Suggestions for Next Project

[Nurse Julie]

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.

French Market models were also 398cc.

[Orcade-Ian]

French market - yuk!  If they won't buy our lamb, then I'm not buying their letters!
One of my 400 fours was an American import and definitely 408cc but the good old DVLA local office in Preston put it down as 398, even though I showed the inspector the cast in number on the barrels!  A few letters to DVLA got me nowhere, so I just carried on paying the reduce VED  until it became Historic.

Ian

[Sesman]

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

😁😁😁

[juitz]

Well, I'm leaning towards a 500/550 or 750 at the moment and am starting to look more seriously for a bike to purchase. What other places are good to look for a bike aside from eBay?

Also struggling for choice!
K or F?
Desirable model years or particular ones to avoid?

[Sesman]

Get a Kawasaki.

[Oddjob]

I'm biased and would always suggest the 500-4, beats the 750 for handling easily. The 550 has some refinements but doesn't have the same character IMO, it's the 4 into 4 pipes that just do it. I wouldn't suggest the 550K3, arbs are a problem and the 4 into 4 just didn't look right, the 550F is a nice bike but standard exhausts are almost impossible to source these days. If you can find a 550K1 or K2 I'd say that's the best of both bikes. Import only though as they never came to the UK.

[Sesman]

I’m with Ken on this one. Try to find the best, latest,  most complete K1 or K2. Same applies to the F1 or F2. I have my own views on the 750, but I’ll keep them to myself. Personally I favour the F2, mainly because it’s the last of the line and in my opinion the best of the marque. Not the prettiest though…..

[juitz]

Thanks guys - I think your comments affirm what I had in the back of my head.
The current project is a modified 550k1, so I did have it in the back of my head to buy another one and restore it to original (or as close).

[Oddjob]

I’m with Ken on this one. Try to find the best, latest,  most complete K1 or K2. Same applies to the F1 or F2. I have my own views on the 750, but I’ll keep them to myself. Personally I favour the F2, mainly because it’s the last of the line and in my opinion the best of the marque. Not the prettiest though…..

750F2 or 550F2?

[juitz]

A question on originality.

I really like the k0 paint scheme in orange (and I'm long time Philadelphia Flyers fan) and prefer it to the k1 scheme.
Would it be a big no-no if a k1 was re-painted with the k0 scheme?

http://www.sohc4.com/bikes/cb550/

Or should the bike be painted in the original factory colour. I want to get to as close to original look, but will make concessions on like for like replica aftermarket parts, otherwise it will cost a fortune. And I don't intend on selling it anytime soon.

[Toko_Jo]

Kawasaki Z650B1

[Johnny4428]

I had a totally weird situation last night where I dreamt vividly about tearing around on a Kawasaki KE125 (green) looked on eBay this morning and there is one green KE125 for sale! Is that some sort of calling?
I’ve never owned a Kawasaki or have ever had any intentions or ambitions of owning one!

[K2-K6]

I had a totally weird situation last night where I dreamt vividly about tearing around on a Kawasaki KE125 (green) looked on eBay this morning and there is one green KE125 for sale! Is that some sort of calling?
I’ve never owned a Kawasaki or have ever had any intentions or ambitions of owning one!

You'll definitely have to buy it now 

[Sesman]

Z650B1. I reckon that’s a good choice 👍. I know, I know, it’s not a Honda….

[bruxby-clive]

 I have had a couple of Z650's and have got another which I just need to register with the DVLA (American Import). They really are a great bike, I would have no hesitation in recommending one. Tin hat on for the abuse in it not being a Honda.