Author Topic: another newbie needs buying advice... (Read 4668 times)

damosuzuki · « **on:** August 12, 2006, 09:37:12 AM »

hi,

i am taking a look at a 73 cb750 for sale (asking price is $1000) near my home tomorrow, and i thought i would get some advice here beforehand...

the online post for the bike was pretty minimal. the owner says:

1) good runner, a classic bike.

2) Work done on the bike over time includes cleaned carbs, new battery, brake and clutch lines, new tires, etc., etc.

3) ridden regularly over the last few years.

3) not a clean, mint Super Sport.

4) the bike is not running. (suprise!) "the bike has been in a garage for the past few months; the batteries dead; and I haven't had time to deal. I last rode her in March."

after some email correspondence i also learned that:

5) from what the owner remembers, the bike has like 40,000 miles (!)... but he says he could be wrong about the number of miles.

6) (important to me) the tank and side cover decals were removed and repainted brown by the previous owner (yuck!).

in general, it seems like the owner doesn't think it would take make much at all to get it running, but just doesn't want to "deal". i am going to bring a new battery and fresh plugs to see if i can't get the bike started. (i will also bring a camera and post the pictures after i see the bike.)

btw, this will be my first bike to own since my childhood dirt bikes, and my very first street bike. i am mechanically inclined, but i don't have a lot of experience; i worked on my dirt bikes when i was 12, but to be honest, i could never get them to run very well! i don't really have a place to work on the bike, as i live in NYC. though i have seen poor chaps working on their bikes directly on the street, so i suppose i could do the same. maybe most importantly, my budget is severly constrained... i can afford a $1000 dollar bike, new battery/plugs, and that is about it until next month.

does this sound like good situation? or would you suggest to stear clear and wait for a more expensive cb750 in better condition? i will post whatever i learn after seeing the bike.

thanks for reading my post, and any advice you have for me.

mike

ps. if by some miracle i get the bike runs beautifully, does anybody have experience riding an uninsured, and (probably) uninspected motorcycle around manhattan... oh yeah, and when the rider doesn't have an the 'M' endorsement on the their license, and the last time they rode a bike was on a motorcross track 7 years ago? (ie. will they ship me to guantanamo if i get pulled over?)

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 12, 2006, 09:48:30 AM »

1. Do your research before buying anything like this.
Look around in the paper - on Ebay - etc to see what a bike like the one you are looking
at is worth. Allot of people think just because a bike is old it is worth top dollar.
2. If you end up buying the bike, be smart and trailer/tow the bike home instead of riding it.
Once you get it home - then you can spend the time and go over the entire bike and look for wear/tear/bad things/safety issues/etc...You NEVER know what condition the bike is REALLY in. The axle could be cracked and break as you ride the thing home, the twist-ties holding the frame together could break, etc..Better to be safe then sorry or DEAD !
3. The price sounds alittle high for a non-running bike , but thats just me. I paid $800 for my 1972 CB750 that was pretty much all complete - fresh paint - 9,000 miles - and was in tip-top running condition. I feel I got the bike for a steal, others might think different, etc... if you feel it is a good deal, and you want the thing , then buy it. Simple as that...

Gordon · « **Reply #2 on:** August 12, 2006, 09:53:29 AM »

I won't comment on the value of the bike, not only because the fact that prices vary greatly between geographical regions, but also from person to person. I will say that the combination of not having much experience working on old bikes, along with not having a place to work on it, would seem to make this a poor choice for you.

