a beautiful job putting back on the road. I took it for a spin around the neighborhood and I just didn't love it compared with our modern bikes. I definitely don't want a project and don't want a choke either. That being said, the bike is sweet. I'd like to try it out on the highway before really dismissing it. I took an 82 CB900F for spin a year or so ago. The old bikes just aren't as tight, if that makes sense, as the newer ones. They also have to warm up. I just want to ride.
In anything but cold weather, the choke is only needed to start it. Immediately move it half-way while I put the helmet and gloves on, and no choke needed beyond that. Just sayn'
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That is a BEAUTIFUL motorcycle! Did you use Semi-Chrome polish on the engine cases?
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Wow that IS a beauty! Loved the look of the 750's. Had two previously.....'81 and '79. Stranded too many times with carb issues and lack of tech experience to keep them running.
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(08-01-2022, 07:53 PM)Wagonpeddler_imp Wrote: Wow that IS a beauty! Loved the look of the 750's. Had two previously.....'81 and '79. Stranded too many times with carb issues and lack of tech experience to keep them running.
That is a solid lookin' machine - almost locomotive-like.
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(08-01-2022, 07:36 AM)Lord Popgun_imp Wrote: Did anyone of you ever have a ‘75 550-4? One was almost my first bike back then. They let me test ride one in the parking lot. Not much of a test ride.
What were they like in real life?
Mine was a '73. My second bike and I loved that thing. Seemed so big at the time!
