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So I'm looking at buying a 70's Honda CB (anything from a 350 to 550cc) and I notice they have T, F, K, etc. models. What is the difference? Thanks.

70's Hondas are awesome.

T is for twin. (inline 2 cylinder motor)
F is the sport model. I think only the CB400/4 and 750 had an F model.
K is the standard model.

My favorite CB's are the CB400F 4cylinder for it's sexy 4 into 1 exhaust. And the CB550.

I have a 74 cb360 and love it. It's great for the urban environment I live in. Relatively light, but plenty quick enough and not as big a pain to maneuver in small places like a 1000 cc beheamoth. Honda went to the 360cc 6 speed in 74. Prior to that they made 350s with the standard 5 gears - so if you see a 360 it's 74 and after - up until 78 I think, but I could be wrong about that.

yeah, i really dig the 70's honda bikes. i had a feeling F was the sport model but what makes it sportier then the K models? I'm looking for something to ride in town (i need something that gets more then 14mpg, lol) but maybe once a month take a long cruise. i'd settle with a 200-400cc in town but i get a feeling it'll get very uncomfortable on a long ride. i was looking for something with the 4 cylinders thinking it would offer a smoother operation over a 2 cylinder. i hear people complain about the vibrations from 2 cylinders going through their hands and wrists but then again it is a first for me. thanks

gearbot wrote:yeah, i really dig the 70's honda bikes. i had a feeling F was the sport model but what makes it sportier then the K models?

Handlebar position more than anything else. All the CBs are 'ergonomically correct' motorcycles, so you needn't be too choosy. Just pick the one that's the nicest overall, and customize it to your own liking. The K bike, in later years, turned into the 'klassic/luxury' model, especially in the '79 turn-around year, when the Fs were all mag wheels and disc brakes, and the Ks kept the spoked rims, chrome fenders, round headlights, etc.

Joe Mc wrote: My favorite CB's are the CB400F 4cylinder for it's sexy 4 into 1 exhaust. And the CB550.

I liked the CB500X (aka CBX500). Very neat little bike. For looks, I liked the CB750K with its chrome fenders, spoked wheels, and 4 into 4 exhaust.

I had a '79 CB750K with a Vetter fairing and samsonite luggage. The bike was in fabulous shape, and I eventually put a brand new engine into it. It was a perfect bike except for one thing - the chain drive. With the amount of miles I put on in a day, I got really tired of adjusting the chain every morning and night, and replacing it every month or two. I haven't had a chain drive since.