1965 Honda CB77...sweet or not?

[Loudo]

I don't know what you've considered as possible first bikes, but I wouldn't rule out a vintage CB175. I have both a CB175 and a Superhawk (restored projects), and with the 175 you get an extra gear and the transmission is a little more forgiving for the new rider. Also you get turn signals which is kinda nice.

[Hank]

That sounds like an excellent idea...I really do want something light and easy. I looked at a CB550 and it just felt so clumsy for me when I stood it up and it also felt real wide at the engine. I think I might need to go 250 or smaller...I'll add CB175 to my search for sure! Thank you!

[jensen]

Hi,

I ride a CB400F, also very nice, and capable of doing high way's, it has a very nice cafe styling too (if you like it),

jensen

[Hank]

jensen - I do like the cafe style a lot - I was hoping to incorporate it into whatever I end up finding to restore and ride. I just need to find something small and light, and probably 250cc or less to begin with and that is turning out to be harder than I thought!

[lifewithoutparole]

I second the CB 175 for a great bike. I had one for 8 years and sold it in 2008 for 1400 dollars. It ran and looked great. They are great but make sure that the pipes are good and watch out for broken or missing side covers (they cover the air filters). they are a challenge to find. However, the 350 is also an excellant choice and probably the easiet to find parts for since so many were manufactured. Again, check the pipes and sidecovers on these and of course find one with good compression, cosmetics. Really nice ones come along now and then for 1500-2500 dollars so they are a bargain. Just my 2 cents.

[Hank]

Hey that's good to know, thank you - I've found a couple too for pretty cheap so I'll have to really look into them - maybe if I get the search narrowed down again I'll post a link to get everyone's opinion on it

[teazer]

175 Honda is a sweet little bike and can be made to go quite well too. For a cafe look, I'd check out www.caferacer.net or www.dotheton.com

Caferace.net has a lot of well edeucated racers and builders some of whom love to bust a new guy's chops, but there is a good body of knowledge there.

dotheton.com is almost the opposite. They appear to be a younger less experienced crown but they are certainly enthusiastic and have a wider interpretation of old custom bikes.

Cb350 is a great starting point for a cafe racer. They are common enough to still be available and parts are available. One rule of thumb is to buy a bike that needs little or no work to run. The more that needs to be done, the higher the end cost. For people with limited cash, think of that as an installment plan. You would be surprised how fast costs rise when you are trying to finish a bike and parts are missing.

For a cafe racer, sometimes the best place to start is with a complete and running bike that doesn't look brilliant. Paint the tank or change the seat or bars is not a huge expense. Get used to riding it and work out the changes you want to make as you get used to the bike.