72 cb450 VS 73cb350.... which should I get?

[budski]

so I'm still shopping, but I came across two both non running but complete bikes

72 CB450 with an extra parts bike (missing frontend) for $600 and 2hr drive

OR

73 CB350 not running for $500 and its 20min away


so me being a total newbie, is one better than the other?

 

[locOleoN]

you'll be happier with a cb450..

But you better get it quick before Saucer does...

 

[budski]

ok retarded question, but I better ask than assume... 350 refers to 350cc and 450 for 450cc?

 

[rockcitycafe]

yep. also, a title is a valuable thing generally... the parts bike is nice too, assuming both engines aren't broken the same way. you might want to hold out too, as you can find a running 350 or 450 for less than that with a title. a running bike is always a better place to start than one that doesn't, because you don't always know what made it stop running

 

[mysta2]

Those prices seem pretty steep. 350s have the most aftermarket (race) support of almost any vintage bike out there, so if you're planning on taking this thing all out and spending a decent chunk of money inside and out of this thing I'd lean toward the 350. On the other hand if you just want a cool runner to ride and you don't plan on ripping into the motor you don't need all that stuff and the 450 will make a better all around rider, especially with a parts bike. As Rock said, title's a big deal.

 

[DrJ]

The 350 motor is way easier to work on than the 450.

 

[budski]

thanks for the info guys! this is my first bike and strictly for fun and to get around. Both bike have titles too.

 

[locOleoN]

thanks for the info guys! this is my first bike and strictly for fun and to get around. Both bike have titles too.

Then get the cb450.. you'll out grow the 350 in a year...
Ive had both...
infact my first bike was a 72cb350 I had it for 2 years, barely rode in the second year.. rode my cb550 much more - sold the cb350.
Then I got a cb450, built it then rode it for .5 year.. still rode my cb550 much more...Sold the cb450 for cash+2000 gsxr750.

between the two... go for the cb450...

 

[brianokc]

I'll cast my vote for the 350. Better parts availability and easy to work on. It's my understanding that the CB450s extra power gets ate up by it's extra weight but I've never owned one so it's not first hand knowledge.

Being a newbie I think you would be better off saving 500.00 more and getting a nice running clean example of a bike. You can easily spend that 500.00 getting an old bike running and looking good.

 

[locOleoN]

Well whichever you end up getting, I will agree 100% with this statement:

I think you would be better off saving 500.00 more and getting a nice running clean example of a bike. You can easily spend that 500.00 getting an old bike running and looking good.

Infact I guarentee that you will spend over $1000 getting an old bike running safely & reliably then looking good...
MAy as well start with a good running bike and spend more money up front...

 

[budski]

Infact I guarentee that you will spend over $1000 getting an old bike running safely & reliably then looking good...

true, but I'm actually getting it to build it more than anything since a new car is out of the plan till next year. I'm the type that just cant stand not keeping their hands busy.

 

[Drewski]

I would suggest a runner of any size for your first bike! You can keep you hands busy with tons of mods, so make it a runner! ;D

As far as 350 vs. 450, your body size might enter into it. If you're a big guy (200+ lbs.) you might wanna consider something 450 or up. Type or riding should be factored in too (city streets vs. highway). If you're into it, this likely won't be your last bike, so don't sweat too much over your choice.

As the others have said, you'll be WAY ahead of the game starting with a bike that runs.