Topic: Help, could this be true? An R&D 1972 CB750. Need expert opinion!!!!

[Stev-o]

The parts are def worth money, easily be sold here or eBay.  One route you could go is tell him you are not interested in the parts and make an offer of $3500 - $4K without them.
Of course, we all would want all the parts!
You have received some excellent advice above, use it on Sunday with your discussion with the seller. 
Good luck.

[KC_Northstar]

I think I need to add a disclaimer for my above ramblings about early and late K2's   I used the parts book to come to that conclusion, but after realizing that the total production run was 63500 and the break off point for what I referred to as the late K2 at 2093730 is beyond that, something doesn't add up.  I guess what I could be seeing in the parts book is the fact that the K2 stayed in production in some contries until 1976. The parts book shows parts broke down by country, but the changes at 2093730 do not show area codes. So at this point my idea of two quite different K2's may not be valid.  Damn, I hate it when I,m wrong.  Happened to me once before back in 1967

[Retro Rocket]

I think I need to add a disclaimer for my above ramblings about early and late K2's   I used the parts book to come to that conclusion, but after realizing that the total production run was 63500 and the break off point for what I referred to as the late K2 at 2093730 is beyond that, something doesn't add up.  I guess what I could be seeing in the parts book is the fact that the K2 stayed in production in some contries until 1976. The parts book shows parts broke down by country, but the changes at 2093730 do not show area codes. So at this point my idea of two quite different K2's may not be valid.  Damn, I hate it when I,m wrong.  Happened to me once before back in 1967

 

I think in Europe they were called K2's for quite a few years....

[Tews19]

It's Sunday! Any update?

[Honda Tom]

I go this afternoon. It's about a two hour drive. When I get back Ill post what I found, and pictures of the bike and parts.

[Honda Tom]

Well..I just got back. Attached is a bunch of pics that I took today. Will probably have to post them in three posts due to the number.

Also this http is the sellers photo bucket that he did sometime ago to display all the parts that go with the bike.
You can copy and paste it into your browser to make it go (maybe).       
http://s85.beta.photobucket.com/user/trinorman/library/Honda%20CB750K2

The seller doubts that the story about being an R&D bike is true. But, he talked with the original owner of the bike several times that the original swears on a stack of bibles that it is true. That's worth about.......nothing.

Overall the bike is in pretty decent shape. The pics don't tell the whole story. After all it is forty years old, with 19,000 miles. 

That being said here are the issues that I noticed. The right side cover either has been repainted or someone cleaned it with a Brillo pad. Also the jewels on the side covers are different colors (one orange, the other red). No tool kit. Just a few specks of rust (very few) only on the inside tank bottom (both sides, very minimal). Non stock handle bars. He does have the originals. Brake master cylinder. He says this one works better then the original, which he also has. Seat has a repaired tear, just above the oil fill cap.  K1 Gauges, he said he has a set of K2's, but not in the best shape. He said these were on the bike from new, as documented by the miles??? The high beam jewel has fallen inside the gage. K1 Gauges with the K2 dash board is redundant. None of the screws on the engine look like they have ever been touched, other than the sprocket cover screws. 

As of now, the seller is firm on the price of $5,000. I figure their is about $1,000 worth of parts??? 
It started right up..cold.. had that sweet CB750 sound.

Comments are appreciated.

Thanks, Tom
Retired LAFD

[Stev-o]

I think $5K for a near perfect, low mile, original K2 is a fair retail price. But it does not sound like this is that bike.  Personally, I would not buy it at that price. 

[Honda Tom]

Thanks Steve-O, I was thinking the same thing. Thats why I came home empty handed. I value all of your opinions.

[Honda Tom]

Picture Post #2

[Honda Tom]

Picture Pose #3

[Honda Tom]

Picture Post #4

[Honda Tom]

Picture Post #5

[Roach Carver]

I wouldnt give 5k either but im cheap.

[Tews19]

Pretty sure the 5k price would have me not even think twice about passing.  Are you looking for a near mint bike, project, or decent shape road ready bike? For 5k you could find yourself a 1k K1 in decent shape and restore for much cheaper.

Parting out parts isn't hard but it is time consuming.

[ekpent]

The word frankenbike with all those parts and stories etc resonates hard.Take it for what it is,do the math with the parts etc, and if you do not buy it and it sells for more down the road don't feel bad as there is always another deal down the road,maybe from a guy like me who will have to unload his treasures. I have been lucky to buy some great bikes for a thousand or less,it takes patience and a little bit of focus to find the deal but they are out there if you apply yourself.

[750K]

It's pretty clean, but with that being said for me to drop that much on a 750 it would need to be all original. I'd have a hard time walking away from it if it we're $1-2k less in price though, it's nicer than any of the Cb750's that have been for sale in my area over the last 2 years and I think they were listed for no more than $4500.

[goldarrow]

I would top this bike at $2500 max just because it's clean, and have it sits in back of my backyard workshop.

I bought this awhile back
because its mostly stock and runs, plus mags, and it hasn't moved a mile since. It's dirty, but don't we all like to wrench on these bikes....?

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

That is a really nice bike. If it were ALL original then $5K wouldn't be bad especially in the shape it seems to be. He's fishing, you nibbled but didn't bite. It just depends on who has $5000 they don't need to spend on something else. He'll probably find a buyer eventually.

Nice F Goldarrow! Let's find you a seat or the Corbin and some original sidecovers.  then you can send me those awful wheels    What's the rise on the bars? Looks a little tall. PM me and we can work together on F stuff.

[750K]

http://abbotsford.en.craigslist.ca/mcy/3454938968.html

All I know is that one you looked at would probably sell fairly quick in my area in the condition it's in, considering the asking price for the 74 with pods and tons of flat black sprayed everywhere.

[goldarrow]

I would just move on and shop for another bike. The story makes me run away from the it.

Would rather not hear the story and just offer straight offer.

Nice F Goldarrow! Let's find you a seat or the Corbin and some original sidecovers.  then you can send me those awful wheels    What's the rise on the bars? Looks a little tall. PM me and we can work together on F stuff.

I paid 2500 for the bike just because those awful wheels!  Are you recruiting? I noticed that we F owners are stepchild of the 750 bikes.  I need to get maintenance going on the bike.

[Tews19]

Shoot, he want a project, I sell him my Silver K1 for 1300! I took a few parts off since I got Goldie.....He would need to ship it though

[lucky]

Quote:
" Although I had no way of verifying the accuracy of his story, I could see no harm in signing the document."

Read that carefully.

[Viktor.J]

For comparason this is what you get in Sweden for 10521 $ !!!!!!!

http://www.blocket.se/ystad/Honda_CB_750_Four_K2__74_44372775.htm?ca=16&w=3
http://www.rolfshemsida.se/ press CB750

That bike, without the story would be gone the same day here in Europe but i understand it's a different price picture in the state. But if you dont feel the deal is right, then skip it !

About the R&D stoty, I simply don't buy it