Topic: Noob Looking For Help When Searching for CB750A

[limerence]

Hello All,

Rookie to motorcycles in general, not just to cb750s as I don't even know how to ride yet. I'm getting married next weekend and wanted to set money aside for something I always wanted to get, which is a motorcycle. I'm not exactly a spring chicken (35 years old) and so I'm not out to try to get a street bike where I don't bike that I won't be comfortable in (I'm 6'3" 215lbs).

So I wanted to see if I could get some guidance from you on the CB750A's. Since its an automatic, I'm hoping it will be an easier bike to learn on.

- Will the bike be large enough for someone my size?

- For the three years they were made, 76-78, were the changes in 78 significant from 77?
In reading this article, http://www.sohc4.net/?page_id=81 , it sounds as though the changes from 76 to 77 were significant. So I just wanted to see if I should zone in on looking for 78's instead of a 77.

- How are these mechanically? Do they hold up pretty well and are not a money pit?

- I've been watching craigslist for the last 6 months or so nationally, and when I talk to sellers, alot of them have had these bikes sitting around for years. Are there watchouts when dealing with a bike that has been sitting for awhile? Unfortunately, I do admit that I've only viewed them online and spoke to the sellers but have not pulled the trigger to travel to one since most in good aesthetic condition have not been local.

- And although I will try to find a bike with a good maintenance history and records. However, mileage wise, for bikes, is there a good low mileage number typically if the maintenance records weren't available?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
-John

[raymond10078]

Any of the years are good - no one year is markedly better or worse than any other.

The bike is plenty big.  I'm 6'5" 260 lbs.

However, the bike is heavy.  My son's bike is an 83 Honda CM450A.  I've ridden it many times, and it is also plenty big - and I would recommend this automatic bike for a new rider.  My wife and I have also ridden two-up on this 450.

If you're stuck on CB750A's, I've seen a number of bikes with 12k or less miles, and wouldn't hesitate on them.  If you're a bike noob, I'd find one that needs nothing or very little.  You could then learn about maintenance as the bikes needs it.

[limerence]

thanks kandrtech.

for the cm450a's were there any safety or performance improvements that were considerable compared to the cb750a's?

or were you merely comparing the size and weight of the two and the lighter weight we be better for a newb like me? will try to look into the model more. i cant find anything as of yet that compares the cb750 to the cm400a to the cm 450a.

[raymond10078]

The 450 is easier to handle at low speeds, and even so at higher speeds.  The 750 feels more solid at normal speeds.  The 450 stops quicker.  My sons 450 is also quicker off the line.  There is no doubt though that the 750 does seem to be a better fit for my size.  My recommendation was made based solely on what would be easier to learn on. 

[spot45]

With any bike that has been sitting for a while, and do not fall into this trap that is quite common on craigslist.  It ran when parked, or starts with starter fluid.  For the experienced buyer that automatically tells you that it is going to be a project.  Stay away from something  that starts with starter fluid.   First thing I would check with any bike that has been sitting is to see if nothing is seized.  If the bike has a kick starter you do that by just pushing down on the kick starter and if it moves freely then you know it is not siezed.  With the electric start only bikes it is a little bit trickier but it can be down. 
  Also inspect the bike's body work, look for broken or cracked sidecovers, turnsignals,etc.  Check the condition of the tires/wheels.  Basically look for any sign that this bike could have been/or has been in an accident.  Check to see if there are any oil leaks, especially from the forks.  I can go on and on.  But these are basics.

[limerence]

With any bike that has been sitting for a while, and do not fall into this trap that is quite common on craigslist.  It ran when parked, or starts with starter fluid.  For the experienced buyer that automatically tells you that it is going to be a project.  Stay away from something  that starts with starter fluid.   First thing I would check with any bike that has been sitting is to see if nothing is seized.  If the bike has a kick starter you do that by just pushing down on the kick starter and if it moves freely then you know it is not siezed.  With the electric start only bikes it is a little bit trickier but it can be down. 
  Also inspect the bike's body work, look for broken or cracked sidecovers, turnsignals,etc.  Check the condition of the tires/wheels.  Basically look for any sign that this bike could have been/or has been in an accident.  Check to see if there are any oil leaks, especially from the forks.  I can go on and on.  But these are basics.

thanks spot45. will take this into account

[tomsweb1]

There is an important difference in the model years.
The 76 had a flat spot when accelerating, which was fixed in 77 (speed sensor), and the biggest difference with the 78 is the Comstar wheels (no maintenance). Of course, there were the different colour options available for each year.

 The 77 is the most common model, while the 78 is the most rare. (My 78 and one other are the only ones I've ever seen up for sale).

I also have a 400A. I'm 5'11, 210 lbs, and it's a little small for me.  If the 750 is tuned properly, it will blow the 400 away off the line, and throughout the powerband. Not that it's a speed demon.

[Danno]

if you get a 750A it is a wonderful bike but as said it is heavy very heavy mine out weighed my fathers valkirie  and because of that you need to learn to cross steer as for any big bike  or you will lay it down
 for that reason the 450A in my opinion would be better to learn on but if you are careful the 750A is a great bike

[raymond10078]

If the 750 is tuned properly, it will blow the 400 away off the line, and throughout the powerband.

I went back and reviewed several magazine articles, and I found that the CM400A would outrun the CB750A for about 5 seconds - or up to around 30 MPH.  Two difference magazines, differing articles (at least four), and the test results were the same.  My experience with my CB750A, compared to my son's CM450A (which is quicker than the CM400A's) is pretty much as reported back "in the day".  He'll pull away from a stop, and I'll eventually catch him and overtake him.  That five or so seconds seems like an eternity though - when I'm looking at his license plate, and breathing his exhaust!

[limerence]

Thanks guys.

Been looking for a cm450a since you guys mentioned the heaviness of the cb750a in regards to a newbie.

Saw these:
eBay Item #120773272600

eBay Item #220845143793

Second one looks like it sold offline and I thought it would go fast with the low miles. Not my preferred color though.

Unfortunately, none within my local area to go check out.

[raymond10078]

where are you at?

[raymond10078]

a little older - but looks to be in good shape - ebay: 200647409588

[limerence]

where are you at?

sorry, I'm in San Jose, CA

[raymond10078]

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/mcy/2563341143.html

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/2574990242.html

[limerence]

Sorry to revive my old thread.

Narrowed my search down to a 77 or 78 greenish blue CB750a.

Other than the wheels, was there anything else that really sets the 78 apart from the 77? my preference is a 77 right now due to the spoke wheels and how that looks a little more old school. but if a nice 78 popped up for a good price, im not gonna pass it up.

Thanks.

[JimS63]

I have a '77 with 19,000 miles on it and it has been pretty reliable. The one main problem I had was that it kept blowing the 15A main fuse and the plastic under that fuse was melted. I looked around online and saw that it has been a common problem with these bikes. After a failed attempt at trying another fuse block I bought on eBay, I made my own new fuse block with spade style fuses and haven't had a problem since. I'm only about 20 miles northeast of you. If you are ever in my area and want to check out my bike, you are welcome too. Just let me know.