Z1B vs. CB400 Super Sport

Harmonica76 · Posted: Fri May 06, 2011 4:27 pm Post subject: Z1B vs. CB400 Super Sport

I have an option to buy either one of the two bikes mentioned in the subject heading. I know the Z1 is much more powerful, but if you had
to choose one or the other (they're in similar condition and the Z1 is $400 cheaper), which would you choose as a more comfortable, enjoyable bike?
How about value?

Russell · Posted: Fri May 06, 2011 8:38 pm Post subject:

For mine...there is little basis for comparison. They inhabited different genres. The 400 Supersport is a jewel of a machine that shows how much can be made of modest power with a refined and together design with each part complementing the other. The ZIB belongs to the world of 'too much'.Too much power, too much weight,yet remarkabley wieldy in good hands in spite of that. To be comfortable on a particular genre of bike you need to be fully in tune with its function and use it as the maker intended.
I love motorcycles full-stop so would find such a choice damn near impossible. Can't you have them both and give yourself plenty of time then to establish an informed preference?

zjeppe · Posted: Sat May 07, 2011 1:03 am Post subject:

I guess the bigger you are the more comfortable the big bike 'll be,The Z 'll be a much smoother ride(torque, put it in fifth and do virtualy everything with it) I guess value wise it is more collectable too, however the Honda has got his folowers, Goodluck & keepus posted(PICS) Idea

650SF · Posted: Sat May 07, 2011 7:14 pm Post subject:

The Z1 is definitely the more comfortable bike. Me and my dad took our cb400fs on a short ride from Fort Smith to Fayetteville, and we were both raising off the seat before we got there. Laughing

redstedman · Posted: Sun May 08, 2011 5:03 am Post subject:

If you cannot afford to buy both,(not enough $) get the z1b(1975 yes?) the early 903 Kaws, 73, 74, &75 are worth ALOT of $. A low mi 73 will go for 10-15 grand. A 400f will never see 1/2 the value of the 1975 Z1B. Do get some suspension mods to the Z1. Motor mounts & bolts + steering stabilizer to avoid a wobbledemon. I had a 73 back in the day, wish I still did.

cbeeee · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 9:06 am Post subject:

hello,

i have a cb400f super sport and im in love with it and i would never want any other bike!... i know thats a little bias. they are extremely reliable and i have found it very comfortable to ride. they are also extremely easy to maintain and refurbish if nessacary, i stripped and re-built mine within a few years.

good luck with your bike!

yamasarus · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 6:55 pm Post subject:

Four years ago I rode my first KZ900 Kaw. What a pleasant machine! Great power, super brakes, perfect ergonomics, very stable in a straight line, and very predictable handling. What a treat. I now have one on my bench. I'm not doing a frame up but it will be a great rider. And, as said before, the value on all the 900s in original condition is pretty high. But they are such nice rides, why sell?

Steve Searles · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 7:20 pm Post subject:

The Honda 400 is super smooth and has the 4 into one exhaust. It is much lighter for storing in the shop, transporting, etc. but the Z1B is the superbike of vintage Japanese motorcycles. The power is more, the value is higher and the thrill factor is greater. I think you are getting a pretty good opinion from many a knowledgable motorcycle gurus that the Z1 is the hands down choice. I have a Z1B and will be making it a rider this year. the original pipes in good condition are impossible to find and they are making reproductions for $1600. You can buy a tank side cover fenders combo kit painted for $1400 overseas. See where I am going with this. I am not rich and therefore cannot afford any of this stuff.

Bikegeezer · Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2011 7:21 am Post subject:

Russell · Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2011 9:53 am Post subject:

Steve is right about how the Z900 can be regarded v the CB400F. In terms of value now in the marketplace, excitement in the riding experience, performance, fear factor..whatever...the Z900 scores big time. Personally I regard them as too DIFFERENT to even begin to attempt to compare.
The ZI set out to stretch the limits of our understanding of what was possible in a mass produced motorcycle. Not through finesse or sophistication but through sheer 'in your face' performance.
The CB400F started from a completely different approach. No pushing of the envelope in any respect at all.It refined and integrated all the potential of a mass produced bike of its time into the motorcycling equivalent of a swiss watch.Such a beautifully integrated jewel like masterpiece. Again it changed our perspective on what a mass produced bike could be but in a way that sneaks up on you discretely.

Both wonderful benchmarks in motorcycle development.

fxray · Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2011 1:31 pm Post subject:

Russell, I'll bet you talk him into getting both bikes. I like the way you stated your opinion in both posts. It is an explanation I have tried to make clear to my wife when she says, "Why would anyone need two or more motorcycles at one time -- you can only ride one of them at a time."

Of course, she also wonders why I would need a table saw, a sabre saw, a Sawzall, a rotary hand saw, etc., etc. After all, they are all just saws. Laughing

tbpmusic · Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 9:11 am Post subject:

Relating my experience, and my personal opinions -

The Z-bikes had plenty of muscle, but were large and didn't handle all that well, IMO. In light of the overall characteristics, maybe too much power.
The bucket and shim tappet adjustment always griped me, and the riveted drive chain did as well.

The CB350/400 Fours were quite a bit smaller and lighter than that, and handled a bit better (though still not great).
I always felt they were substantially underpowered - a good running 450 DOHC would easily dispatch a 400F in my day. But they were indeed very smooth and relatively quiet, like sewing machines on wheels.

I always thought both models were a PIB to work on, but that just be my "twins" perspective talking.
Not sure I'd be attracted to either model now, but that's just me.
Keeping these 40 year old bikes in good order is a constant labor - they're old, fickle, and crotchety. Every new noise you hear is scary, is the thing going to blow up now?? And having to take a bag of tools along all the time (just in case) is another (embarrassing) burden - but trust me, the first time you don't take any tools along the bike will break down on you........
So I like to keep it simple and stick with twins and singles for my personal bikes.

Russell · Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 3:20 pm Post subject:

"Not sure I'd be attracted to either model now, but thats just me..." said Bill. Amen to that. I ride close to home on my 'oldies' indulgently basking in the nostalgic memories of times already embellished by time into something more than it was but when I have a decent distance to travel and I want to make time I take one of the current machines with the lights that stay bright all night,the brakes that stop, the tyres that grip,the motor that delivers,the suspension that keeps my tired old butt coping. Lucky me to be able to select the best one for the task.

butch8231 · Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2011 2:06 pm Post subject:

I have a Z1B in blue. Too much power,very touchy handling, added a steering stabilier. ride mine about once a year for a short run, after about two weeks of maintance. They are hard to keep in tune bcause of the point type ignition and the junk they call gas nowadays.