1982 Honda CB900F Super Sport

[Gary007]

Still looking for a bike.

Keeping an eye on my Honda dealership, saw this used 1982 Honda CB900F Super Sport, has only 10,000 miles. $2500.00

Anybody ever have one of these?

also looked at some new Kawasaki KLR650 dual sport bikes, $5100.00. Are these fun for street use?

 

[BlueyM]

At that price, go for the Honda. Looks like a bargain. The motors in these are just about bulletproof, but listen carefully for cam chain rattle. May only need adjustment on the tensioners, but they have a spotty history of eating cam chains.
With only 10000 miles on a 20+ year old bike, there is a possibility that some of the seals in both motor and suspension may have dried out. This will become a major drama unless you are an experienced spanner spinner. Take the bike for a good test ride, then have a very careful look around for any signs of fresh oil. Pass on the sale if you spot multiple leaks.

The KLR is an excellent dual purpose bike, but like all duallies, it has limitations on both the road and the trail. If your on road use is likely to be 70% or more, have a look at fitting more "road friendly" tyres with a good block pattern for the times you go off road.

Plus the KLR is quite tall and wide, which limits its "fun factor" in city riding.

Lots of fun to be had shopping for bikes, particularly if you have some cash burning a hole in your pocket.

Good luck, let us know what you decide.

 

[RTfact]

That Honda looks mighty clean, but I'd be worrying about carb diaphragms and other parts on a 24 yr old MC. The KLR is a great jack of all trades, but rather tall, heavy, and limited style points.

I have a Kaw ZRX1100 and enjoy it a bunch, but the winters up here keep it in the garage. They're all fun.

 

[jstewart16701]

Dual sport bikes are awesome if you live in an area where you can exploit their strengths. Where I live (Bradford, PA) there are tons of places you can ride of road. Many trips can be made much shorter by taking trails and forest service roads instead of main roads. The downside is if you're going somewhere and you need to arrive there looking presentable you could be in trouble because if you ride a bike off road you're going to get dirty. If you're going to be driving mainly in the city or on highways I wouldn't even consider a dual sport. Most of the ones I've ridden are just not fun in stop and go traffic nor do they inspire confidence on the highways. To succeptable to crosswinds and you sit very straight up so wind resistance at speed is considerable.

All that being said the KLR 650 is a great bike. In my opinion it combines the strengths of dirt bikes and street bikes very well. There are dual sports better for the dirt such as the Suzuki DRZ400 and various KTM's and better ones for the street like the Suzuki DR650. But the KLR probally is the best blend of the two.

Keep in mind I don't own a dual sport or any bike but they are quite popular around here and I've ridden most of them because a lot of my friends ride them.

I don't know jack about streetbikes but I've never heard a Honda bike (or anything they make) be described as less than super reliable and good value for the money.

just my humble partially educated opinion

Jamie

 

[billyp]

that is a great bike, but let me throw in my two cents. i bought a 1999 susuki sv650 for 3200.00. it was a fantastic bike...very good looking, that v-twin sounded great, and and it is a standard seating position ( the sv650s is the sportier version) . it is also great as a beginner bike more forgiving than the 900cc's with the honda and you will have lower insurance as well.

but best of all its naked.

 

[jbWoods]

Do a little research Gary. I was a bike mechanic back in the 70s. Check with sombody who can tell you if this model has the three piece "stellite" plated valve. If it does then leave it on the lot. If it does not you might cosider it.

I'm partial to the KZ1000 Kawasaki myself. Had two back in the old days. I found a 1977 on ebay last year and bought it. They are as close to industrictable as a motorcycle gets. Keep yer shinney side up, jack