Japanese classics
Thu, 06/01/2011 - 18:04
I'm havering over a tidy 1971 model [CB500] for around £3500.
Haver ye not if it's even half as nice as this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAB2ituud1Y
Candy green looks good enough to eat and Henry Moore could be proud of those exhausts.
From the late 60s onwards my dad owned a series of what have turned out to be fairly collectable Hondas, though not the 500. Many of those models seem to be getting hard to find in good condition at reasonable money. Here's one dad was knocked off of in 1974 (in olden times, whacking great Stanley indicators sticking out at the sides doubled up as pretty effective crash bungs). £5k for a CB350! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130459670898#ht_1427wt_1141
And this seller's stocklist always makes for a pleasant internet diversion. Plenty of lovely Zeds, but they don't seem to get many good Hondas in: http://www.classicbikes.co.uk/
Having said that I wouldn't kick their CB750 out of the garage, even at 49,248 recorded miles.
By now, overwhelmed by these visions of loveliness, you'll be knock-kneed, light of head and ready for a bit of a sit-down with a good book and a soothing Horlicks. In which case I can recommend this tome, which has lots of pictures, some interesting words and at £13.99 is a sight cheaper than buying an actual motorcycle:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Classic-Japanese-Motorcycle-Guide-Rod/dp/184425335X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294177781&sr=8-1
Just don't look at page 185 unless you want to risk a bad trip. I'd forgotten all about the monstrosity known as the Yamaha XZ550 and I've been having flashbacks ever since I saw it again.
Thu, 13/01/2011 - 12:29
#2
Re: Japanese classics
Yes, the CB500 four was officially imported. You may have been thinking of the CB350 four, which wasn't, though in recent years these have been finding their way across the pond from the US in generally better condition (and at lower prices) than equivalent era UK 400/4s. I had a good look at a 350 a couple of years ago and thought it a very attractive machine, albeit a little sober-suited next to the 500 (which was a "super sports" bike of its day). Although lacking much in the way of performance when judged by modern standards, the density of appearance and watch-like miniaturisation evident in the design of the small-capacity multis has its own special appeal.
Interesting article here. The author mentions that the 350's engine was "almost completely unique" (oxymoron alert?). I seem to remember reading that this is broadly true of the range of 70s Honda fours: certainly the 750 had nothing in common with the 500's engine (other than it being an IL four, of course) and the 350/ 400 engines were different again. Nowadays a sadly "modular" approach predominates and Honda's range is replete with derivatives sharing basic engine designs.
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/289/1127/Motorcycle-Article/Memorable-Moto...
Thu, 13/01/2011 - 13:02
#3
Re: Japanese classics
Marketing guff from the days when a front disc brake (singular) and "bright lights" distinguished a superbike:
"Light, low and easy to ride with 50 bhp, blazing acceleration through a 5-speed gearbox and a faster top speed that you'll ever need. All Honda superbike features like front disc brake, electric starter, upswept pipes, bright lights, large separate meters. Plus lockable helmet holders, warning lamp panel and passing light switch. Everything you desire for superbike riding pleasure".
Thu, 13/01/2011 - 14:00
#4
Re: Japanese classics
rocca/silvercub: I have been spending time looking at the various links you have posted and there are some fine looking bikes. Is the appeal that they are basic and simple and thus provide riding pleasure? Secondly do you need to have mechanical skills to keep them going like the early Brit bikes?
I have tried to post a picture below after I passed my CBT some years ago, I am sulking on the pillion as my Big Brother had a full licence.
My Dad had an Aerial Square Four and big BSA both with two seater side cars for trips to Skegness where upon arrival I would be sick from the oil and petrol fumes. Good memories
.jpg "KevinBrian019 (3).jpg")
Thu, 13/01/2011 - 14:41
#5
Re: Japanese classics
That's a great photo RIC. Very artfully composed. And I bet you wish that the Ariel Square Four had been preserved in a vacuum chamber to be handed down the generations.
The appeal of the old Japanese stuff, for me, is firstly to do with having grown up around those bikes. Dad had already had it with Brit iron when I came along (I'd guess I am of a slightly later vintage than you). One of my earliest vivid memories (aged 3 years?) is of clinging tightly to the pillion seat strap of a Honda, sans hemet and with legs dangling shy of the pegs, as we rode down the high street at what to my tiny, exhilarated frame felt like 1,000 m.p.h. (in reality it was probably no more than 20). If repeated today, this sometime juvenile biking rite of passage would doubtless give rise to sundry criminal charges. Not to mention a care order.
I'll try and dig out a corresponding photo of me as a nipper, riding the cusp of the Japanese invasion...
Thu, 13/01/2011 - 14:48
#6
Re: Japanese classics
By the way the biking world from the mid 60's to the late 70's passed me by as I became a four wheel petrol head. Then I saw an old sky blue/silver Triumph Cub and bought a modern Triumph Thunderbird in sky blue as endless friends convinced me I would be a disaster at the mechanics.
