In the late 70's-early 80's 'everyone' around here had a Kaw 650, a few had a 900, but mostly 650's. But they (650's) were made 60 miles away in Lincoln Neb, that might have had something to do with it... I never had the guts nor balls to buy a MC.
Funny comment in the story about Jap bike suspension especially the shocks. When Mike The Bike Hailwood was hired by Honda he reported to their test track to meet all the guys and get organized. He talked to a team mate who was also a Brit. Mike asked what he thought of the bikes and the Brit said it had a lot of promise but the Jap shocks were **** and were really holding the bikes back but the Japanese insisted on them. They really needed Girlings. Mike told his translator to ask the mechanics to remove the rear shocks and bring them over. When he had the shocks in hand he walked over to a Koi pond and threw them in then said "Get Girlings for it". Hailwood was nearly fired for the breech of etiquette and improper behavior but they finally decided not to. Mike went on to make Honda race bikes world champions. It took the Japanese a long time to make their bikes handle and stop.
I had a Honda cbx, The 6cyl bike with fairing etc. I read once that it was described as a bike with a hinge in the middle, which was an apt description of it’s handling. later on the Japanese really got it together I think the 80s gpz 900 was the first really good one. since then they have all gotten really good. I still don’t get the foot forwards cruiser thing though. How do you ride it
Honda Interceptor was another good one in the 80’s, first street bike I rode was an interceptor 500. Different times back then I remember when the FZR1000 broke into the 10’s in the 1/4 mile that was unheard of not like today.
I considered an Interce I considered an Interceptor 750 but didn't like it. Wound up with a GPZ 750 instead. Last Japanese car or motorcycle I bought and never looked back.
The way i ride, there is a degree of control required. If your feet are forwards you cant stand oin the pegs, say if you hit a tire tread, plus every bump can bounce you out the seat, makes no sense. I cans ee having Hiway pegs for the super slab, but when it comes to the controls mid mount makes sense and forward controls, are maybe stylish but otherwise imo seem stupid. on my harley i moved the controls from forward to mid mount.
I looked at the interceptor 500 back in the day, the power delivery was so linear it just didn't feel like it had the go. Bought a yamaha radian instead, still have that bike, 3800 miles now, short gearing air-cooled 600c, still fun. Rode a friends FZR 1000 thought it was great, but already too much. Later in 94 I had a VFR 750 or 800 dont remember exactly. i think i got it because of the gear driven cams, and the writeups were good, put teminongi oval cans on, rejetted the carbs and it sounded the biz.. At the time it was a little disappointing because it was not quite a full on sport bike, and in the canyons outside Johannesburg where it was all full tilt the bike was not as buttoned down as a full on sport bike, at the same time it was not really so much more comfortable. Now that I'm older, and living in the USa where there is no real full tilt riding anyway, I wish i still had it. Now looking again for a bike to take on a 5 day trip with friends in Nc, everything from the kawasaki retro 900 to triumph speed twin, to BMW R1250R. thats Honda VFR would have been perfect.
I wanted a Yamaha FJ back in the day got a price on a new one of 5500 and they also had a leftover FZ 700 for 4700 that I ended up getting instead of the FJ. Really learned what a powerband was when I got that bike. I made a few 5 hour trips on it but wasn’t the best bike for long distances. Had a CB650 at the same time which was a fantastic bike for cruising but I think that secret is out now judging by the selling prices people have gotten for them.
When V Rod came out I really wanted to ride it to see what the motor was like. Went to see friend of a friend at a dealer and he gave me the keys. I sat on it for like 2 minutes trying to figure out how you do this. I walked back in and gave him the keys back. No way was I riding that thing.
Too bad, isn't it. It only it has a normal rake and trail, that motor sounds sweet. I've always wondered if anybody built a custom frame.
I'm not sure I understand the negative reaction. The seating position was off or what was it? I rode one some. I loved the motor but it just didn't "fit" from a riding position.
My brother has a V-Rod, and he let me ride it. The motor is great. Personally, I prefer to have my feet under me rather than out front, so I didn't care for the riding position, but if that's your thing, it's a nice bike.
Image Unavailable, Please Login (((This is a beautiful, unrestored original paint motorcycle with less than 1000 original miles. This thing is basically a time machine, completely original down to dealer sticker on the fender and the tires. Out of long storage in a private collection/ museum. I went through changed all fluids, plugs etc and she starts and runs well. A blast to ride. This is a great museum piece or a nice original bike to ride. Will work w your shipper to ship worldwide. )))
550/4 + 400/4 Hondas on BAT. 400 is GORGEOUS! https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1977-honda-cb550f-super-sport-3/ https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1976-honda-cb400f-super-sport-2/
