Classic CB 4 Cyl Buyers Guide

snatchpiece · L Plate Warrior Joined: 19 Sep 2007 Karma :

Hi, I'm thinking of getting a bigger Honda classic, a CB650 or a 1970's SOHC 750 4, however I have no knowledge of these bikes so wouldn't know a good un' from a bad un'. I would be most grateful if anyone could give me some tips on what to look out for especially irrepairable faults or irreplaceable parts.

Thanks in advance,

Mick.

DJS · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 01 Dec 2012 Karma :

Casper · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Jul 2010 Karma :

I remember the 750/900F being the ones to avoid. Chocolate cams I think the problem was. I doubt you will get a SOHC 750 cheap.

trevor saxe-coburg-gotha · World Chat Champion Joined: 22 Nov 2012 Karma :

Man - seen this?? Think I'm in lurve:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classic-1975-Honda-CB500-4-CB-500-four-/151032029875?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item232a35e2b3
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Fizzer Thou · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Aug 2011 Karma :

Have a look see at this forum https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php

Back in the late '70s I owned a number of Honda Fours.Lovely bikes Thumbs Up

https://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv23/WiNot_Rhencullen/Snaps/HondaLeaflets006.jpg
https://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv23/WiNot_Rhencullen/Snaps/HondaLeaflets002.jpg
https://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv23/WiNot_Rhencullen/Snaps/HondaLeaflets009.jpg

I put up a post about my ownership of a CB750F2

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=234539&highlight=history+honda+750
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moonzoomer · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Jul 2012 Karma :

IMO the CB550 is the one to go for, good combination of power, weight and handling. The sohc cb650 should be avoided as they are fragile being an overbored CB500. The best of the 750 cc bikes was imo the slightly more modern CBX 750 with a very tough engine that incorporated hydraulic valve gear that required little maintenence, they were powerful and a lot lot quicker than the sohc models and still available at sensible money.

moonzoomer · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Jul 2012 Karma :

A rare bird currently on ebay for sensible money, cb350/4
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-Honda-cb350-4-NOT-CB400-4-super-rare-ORIGINAL-RESTORATION-PROJECT-995-/251266281726?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item3a80a330fe

jjdugen · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Jun 2011 Karma :

Moonzoomer took the words right outa my mouth. Although the 400-4 is still the best looking of the 4's. Used to be a bit silly pricewise but are coming down to acceptable prices nowadays. Not quite the performance of the 550, but a really sweet all round package.
The chocolate cams were fitted to the early V4 750's, non of the inlines had any major problems except for the 650's, being a touch fragile if caned.
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Casper · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Jul 2010 Karma :

When I said I think the problem was it was as I could not remember. It turned out to be the cam chain tensioner. I was talking about the later F models. Have a read if this is your model in mind OP

https://www.realclassic.co.uk/honda_cb900f.html

Hmm, nice

https://www.cb750f.com/

Zen Dog · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Karma :

First bike I ever went out pillion on, was my dad's CB550 Four.

In my head, when I think "Motorbike", thats what I see. Thumbs Up

Zen Dog
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