If you had a garage, you would have all the time and space you need to learn how to work on an old bike that will likely need a lot of maintenance/repairs, and I would say go for it. If I were in your current situation, I'd save for either a newer bike in good condition, or a classic bike that has been completely rebuilt and is in near perfect running condition.

supersport_CB400F · « **Reply #3 on:** August 12, 2006, 10:24:16 AM »

If the bike has wheels buy it! It should have one at the front and one at the rear..if not walk away or ask for a reduction in price

damosuzuki · « **Reply #4 on:** August 12, 2006, 11:54:31 AM »

thanks for all the advice, especially the wheel thing...

like ProTeal55, my initial thought was that $1000 is a little high... but then again, every running cb750 i have seen has been at least $1800. as Gordon mentioned, prices vary greatly with locale, and it doesn't help that New York hipsters are buying these things up at any price. (i went to a S & B Speed Cycle in williamsburg last weekend... the old man told me to come back when i am a rich artist. seriously!) it also doesn't help that i have only been looking for two weeks our so.

the more i think about this bike however, the more skeptical i am. i am still gonna check it out... maybe it will run well without much fuss (or at least what i think is well...) and i won't be able to resist.

if that doesn't happen, i guess i will hold out for a better deal. either way, i will let you know how it goes.

thanks again.

mike

ps. ok ok... if i get it, i will part the extra cash for a tow... i don't know why i was thinking about riding bike through manhattan that doesn't even run yet...

oh yeah, i am CHEAP.

supersport_CB400F · « **Reply #5 on:** August 12, 2006, 12:06:32 PM »

Quote from: damosuzuki on August 12, 2006, 11:54:31 AM

thanks for all the advice, especially the wheel thing...

if that doesn't happen, i guess i will hold out for a better deal. either way, i will let you know how it goes.

thanks again.

mike

ps. ok ok... if i get it, i will part the extra cash for a tow... i don't know why i was thinking about riding bike through manhattan that doesn't even run yet... oh yeah, i am CHEAP.

Your welcome for the tips on the wheel thing…just buy it, anything can be fixed up with time and money

…..Oh and push or trailer the thing home be safe!

Gordon · « **Reply #6 on:** August 12, 2006, 12:09:03 PM »

If you have your heart set on a 750, then save up and wait for the right one to show up. Otherwise, (sticking with the sohc4's, of course) keep your eyes out for a 550K. Not as much power, but also not yet considered as collectible, so prices are much more reasonable in most places, and it's still an sohc4!

Besides, if you're going to be doing most of your riding within the city, the 550 is lighter, more nimble, and easier to ride in traffic than the 750.

Gordon · « **Reply #7 on:** August 12, 2006, 12:11:42 PM »

If you end up buying it, you can do what biffta has done and turn your living room into a garage.

cbjunkie · « **Reply #8 on:** August 12, 2006, 01:52:14 PM »

totally agree with gordon on the whole 750/550 thing - i live in Saint Louis and went from 350 to 750; i often wish i had the 350 back and, in fact, will buy down next time around for my city commuting.

damosuzuki · « **Reply #9 on:** August 13, 2006, 03:36:21 PM »

well, i looked at the cb750 today, and the condition of the bike was pretty much what i expected. i took some pics as promised, and as you can see the bike is a beater like the owner says.

unfortunately i wasn't able to get a battery so i still have no idea if it runs. the owner said the battery was dead, but the headlight turned on. we tried to kick start it but no luck. sounds fishy to me. i should have checked to see if there was a spark at the plugs... but didn't think about it at the time (we all gotta start somewhere!). i did take the plugs out and they were dry, but fouled up pretty good. i tried to check the oil but i could barely get any on the dipstick; not a good sign i suppose. there is surface rust on most of the chrome (most of it doesn't seem to be that bad).

i am not a big fan of the aftermarket exhaust, or lack of original decals... but i guess that is small potatoes for this bike.

it also turns out the bike has been down a couple times (you can see the damage to one the engine covers). there also appears to be rust in the tank (though its hard to tell from the picture i guess).

anyways, i am not willing to pay the asking price of $1000. i may make an offer signifigantly less than the asking price ($600 - $750), but i am worried that i will bite off more than i can chew for my mech skillzzz (i don't have any). i am equally excited about learning how to fix/restore a bike as i am about taking my girlfriend out of the city for the weekend... but like Gordon pointed out, i don't have a spot to work and i am starting from the beginning.

i doubt i will end up with this bike since the owner seems to think its a fair price for the bikes condition (he is probably right given the market here). but alot of these issues are going to keep coming up... well, thanks for listening!

mike

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #10 on:** August 13, 2006, 03:48:40 PM »

Quote

i tried to check the oil but i could barely get any on the dipstick; not a good sign i suppose.

