reliability

[cdf7640]

How reliable is the average cb77? Do they require a lot of maintenance? How easy is it to find parts for these? How would one of these do on a cross-country trip? Any information would be much appreciated! Thanks!!

[Hahnda]

This question could have many answers...

These bikes can be very reliable if ridden correctly and maintained. I along with 4 others rode 1250 miles around Lake Superior a few years ago and our only problem was a broken clutch cable on my Dream and the Scrambler ran out of gas twice. We had a chase vehicle but never used it. We ended up filling it up with cycles we found along the way.

Any parts needed to keep these bikes on the road are easily found. Its the resto parts like fenders and chain guards that are harder to find. These bikes do require a certain amount of maintenance but no more or less than any other bike that old.

[Vince Lupo]

I think they're pretty reliable as well, once they've been fully sorted out and properly maintained (regular oil changes, lube, minor adjustments from time to time, etc). I'd also suggest that the bikes run better when they are used more often -- then that would prevent the carbs from getting gummed up, cable action from stiffening up, etc etc. I think you could apply that to anything mechanical, or to even ourselves!

One of the possible issues is that a bike like this might be only one of a whole collection of bikes that someone might have, and as a result does not get used that much. But then again, I've heard countless stories about Hondas that have sat for years and years, and they've just been given a fresh tank of fuel, charged the battery, and they fire right up....so go figure.

As far as a cross-country trip goes, part of it also depends on the rider him/herself. I've done many long distance rides on my SuperHawk (1000 miles +) and the only issues I had were a blown main fuse (the original glass type, which has since been converted to an automotive flat fuse type), and a fractured header pipe that I had to get welded at a shop en route. Plus - I hate to say this - but this bike is really suited to a 'smaller' rider, particularly for a long distance trip. I'm 5'10" and about 145 lbs, and it's perfect for me. So if you're planning a long distance trip, you'll need a tank bag, a rear-seat bag, and perhaps a pair of saddle bags, and you'll find that the space left for you to sit on the bike quickly gets reduced. With my tank bag and back seat bag, there's just enough room for me to fit on the bike, and I have two foot positions (rider pegs, passenger pegs), and only one butt position and one hand/arm position (more or less). I don't think that someone much larger than my size would have a very good time sitting on this bike with these limitations for 2000 miles or more, let alone 500 miles (I could be wrong though!). As well, the more weight you add to the bike, the slower it will go (it is a 305cc, after all), particularly up hills, and if you're doing a cross-country trip, you'll be sure to encounter some kind of mountainous region.

I am still amazed every time I see that photo of Robert Pirsig and his son Chris aboard their '64 SuperHawk, with all their luggage piled high at the back of the bike. They managed to ride from Minnesota to California in 1968 -- so if they could do it, why couldn't you?

I'm planning on hopefully retracing Pirsig's route in a couple of years, so that will surely test the reliability of my SuperHawk. Of course, the only problem with doing a cross-country trip is that you have to do it twice -- once there, and once back!

[Hahnda]

Hey Vince,

If you decide to take that trip and are looking for another rider, let me know. That sounds just crazy enough to try.

[cdf7640]

Great! Thanks so much for the advice - I really appreciate it. Vince, good luck on your trip!

[Vince Lupo]

Thanks! This year's trip will be the return to Mid-Ohio for Vintage Motorcycle Days (about 1000 mile round trip), and hopefully the trip after that will be the Barber Museum in October (this year or next). That one's about 1000 miles each way.

As far as the Pirsig trip goes, that's a few years off, but I already have at least two other people who want to do it too, so the more the merrier!

[jensen]

Hi,

I found out that a CB72 is a very reliable. After rebuilding the engine and giving it a bit more power (worked the cylinder head) I did put 72.000 km on it, without problems. Change the oil every 1000 km or so, and use good oil. I'm living in the Netherlands, average high way speed is 120 km / hour, and that 's pretty fast, especially for a CB72. Of course you have to maintain the bike, and it takes some more time then a modern bike, but that's also part of the fun. For daily use, it's important to sort out the electrics and the brakes. The brakes of the CB72 / 77 are good enough compared to modern standards, but only if they are in perfect condition and well adjusted.

The electrics should me good too, and if switching to an electric ignition, a lot less hassle with the points,

Jensen