Bike or Lens? Some advice?

[Izzy]

I just acquired a 1980 Honda CB750C. I took it in trade for an old SOHC cb750K cafe project that just never got off the ground. As of right now I have $600 in it that I never missed and the bike is worth about $1,000 because it has less than 10K on it. I got to take it for a ride today. Right up to 80mph. After I adjusted the carbs it has a stumble at about 5K. This bike also makes number two for me. The 75 CB750K I already had is being restored as a parade bike.

Now for the lens; I was looking at a Canon 18-200 F?? I like the idea of the lens as a main staple lens. It has great reviews and seems to be worth the money. Problem is that the lens runs about $500. I guess I have to ask if the lens is even worth it.

What would you do?

[SwissJon]

I'd trade it in and spend the money on restoring the CB750K.. I just sold bikes 2 and 3 after restoring them from muck, a 1982 XJ750 and a 1981 Honda XR125 which I was hoping to make into a trials bike.. They ATE money and were unreliable.. Bloody carbs are a nightmare, I ended up changing the jets completely, and it still stuttered like the fuel wasn't getting in the engine properly.. The CB750C you have isn't so different from the CB750K to make it worth keeping, and 1980 isn't really old enough (in my book) to make it a classic Old Timer..

I wouldn't buy an 18-200 with the money unless you really have the need, the quality of the lend isn't that good, with the amount you're getting for the bike, you'd be able to afford a second hand 70-200 2.8, which is a LOT nicer.

But really, I'd spend the cash on finishing the 750K project.. Much better having a working bike you can be proud of than having yet another half finished project sitting around, ask my wife!! Or sell both bikes and buy a 1969 Norton Featherbed.. Now THERE is a classic!

[Phoenix_Jackson]

OMG! This is so strange. Last week, I was debating whether to have my bike fixed, or just buy a new one, vs a wide lens that I've been wanting for months.

Both my bikes are out of commission. One at his retirement home, one about to be confined in her hospital. My 3 humble lenses are still up and running and can't wait to serve me.

I went to buy a new bike 3 days ago... (I still have a fat piggy for a lens anyway).

[cyber3d]

Dude, the bike, the bike!!!

I bought an old beat up CB400 Supersport and rebuilt and customize (tastefully IMO) - with my own hands and it was awesome fun. I eventually sold it to a young lady (her first bike - but I extensively interviewed her before agreeing to sell it to her). I would do it again, with another bike, in a heart beat.

[RichardTaylor]

Would you rather go for a blast on a windy bit of road (with no cops around) , or just take photographs?

For me the answer is simple (I havn't ridden a bike for 20 years).

[SwissJon]

Originally Posted by cyber3d

Dude, the bike, the bike!!!

I bought an old beat up CB400 Supersport and rebuilt and customize (tastefully IMO) - with my own hands and it was awesome fun. I eventually sold it to a young lady (her first bike - but I extensively interviewed her before agreeing to sell it to her). I would do it again, with another bike, in a heart beat.

Love the paint job... Kinda makes me want to get another money pit.. Been promising myself that my next project will be a Norton or a Triumph Bonneville.

[Izzy]

Originally Posted by cyber3d

Dude, the bike, the bike!!!

I bought an old beat up CB400 Supersport and rebuilt and customize (tastefully IMO) - with my own hands and it was awesome fun. I eventually sold it to a young lady (her first bike - but I extensively interviewed her before agreeing to sell it to her). I would do it again, with another bike, in a heart beat.

The only thing it is lacking is a properly vented rotor. I vent these all the time

Anubis Cycle LLC "Vintage Import Cycle Parts and Custom Cafe Racers"

[Phoenix_Jackson]

It's funny how in a community of photographers, the current poll shows more in favor with a bike rather than a lens.

[Bruce A]

Well, I'll go for the lens - strange for me to say as I love motocycles, had 'em, still want 'em, but won't. There are too many idiots on the roads these days that never look in mirrors. It's damn frightening enough driving a car. Anyway, a bike might get you to a photographic scene, but it won't help you shoot the image. And it would be good to get back safely to your 'puters to process the goods.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by Phoenix_Jackson

It's funny how in a community of photographers, the current poll shows more in favor with a bike rather than a lens.

What do you read into that? That we're really a community of bikers? Or we'd rather have Izzy out on a bike?