Vintage motorcycles to restore, bobber style. Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha ?

S

ShyGirl

New member
I'm in the market for a vintage motorcycle. I really like the bobber-look, minimal frame & solo seat. I'm not looking for a ton of power as I only ride around town (never on the freeway!). I currently own a Honda CT70 that goes 50 on flat ground,but a bit more power and slightly larger frame would be ideal. (I don't think you can really call the CT70 a "motorcycle").

I've found a few different bikes in my price range by various makes. Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha. Which is the best? Is one better than the other in terms of reliability, quality, value, service,and parts availability?
I'm currently looking at a 1975 Kawasaki 175 Enduro and a 1979 Yamaha XS 650. Thanks for any insight you can offer on these bikes and the value of the manufacturers.
 
the kawasaki and yamaha were neat bikes, back in the day.
but technology has moved ahead by making 2 strokes (the kawa) obsolete. plus the enduro type of bike has almost no options for customisation.
the yamaha was an evil handling, vibrating machine from the start of its production run. the engine design was ok but most i have ever seen or worked on had oil leaks, probably due to the vibes. it has some custom potential but most stuff for these is not widely available.
you may have more luck and more fun by finding a honda 500,550, or 750 four cylinder of just about any year. reliable, plenty of power, and relativly easy and cheap to maintain. and customising it to your taste would be fairly simple as well.
irregardless of which you ultimatly choose, enjoy the bike and the ride. being in the wind is what counts most. good luck and happy hunting!
 
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