Author Topic: Beginner on 750F?  (Read 3807 times)

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Offline Doc FMF

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Beginner on 750F?
« on: October 11, 2012, 12:07:33 PM »
I saw a decent looking 1978 cb750f on craigslist...

Im actually going to take a look at it this weekend. Im a beginner looking for my first bike and I dont want anything else than a cb750 Ive been obsessing over them for a while now. Ive taken a look at a 750k before and must admit I was a bit intimdated by its size and weight. Im 5'8" 180lbs, I was able to put the ball of both feet on the ground but I know people smaller than me ride these things too so I just need to familiarize my self with it. Im 32 years old and have no intentions of speeding on this thing or doing anything beyond my skill level.

I talked to this guy on the phone and he said he has to put oil in about every 150miles because it burns oil, and minor oil "seepage" from where the odometer cables plug into the valve cover and also in the left side around the valve cover gasket when the bike gets hot. I dont know anything about bikes yet but this doesnt sound like something i should worry much about, should it? I do plan on learning everything about this bike because I would like to keep in great condition and running as my daily commuter. I just need some seasoned 750F'ers advice on picking this up and any issues I should expect from this bike. Thanks.

Offline bjbuchanan

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #1 on: October 11, 2012, 12:17:01 PM »
That oil seepage is cureable and not too expensive or intimidating of a job. Im a little taller than you but i just started riding my cb750k as my first bike and its plenty manageable. It could be beneficial for you at least to drop the forks in the trees a half inch and get like half inch lowering shocks. This would be cheap and not adversely affect handling

The dirty girl-1976 cb750k, Ebay 836, Tracy bodykit
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Offline madScientist

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #2 on: October 11, 2012, 12:42:55 PM »
I am your height and dont have any trouble on my F when it comes to forward momentum, stop lights, cornering etc.

However backing it out of the garage is a beotch. That's easy to get over though if you just lean a little.
You CAN do great things...with enough beer.


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http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=113293.0
70 CL350 Street Tracker / Cafe
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=125641.0
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76 GL1000
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77 cb750A (sold)
74 cb125s (sold)

Offline Doc FMF

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #3 on: October 11, 2012, 12:59:25 PM »
Thanks guys for the advice/reassurance. I guess I just need to get on it and ride for a while and if i feel i need to I'll invest in those shorter shocks and lower the forks.
Im just way too excited for this bike is all Ive been thinking about. Hopefully Im not disappointed when I see it. Anyone else have the oil burning problem?

Offline 2wheels

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #4 on: October 11, 2012, 01:06:26 PM »
I'm the same size as you and have no problem with my 1978 F3
Also my son 5' 7 and 130 pounds learned  (first bike) on this bike.  He gets along fine, he does have to be careful though.  The machine weights 550 pounds plus.
1970 CB750 K0 (I can't believe I tossed my duck tail seat in the trash 30 years ago)

Offline BeSeeingYou

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #5 on: October 11, 2012, 05:59:44 PM »
First of all don't worry too much over the size of the bike.  You will get used to it and it will be just fine.  It's a common reaction when you get your first "big boy" bike. ;D

The downer to me is the oil burning issue.  If you have to add oil every 150 miles that is serious and the engine may need major work.  Do you want to ride right away or do you want a project?  Is it the head or rings or a combination of both.  It better come at a low price considering the work that may be required.  What shape is the rest of the bike in?  Tires, tank, seat, chrome, exhaust, etc.  If the rest of the bike is nice it might be worth it but if it's a beater I would pass.  Not that hard to find another 750 in decent shape with a bit of patience. 

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #6 on: October 11, 2012, 07:42:17 PM »
I agree with srust, the oil burning may be a deal breaker unless this is a project bike at a very low price.  How much oil every 150 miles?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Don R

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #7 on: October 11, 2012, 08:21:15 PM »
Doc, you picked a great bike. They are however, 35 or  more years old and do require some maintainance. It's best to learn it yourself so some mechanical experience is a plus. Or just a lot of enthusiasm. The oil use could be leaks, valve guides (there are known issues) or cylinder/ring wear. Millions were sold and I've found parts bikes to be of great value if you have storage for such things. Good luck and enjoy the journey.
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Offline BeSeeingYou

