Author Topic: How far do you ride your CB? (Read 3840 times)

Jeff · « **on:** July 26, 2006, 07:01:48 PM »

It looks like I've found a 77 CB550K that I'm going to buy. The main problem is it's 400 miles away. The seller and I have agreed to meet halfway, so my question is this. If you are driving over 200 miles to buy a 30 year old bike, would you put it in the back of a truck, or would you ride it home?

The route home would be 75% interstate and 25% 2-lane, nearly all straight. The bike looks, at least in small photos emailed to me, to be in pretty good condition, and the seller sounds like he's put some effort into it to make it a good runner. Tires have plenty of tread. I don't own a truck, and neither of my cars have a hitch. So I'd have to pay 60 bucks to rent one. Full size pickups get 18mpg, where my little Ford Focus gets 36mpg. The gas savings driving the car, plus not renting a vehicle, would save me close to $100 that I could put into the bike. If I take my car down, I'll have someone go with so I'll at least have a chase vehicle if something goes wrong.

I have 13 years riding experience and have done a handful of long riding days, but never on an older bike. The seat on this CB is the original... original skin, foam, everything.

So... would you spend the money and rent a truck and bring it back that way, or would you take your chances and ride it home? If you rode it home, what kind of supplies would you bring with? Fuses, tire patch kit, etc?

The sensible side of me says rent a truck. The side of me that loves to ride, and the tightwad side, says ride it home.

Thanks in advance,
Jeff

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #1 on:** July 26, 2006, 07:28:49 PM »

Well, I'm assuming someone is driving you to the half-way point. Have them follow with some tools on board just in case. If he can make the 200 miles to meet you, I don't see why it wouldn't make the rest of the way. I hear you about the safer alternative though.

Jeff · « **Reply #2 on:** July 26, 2006, 07:30:42 PM »

A buddy and I will go down in my car, then he'll drive my car back behind me. The seller is bringing the bike in the back of his truck, so it won't make the first 200 miles of the trip, just the last if I ride it.

Jeff

calired67 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 26, 2006, 07:34:10 PM »

Is he riding to the meeting spot? If it were me and there was any chance to ride it I would. That being said....You should make sure to really check it out before the trip. 200 miles isn't too far on the 550. Maybe check out rental places on the internet that would be on your route just in case you have to rent something on the fly. I agree too that you should have some tools in the car just in case something should happen.

Have fun and enjoy the ride on YOUR new bike!!!

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #4 on:** July 26, 2006, 07:36:51 PM »

Quote

A buddy and I will go down in my car, then he'll drive my car back behind me. The seller is bringing the bike in the back of his truck, so it won't make the first 200 miles of the trip

Hmm, that might change my strategy, but if you feel like taking a chance, go for it. Let us know how it turns out.

Jeff · « **Reply #5 on:** July 26, 2006, 07:38:47 PM »

Nope, the seller is bringing the bike to the spot in the back of his truck. I will most definitely be riding the bike around a bit before I buy it, plus my buddy has owned a couple CB750s before, so hopefully he'll know if there's something majorly wrong. I have a good feeling about this bike though.

What kind of tools would everyone bring?

Jeff

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #6 on:** July 26, 2006, 07:50:06 PM »

I guess I would take along the usual set of screw drivers, flat and Phillips, some channel locks, a good selection of metric wrenches, a socket for the plugs and a drive, maybe some metric Allen Head wrenches in case the engine cover screws have been replaced and some chain lube. If your going to try 200 miles, you don't want to do it on a chain that hasn't been lubed in a year. I might even suggest some spare fuses and some electrical tape.

cbjunkie · « **Reply #7 on:** July 26, 2006, 07:52:24 PM »

i did 270 my first ride on the 750...back from Lebanon, TN - only trouble i had was running out of gas

seriously, though...i had a buddy with a truck riding wingman...that helped put my mind at ease...

angeldeville · « **Reply #8 on:** July 26, 2006, 08:42:12 PM »

I'd give it a minor tune up on the spot and as long as it holds gas and oil you should be good, don't forget your cam chain adjustments!

madbunny · « **Reply #9 on:** July 26, 2006, 11:03:50 PM »

until it runs out of gas or stops running.

in all seriousness, it's a complete unknown.
take a variety of open and box end wrenches from 10mm to 14mm.
a good quality adjustable wrench capable of turning the rear axle nut.
a #2 phillips and a selection of flat heads. a small set of spare fuses.
a voltmeter, a tire pressure gauge, and a plug wrench.
that should cover most anything you could actually take care of by the side of the road and really isn't that much to carry.

things i would check:
tire pressure, loose spokes, oil level, master cylinder level, front brake pads, chain, chain adjusters/rear axle nut, shock bolts and nuts, the bolts on the bottoms of the forks, rear brake adjustment and all the lights.
remember that the bottom caps on the forks should have no gap between them and the bottom tubes on the front side and only a small gap on the back side.
should take about 20 mins tops and would cover most anything that would be likely to injure you/cause you to be injured by others.

cheers and good hunting!

mrbreeze · « **Reply #10 on:** July 26, 2006, 11:16:11 PM »

200 miles is a breeze on bike that you know but.........even 5 miles on one that you don't know "COULD" be a bummer.I think you are right about doing a little testie ride being that you have someone tagging with you(even though he couldn't haul it if something went south).Whatever you decide,good luck to you and hope it turns out to be the beginning of something great for you.

