Topic: Thinking of buying 75 CB750, need opinions

[jprochnow]

Hello first time posting on this forum but been lurking for a while. I have decided to purchase my first CB750 and would like some input on if it’s a good deal. The bike is a 1975 with a little over 20k miles on it. In the photos it seems to be pretty clean and the owner shot a video of it and it seems to run fine. His original price was at 2700 but through text negotiations I have gotten him down to 2000 for just the bike. Beyond the bike he also has a later cb750 dohc that he broke apart and has the following parts left over(exhaust, coils, headlight bucket, side covers, carbs, engine(was running when he scrapped the frame), speedometer, and some additional parts). He has not sent me any pictures as of right now of the extras so I’m assuming they aren’t in the best of shape. If I want all the extra parts from the dohc he wants an even 2100. First off do you think the bike is worth 2k on its own or would my best bet be buy it and the parts for 2100 and sell off the parts?

[calj737]

Certainly appears to be worth the $2k. Most of the DOHC parts will not fit. If you think you can/want to trouble with selling them, then grab them.

[goldarrow]

I thought I have seen that somewhere....it may belong to one of members bike. 

Great fair price

[70CB750]

Yes, pass on the DOHC stuff. Where are you located?  Price seems to be bit steep, especially now, before the winter.

[Johnie]

Does he have a title?

[kck3]

They don't make these bikes anymore and the seller knows that. Non original pipes, looks like some paint imperfections, going into winter- you might be able to get him to go lower if you wave the cash infront of his face.

If it runs/drives/stops as it should and you want it- $2k is not a bad price.

[rockandride6]

Any insight as to what work has been done on it and when? In my experience, a good-running CB does not necessarily mean it is a CB that will stay running-well.  For example, mine started first kick and purred like a kitten.  However, after a few hours of riding it I realized that the carbs were gummy (thought it was just bad cables), the front brake dragged like a low rider's fender, and the rear brake had a slow fluid leak.  I ended up having to rebuild both master cylinders, both calipers, all 4 carbs, and redo a bit of wiring.

That being said....if you don't mind a bit of work the 2k still seems good to me. (at least for Bay Area prices)

[jprochnow]

He does have a title. So I shouldn't waste my time trying to sell off some of the parts?  I'm actually buying this bike for a gift for my father. He used to have a red 75 before I was born and he had to give it up when I was born. Next spring is his 60th birthday and I'm buying him one for a surprise as he always wished he would of kept it.

[greenjeans]

I could sell that bike in Dallas for $2500 without blinking.    To me, it's a fair price - not too high and certainly not too low.
If it had original pipes it would easily be $3k or more.

Go for it.

[rockandride6]

He does have a title. So I shouldn't waste my time trying to sell off some of the parts?  I'm actually buying this bike for a gift for my father. He used to have a red 75 before I was born and he had to give it up when I was born. Next spring is his 60th birthday and I'm buying him one for a surprise as he always wished he would of kept it.

Good on ya! I just bought my dad one on Saturday.  It will be even better if you can ride it too! ;-)

I wouldn't bother with the DOHC parts. Most things wont fit and won't be of much use to you.  Which means they will just take up space until you can sell them.

[Stev-o]

Get it.  I wouldnt mess with the DOHC parts, except maybe the engine if its not stuck. That could sell for maybe $300

[jprochnow]

Engines not stuck. Was running when he pulled it from the frame. If I did pick up the engine how would one even ship the thing if someone bought it.

[Stev-o]

Engines not stuck. Was running when he pulled it from the frame. If I did pick up the engine how would one even ship the thing if someone bought it.

Much easier to sell local but fairly simple to strap to a pallet and ship it via Forward Air if there is a terminal near you.

https://www.forwardair.com/locations/falocations.htm

[70CB750]

He does have a title. So I shouldn't waste my time trying to sell off some of the parts?  I'm actually buying this bike for a gift for my father. He used to have a red 75 before I was born and he had to give it up when I was born. Next spring is his 60th birthday and I'm buying him one for a surprise as he always wished he would of kept it.

Good for you!

Lookup Cheftuskey, he done same thing for his dad's 50 - and have a thread about it here in Projects I believe.

[ekpent]

Not a lot to see negative in the pics. The re-pop seat is for a K1. Side covers on left side of engine kind of have a paint look. One smart thing to do would be to ask for both the frame and engine numbers just to verify that both are true 1975. Lots of engines got moved around over the years.

[dhall57]

Is the bike close of enough so your able to go smoke it over and see it first hand for yourself. By just going by the pics I would have to agree with the majority here $2 grand seems like a fair price.

[jprochnow]

I'm meeting the guy this week to buy it. I'll be sure to get up some pics. Just asked him for the frame and engine number. I'll post those to make sure they ate correct as well.

[ekpent]

This was just posted recently by member Bob, some useful data. I have one of these in my truck printed out when I go bike shoppin'     http://www.sohc4.net/cb750k-serial-numbers/

[evanphi]

As others have said... fair price.

[jprochnow]

Just got the info.
Cb750E-2388535 Engine
CB750-2508454 Vin

[MickB]

JP get your dad on the bike and ride, that bike would go for $7k plus in Oz. Looks good as others say.

[Vinhead1957]

Take it for a spin and let her tell you her story!   : )

[jprochnow]

I would take it for a spin but I think if I do I won't end up giving it to my dad.

[PeWe]

The bike look good.

CB750 SOHC is for me a special bike since I have own mine since I found mine in the shop january 1979 in absolute standard shape except for one dent in the tank and small cracks in sidecovers. It has a special place in the motorcycle history too. It look good as it is, no big changes needed, maintain the CB750 look is better. Other handle bar is OK as well as repaired engine with more power

If I should buy a CB750 today I should buy as original as possible with 4-4 system which today cost a lot. Tank is possible to buy new, old tank with side covers need probably new paint anyway and plastic side covers cracked as mine were 1979-1980.

I have changed my mind since early 80's when modifing the bike was obvoius every winter. Longer fork, not standard paint, 4-4 exhaust heavy and awful, 4-1 was much better, tuning the engine.....

So, my bike has last year  got new tank with side covers OEM style, new paint with all badges, trims AND new 4-4 exhaust waiting to be installed when I have it running perfect and no need of lifting tank every 2:nd week. The engine will continue to be tuned. I destroyed the look back then, now I have to repair my choices which were really fun over 30 years ago.

When looking at all parts available and forum, I'm not alone thinking and doing as I do despite all $$$$ spent and more to come 
DOHC CB750 can be found here for really small money. A 1978-1979 in perfect shape can be found for $2000US while a good and complete CB750 SOHC K1-K6 cost tripple, K0 even more.
It's CB750 K0-K6 that are special as well as Kawasaki Z1 900 and Z1000 1977 in my mind.

[Tews19]

That's located in Elkhorn wi right? It's been listed a long time. Bike looks great from the pics.