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #8 on: October 11, 2012, 08:45:28 PM »
I would add this.  Plenty of beginners have bought project bikes with problems and done a good job bringing them back...it can be done.  Question is...do you want to do that?  If not, spend the money and find a 750 in nice running condition....they are not that hard to find.  Repairing one like this will cost you same or more plus the time.  If you have the time and the mechanical aptitude (or willing to learn) have at it.  But my advice is as a beginner looking for a daily rider.....keep looking.  The 750F is a fine bike...do some research on the various models.  The 75/6 may have fewer issues and are more similar to the K bikes parts wise.  The 77F has a well known issue with valve guide wear that shows up as the miles pile up near 20K.  A fixable problem but it has to taken into consideration.  Some have said this issue was fixed for the 78F model.  So if you want an F model you can look for the early ones or look for a low mileage later model (or one that has been fixed).  The 76F will be the easiest to find as they were the most numerous made.
« Last Edit: October 11, 2012, 08:50:28 PM by srust58 »

Offline Doc FMF

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #9 on: October 11, 2012, 08:49:00 PM »
it says im not allowed to post external links...but if you look in the forums under "ebay/craigslist" a guy just posted it up today. its the 1978 cb750 cafe in seattle on craigslist. im not very forum savy, sorry.

This is the bike, and its beutiful. I wouldnt mind working on it if i knew that it would be a simple fix, anything beyond that then i would be in over my head and would need a lot of help. Maybe $1600 for it is too good to be true...

Offline BeSeeingYou

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #10 on: October 11, 2012, 08:51:47 PM »
You may have to have a certain number of posts for things like that.  Get cracking. ;D

Offline BeSeeingYou

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #11 on: October 11, 2012, 09:02:02 PM »
I would be all over this one....replacing the seat of course. ;D Most likely a 75 (ad says 76).  But I like stock or close to it bikes more than Cafe.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/3323608614.html

Saw the one you posted about.  Has newer ring job and valve guides but still burns oil?  I guess the question is how much oil?  Other than that it looks in good shape.
« Last Edit: October 11, 2012, 09:15:31 PM by srust58 »

Offline Doc FMF

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #12 on: October 11, 2012, 09:25:16 PM »
I saw the '76 you were talking about and thats actually the guy's house I went to when i first looked at a 750 and was intimidated. That guy actually buys the old CB's  bulk and resells them. (not sure where he finds them). Seems like a pretty good guy, i suppose i can call him and get more details. Cafe's are cool but i prefer reliability over looks. if it doesnt have any major issues i'll get it.

Offline CafeDawg

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #13 on: October 11, 2012, 09:31:34 PM »
Bike looks pretty good and that seems a fair price, although I'd offer $1300 and see what he says, make a point of the oil issue.  I have the same leak on my F3 and mine looks a lot worse than that, engine looks pretty clean and oil free so can't be leaking too bad.  Not an expensive fix, it's a $6 part on ebay.  I'm also about the same size and lowered mine to reach the ground flat footed.  Good luck
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Offline Doc FMF

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #14 on: October 11, 2012, 10:03:07 PM »
I hear you srust. The '78 has been messed with and i dont want to deal with whatever problem it has, right now im too new to be trying to take stuff apart and i havent even had the joy of riding yet.  I just emailed the guy about the blue '76. the only changes to it i would make is the seat (barf) and later on the handlebars once im good at riding.  Good looking out! Amazing picture of your '76 by the way, hope i can make my future one that clean.

Offline Doc FMF

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #15 on: October 11, 2012, 10:15:50 PM »
are all '76 models frames/seats the same?

Offline BeSeeingYou

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #16 on: October 11, 2012, 10:22:15 PM »
75/6 F models are for all purposes the same except for color (75 blue or orange 76 red or yellow).  I believe the seats for the 77/8F will also fit.  The main differences between the two F series are brakes, rims, carbs and internal engine parts/ head.
« Last Edit: October 11, 2012, 11:41:38 PM by srust58 »