This may not be serious, or indicative of anything. Many 750's suffer from wet sumping. There is a check valve in the oil pump that should shut-off oil leaking down from the tank when the engine is turned off. Over time, with a leaky valve, the oil leaks down from the tank to the lower sump in the engine. Mine and many others do this. If you get it, one of the first things would be an oil/filter change adding the correct amount of oil. there after always check the oil level immediately after a ride so you don't end up overfilling.

cbjunkie · « **Reply #11 on:** August 13, 2006, 04:42:06 PM »

not worth a grand, 500-700. it's hard to tell how much you will put in this bike to make it work well, but let's just say at least another 200 just to get it rideabe?

what do you guys think?

mrbreeze · « **Reply #12 on:** August 13, 2006, 05:08:14 PM »

I think that if you can learn how to go about getting it running or maybe know of someone that could do it for you that has the required knowledge(not a dealership),it might be worth maybe 5-6 hundred.The up side is it turns over....down side...it don't start. Cash in hand goes along way when negotiating a transaction.If you get it running and no probs...great!! If you get it rnning and it blows a big cloud of smoke behind it and then dies...not so good.Good luck whatever you decide!!!

Dave K · « **Reply #13 on:** August 13, 2006, 05:13:47 PM »

Well, if you are looking to return the bike to original, you have some money to spend. I see the rear shocks, 16" rear wheel, seat, side cover badges, tank badges,mirrors and a few other minor parts are missing. From what else I can see, the chrome looks as if it maybe salvageable. If the motor feels ok kicking it over, I don't think I would be real concerned with it yet. My guess is, once you get the carbs cleaned out and the electrics cleaned up, it will fire up.The tank appears to me that it will clean out fine, from what I can see. Then you can spend time rebuilding brakes, swingarm bushings, fork seals, wheel bearings, etc. As far as miles, my 750 K3 has 46,000+ miles on it and I would leave Ohio for Calif. tonight if I had to. The motor has never been touched, doesn't use any oil and still will do over 110+mph. Personally I am a gambler. I would buy it as is since you think it may feel ok turning over. If you get it running, your bargaining tool is gone and he will raise the price or hold firm after you got it running for him and without getting paid to do it! Arrive at a price you feel good with on your own. Then go there and count out the cash and put it on the table. If he doesn't budge, walk away. They made more than one and this isn't the last one. JMHO

Roach Carver · « **Reply #14 on:** August 13, 2006, 05:16:07 PM »

here is my two cents (worth approx. 1 cent). You don't have a good place to work on it. I can feel your pain, but that bike will need some hours, day, weeks to be rideable (if nothing is severely wrong with it) If I were you I would continue to look a little and maybe widen your scope of bikes to include maybe more of the Honda's and I don't know if this will get me black balled here but i once had an xs 650 and I loved it (it was a yamaha -please don't tell). If you are wanting to get your feet wet working on a bike get one that is running. I can assure you that you will still have ample opportunities to work on it.

mrbreeze · « **Reply #15 on:** August 13, 2006, 05:21:41 PM »

Yeah...thats true Dave....don't bring along a battery and get it running.Hell,if you did that,the guy might change his mind and want 1500$ instead!!!!

cbjunkie · « **Reply #16 on:** August 13, 2006, 05:38:52 PM »

good point 71cb,

if you drop cash on this bike and then it has to sit outside, it's only going to be more difficult to work on. on the other hand, if you have somewhere to work on it you could see it as your weekend getaway project for a few months and that'll make all your friends jealous when you are so busy and focused!

store it out of town somewhere and be all mysteriously dissapearing all the time...Where's Mikey going?...I dunno, he keeps mumbling something about "points", whatever the hell that is...

Then you show up one day, clad in samite, astride your glistening steed of power and lobbing moistened scimitars at taxis. ...that sounds alright as well...

