Another first bike question: 1980 CB 750f?

[FlyerPhil]

Is this a good beginner bike? I'm taking the MSF this spring, I'd like to get a cruiser or standard. I'm 5'11, 220#.

Anyone ridden one? Is the center of gravity on it high or low? So on...

[VermilionX]

most people here will say anything above 50hp is not for beginners.

accdg to this website...
http://www.motorbikes.be/en/Honda/1992/ ... n%20Fifty/

cb 750 has 72hp... people here consider 70hp range grey area regarding starter bikes.

since you're gonna take the MSF and haven't completely decided on a bike yet, then take the course and then decide, you might change your mind.

good luck!

[CNF2002]

Yes take the course, then sit on a bunch of bikes. I found out that I hated sport bikes and cruisers, one I was laying forward and the other I felt I was leaning back holding on the bars...standard was just right.

[J.R. Bob Dobbs]

I'm a newbie, have put about 5k miles on my first bike, a Honda Rebel 250.

I bought a CB750 a few weeks ago, the stepup in performance is stunning. I am finding it easy to ride, the transition between bikes is no big deal.

It's a great second bike for me, I believe I would have wrecked it had I started out with it, due to the combo of relatively heavy weght (475lbs dry) and 75hp available with a twitch of the wrist, whether you wanted to twitch your wrist or not.

I'm about 5'9" and 155lbs and can flat foot it in my riding boots, but not quite barefoot. The weight takes some respect and demands better stopping/starting technique, but it's not unweildy.

Some folks could surely learn to ride on a CB750, I just don't think I'm one of them. About 20yrs ago, I almost wrecked a buddies CB750 the very first time I let out the clutch, I lost control and almost dumped it. I had never been on a bike before. I stayed away from bikes for 20yrs. But now that I've learned to ride, my new (1995) CB750 feels very controllable, and the 75hp is thrilling to me.

[Ninja Geoff]

Definatly "gray area" but doable. But yes, take the MSF course THEN get that bike if you think you can take it. If you breeze throough the MSF course with no problems, you should be fine.

[J.R. Bob Dobbs]

Let me add, that after you've completed the MSF, you *may* be ready to safely handle a CB750. I simply didn't feel ready for the bigger bike until I had about 4k miles under my belt.

I'm alot smaller than you, and still it's not too big for me, as far as weight, cg, and seat height are concerned. I like it's "standard" riding position better than either a cruiser or a sportbike, I sat on a few of each before deciding on the CB750 for my bike #2.

[jmillheiser]

If you are shopping for a UJM to start on maybe look down in the 500cc range. I have a CX500 and would definately recommand it to most beginners. The CX might be a tad tall and heavy if you are of smaller stature but at your size it should be fine (im shorter and a tad lighter than you).

the CB500 is a tad lighter than the CX and much easier to find. There are of course the requisite 500cc UJMs from Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha too.

Also dont trust UJM era power figures, most were rather optimistic. CB750s may be rated at 72hp at the factory but its realistically more like 65hp. Most 650cc UJMs were in the 50-60hp range and are considered decent beginner bikes if you dont mind the weight, UJMs are not light, but do tend to be pretty easy to handle.

[Pongo]

I wouldn't recommend it for a first bike. It would be an excellent bike once you have some experience. It has a fairly high centre of gravity and both the F1 and F2 had a tendency to have a slight handle bar flutter when slowing, nothing to worry about, but worth being aware of. Handling was fairly good by the standards of the 1970's.

Performance: For an average guy about 110 mph sitting normally and 125 mph flat on the tank. 0-60 mph 5 sec.

Specs for my old Honda 750 F2 (1978)

736cc (61x63mm) SOHC
Compression 9:1
4x 28 mm choke Keihin carbs
70 bhp @9500 rpm

Brakes:
Dual 11 inch front discs and single 12 inch rear disc

Dimensions:
Wheelbase 58.75 inch
Seat ht 32.5 inch
Turning circle 17 ft

Weight 515 lb including 1 gallon (UK) fuel

[FlyerPhil]

Thanks for all the opinions. Sounds like a good idea to wait on it at least until I get a feel for things taking the MSF.

If you are shopping for a UJM to start on maybe look down in the 500cc range. I have a CX500 and would definately recommand it to most beginners.

Starting on a UJM is my general idea, as long as I'm not sacrificing something really important like steering or brakes with a particular model.

[DivideOverflow]

As a complete beginner you might have a problem with the 750 to start out.

I have a 79 KZ650 as my second bike, and I'm glad I did not start on it. These old UJM's are quite top heavy, and are a little unsettling to handle at low speeds if you aren't experienced. Combine the weight with a relatively high seat, and it isn't a good equation for a beginner.

I am 6'0 220 btw, so I am similar in size to you.
I would recommend something a tad lighter.