CB or SV Which One To buy?

I've owned 12 of these bikes and roadraced them for 5 years while I was a Honda mechanic in the late 70's



In its day they were as reliable as anything made, and even today they are very smooth running engines. Today however, every bearing, gasket and seal is 30 years old now and best left to a real enthusiast who loves to tinker. Assume you will have to rebuild the carbs and probably replace the ignition coils soon. The head gasket o-rings are most certainly weeping oil by now.



They also had points, non o-ring chains, old technology suspension and many other reasons why it will need more TLC than a newer bike. Leave it to the classic bike lovers and get an SV, or if you like Honda, get an NT650 Hawk which is like the SV.



Both of these bikes have very long life engines, better handling and you can still find parts for them at your local dealer.

Buy the SV and ride the snot out of it. Take it from someone who owns MANY 30+ year old jap bikes. They may be fun to ride to the supermarket every now and then, but that's about it. Racing them's another matter, 'cause if they blow up it's just a short push back to the pits, instead of spending the night sleeping under it somewhere near Ojai.



Remember, you're dealing with old stuff whirring and clanking around in there, and like the previous post said, oil leaks and other horrible things (like cam chains trying to saw motors in half, etc.) are just waiting to happen.



But if you like stuff like that, go ahead and get the CB. I've got one for sale if you're interested...comes with lots of spare parts.



But whatever you do, don't get a 350 four. Even if someone gives it to you for free. You have been warned.



(Phew, posted it to the right one this time...)

I agree with most of the above posts with just one small addendum: why not buy both?



The CB, as pictured, is way overpriced. The rusted chain itself along with the half-flat rear tire should set off a very loud alarm. No front fender, a grooved front brake rotor, missing rear components - all indicate the status of this bike: a 30 year old beater.



IF it runs, offer the current owner maybe $150 and be willing to "negotiate" another 25 or 50 to make him feel good about the deal. Then be prepared to spend at least another $600 or more on missing parts, cables, brake components, chain, tires, tubes, valve stems and whatever else you later discover. Then you'll have ... yep, a thirty year old motorcycle. You might also factor in the cost of a cell phone and roadside insurance depending on your risk tolerance.



Buy a used SV (or something similar) too. Around here you're looking at $3 k or so that will get you much newer technology and if you find a good one, it will be pretty much ready to ride.



$4,000 will get you two bikes. Treat them both with kindness and care and you'll be rewarded with two different rides for your efforts.



P.S. Under no circumstances should you extend this analogy to members of the fairer sex.