Offline BeSeeingYou

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #17 on: October 11, 2012, 10:46:04 PM »
   The turn signals are oddly placed and a bit askew but I think that has more to do with the fairing and luggage rack that was mounted.  The stock front signal mounting arm would have to be altered/removed to fit the fairing.  The original headlight may have also been misplaced/thrown out when the fairing was mounted as it looks like that one may be from a K  bike.  As long as it is well mounted and functional that's OK (look closely at my bike to see the difference).  Check the condition of the gas tank for corrosion inside, look for bubbled paint along the bottom seam (sign of pinhole leaks).   Not a deal breaker but can be used to negotiate the price. 
   Check the brakes and see that they operate and don't lock up.  Does it run on all cylinders?  Lightly and quickly touch the headers looking for a cold one.  It may clatter a bit at idle. None of these things would be unusual for a bike that has been sitting.  When I look at the photo of the gauges and how good they look it says to me that it has been sitting inside for a time.  Even if it all checks out it should have new tires, tank cleaned out, new petcock filter, brake calipers and master cylinders rebuilt, carbs may need cleaning and syncing.  These are all things that an old bike needs and are not really "issues" but expected repairs/maintenance for a bike of this vintage to help it become a reliable rider.   Not that hard to do with basic mechanical skills along with advice from the forum and a good initiation into what it takes to run and maintain a vintage bike.  Still, look at the bike realistically and critically but from my long distance vantage point that looks like it has very good potential.

Even if you do not want the luggage rack take it.  You can sell it here....they are not easy to find for the F.  I have one and though I don't often mount it when I need it I am glad I have it.  have the faring too but have never mounted that up...yet. ;D
« Last Edit: October 12, 2012, 12:00:42 AM by srust58 »

Offline ChuckG750f1

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #18 on: October 12, 2012, 06:12:42 AM »
FWIW, I agree with everything Steve has said above.  The '75/'76 Fs are great bikes.  Find one running, titled and as close to stock as you can.  Miles-of-Smiles  ;)
Life is hard; it's harder if you're stupid.
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1976 CB750 f1
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Offline Doc FMF

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #19 on: October 12, 2012, 01:17:10 PM »
Thanks guys. Im definately willing to put in the work you mentioned. Just talked to the guy on the phone and he did confirm that im probably gonna have to re-do the brakes and clean and sync the carbs he said it wasnt getting enough gas, but he did mention the tank was clean. He said he gets a new classic bike to sell every couple weeks but he cant guarantee what model it will be. Gonna take a look at it tomorow or sunday (if one of my buddies with a truck will take me). Ill let you know how it goes.

Offline RSchaefer

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #20 on: October 12, 2012, 04:50:19 PM »
Be ready for an adventure Doc!!!
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'72 CL 175, (Project Bike)
'75 CB750F (Project Bike, Complete)
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Offline Doc FMF

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #21 on: October 12, 2012, 06:56:30 PM »
look what just popped up on craigslist:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/mcy/3335115402.html

I know this is no longer a SOHC, but damn, look at it. Now im in a bind.

Offline mono

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #22 on: October 12, 2012, 07:01:05 PM »
There are 2 zillion of these out there.  You'll be happier with the F.  Its more unique and has better handling.

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Offline RSchaefer

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #23 on: October 12, 2012, 07:02:18 PM »
Not really, look at the last picture in the Craig's list listing, its an SOHC wannabe seller!!
'66 CB77, 305 Superhawk (Project Bike)
'72 CL 175, (Project Bike)
'75 CB750F (Project Bike, Complete)
'05 GL1800 ABS Black Cherry (Current Ride)
'87 GL1200 Wineberry Aspencade
'83 GL1100 Wineberry Aspencade
'76 GL1000 LTD
'75 GL1000 Turquoise
'69 Honda 750cc Gold
'67 Honda 305 Dream Black
'63 Honda S90 Black
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Offline immortal

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Re: Beginner on 750F?
« Reply #24 on: October 12, 2012, 07:48:52 PM »
Well, I trump you all I'm 5' - 4" which was short when I lived in the UK but I'm even shorter here amongst some of  these big Yanks where I live now!...lol. 

Anyway I have a 1976 CB750F and I don't have any problems at all but in fairness my bike is a cafe with a lower seat pan as you can see in my Avatar. You being taller than me, you will be fine.  Highly recommend the CB750F though. The bike has really grown on me, pardon the pun! Originally I liked the K models but love the F model as well now.

It will take you just a little riding to get used to it but as you settle in you will be fine!

Go for it!
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1976 CB750F "Pegasus Bike"

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80492.0