Suggestions for Next Project

[juitz]

Hello everyone,

I've not yet finished my current CB550 K1 project, but already thinking about my next one. The current bike hasn't been restored to original as I wanted to learn a few new skills, but for my next project I want to do a restoration to original (or close as possible).

I've found the CB550 to have a limitations with available parts, nothing major but I've learnt to carefully plan and research what parts are still available. Ideally, I would like to start with a bike that is actually running and with not so much rust and unknown history as was the case with my current bike, which meant I had to replace so much.

Any recommendations on which CB Four would be a good basis a full restoration project?

[Oddjob]

400, 500 or 750.

400 can be a little small if you're of a big build but parts are easier to get than any other model.

500, same as the 550 but easier to get parts for, exhausts for instance are available whereas the 550F ones aren't. Not many models of them so easy to work out what's correct for the model.

750, reasonably easy to get parts for, Yamiya do quite a few parts. However the differences between each model can get a little confusing for an original restoration, the early ones are more valuable but then your initial price goes up as well.

I'd ride the 550 and see if it suits you, if the power is ok then maybe think of a 500, if you think smaller and buzzier is ok go for 400, if you want bigger and slightly more powerful go for 750 but be aware they don't handle as well due to the extra weight.

[juitz]

400, 500 or 750.

400 can be a little small if you're of a big build but parts are easier to get than any other model.

500, same as the 550 but easier to get parts for, exhausts for instance are available whereas the 550F ones aren't. Not many models of them so easy to work out what's correct for the model.

750, reasonably easy to get parts for, Yamiya do quite a few parts. However the differences between each model can get a little confusing for an original restoration, the early ones are more valuable but then your initial price goes up as well.

I'd ride the 550 and see if it suits you, if the power is ok then maybe think of a 500, if you think smaller and buzzier is ok go for 400, if you want bigger and slightly more powerful go for 750 but be aware they don't handle as well due to the extra weight.

I'm definitely not as slim as I was in my 20s, so a little extra power wouldn't hurt. Having said that, I'd be quite happy with a 400/500 as I also can't ride like I am in my 20s.

I'll keep an eye out for suitable 400/500s. Is there any benefit from getting a UK model over a US import?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

FWIW USA & UK models are all made in Japan so truth is they are all imports from Japan.

I have a 400 that I restored recently & as I'm 6' 1" tall I found the 400 too small the 500 & 550 are a slightly different riding position so I found the 500 easier on my hips.

Parts easier to source on the 400 so imho cheaper to restore.

.http://cycle-ergo.com/

[Sesman]

Agree with Ted. All the machines are Japanese exports and find their way to owners via many and varied routes. I’ve always maintained that the UK vs Rest of World to be irrational nonsense. UK more highly prized…why?

[Sesman]

Actually, stow that last comment. Keep promoting UK models and leave the cheaper, better value and often less corroded USA models for us unappreciative types.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

If a bike comes from a US desert it's likely to be less corroded.

[Rozabikes Tim]

Agree with Ted. All the machines are Japanese exports and find their way to owners via many and varied routes. I’ve always maintained that the UK vs Rest of World to be irrational nonsense. UK more highly prized…why?

Light blue touch paper and stand back....

[Bryanj]

No benefit at all just make sure all the import paperwork is there if its an import

[Sesman]

Agree with Ted. All the machines are Japanese exports and find their way to owners via many and varied routes. I’ve always maintained that the UK vs Rest of World to be irrational nonsense. UK more highly prized…why?

Light blue touch paper and stand back....

You’re onto me….no takers yet though😁

[Laverdaroo]

Agree with Ted. All the machines are Japanese exports and find their way to owners via many and varied routes. I’ve always maintained that the UK vs Rest of World to be irrational nonsense. UK more highly prized…why?

Light blue touch paper and stand back....

You’re onto me….no takers yet though😁

Nope, not biting

[Oddjob]

You can always tell a US bike, seat foam is completely crushed.

[taysidedragon]

Juitz, if you go for a 400f import  just be aware that Japanese home market bikes are 398cc not 408cc like the rest of the world.

[taysidedragon]

You can always tell a US bike, seat foam is completely crushed.

🤣🤣

[andy120t]

Don't forget the 350/4 as well.  Another option, not heavy, look great with four pipes. As they aren't so common it might be harder to find one and potentially trickier to source some parts of any are missing.