Honda CB750F vs Suzuki GS850

Hi, so I have a line on two bikes that seem to fall into the same category- late '70 UJM. Just need a bike to knock around on, my street bike is laid up for a while. Which way should I go? Both bike in decent but not perfect shape.

The Honda is slightly collectible, but I would go for the Suzuki if it is a GS850G model because you hardly ever see one.

If it is that cruiser looking GS850L, run to the Honda. The GS850L is not a bad bike, but has questionable styling.

For a quick return on investment the more standard, less cruiser looking bike is going to be easier for you to sell to the café boys once you are finished with it.

I had an 82 GS850G for three years. Great bike with a willing motor, stable and nuetral handling, a very good shaft drive with no quirky habits, easy as pie to maintain, all day comfortable, and classic good looks. I rode mine cross country and back in 2010 and has the time of my life.

I'm biased but go for the Suzuki.

no brainer - the CB if for anything else, Freddy Spencer!!! The CB is sooooo much cooler than the Zook

If the question is ever "should I get the Honda or the...." you get the Honda.

Haha, awesome replies. Complicating factor is that the CB is in a shop around the corner from me, while the GS is in New York, but referred to me by a guy I trust. Both for about $1k, both in riding shape. Decisions, decisions...

Yeah I would do the GS for sure. The Honda was not near as realiable as the Suzuki. Bullit proof motors. While not a sporty as the CB it is a better bike in all areas by a mile! And the best mtorcycle forum out there for older bikes gsrsources. Good luck

Did I just walk into a "crips" vs "bloods" thing?

yes

oh and....

The GS guys are the Crips.PS , notice the avatar?

MAYBE , if the GS wasn't shaft drive.

I don't know...I like my shaft drive.

Well , at least the BMW's not going to pogo rolling on and of the throttle , but shafts lose more power than chains , are heavier and gearing changes aren't readily available. Then again , I've never heard of a Suzuki shaftie going up in flames.

Nice GS

I had a Zook GS1000e and it was a good bike, although the clutch was toast around 30k, butt I would go for the Honda in a heart beat!

For sure.

By the 80's the only competition the Japanese bikes had in the US market for quality were each other.

The GS and the DOHC 750 are both legendary platforms. I give the edge to Honda because I'm a brand whore.

If you can buy a 750f around the corner for less than a grand, and it runs/rides, you should.
Either way: Be prepared to put some decent shocks and fork springs on it, flush the tank, clean the carbs, and swap the fuel lines and petcock gaskets.

having just sold my 78 kz1000 I would say dont do it.IMO these older bikes are fine for collecting but as a daily driver i dont think so .. just a lil more $ and you can do so much better. Im currently looking for a used street bike or DS too and I have only 3K to spend .I see older hondas and suzukis and im tempted because I grew up with these bikes and am familiar with their pluses and quirks.. I just sold my 98 gixxer as well- this kind of bike is way better than a 70s or 80s bike in all respects and I would easily go for another [still want a ZX7] ..anyways, good luck....

Ive had a few 750's and one 1100F that were my sole means of transportation for many years of my life and they have never let me down.....

I miss the 1100 a bit

Way back when I rode a GS750 for a while. It was my brothers, but he lived a long way away…so it became mine

Not my favorite bike. So-so handling, engine was kind of blah.

Few years later I owned a CB750F. Waaaaaay better bike.

The 850 if I recall was a 750 bored out and given a shaft drive.

Hands down: Honda.

Cakeeater