I found a pretty solid deal for a CB550 that some guy started on a cafe racer project but didn't get very far. He bought a clean title/running bike, parts to do a cafe racer, spare bike and engine. It is now in non-running condition. Guy took off the carbs and ripped off the wiring to replace with new stuff he bought. He is saying he got overwhelmed by the project. Didn't do any of the electrical work. Didn't touch the carbs. Anyway, I don't care. I plan on stripping the bike bare and building it from the frame up. As long as the "expensive" mechanical parts are in a shape to be rebuilt and the frame is straight and not failing, it is usable to me.

Link to CB550: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=49756.0

Now, the thought is, do I go with the CB550 or hold out for the 750? 750 is a bit more rare/expensive but I get obviously more power. Right now I'm still riding my SV650. I wouldn't sell the SV650. This is just a fun project bike. 550 will be slower even after minor engine work than my SV. 750 would be about the same after minor engine work(maybe a little slower but still not a big deal). I'm leaning towards just getting the 550 and starting the project, but a 750 seems like a better long term decision.

 

i had a 71 cb750 and that thing wasnt nearly as fast as a sv650.

i like 550s better cause there alot lighter but i like the power out of the 750.

since you have an sv650, id make a cafe racer out of a 550 solely for weight reasons but thats me.

 

CB750 with an overbore, cleaned up head, exhaust and properly jetted carbs should make a solid 80hp. It's a heavier bike than the 650 at over ~485 vs 375, but would make an extra 10hp. Again, I'd expect the CB750 to be slower, but not by a bunch.

 

I'd wait for the 750. especially considering how much more people will pay for a cafe'd 750 vs. a 550.

btw, i've got a complete 750 that i'm trying to get rid of...if luck is on my side you're local

 

go with the 750 i should have... i ended up getting a 550 sohc4 come to find there are a hell of a lot more parts for the 750

 

Ya it is really a strong deal.

 

I held out for a 750 and don't regret it. I was itchin to buy for sure, but I forced myself to wait. One of the key things that kept me waiting was the fact that the cb750 simply has the higher resale as a restored bike. It may be a good deal, but you can find 750's cheap. I've found several for 800-1400 bucks in VERY good shape.

 

if you can find a CB750 for a good price go with it. good luck though. the "cafe" scene is rapidly growing as are the prices of CB750's!