Cb650 or cb750?

[RyanJones]

Over the last few weeks I was looking to buy a cb360 that was for sale locally, but it had way too many problem for me to bother with. So now I'm looking at another bike for the basis of my cafe build.
There are a couple of each cb650 and cb750 for sale for $1000-1500. They're all in good condition, but I have a few questions about them.
Other than displacement, what differences are there? 750's seem to be more popular, does that mean parts are much easier to find? All the bikes I'm looking at have mag (comstar?) wheels, and spoked wheels fit the look I'm going for better. Are there aftermarket wheels readily available for either? Will wheels from other bikes fit?
What are the main problems with each of these bikes? What should I be looking for when I go check them out?
I don't plan on putting a gsxr front end or wheels on. This is going to be a budget build as much as possible. Rebuild the brakes and suspension, new tank and tail/seat, and all the little things like clipons and rearsets.
Thanks for the help and advice, I'll be needing it as much as possible. Everyone I know that rides have Harley's, so they won't be much help.

 

[Ride509]

I know that the cb650 is lighter and make jut slightly less power then the 750. But when looking at a 650 the only year people will tell you to get is a 79. This is because the 80 and up had a dip in the frame making the cafe look harder to accomplish . That doesn't mean it can't be done.

As far as the 750 goes it does seem that more people gravitate to them. And the opposite direction the 550 over the 650. Although a lot of 550 parts fit directly into the 650 .

As far as wheels the cb650 did come with the option of spokes. And they are around for a direct swap over . But I am pretty sure the 750 did also.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RyanJones]

Just more info: the 650's are a '79 and '80, and the 750's are a '78 super sport and a '82 custom.
The shape of the frame will be important. I want it to be as simple and streamlined as possible.

 

[Ride509]

Both the bikes will be great just get the 79 650 if you want that. The 750 ss sounds pretty nice . But it all depends on what you want. Most parts will fit both bikes. And I think they both suffer from most of the same issues. Such as the charging system . The 750 might and does have a wider variety of parts that say will work for cb750 .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[plagrone]

I dearly miss my CB650. It was a 1979. The only weakness I really recall was it was very cold natured, I would have to let it sit and idle with the choke on for ~2 minutes before I could ride. Making this more frustrating was a (in my opinion) poorly designed choke cable routed up next to the ignition switch.

I rode mine over 1500 miles with minimal upkeep and it never failed me. Great bike in my opinion and good looking. Also can be bored out further and certain modern carbs fit (ninja I believe)

 

[seized79cb650]

If Mag wheels are a problem for you there is a way to use what you have. Here's the link, or send yours to him and he'll do them. http://motosynthesis.blogspot.com/p/products.html