Topic: Thinking of buying 75 CB750, need opinions

[70CB750]

It would not be a turn key like the other one and will need some dollars and time invested. As mentioned earlier removing the fairing means headlight and turn signal parts, probably new tires, seat or cover, etc etc.   Just buy both of them than you don't have to worry about choosing   

I expected nothing less from you, sir 

[chewbacca5000]

To OP,

This looks like a very nice bike and well worth the money.  One note on the turnout exhaust is that on cooler days below 60 degrees the pipes cause exhaust to condense making it look like smoke. After it warms up it goes away.

They work well though.  If 2 into 1 my preference is the standard style muffler.

[jprochnow]

Going to look at the k5 tonight with a trailer. Looks like I may be spending a bit more but at least it's done and I can deliver the gift tonight.

[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

Have you used this service before?  How much does it cost to ship an engine?

I used it a few years ago to have a shifter Kart shipped to me.  Sorry, I do not recall the cost, but it was reasonable. 

[rockandride6]

Going to look at the k5 tonight with a trailer. Looks like I may be spending a bit more but at least it's done and I can deliver the gift tonight.

Personally I think that is the better call. You are easily going to spend the difference in small items you have to deal with if you go with the cheaper one....in my opinion.

[jprochnow]

I started to add up the cost to fix the k4 and I would be in the same ballpark as the k5. If the k5 runs ok tonight I'll be coming home with it.

[ekpent]

I started to add up the cost to fix the k4 and I would be in the same ballpark as the k5. If the k5 runs ok tonight I'll be coming home with it.

Yep the 74 is more of a handyman's special and stuff starts adding up unless your sitting on a good stash of parts. Plus the Planet Blue is a prettier color------  I love spending other peoples money   

[jprochnow]

Yeah I'm going to try to hey the price down a tad bit more when I see it tonight. Unfortunately the wisconsin weather may hinder me driving it tonight. The battery does need to be replaced and I plan on doing that in the spring for my father but what is a good agm battery for this?

[Stev-o]

I like the Scorpion batteries. $66 shipped...


http://www.batterystuff.com/powersports-batteries/sYTX14AHL-BS.html

[jprochnow]

Took the k5 for a ride tonight. Wow was it cold! It looked great but I passed on it for now. Reconsidering the 74 now. What is the best way to remove rust from tanks?

[harisuluv]

What was wrong with it?

[PeWe]

Making the 74 in same condition as the much better looking 75 will cost much more than the price difference. But if you will cut it down with tiger saw and create something else than Honda did back in the days, the 74 might be OK too.

How it look on the outside can reveal how the bike has been taken care of during the years, the inside (not visible) might have suffered as well.
It depends what you want, making them look good $4000-6000US is easy spent in parts. You do most of the work.

If you want to restore  to almost OEM look, calculate with some $$$ in parts only. Cut valve seats must be left to professional when the tool is expensive.
Restore engine $1000US will be spent rather quick. Gasket- seal kit, clutch, all internal chains with tensioners, maybe cank bearings, bore with pistons will add cost. Head refurbish- cut valve seats etc etc. Cam holders can be bad due to lack of oil to cam bearings.
New 4-4 exhaust $3000US with all small details needed. (If 4-4 is important, better to find bike with them on)
New paint with trims $1000US (500 if you can do the spray job in the garage?) (new tank + sidecovers from Yamiya $2000US)
Fix frame - sand blast + 2k paint or powder coat, $150-300US ?

A few hundreds in difference might end up in addional thousands when restore...
If you start to restore, you might have an idea from the beginning. It's a huge risk that you see all dirty and bad details and change more and more to new after market or NOS. - How do I know that?? 

I'm now at least $5000US over my initial budget I had in mind 2011-2012 despite I knew what might happen since I repaired and upgraded the entire bike 30 years ago for money enough for a new Kawasaki 1000J.  I'm happy that I kept my CB750.
Now having thoughts about another $2000 in new carbs....

Its probably cheaper to find a restored complete bike for $5000-6000US than buy a forgotten not complete half rotten barn find for $500-600US and restore it.
Anyway, its fun, no regrets except not buying CB750 parts and additional bike 10-20 years ago while my bike was sleeping in a friends barn and all these stuff still was cheap.

[ekpent]

It doesn't really need to get that expensive if you find a good solid machine with good bones that has not been beat and was taken care of in a reasonable fashion unless you want to take it to the max and make it better than new. I like to bring them back to original survivor status and keep them as stock as possible. On this bike I dipped into my stash parts but basically spent minimal money getting it back on the road and its a nice runner.
   As for getting rid of tank rust I like to get it done quick and am in the crowd that uses The Works toilet bowl cleaner. Lots of other info and different techniques on a search.  The BIG thing is to remove the gas tank first and look for signs of rot through on the bottom. Any acid etc is going to remove material and can open up a cancer that has started.
  Good luck on the hunt.

[Johnie]

Eric...that sunflake looks fantastic! Is that OEM paint as it looks new.

[ekpent]

Eric...that sunflake looks fantastic! Is that OEM paint as it looks new.

Yep its stock original paint. Bike was stored well indoors and did not suffer from to much sun fading. Think we have all seen the 'silverbacks' in the Flake Orange before.

[Stev-o]

Eric...that sunflake looks fantastic! Is that OEM paint as it looks new.

Yep its stock original paint. Bike was stored well indoors and did not suffer from to much sun fading. Think we have all seen the 'silverbacks' in the Flake Orange before.

You did that bike justice.  You had 341's in your parts stash?

[ekpent]

Eric...that sunflake looks fantastic! Is that OEM paint as it looks new.

Yep its stock original paint. Bike was stored well indoors and did not suffer from to much sun fading. Think we have all seen the 'silverbacks' in the Flake Orange before.

You did that bike justice.  You had 341's in your parts stash?

Yep - my little bat cave.

[cooldrum]

Hi, finding a complete roller that has been stored inside and has been cared for becomes quite an emotional decision.  How do I know? because I bought a '74 cb750 sunrise flake orange with 23k miles on it.  The milage was secondary since the owner bestowed loving care on the bike.  He mounted bridgestone  spit fire tires and had the rims relaced and trued. Hubs polished and rear sprocket zinc plated.  He also added chrome covers on the speedo and tach and a new original seat was installed.  To top it off it had 4 into 4 exhaust all in tact.  It's a pure joy to ride! and  these cb750's have character and a history.  I say take the plunge.  Russ

[Tews19]

Curious why you passed as well.

[Stev-o]

Curious why you passed as well.

+1

[stewonepot]

where is the story?
cheers stew.

[jprochnow]

The bike was low on power compared to other cb750s that I test drove.

[goldarrow]

Free rides...

[rockandride6]

The bike was low on power compared to other cb750s that I test drove.

Man...if I wasn't on the other side of the country I would go get that in a heartbeat.  Low on power could be any number of small tweaks that would make it run that much better in no time flat.

Regardless of if you pass on this one, I would be VERY hesitant to go with the 74 unless you and your father want a PROJECT together.  If you do, go for it!  Just don't expect to get may real rides in on it for a few months.

[kck3]

should of used the low power to submit a lower offer. Prob was a simple fix.