Faults:

The head gasket never stopped weeping oil, no matter how many times I had it replaced and the head retorqued.

General Comments:

It was a technological breakthrough for 1973. In addition to a disk brake and electric start, it had dual overhead cams, and counterbalancer, self-cancelling turn signals, and four valves per cylinder. You couldn't say that about any other mass produced bike that model year, except Yamaha's own TX750.

It was vibration-free and outran its principal competitor, the Honda CB500. Because it was narrow, it handled well and made good power if you were willing to let the engine live near the redline.

Its only real weakness was a lack of low-end torque. You had to rev it out like a two-stroke to get any power. But as long as you did, it would outrun any 650 of the day.

I should also note that, like all electric-start bikes of the era, you had to kick-start it when it was cold. The coils made very little voltage and the electric starter was only useful if you stalled a warm bike in traffic.

Faults:

I had to replace the mufflers.

General Comments:

I bought this motorcycle after not having one for many years. I was a bit apprehensive about buying it as they do not have a very good reputation.

Upon buying this bike, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it did perform. It has no real go compared with motorcycles of this day and age, but it has taken me around wherever I want to go with no fuss at all. It has never broken down or let me down in any way.

I find it fairly easy to service and maintain. This bike has points which need attention and the timing has to be set every time that the points are done. The timing chain is very easy to adjust, and so is the harmonic balance chain. This bike is timed at 180 degrees, which means that one piston is up while the other piston is down. Most other twin cylinder bikes have both pistons up or down together.

I am retired now, and this bike suits my needs perfectly. It's reliable and dependable.