[WalterDeat]

Just wanted to get opinions from anybody about these bikes. I’m interested in the older 70’s models that have that awesome vintage look to them. I know that the rule of thumb is that a 750 is too big for a beginner, but curious anyway. Has anyone had a chance to ride one of these bikes, and how do you think they would suit a beginner? Thanks for the advice. Been a long time reader of the forum and site and really enjoy it!

[WeaponZero]

750s in the 70s were mild compared to ones now. My SV650 will blow the doors off an older Honda 750. Youve got two things going against you however: Weight and the fact that with a bike that old you’re never sure of what you’re getting. You could just be buying a maintenance headache. If you want vintage “style” bikes, you should look into a used Kawasaki W650 (although they were only made for like 4 years so parts may be hard to find) or Suzuki TU250X.

[WalterDeat]

Well, I definitely like the way that W650 looks. Very much what I’m looking for in the styling of the bike. It does seem that those are kind of harder to find than the honda though. I’ve heard the cb750 was pretty bulletproof. It’s always sketchy buying a bike that old though I’m sure.

[WeaponZero]

Thats a pretty fair statement. Those old Honda 750s were bullet proof and will run forever. You still shouldnt risk it though buying one that old unless you plan on making a restoration project out of it.

[eon]

Can’t make any meaningful comment on which bike to get but this thread did bring back happy memories of putting around on my brothers CB200 back in the late 70s (I was about 10). He nearly had heart failure when I took off up the road in the abandoned quarry we were playing in. I nearly had heart failure when a 40 ton truck came up that not so abandoned quarry road. Ah, the good ole days

[WalterDeat]

Ok, after a little research I think I’m convinced. I love the style of the Honda CB750. And after doing a little reading I’m really not too worried about maintenance problems, or finding parts. Apparently these bikes aren’t too hard to keep running. Now I’ve decided that I would maybe even turn it into a “cafe racer” style bike. Does anyone have any experience with this style bike? The only thing I’m not so sure about is the riding posture. It looks like the way the seats are and the clubman handlebars would make it uncomfortable to ride for any length of time.

For anyone who isn’t familiar with what a cafe racer looks like, here’s a link: http://www.hoc.org.uk/gallery/bikes/CB750_caferacer_1972(2).jpg

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

[WeaponZero]

My father used to own a Honda 400-Four Cafe Racer and said that switching from a CB350 to that was one of the worst mistakes he ever made because the riding position made it too uncomfortable to ride for long distances on anymore, which he loved to do.

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