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197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH

  1. #1
    Development Rider scottieducati's Avatar
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    197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH

    I'm spending an awful lot of time in NH of late, and all too frequently it's without my street bike. I'm looking for something that won't break the bank that I can keep up in NH and ride around town for errands and such, strictly back-roads duty. I'm drawn to something from the '70's and have been perusing CB350,400,500,550's as well as the 360T & 500T on craigslist with little that strikes my interest. Seems folks either have a basketcase that doesn't run or think their 30 year old not-quite-mint bike is a museum piece deserving of top dollar. I've also reminisced about my old RD350 and would entertain a 2-smoker as well.

    Gotta be under a grand, but for the right bike can scratch up some cash. But looking for smiles per mile and just *something* to get out on to clear my head while up north sans my bike.

    Would love to keep this thread on topic, I'm not interested in projects (even if minor) as I simply don't have the time. Looking for something that starts right up and can be OK sitting a couple of weeks (not more than that, and I'd winterize prior to storage).

    Any help is greatly appreciated.

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    CCS/LRRS #83

  2. #2
    With 2 esses's Rossco's Avatar
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    Re: 197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH

    Have you tried Larry at 750Four Cycles?

    He specializes in parts for old Hondas, but he occasionally sells whole bikes. Some with titles, some without.

    Give him a call at 978-764-9791

    I beleive he usually works out of the BIllerica area

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  3. #3
    Development Rider scottieducati's Avatar
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    Re: 197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH

    Thanks Rossco, I'll give him a call and see what he's got! While I'm sure he does all kinds of bikes, for anyone reading this I'm looking to stay at 550cc (I4) or 500cc (Twin) or below, but want something that'll do ~75 without too much struggle.

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    Lifer Chippertheripper's Avatar
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    Re: 197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH

    Gs500?

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  5. #5
    Development Rider scottieducati's Avatar
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    As in the newer ish one? No. At least a vintage bike has an excuse for being a slow POS....

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  6. #6
    Lifer Chippertheripper's Avatar
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    Re: 197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH

    Umm like 92. Not the faired one.

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  7. #7
    With 2 esses's Rossco's Avatar
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    Re: 197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH

    '80 CX500, less then a grand. Just rip off the winshield and bags and you'll have yourself a nice little cruiser with a snappy lil V-Twin that'll run forever.

    http://worcester.craigslist.org/mcy/3105272188.html

    Or an '81 CM400. I'm pretty sure you could talk him down a few hundred.

    http://worcester.craigslist.org/mcd/3093232686.html

    Or an '82 Suzi GS450L

    http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/mcy/3104856123.html

    Not any from the '70s, but close.

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    Last edited by Rossco; 06-27-12 at 10:09 PM.

  8. #8
    Development Rider scottieducati's Avatar
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    Re: 197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH

    Yeah, not a fan of the CM but that CX is kind of intriguing, poor man's guzzi?

    I dig the shaft drive and uber reliable reviews.

    Hmm...

    197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH-honda_cx500_cafe_racer-jpg

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    Last edited by scottieducati; 06-27-12 at 11:05 PM.

    CCS/LRRS #83

  9. #9
    Old and Slow Sheppo's Avatar
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    Re: 197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH

    CX's rock and an be had for short coin!
    Quote Originally Posted by scottieducati View Post
    Yeah, not a fan of the CM but that CX is kind of intriguing, poor man's guzzi?

    I dig the shaft drive and uber reliable reviews.

    Hmm...

    197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH-honda_cx500_cafe_racer-jpg

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    Lifer Kurlon's Avatar
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    Re: 197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH

    I swear that red CX cafe mess is local to Windham ME.

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  11. #11
    Lifer
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    Re: 197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH

    We have a '78 CB400 twin in my father's barn. I learned to ride on it.

    Maybe I just haven't ridden it on the highway in a while, but I remember getting batted around by tractor trailer bow wake on state highways at ~60. I remember 75 on I95 being a pretty shitty experience.

    On back roads it was the shiznitz.

    Me, I'm not sure I'd look for anything less than say 500cc.

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  12. #12
    Development Rider scottieducati's Avatar
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    Re: 197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH

    Quote Originally Posted by Kurlon View Post
    I swear that red CX cafe mess is local to Windham ME.
    Mess? I think it's hawt. But I do like the much more boned down CB twins, less is more in that case.

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  13. #13
    Lifer Kurlon's Avatar
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    Re: 197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH

    Quote Originally Posted by scottieducati View Post
    Mess? I think it's hawt. But I do like the much more boned down CB twins, less is more in that case.
    I've been hanging around the CR.net forums too much... clipons, bumpstop seat and standard peg position equals ergonomics fail for example.

    Don't get me wrong, I like the theory, just like to see the execution done better. Less time pinstriping and candy coating, more time making it actually stop and go better.

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  14. #14
    Lifer LuvDog's Avatar
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    Re: 197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH

    When I was looking for a good CB the smaller ones were going for more than the 750's.

    Keep an eye out for 750's and you should be able to find one for under 1000.

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  15. #15
    With 2 esses's Rossco's Avatar
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    Re: 197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH


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    Last edited by Rossco; 06-28-12 at 01:58 PM.

  16. #16
    Lifer
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    Re: 197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH

    FYI that CX500 in Lee has been up on CL for a long while. (As if the photo with snow didn't give it away.) They might be open to ... offers.

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  17. #17
    Lifer TIMMYDUCK's Avatar
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    Re: 197X Honda CB or similar... looking for a cheap, solid running bike for NH

    Rj"s in Nashua has a 1971 CB 350 with 9392 miles on it for 1299.

    Excellent original condition.

    It is on consignment so I doubt you can dicker much.

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