74cb750 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 27, 2006, 05:33:18 AM »

sounds like you all have done this a few times

I have nothing to add except one thing...
bring some new spark plugs and a plug wrench.
peace,
michel

andy750 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 27, 2006, 05:57:50 AM »

Hey Michel,
I have bought two of my CB750s in far away places -one off Ebay that was in North Carolina - flew from Boston to Raleigh, NC then 3 hour car trip to see bike -had 15` high rise bars on it!! Checked it over and it was ok so took it onto the Interstate and drove the 900 miles back to Boston over 2 days - no problems. Second bike was in Washington, DC and again flew down and picked it up riding back on the Interstate (through New Jersey, New York :-() back to Boston in one day - that was 500miles. So yes it can be done!

When I shipped the North Carolina bike (which had made it from Boston to Mexico and back) to the Uk (toured Europe and the Uk) back to New Jersey I got the bus down to NY city overnight and was at customs whenit opened. The battery was dead and had to jump it off a car -once started it made it back to Boston no problem!

Good luck with your own purchase. Every CB750 Ive had Ive had to ride it back from where it was as I have no truck and not much money!
Andy in Boston

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 27, 2006, 01:30:10 PM »

I would truck/trailer it home if it were me.
What happenes if the axle falls outta it , tire blows, etc on your "maiden voyage" home ??
Better to be safe than sorry (or dead)...

My 4cents...

Chris Schneiter · « **Reply #14 on:** July 28, 2006, 08:11:51 AM »

My sentiments exactly....It's taken me 4 years to finally work the bugs out of my electrical system...I had a period where I'd be riding along, and it would just die...turned out I had a wire shorting under the seat...but it took a while to find it! One night, I rode about 50 miles into the country..when It got dark, I had no tail light! Then, my starter switch/headlight cutoff started going. I'd be riding along, and my headlight would go out. Not to mention, you don't know the bike. It's not the owners fault, but maybe there's rust in the tank, that only through running would work it's way into the carbs, or maybe the wheel bearings have problems that would only show up after you ride 100 miles...these are 30 year old babies, not brand new and trusted...until I knew the quirks of my bike, I'd be wary...I say get a truck, get it home and work the bugs out on short rides. My bike was in pretty good shape, but it did have bugs, and yours hopefully won't have any, but it might, and it will choose to bite you in the ass in the middle of nowhere!

Jeff · « **Reply #15 on:** July 28, 2006, 08:28:30 AM »

I have been very conflicted on what to do. Just about all day yesterday I was convinced I was going to ride it home. I thought about how it'd be fun and adventurous, etc. Plus the thought of paying to rent a truck, and the pain in the butt it would be to get it on time and return it, etc, was very annoying. But then I thought about the electrical problem possibilities, and everything that could go wrong, coupled with the expected 100 degree heat. So I decided to be the annoying neighbor, and asked my next door neighbor if I could borrow his truck. So I'm trucking it back. Hopefully the bike has no problems and I can just ride it and enjoy it.

Jeff

Chris Schneiter · « **Reply #16 on:** July 28, 2006, 08:34:44 AM »

I think you're smart...I hope your bike is perfect too...and I hope this afternoon, I get the check for $30,000.00 that a guy gas owed me for 5 years!

Jeff · « **Reply #17 on:** July 28, 2006, 10:11:19 AM »

Andy,
In no way am I saying you're not smart for riding your bikes back. I say good on ya. I have a good feeling about this bike, BUT, I am by no means a mechanic (I'm hoping to learn wrenching with this bike). Plus I have never owned a 30 year old bike before. Plus it's supposed to hit 100, or close to it, in WI tomorrow, so I just felt I'd play it safe and start out on short rides around home.

If I was more confident in my wrenching abilities, I might give it a go. But I'm not, so I'm trucking it back.

andy750 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 28, 2006, 10:21:44 AM »

hey Jeff no worries i know you werent! For what its worth Im not so good at wrenching either but I agree its probably the smartest move given the situation/conditions to truck it back.
Good luck!
Andy in Boston

Jeff · « **Reply #19 on:** July 28, 2006, 10:32:53 AM »

Andy,
You need to post some pics of that bike in your avatar. It looks good!

Jeff

andy750 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 28, 2006, 10:57:54 AM »

Hey Jeff,
More in the gallery here....

http://www.sohc4.us/gallery/v/members/personal/andy750/

cheers
Andy

Chris Schneiter · « **Reply #21 on:** July 28, 2006, 11:10:49 AM »

Jeff, Post pictures and how your bike seems when you get home! Good Luck!

Jeff · « **Reply #22 on:** July 28, 2006, 11:32:10 AM »

Nice bikes Andy!

