Topic: If it happens...

[Mr. Mike]

Good morning Forum members,
My name is Mike and I live in San Bernardino County in Southern California. I currently own a 1966 CL77 which was a fun rebuild made possible by a few generous members at the Honda 305 Forum. I am looking at the prospect of making an offer on a 1978 750K, unknown miles but seems to be in sound shape. The bike has been sitting for at least 6 years covered in a garage. There are a number of things known so far about the bike just through visual observation and conversation with the owner.

*The starter is believed to be bad
*Slight leak at the head gasket
*Some oil has dripped from the underside, possibly the pan
*No resistance to the front brake lever when pulled
*Throttle does not pull (no surprise there huh?)
*The mention a an intermittent short or open in the run circuit when the handle bars are turned (bike dies)
*Inside the gas tank looks darn new
*The unit cranks via the kick pedal
*Nothing is known about the electrics as it needs a battery

 Other than oil, filter, a flushing with Sea Foam and a good mechanical going over, and a lot of time, what else am I looking at in your guys opinion in order to make a fair yet negotiable offer? Seems the value of a decent running bike of this same year is about $4K plus.

Thanks in advance for any input or opinions you may offer.

Mike

[toytuff]

Welcome to the forum.

First, the oil leak might be coming from the case covers. A couple of seals might be leaking also. The oil around the head might be a different story. On this model you have to remove the engine to do any major work.

The rest sounds easy and quite normal. This was a two year run so shopping for parts might take a bit longer.


As far as the 305 forum I'm also a member. A bunch of snobs in my book. Never answered any questions I had building my CA78. Here you will find top notch people with the same advice.

The 77/78 models seem to be getting more popular on this forum. As far as value not so much. If they are selling for 4K in your area come get mine. It's been on Vegas CL for a while at 4K. Pics enclosed.

Good luck. Might want to take a compression gauge with you and remember. No pics means it never happened.

tt

[kghost]

Welcome.

Some like those 2 yrs .....some don't.

I prefer the earlier ones.

[Mr. Mike]

Thanks for the replies guys. Two year run...new info for me. I do agree that what, 76 and older are indeed the better looking and most desireable for any enthusiast...myself included. But, for the money (I'm hoping) this is probably the closest I can get and it happens to be nearby. Some of those earlier models just go for a ton of money on EBay or Craigs list, or they're located on the east coast., or their bobbed out-chopped-up-sissy bar and all and that makes me nauseas. Knowing what I know so far, I'm thinking 13 to 15 hundred dollars. But that's why I came here...to appeal to the minds much more educated than myself. Oh..."No pics means it never happened", I like that. So if this thing flies...you'll have it.
So...does my proposed top dollar offer seem close, or what? Sorry to hear of your bad 305 experience Toy...oh well.
Thanks again.
Mike

[kghost]

I'm thinking about $500 for one that's been under a tarp for 6 years.......

However if the exhaust is original, complete and rust free and it has all the side covers and badges in nice shape I would pay more.

Do a little research here on the hard to find parts for those years.

If complete, price accordingly.

[toytuff]

Good luck for anything around $500. Ain't happing out here in the West.

Depending on originality and condition your price Mr. Mike is about correct. Lower is always better.

tt

[vintagehonda750]

Welcome. Good luck with purchase.

[tool14]

welcome

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Greetings Mike. $4K, no way. Not from a tarp anyway. A LOW mileage garage queen perhaps but it'd be hard to get that kind of money from a 77/78 K. Toytuff needs another CBX, make him an offer and take a road trip. I'd bet he'll pick you up at the airport  then you won't need to repair an unknown.

Those issues are all common.

Ignition switch base (replace) or wire leading to/from it worn and shorting are in all likelihood causing the intermittant 'short' but it would probably be blowing fuses if it is an actual short. This could even be causing a low voltage situation and causing the battery to not charge properly.

These starters really don't go bad. Depending on symptoms - starter button plastic housing inside switch breaks (new switch), solenoid maybe (clean or replace), or if it's 'slipping' then that would be the starter clutch (rebuild, it's located behind the charging rotor on the end of the crank shaft).

Front brake - nothing a rebuild kit and a couple hours won't cure unless the caliper is hosed.

Throttle not pulling could be cable or cable routing.

They all need a battery but why?! The electricals of these are the bain or our existence but thats another story we won't get into UNTIL after you charge then install a new battery and see what the charging system output is across the rpm range.

Only a fresh engine doesn't leak at the head gasket (mostly anyway) so that's REALLY common. Just depends on how bad. This can be corrected by removing the engine, tearing it down and installing heavy duty cylinder studs and retorqueing and replacing o-rings and things along with a fresh head gasket then reinstalling the engine and hoping for better OR washing off the oil and ignoring it like most do 

[toytuff]

Thanks for the plug Rx man.  (I'll kick the commission check to you) There has been a 78 in PHX for quite a while @ $3250 obo.

I have learned, and late as others, that if you are after a particular year you have two options.

1) Find the cleanest you can and pay the money.

2) Rebuild one for the "love" of it, sink more into it than you will get out of it. The pride factor does feel good but it doesn't increase the value.

I have been working on and off on my 77 for over a year. Have way more time and money invested. At 4K I would still lose money. Labor was free.

I smile everytime I see it or ride it. Still not worth anymore. 

tt

[goldarrow]

You'd be so darn Very Lucky to find a barely running bike for 1500-2000 in our SoCal area. 

I could ride my 75 750F to you delivered for much less than 4k, and take a train back home

[toytuff]

I'm not far from SC myself. Might be going to San Diego.

Might as well bring it to you. 

tt

[Stev-o]

Welcome Mike.  Most bikes that have been sitting for yars require a carb rebuild.  And as you know, there are four carbs.