Author Topic: Sell my 400 F and buy a 750 K? (Read 8547 times)

Guyrob · « **on:** February 05, 2012, 08:02:50 PM »

Hi,

I really don't know what to do. My CB 400 four (1975) needs a lot of work done on the motor (pistons, valves, timing chain, etc.). Repairs will cost between 1700 to 2000$.

Is it worth it? The repair shop would take as a trade my bike (he really likes it) and would sell me his 1976 CB 750 that has been totally restored for 4000$.

The CB 750 is worth around 6000$. My bike is now not worth much (because of the motor issue) altough the rest is really great.

What should I do? If I have the 400 repaired this bike would have cost me 4,600$ (I bought it last year) up to now. That's a lot of money for a small bike.

Or should I fork out the 4000$ to get the trouble free 750? Is a 750 worth 6000$?

Thanks

Gordon · « **Reply #1 on:** February 05, 2012, 08:15:31 PM »

My instinctive response:

Do the work yourself (yes, you can do it) and keep the 400F.
Your mechanic is selling you a line of bull, and he would be getting an amazing deal if you went through with the "trade". $6K for a '76 750 is ridiculous.

Is the same mechanic the one who said your 400 needs $2000 worth of repairs?

Stev-o · « **Reply #2 on:** February 05, 2012, 08:19:28 PM »

I agree w/Gordon, he is feeding you a line of BS!
Get a second opinion on what repairs are needed on your bike. Then decide if you can tackle it, or find someone who can.
The 750 is not worth $6K.

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 05, 2012, 08:21:28 PM »

+2...k6 ain't worth $6000...maybe if it was mint, unrestored...

Gordon · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2012, 08:24:22 PM »

Your mechanic is salivating over your 400F and sees you as an easy target. Don't fall for it.

octagon · « **Reply #5 on:** February 05, 2012, 08:46:12 PM »

also - no reason in the world to think the 750 will be trouble free - ask him for a five year warranty and see what he says

the technological J · « **Reply #6 on:** February 05, 2012, 10:06:20 PM »

get a list of whats been done to the 750 but unless its had some SERIOUS work..like racing everything everywhere i cant see it being worth 4 let alone 6k

check out what you can get for those prices on cycle x or carpys or benjies site..... sell him your bike.... id start at a grand and go from there

jneuf · « **Reply #7 on:** February 05, 2012, 10:20:39 PM »

I'm curious as to the need for new pistons for your bike. Did he say why it needed them?

Oh, and I have a couple 400f's and 750's, and trust me, even if your bike does need the work he's suggesting, that is a really bad trade....

Lars · « **Reply #8 on:** February 06, 2012, 01:46:24 AM »

You can also get a used low milage engine for about $300. Here is one on Craigslist: http://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/mcy/2798036382.html

We have not enough info to really comment on the CB400 F, but the CB 750 k models are something different to ride, more power of course. The CB 750 K models have increased in prices and value, but very rare to see a CB 750 K76 go that high, must be real nice to achieve such a price. More normal for a 1969-1971 or extremely nice 1972 - 1974. The 1975 - 1976 models are less sought after and can make you a good deal. My best advice is; don't rush it. If you are pleased with your CB 400 F and it does what it need to do for you, keep it and fix it. Not that hard at all. They are cool goodlooking bikes with a good collector value. If you actually consider a bigger bike, sell your CB400 F and look at more bikes. Also recommend you to have a look at the CB 550 K models. They are a good ride and have lots of power for the daily use, unless you mostly find yourself at the highways.
Lars

Guyrob · « **Reply #9 on:** February 06, 2012, 09:41:47 AM »

OK,

Here is what I remember about what the mecanic said had to be done on the motor, and by the way, I have seen the motor with the top end taken off (because he examined it thoroughly:

Also keep in mind taht I have just a little knowledge about mecanics (meaning that I understand the principles of the workongs of a combustion engine but...)

1) Compression : around 80 to 90 on all 4 cylinders
2) leaky valves
3) one piston ring broken
4) cam needs polishing and redone??? because of marks on lobes???
5) tapets also need polishing because of grooves and marks
6) re do the inside of cylinders
7) cam chain loose has eaten bits of metal at the base of the motor

some jets (for oil) had fine shards of metal consequently, less oil to the top end

In other words the motor is in pretty bad shape. The estimate for new OEM Honda parts is around 700 CDN$ The rest of the work is for labor at 38$/hour (estimated 20 hours)

Guy

Tews19 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 06, 2012, 09:53:33 AM »

Listen to all the members here. Keep the 400F for a future project... 6k for a 76??? HAHA I would seriously consider even stepping foot into the shop again. It is sad to hear stories like this. 400F prices have been going through the roof. SO look around for a "cheaper" 750. I bet I could find plenty of really nice 750 for the 4k you are looking to spend. #$%*, go to Ebay
Can you post pics of your 400?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1973-HONDA-CB750-MOTORCYCLE-NO-RESERVE-/180811195071?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item2a192fe2bf

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1975-Honda-CB750K-Blue-Complete-Bike-/190635846461?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item2c62c82b3d

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1975-Honda-CB750-FOUR-/130640745574?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item1e6acb9466

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1973-Honda-CB750K3-Four-Motorcycle-/300659499306?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item4600b3e12a

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-Honda-CB-750-Four-/290662045074?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item43acced592

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1975-CB750-LOW-MILES-/140695534827?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item20c21b7ceb

Here is a 76 750... I would guess this is in better shape then the one you are looking at....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1976-CB-750-/300660006472?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item4600bb9e48

Guyrob · « **Reply #11 on:** February 06, 2012, 10:46:49 AM »

OK Here are pics of my 400F

Tews19 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 06, 2012, 10:52:21 AM »

HMMM.. Are you serious about truly contemplating the trade? Going off looks alone, the bike looks great. You need to keep it and look around for a 750...

greenjeans · « **Reply #13 on:** February 06, 2012, 01:36:34 PM »

I agree with the guys. Keep it and buy a 750. You can find a really nice one for $4k.