What has got me interested in Japanese older 'Brit' bikes is local bikers who turn up every Sunday on Honda's and Kwaka 6's. They have nothing to prove and seem content to ride bikes with, seemingly, endless character.
I met a journalist from Classic Bike and he said all the old Brit bikes are purchased by sub 35 year old's as they find them fascinating but anybody from that riding era go for the Jap bikes as they have deep scars from adjusting carbs, failing magnetos and seized up brakes!
So what's the appeal for you guys for those of us who missed the early Jap bikes?
Thu, 13/01/2011 - 15:08
#7
Re: Japanese classics
My Dad just phoned, he is in his 90's, and I asked him to remind me of which BSA he had with the sidecar. 60 minutes later I managed to interrupt him - it was a 650 BSA Golden Flash, a twin high compression engine, and 'the best bike I ever had. I should not have sold it'
Things never change - there's a thread there - Which Bike Should You Never Have Sold?
Thu, 13/01/2011 - 21:08
#8
Re: Japanese classics
Wow! It's really a great pic RIC! Thanks for posting it!
Fri, 14/01/2011 - 16:18
#9
Re: Japanese classics
RiC - don't you start!
It's bad enough having to put up with rocca's intoxicating cocktail of tease, temptation and taunt.
I think you've hit the nail on the head in para 3 of post #6, but with the following provisos:
* whilst the iconic (and I use the term advisedly) marques of Brough, Vincent & Scott have a wide appeal amongst bike enthusiasts, prices are stratospheric. The mass-produced BritBikes don't quite do it for me (although Shuggie could doubtless persuade me otherwise in the glamour, fanny-magneto stakes) as they were on their way out in my youth. I lusted-after my cousin's Trident but it spent most of its life in the workshop.
*rocca's right about 'watch-like miniaturisation' but this brought with it scars, both physical and psychological. Even now, if I hear the words 'Tappet adjustment', I flinch at the memory of bent and bleeding fingers. 'Check spark plug electrode' is another one: four plugs exposed to all that rain and salt can throw at them make not for easy removal. I was always content to remove the 3 that unscrewed without too much fuss for fear of leaving part of one inside the cylinder head (until it actually happened!).
What chiefly appeals to me is the prospect of an affordable and achievable project that enables me to revisit my youth with the benefit of 21st century tyre technology. Why chase the latest, fastest, hottest models, when you can have a more meaningful relationship with a 37 year old? Plus the satisfaction of knowing that regular servicing keeps equipment in tip top condition.
Sat, 15/01/2011 - 12:36
#10
Re: Japanese classics
'Japanese Classic Motorcycle Guide' by Rod Kerr popped through the letterbox this morning and rocca's campaign looks like succeeding. It fell open at a glorious blue 400/4 centrefold which was the dead spit of mine.
This sent me rummaging around under the stairs until - lo! - the 70's photo albums were unearthered. A tsunami of memories hit me when I came across some of my 'touring' pics. Not a patch on RiC's for quality or clarity but the feelgoodishness is there in abundance - flares and a certain amount of flair too!
I am even now arranging to meet a Honda collector in the fens of Lincolnshire...
Sat, 15/01/2011 - 12:50
#11
Re: Japanese classics
Classic gear as well. Is that a red plastic mac I can see? Memories hey.....flares, long hair, Jean Shrimpton.......45's on the Jukebox
Sat, 15/01/2011 - 13:20
#12
Re: Japanese classics
Red? Now that would be sinister, especially if we were visiting Venice.
Julie Christie doing the sexiest re-dress ever.....ah, memories.
My companion is sporting the very latest orange kagoule and a most fetching pair of black wellingtons in the event of inclement weather. The frizzy perm is 'de rigeur' don't you know.
You'll remember the Rickman fairing, of course: tankbag for maps (how quaint). Stout brogues, fresh faces and Colgate smiles.
Sat, 15/01/2011 - 17:02
#13
Re: Japanese classics
Silvercub: I love how your companion has her luggage slung over her shoulder - especially as all the modern VFR owners complain about pannier capacity.
Regarding Julie Christie and Venice, Donald Sutherland sat by me on a flight to Paris some years ago - the Americans had just invaded Nicaragua - and we both discussed Julie and her/his performance in Venice; we both seemed to want to discuss it the time.
Donald, I discovered, is Canadian as we both traveled back in the evening to Heathrow. He said he had been to Paris to fix his ex-wifes plumbing! Lovely man.
When Donald shouted across the Immigration Hall 'see you again Roundincircles' about 300 people wondered who the hell I was, only the Immigration Officer knew the answer on my passport!
Mon, 14/02/2011 - 19:06
#14
Re: Japanese classics
Regarding Julie Christie and Venice, Donald Sutherland sat by me on a flight to Paris some years ago - the Americans had just invaded Nicaragua - and we both discussed Julie and her/his performance in Venice; we both seemed to want to discuss it the time.