It can happen. I just described my summer so far to you and it's definitely worth it.

keep us posted,
cbj...

Gordon · « **Reply #17 on:** August 13, 2006, 05:42:53 PM »

I don't know what the market is like in NYC, but I paid $250 for my K1 less than 3 yrs ago, and it was i similar condition and with stock pipes in good condition. This was in Denver, though, so things differ from region to region.

Roach Carver · « **Reply #18 on:** August 13, 2006, 05:50:46 PM »

heres one in ILL. with an 1100 buy it now, and it runs!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-CB-1977-cb-750k-1977-cb-750-not-chopper-or-bobber-mama-pissed_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ80647QQihZ009QQitemZ190019702489QQrdZ1

cbjunkie · « **Reply #19 on:** August 13, 2006, 05:53:58 PM »

sheesh. i wonder if his wife feels as lucky as i think she might...

Gordon · « **Reply #20 on:** August 13, 2006, 06:09:03 PM »

Quote from: cbjunkie on August 13, 2006, 05:53:58 PM

sheesh. i wonder if his wife feels as lucky as i think she might...

Damn! Keep the bike, ditch the #$%*!!

_{just maintaining my rep!}

nickjtc · « **Reply #21 on:** August 13, 2006, 06:18:05 PM »

Quote from: cbjunkie on August 13, 2006, 05:38:52 PM

....show up one day, clad in samite, astride your glistening steed of power and lobbing moistened scimitars at taxis. ...that sounds alright as well...
cbj...

There goes the Monty Python thing again......yay!

How many bikes of this type were sold in the US? Surely another will come up at a time when the planets are in better alignment ....as in, there is secure workshop space to fettle.

As we all know, it is very difficult to maintain a modest budget when working on these bikes, not least because you see a picture of a bike on the forum which has a particular doo-dad that has to be on yours. And none of us wants to ride a rat-bike, so everything has to be just so......

$1000 seems a very high price for that particular bike.

damosuzuki · « **Reply #22 on:** August 13, 2006, 08:10:43 PM »

wow, thanks again guys for the great advice.

i am going to sit on this one for a day or two... but if i do it, it will be a cash in hand offer below 700. especially after seeing the cb750 in michigan for $1100... (btw, that guy is awesome... "thats the story of the CB id like to keep it but i cant both of these ladies and one is a lil mo fun to ride.") i would bid on that bike, but i have no way of getting it back to brooklyn (proteal set me straight in terms of riding a brand new-to-you bike; i don't wan't the twisties holding the frame together to go out on my first interstate adventure!).

and a weekend-project-beer-getaway thing sounds awesome (you like how i threw beer in there?), but my girlfriend would definitley be using "scimitars" in a bad way on me... probably unmoistened too. so far she has been behind the getting a bike thing (i just keep describing the beautiful wine country in long island.... ha ha ha), but its gotta be a local works kinda thing.

actually, does anybody have experience working on a bike on the street? for obvious reasons it would be a pain in the arse, but is there anything that makes it a very bad idea? i also have a spare room a could muck up pretty good if i wanted too.

anyways, thanks again. if it isn't obvious, i would be a lot more in the dark without this forum.

mike

cbjunkie · « **Reply #23 on:** August 13, 2006, 08:14:08 PM »

well, geez - keep your eyes open and come back when you find one!

(you're right, NOTHING worse than an unmoistened scimitar)

junkie out...

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #24 on:** August 13, 2006, 08:24:43 PM »

Quote

actually, does anybody have experience working on a bike on the street? for obvious reasons it would be a pain in the arse, but is there anything that makes it a very bad idea?

Actaully, we have, or had, a young lady member who lived in the NYC area (Brooklyn?) who did all her maitenance on the street. One of her last posts was looking for ideas on how to hoist the front-end so she could do some work. Can't recall her login name though.

News:

Author Topic: another newbie needs buying advice... (Read 4668 times)

damosuzuki

supersport_CB400F

damosuzuki

supersport_CB400F

damosuzuki

damosuzuki