Why are CBs and KZs the popular ones.

[GS1150Pilot]

I'd say there is a big difference in how a CB750K feels and how a CB900f feels over the road. I've ridden a '78 CB750 and it was a bit of a pig, but the 900f is a very nice handling, very quick bike with great road manners. I think Honda improved the breed exponentially with the '81 and up iterations of the CBf line.

An aside on aesthetics: The latter models of the CBf lineup were gorgeous.

[oldGSfan]

Yeah the 900F is a great bike and gorgeous, I agree completely. Especially in that livery. The extra cc's over the 750 must be just what the Dr. ordered, would love to have one.

[GS1150Pilot]

Mine is in pieces, but I'm planning to keep it mostly stock other than a spin on that paint scheme, a Sargent World Sport saddle and a 985 kit and appropriate jetting (plus modern rubber and braided steel brake lines).

[zuluwiz]

I note that Hondas and Kawasakis of the 70s and 80s seem to be more desirable than Suzukis (go figure)(not to us, obviously). But what happened to the Yamahas? They werent bad bikes, and I always thought the black ones were really good looking. Why does there seem to be no demand for these bikes today? I don't get it.

[timebombprod]

I note that Hondas and Kawasakis of the 70s and 80s seem to be more desirable than Suzukis (go figure)(not to us, obviously). But what happened to the Yamahas? They werent bad bikes, and I always thought the black ones were really good looking. Why does there seem to be no demand for these bikes today? I don't get it.

i believe the handling was not up to par when they started competing with 4 cylinder bikes, and they were still making 2 strokes by the time 4 cylinders were all about so they were a bit late to the party. i know the xs650 and some of the xv line up are desirable bikes to get, billy joel sure liked the virago.

[GS1150Pilot]

Virago ... shudder ... Some of the most aesthetically challenged Yamahas bore that name.

[storm 64]

The Yamaha Virago, my friend had a Virago. He would make it backfire by killing the ignition then turn it back on then BANG. He did it one time, then the bike didn't run good after that. Here, he blew the carburetor out of the rubber manifold! Pushed the carburetor back in and he was good to go. 😃

[timebombprod]

Virago ... shudder ... Some of the most aesthetically challenged Yamahas bore that name.

not a fan of the looks of anything after say about 83, the 750 i have looks pretty nice for the most part but once you hit the the mid 80s, oh boy... the vulcan and intruder arent too far behind as for their looks, but the virago really takes the funky cake.

[timebombprod]

The Yamaha Virago, my friend had a Virago. He would make it backfire by killing the ignition then turn it back on then BANG. He did it one time, then the bike didn't run good after that. Here, he blew the carburetor out of the rubber manifold! Pushed the carburetor back in and he was good to go. 

ive known a few people who rode viragos, they dont seem to differ too much, they ride the crap out of them, and then some more. didnt know you could do the killswitch thing with them.

[Cipher]

Viragos were lovely. Beauty all the way.

[Rob S.]

TV is broke, so I'm spending even more time than usual staring at Suzi. The SUZUKI decal on the tank looks...cheap. The KAWASAKI badge on my Z1 had 3 dimensions and color.

Remember the 327 badge on your '68 Camaro? Or how about the Z/28 badge? It was metallic, had color, and chrome, and depth.

My 11E's tank just looks cheap. That's why CBs and KZs are the popular ones.

[Cipher]

TV is broke, so I'm spending even more time than usual staring at Suzi. The SUZUKI decal on the tank looks...cheap. The KAWASAKI badge on my Z1 had 3 dimensions and color.

Remember the 327 badge on your '68 Camaro? Or how about the Z/28 badge? It was metallic, had color, and chrome, and depth.

My 11E's tank just looks cheap. That's why CBs and KZs are the popular ones.

Just got back from flu shot and in the lot saw a nice 2000 Monte Carlo ambled over cos it looked super clean.
Then I saw the guy painted over badges and all

Yes the decals were cheaper easier to make the tank etc.
The badges always seemed to break. What was that pot metal expanding contracting at a different rate than what it was affixed to?

[Rob S.]

Then I saw the guy painted over badges and all

South of the border that's a federal offense.

[rphillips]

Your own fault Rob, you shouldn't have got such a new modern bike, the first 2 yrs the 1100E had the nicer looking emblems.

[Rob S.]

Your own fault Rob, you shouldn't have got such a new modern bike, the first 2 yrs the 1100E had the nicer looking emblems.

I'll bet the battery was easier to access then too.