'Performance' (not to be confused with another of Nic Roeg's films) is the right word...I seem to remember that rumours were rife at the time that the lovemaking scene was in no way 'faked'. Roeg had to cut some of the technical work, to get the film through the UK censor.
Rocca, silverpup asked me to attach this link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUIH0lYMtX8
Kevin, if you're watching, I did the 'quote' bit manually!
Wed, 16/02/2011 - 12:53
#15
Re: Japanese classics
Rocca, silverpup asked me to attach this link -
...and not a high vis in sight. Mercifully.
Meanwhile...
New Garmin dog nav system confirmed to be a joint venture with Shoei:
Wed, 16/02/2011 - 18:05
#16
Re: Japanese classics
Rocca, you are one seriously disturbed scooterist!
And surely it was a Roof...
A trip to the dry cleaner is mandatory, even if the helmet is not.
Wed, 16/02/2011 - 18:05
#17
Re: Japanese classics
Rocca, you are one seriously disturbed scooterist!
And surely it was a Roof...
A trip to the dry cleaner is mandatory, even if the helmet is not.
Thu, 17/02/2011 - 11:56
#18
Re: Japanese classics
disturbed
The photo is like a Rorschach test. What for you summons up demonic experiences long repressed in the subconscious, to me presents only as a touching image showing how dog and man can bond in the pursuit of a common interest. Illustrating, once again, the old truism that man is a dog's best friend. And that despite a clearly inferior intellect man can still be taught to do some fairly complicated things, such as riding a scooter.
wRoof, wRoof!
Thu, 17/02/2011 - 12:00
#19
Re: Japanese classics
Rocca, SilverCub - I have read, re read and read again your posts and still have little idea as to what goes in your collective worlds. Well done, keep up the good work.
Thu, 17/02/2011 - 12:02
#20
Re: Japanese classics
Rocca, SilverCub - I have read, re read and read again your posts and still have little idea as to what goes in your collective worlds
You and me both, sir.
Thu, 17/02/2011 - 12:26
#21
Re: Japanese classics
demonic experiences long repressed
Desperately trying to weave the thread back to the warp and woof of its title,
Thu, 17/02/2011 - 12:32
#22
Re: Japanese classics
Rocca, SilverCub - I have read, re read and read again your posts and still have little idea as to what goes in your collective worlds
And both of me too. Thank heavens for the level-headed RiC!
Thu, 17/02/2011 - 13:00
#23
Re: Japanese classics
Desperately trying to weave the thread back to the warp and woof of its title,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ny42Mdg5qo&feature=related
Dr. Winston O'Boogie, I presume? "Play loud" as it used to say near the run-out groove on select vinyl discs...and Ono, I didn't miss the titular allusion.
This has pitched up in the showrooms, so I'm going to take a look. Yes, I know it isn't a real classic but it looks gorgeous in photos and the paint is exactly the right shade of green (I'm shallow like that).
 Front Side.jpg "Kawasaki W800 (2011) Front Side.jpg")
Thu, 24/02/2011 - 20:26
#24
Re: Japanese classics
It's a copy of a copy of (possibly) another copy!
But it does look good in green.
And full marks for getting your titulars out.
Sat, 26/02/2011 - 19:31
#25
Re: Japanese classics
Ooooooo! Suits you sir!
Thu, 03/03/2011 - 15:39
#26
Re: Japanese classics
...
Thu, 03/03/2011 - 15:40
#27
Re: Japanese classics
Dream a little dream...?
_fs.jpg "gal-honda-dream-50_(2)_fs.jpg")
Wed, 23/03/2011 - 14:53
#28
Re: Japanese classics
Honda Heaven!
Honda Hell?
Wed, 23/03/2011 - 16:19
#29
Re: Japanese classics
Honda Heaven!
Honda Hell?
You've lost me here Silvercub.
Got the Monkey yet?
Wed, 23/03/2011 - 19:19
#30
Re: Japanese classics
Well, Casey was devilishly quick on the Honda this past weekend. Even more prodigiously talented than the good Doctor himself? Maybe we'll find out this season.
And now homage must be paid to the god of thread title, so here's a gratuitous photo of a beautiful CR750 rep courtesy of those lovely people at bikeexif.com.
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Ooooooo, you are awful! But then so am I.....
I know, the candy green is scrumptuous (that's what I'm after) and the four into four exhausts tempted me away from the 400/4, which I'd previously owned in 70's. The 500/4 is a relatively rare beast, as not originally shipped to UK by big H, I believe. [Not correct apparently - further research reveals that they did reach these shores, although the 550/4 proved more popular, having a teeny bit more ooomph]
Thanks too for the Amazon link; the credit card is even now being flexed. You may like this link (Warning: rootling about may reveal further images of 70's soft-porn...)
http://www.sohc4.net