GT550 vs CB450DX

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

Right, I am in a dilemma, today I went to see two bikes.

First was a 1992 Honda CB450DX, with 19500 miles and a FDSH.

Second was a 1990 Kawasaki GT550 with 21,000 miles and no history, but the condition of it tallies with the mileage.

Thing is I can't decide!

So which one would you prefer or want for the winter slog this year, as that will all this bike will be is a winter hack purely for this coming winter and will hopefully be sold next summer.

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

It should be possible to keep the Kwak going for far longer. The CB450DX was a poor quality version of the Superdream knocked up in Brazil (they also did a version with the same engine with CBR kind of styling, but they never imported that), and the Superdream was never the most solid bike designed.

However the Kwak is not without its problems. Shaft drive makes sense for doing a serious number of miles, but hardly an issue over only 10000 or so. The clocks (from memory) used to fry occasionally and were virtually unobtainable from breakers.

Also, these are bikes from a dealer, which is not normally a good idea for a cheap bike (you are then buying a cheap bike at a normal price). Looking at their web site the GT550 is £795 and fitted with a restrictor kit, and looks like a non standard paint scheme. Also looks like a 4-1 exhaust (not sure though). The CB450 also has a 4-1 exhaust fitted and is up at £595, but at least looks like the original paint scheme.

To be honest of the 2 I would go for the CB450, but neither are bikes I would jump at.

All the best

Keith
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iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

Keith, thanks for your input! Smile

Been to see both bikes today, the GT550 looks very clean, knocked abit at idle and didn't like to idle long and cut out if not regularly revved, seller said it was due to stale petrol and it sitting a while not being used, also it had a Motad Neta 4-1 exhaust that looked new.

The CB450 is a twin, not a four and that had a Motad exhaust too, which was brand new! Sounded as sweet as a nut and started first time.
Little bit of corrosion but that was expected for a bike of its age.

I'm still indecisive about them, need a second opinion!

Do you fancy going to look at them with me again tomorow morning Keith? Very Happy

colin1 · Captain Safety Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Karma :

i reckon a 250 is all you need so id go for a cb250 or a yp250.

In fact I have gone for a yp250.
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Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

The CB250 is a shed on wheels!

Its rear light is broken, needs new exhausts (which are being replaced by the them) and its corroded to buggery in my opinion!

If you could possibly give them a look over with me tomorrow I would be eternally greatful!

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

Hmmm, 2 votes so far for the CB450DX!

I was swaying the other way, towards the GT550. Confused

Irezumi aka Reuben · Carrot Top Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Karma :

I would go for the GT550 purely for the ease of getting parts.

If I was getting a Honda Parallel twin I'd go for the CB400n. That however is chain drive.

GT550 parts are all over the place and are extremely easy to get hold of. Having said that it means that you can be picky with the bike you buy. And they go for ridiculous money, UBG usually chucks up a few good ones.
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Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Look for a winter hack privately IMO... Smile

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Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

For £595 for a CB450DX I doubt I'd find a better deal privately tbh.

The GT550 is £795, and everytime I think about it I am going off of it.

yambabe · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Karma :

No there at Stafford Motorcycles. Smile

mrtEE · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Karma :

i owned a gt550 and hated it - heavy, ugly, underpowered, and the head gasket went so i sold it for peanuts Sad

sickpup · Old Timer Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Karma :

bish777 · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Nov 2004 Karma :

Look for a GT550 private.

I owned and ran one.

The electronic clocks can be funny, but they mainly just have a problem where the fault light comes on but everything still works.

The engine is pretty noisey but reliable, and the carbs only real vice is the diaphragms tear-easily sorted with £1.20 rubber glue.

Not the most powerful bikes, but it runs smoothly, is comfy and well mannered.

Most people who diss the GT have never owned one. Its no ninja but its not sposed to be.
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