Then, when you have that 750 to ride, you can take your time fixing and learning on the 400. It seems daunting at first, but all you really have to do is follow the directions in the manual. It gets easier and is very rewarding.

Tews19 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 06, 2012, 01:44:04 PM »

Does the bike sit currently as it does in the pic? If so how about you post a video of it running if possible. The experts hear have such keen ears they can help with any issues they may notice of it running....

mrrch · « **Reply #15 on:** February 06, 2012, 02:02:37 PM »

Get a second opinion on the engine, it's apart anyway.

Guyrob · « **Reply #16 on:** February 06, 2012, 02:48:56 PM »

For the moment, the top end of the motor is off, so can't post a clip to let you hear the sound.

But, the last time I rode the bike (last fall) I had to pump real hard on the kick start, the motor was really hard to start.

I agree on the fact often written buy people who have these bikes that: 'these little motors can run even though everything is pulling apart inside'. I say what the interior of the motor looks like and it's not a nice sight!

Guyrob · « **Reply #17 on:** February 06, 2012, 02:51:31 PM »

Here is what the 750 K looks like, and it's a 1978 not a 1976 as I tought it was. It has the wheels and fork of a 1979 750 K.

Stev-o · « **Reply #18 on:** February 06, 2012, 03:09:48 PM »

That bike is not even worth $3k! I would buy that 400 motor in Tampa for $200.

brooze72 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 06, 2012, 03:17:08 PM »

Well, Guyrob, it depends what you can afford & how patient you are. The 750 looks nice (not 6K nice, tho) but if you want a daily rider, go buy a cheaper one & make the 400 a repair project over the summer. The 400's are much more rare & ultimately more valuable. There was a recent post about a member lusting after that exact same bike & the buying it for around 6K in the US, admittedly a pristine example, but your's looks damn fine in the pics. Generally prices are a little higher up here. Your mechanic is not the only game in town, do some of the repair work yourself while riding something else. You will save a ton o money & have a sweet & valuable 400, IMO, in the end. If you're patient & look around, you can find people to do some of the work far cheaper too, eg , got my head /valves redone for $175 in Kingston, bores rehoned for a large btl of scotch, etc., then buy a used cam, new rings & reassemble yourself. It can be done for less with effort. Bonne chance!

dhall57 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 06, 2012, 04:12:26 PM »

Quote from: Guyrob on February 06, 2012, 02:51:31 PM

Here is what the 750 K looks like, and it's a 1978 not a 1976 as I tought it was. It has the wheels and fork of a 1979 750 K.

Is this the exact bike or just a pic of one that looks similar? I'm not a fan of the last 2 years of the redesigned SOHC4 750's, but if this is the 750 in question than it's a very clean good looking bike even if its not all original. And if you like the new style IMO $3000 would not be out of line for the bike pictured.

Stev-o · « **Reply #21 on:** February 06, 2012, 04:18:17 PM »

How far away from Buffalo are you?

http://buffalo.craigslist.org/mcy/2835283644.html

Psychonaut · « **Reply #22 on:** February 06, 2012, 04:41:20 PM »

Buy the Ebay piston kit. for $110 There is a guy on Ebay that can bore it or get it done local $100-$150, lap the valves, adjust and ride it. So the cam has wear. It will last until you get to it. You ca have it running for under $500 if you want.

Guyrob · « **Reply #23 on:** February 06, 2012, 05:44:49 PM »

I'm in Montreal, Canada and have a VW longbase van so no problem going somewhere within let's say a 500 miles radius to get a bike if it's worth it.

I will probably keep the 400 and I am looking at the options of having it repaired at the shop. If I do this I will still have the 2 CB 400 that I have bought for parts and will pratice on these two by putting them apart.

The way I see this is all about knowledge, yes having mechanical knowledge, and when you don't, the problem seems bigger than it probably is! Knowledge is also all kind of little things that one should know when tinkering with motors like where to have the 'whatchamacallit' re-bored, the valves laped etc.

Yes, when you are impatient like me, weel you pay for the knowledge and experience of others, at least for this time because I want to ride my bike starting this April.

I'm 55 years old and have driven a CB 550 K in 1977, my second bike was a Honda CB 750 K 1979... drove until 1990 and stopped until last year. I'm back and wow it's great to drive a Honda!

If anyone on this forum lives close by I would apreciate any uselful help.

Thanks for all of your very interesting comments and suggestions.

phil71 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 06, 2012, 05:56:08 PM »

that sounds kinda fishy to me.. "hey, it's totally #$%*ed man, but I'll be a nice guy and take your (awesome) bike off your hands ". Unless seriously abused, I am dubious that it needed a teardown.
I do bike repair as a side business, and I can say that if I diagnosed a costomers bike with that kind of trouble, I'd have suggested a second hand engine first and foremost, and I would not take ANYTHING apart till I had approval and a deposit for the work. He might be on the up and up, but there's already signs of trouble there.

News:

Author Topic: Sell my 400 F and buy a 750 K? (Read 8547 times)