Topic: possible 1977 cb750k purchase, need advice for noob

[becuzlc]

Hey guys. New to the site. I've been bitten by the cafe racer bug just like many of you. Looking to buy a project bike but I live on a budget, a 24 yr old machinist, and I need your thoughts. The bike I'm looking at is a 1977 cb750k with 11,500 mi on it, and the top end needs to be rebuilt. The asking price is $600. Sounds like a challenge but I'm up for it. What do you guys think..?  Is this a good deal? Thx in advance! I added a pic as an attachment, couldn't figure out how to inlay it in here.

[kck3]

Looks good to me. I'd buy it.

[becuzlc]

Thx for the reply 

[cmonSTART]

Wow those front forks are UGLY!

[becuzlc]

yeah...saw that. Do you think it's a good deal for the price though?

[cmonSTART]

Is it complete?  It looks like it's also missing an engine cover in the picture.  Has it been sitting for a while? 

The price is probably in the ball-park, but maybe a bit on the high end. 

Just my opinion.

[becuzlc]

It's complete other than missing carbs.

[cmonSTART]

If it's completely missing the carbs and needs the engine rebuilt I would pay only a couple hundred.  Maybe $300 to $400 if it has a title and I'm in a good mood. 

[becuzlc]

Cool. Thank you.

[Stev-o]

First off, welcome.  You really haven't given us a lot of info but it does not appear to be a good deal for someone on a budget.  A CB with 11K miles that needs engine work would concern me. I had one with 48K that ran great and many have gone 100K. Does it run? What is your mechanical experience and do you have tools and space to pull a motor and rebuild it? This is not an easy noobi job. Although 600 seems cheap for this bike, especially by Cali standards, be prepared to spend 1000 or more getting it road worthy.  Good luck...

[becuzlc]

Good input thanks Stev-o. And I do have the space, tools and the money to make this a project over time.

[Accolay]

Around where I am the price seems a little high, but I see you're in SoCal...I understand they fetch higher prices down there. Hey- it's got the mufflers. Are they really rusty? Any pin holes in the bottoms of them? It has a title yes?

How do you know it needs engine work if it doesn't run? Is the engine free with the kick start? No offense to the seller, but sometimes they 1. Don't know what they're doing. 2. Forget things about the bike. 3. Are just full of crap.

I don't know about this bike for sure, but you can buy some supposed '77 cb750 carbs for about $120 on fleabay. I'd see if I could haggle on the price.

[OneWheelDrive]

Welcome to the obsession!

I saw that on CL myself.  One of the photos shows the stator cover off, and it looks like it's quite rusted.  Not a good sign that all the covers have been off and it's been exposed to the elements.

It's certainly a good project, but plan on having at least $1k to spend right away to take care of the obvious mechanical problems.  The correct carbs can be had on ebay for about $100 if you're patient.  Another $1k for "cafe" bits or more if you plan on getting crazy. 

The lack of title doesn't excite me either.  Before ponying up the cash, get the frame VIN and make sure it's out of the DMV system.  If you're a AAA member, they can do it over the phone.  Otherwise, call the DMV and wait on hold for 2 hours +.  There can potentially be hundreds of dollars, and hours of headache if the DMV wants their pound of flesh before you can ever legally take to the road. 

Good luck with your journey!  The "search" function is your friend!

[OneWheelDrive]

Honestly, this is a better deal:  http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/2943711869.html

[750K]

Honestly, this is a better deal:  http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/2943711869.html

Man you sure don't get much for $1000 in Cali do you, I would't touch that unless It was a $500 special.

[Eydugstr]

becuzlc - For $600, looks like a good resto project to me.  It'll take some time and money, but think it'll be worth it when you're done.

[Grnrngr]

Tough choice, the F doesn't look like a $999 bike to me either. If there's no title for the K, $600 is kind of high, any clue how hard it would be to chase the title? is the seller the last registered owner who lost the papers or did he get it from a friend of a friend? Personally, If you have the time and the money, I'd offer 4 or 5 for the K and start rebuilding the motor while watching CL for another one with a title, or a titled frame. Once you get one in the garage, they start attracting each other, you'll have a garage full soon. Welcome to the club!