Im looking to buy a CB200 soon but I do commute to work everyday 60 miles roundtrip on the freeway. I know the CB200 is a bit underpowered, but I like small look of the bike. Does anyone have any recommendations for hondas around the same time period that would be the same size as the 200 but maybe a bt more power? I dont want a larger bike as its just not my style (im a skinny tall guy). Do any of the other CB's use the same frame and such but just a bit more powerful engine? Thanks!

 

Anyone familiar with the old honda's?

 

I used to own a '81 CM200T. I sounded like it wanted to blow up past 50 mph, but will do 65 mph. It only has 4 gears as well, and I am at 4,000 feet, which sucks a little power too.

From what I have read though, the older 70's CB200's made more power.

If I were you I would look for something newer and with more displacement. I've been all over CA, and would be pretty scared riding a 200 on the freeways there.

 

Well thats the thing, ive never been interested in a motorcycle at all until I saw the cb200. I like the vintage look and I like the fact that it doesnt go super fast. I dont want to be tempted to go fast. That also helped in convincing my wife. So with the 70's CB's in mind? Any help on a bit more power? Are the 350's any bigger?

 

Look into an old smoker or something like that. They aren't short of the power needed to commute while still retaining that old school tiny bike look. I just wouldn't recommend going too big. Those old Yami 750 two smokers are knows as "widowmakers" for a reason.

 

Whats a smoker?

 

Yea, im kind of set on the 70's CB's. Im thinking im going to go with the CB200 and just keep it at low speeds on the freeway.

 

Won't you get ran over?

 

Do the 450's use the same frame? I mean, are they any fatter or larger, cause I want a small bike?

 

You might check the laws where you live, because in oregon you can't
travel on the freeway unless it's 250cc or bigger. Look at a cb400 4cyl.

 

Are the 400's the same size bikes as the 200's?

 

They look close in size but the engine is wider.

 

Here they have to be 150cc or bigger.

 

As you go up in models the bikes will be a bit bigger but not huge by any means, not until you start looking at CB500s and up, then they get big and heavy. They're also more suited for freeway speeds because of their size. I'd recommend looking at at least a CB450 for the simple fact that taking a small bike on the freeway is asking to have someone sign your death certificate. You need to be able to keep with the flow of traffic and anything smaller than the 450 just won't cut it. I have a CL350 (scrambler version of the CB) and it'll pull wheelies up to 50mph and then it falls flat on its face. These bikes just weren't made for high speeds.

 

Wouldn't a CL350 have different gearing and sprocket sizes than a CB350? I think so.

 

Could I put the tank and side covers from a 200 on say a 350 or 400?

 

I'm sure you could put the 200 emblems on the side panels. I'd steer away from a 200 on any highway, let alone a busy one.

 

Yea, I think im starting to see that. I just love the look of it but I may look at the 350? I know it isnt much more powerful, but honestly, I dont want anything that will tempt me to go fast. If I can do 70 I will be happy.

 

I have a question. Regardless of what I get,does anyone have any recommendations on a tune up for "new" old bike like these old hondas? Im going to try to get a bike that runs good but im going to tune it up when I get it. Thanks!

 

Make sure the plug(s) are in good shape, check the condition of the points and coil for cracks. Also check the running gear (tires, chain, spokes, nipples etc.).

 

Sounds good. Should I take the carbs about and clean them out, the jets and such?