I'll be bringing my camera, so I'll post pictures after I get her home.

Jeff

Head · « **Reply #23 on:** July 28, 2006, 08:34:04 PM »

Truck it !Too be on the safe side.How oil is the oil in the motor?What is the condition of grease in the wheel bearings,in the swing arm,folk oil,are the valves to tight,to loose in the head?cables?electrical?Is the gas tank clean?Inner tubes crispy?Watch tightening spokes
with out removing the tire,do not want any Sharp ends of spokes to wear a hole in your tube!Like 20 miles down the rode.
Bought 20 or so bikes over the years,only rode 1 home, that 1 I bought at the Honda dealership were I turned wrench's
for a living,A 1971 cb750, my favorite of the750's Hope yours treats you like mine do.
1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,750's in my garage,basement! RWJ

mrbreeze · « **Reply #24 on:** July 28, 2006, 10:07:44 PM »

So lets see some pics of these old jewels!!!!

JP · « **Reply #25 on:** July 29, 2006, 01:29:49 PM »

Drive the flippin' thing man! Yes, it would be an adventure-possibly a bad one- but an adventure none the less. I just recently did just the same thing. I had my father in law drop me off in Atlanta, I made the purchase, and took off on my own (he stayed in atlanta). I was miserable in 100+ temperatures, then rain, then sun again. But I made it home about 5 hours later, and I have another story to tell.

The smart thing is always to truck it, but I never said I was smart

Seriously though, sometimes there are hidden bugs, but you can usually tell a lot about a bike as soon as you see it.

JP

PS- Love your avatar and welcome aboard.

huntman58 · « **Reply #26 on:** July 29, 2006, 01:50:48 PM »

Quote from: ProTeal55 on July 27, 2006, 01:30:10 PM

I would truck/trailer it home if it were me.
What happenes if the axle falls outta it , tire blows, etc on your "maiden voyage" home ??
Better to be safe than sorry (or dead)...

My 4cents...

I agree and would do the same. Even thou I know my bike I still wonder at times what if. If some thing dose go down I have to rent or find a truck or some one that will rent to a ford explorer owner. I would never ride an unknown bike that far but then I believe in being safe more then sorry

g8ts · « **Reply #27 on:** July 29, 2006, 02:08:03 PM »

100 degrees ! 200 miles ! unknown Bike !

The Truck is a more intellegent choose. You'll be alive to show us pictures

Good Luck

Head · « **Reply #28 on:** July 29, 2006, 03:49:51 PM »

1 of the reasons I said truck it was dirty fluids don't lubricate well,Could be like a liquid sand storm in your motor,bearings,forks,brakes,
which could cause unnecessary wear,or breakage!
HEAD

Zip · « **Reply #29 on:** July 30, 2006, 07:42:16 PM »

Hmm, maybe I'm a bit too obvious, but did you ask the owner whether he thought it would make a 200 mile trip? Usually, the tone of the response is more revelaing than the response itself. I would tell him I could ride or truck it back and see what he says. The guy I bought my bike from said it ran but he would not ride it from MD to NY. I thanked him for his honesty and we trucked it. I wouldn't hesitate to make that trip now, but it's mine and I've been through it.

Zip

nickjtc · « **Reply #30 on:** July 30, 2006, 10:31:21 PM »

The smart thing is always to truck it, but I never said I was smart

Seriously though, sometimes there are hidden bugs, but you can usually tell a lot about a bike as soon as you see it.

I agree. If the seller looks like he actually cared about the bike, and as long as you can take it for a long ride before purchase, I think you can risk it. That's assuming you can do a rudimentary checkover, and that the bike has actually been in recent regular use. Of course there is a BIG difference between riding a bike 200 miles to home (like I did with the 650) and riding it across the country.

andy750 · « **Reply #31 on:** July 31, 2006, 05:27:40 AM »

In 2004, a group of SOHC riders met up in Los Angeles to ride the Easy Rider Trip (see www.easyridertrip.de for details). We had guys from England, Scotland and Germany (as well as USA) come to ride and 3 had bought bikes off Ebay. These guys flew into LA and had one day to get the bikes ready for a cross-country trip (5500 miles, 16 days).Only one didnt make it, having blown a head gasket in the desert. The other 2 made it coast to coast. It can be done.

cheers
Andy in Boston

RAT1 · « **Reply #32 on:** July 31, 2006, 07:22:17 AM »

I just wend to Honda Homecoming in Marysville Ohio From Buffalo NY
and put on 900 miles.
This is my 8th year going
Have a CB750 A 1976
And also pull a trailer behind it.
http://www.eng.buffalo.edu/~rat1/
Only thing is my chain drys out and gets loose
Roger

nickjtc · « **Reply #33 on:** July 31, 2006, 12:47:44 PM »

Quote from: RAT1 on July 31, 2006, 07:22:17 AM

Only thing is my chain drys out and gets loose
Roger

Put a Scottoiler on. You will not regret it!

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Author Topic: How far do you ride your CB? (Read 3840 times)

calired67

madbunny

JP

huntman58

Zip

RAT1