Author Topic: CB750 guys....need purchase help guidance, for a friend (Read 4862 times)

Scott S · « **on:** July 28, 2015, 04:05:58 PM »

I have a friend that's been in the market for a CB750 for a while. He likes stock....like bone stock.
I spotted this bike in the swap meet area at Antique Bikes on Main in Chesnee last weekend. He found it on CL and is going to look at it tomorrow.
I didn't hear it run, but in ~2 minutes of looking at it, it looked VERY nice to me. Original pipes, some polished parts, good paint, etc.

Here's the CL ad:
http://hickory.craigslist.org/mcy/5101748155.html

He's going tomorrow to look at it. He was told "the P.O. used synthetic oil so 5th gear slips". What do you make of that? I told him that maybe new friction plates and oil and he may be OK, but why only 5th? Is there a known issue with slipping 5th gear on the 750? (I'm a 550 guy)

The tank trim is missing....is it available for the 750? I know it's NLA for the 550.

The color is incorrect for the year. That doesn't bother me, because 1) it's a factory color, and 2) it looked pretty damn good in person!

It was listed for $4800 at the swap meet. He's going tomorrow to see it in person and make an offer. Can you guys give me opinions and pointers on purchasing a 750?

rickmoore24 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 28, 2015, 04:26:33 PM »

Looks to be in great shape. Maybe a recent resto-mod? You should be able to find the tank trim without issue, I don't recall them being made of unobtainium.

The trans issue is concerning though and you have to split the cases to fix it, if an oil change doesn't do the trick and it keeps slipping. I think that same bike would be priced at $5.5-7k out west. Maybe someone else can chime in on the slipping trans deal though. It does look like a nice bike though. Good luck! Rick.

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HondaMan · « **Reply #2 on:** July 28, 2015, 04:31:08 PM »

Synthetic oil can make the clutch slip, but I'd recommend using some regular oil for a while first (like 500 miles or so) to see if it will solve the problem before replacing clutch plates. That often 'fixes' it back up, in my experience. I even went through this with my own 750 some years ago, when the synth was not the correct type.

Don't use "V-Twin" motorcycle oils, nor those oils not rated for Diesel service (if synthetic) in these bikes. Castrol and Valvoline's synthetics are known to cause clutch slip issues, just as 2 examples.

Scott S · « **Reply #3 on:** July 28, 2015, 04:41:49 PM »

So, it's possible that it could just be the oil? Maybe a few frequent oil changes to see if it clears up?

Stev-o · « **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2015, 04:50:48 PM »

Hey Scott....it does look like a nice bike but at $4800, sounds overpriced to me. It could be a good buy at $4K.

Hondaman gave you some good info, it could be the oil, but may also need discs it they remain saturated.

Tews19 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 28, 2015, 06:05:20 PM »

Tank trim is pictured, hanging out of the box to the lower left of picture. It looks to have a head gasket leak. Overall looks to be a nice 750 though.

greenjeans · « **Reply #6 on:** July 28, 2015, 06:45:12 PM »

I have a 73 with 12k miles that will be polished up that nice. No leaks, no slipping transmission. Even has a new set of pipes. Same color. Well sorted and just did a 400 mile trip to Austin and back. Be ready in about 3-4 weeks - painting the tanks side covers, frames etc. Buy mine

But, if you don't want mine, I'd see if they would let you give it a good test ride and see what happens in 5th gear. Seems like if it slips in 5th, you'd get some slippage in the other gears as well. It would be hard for me to pay that, unless the transmission and everything else worked like it should.

David Silver Spares has the tank trim.

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 28, 2015, 07:31:59 PM »

If I was going to pay that much (I'm not) for a fat striper (k3-k6), I would go for an original survivor even if it was cosmetically rougher...in general, Honda built 'em better than can be done today

Don R · « **Reply #8 on:** July 28, 2015, 07:40:37 PM »

Check the clutch lifter too, it's an often overlooked adjustment. A slippy clutch will show in 5th gear first.

Scott S · « **Reply #9 on:** July 29, 2015, 03:27:11 AM »

Honestly, I'm a little surprised that you guys think it's overpriced. I peruse Craigslist a lot, a d I've seen them go for similar prices....or a lot more....on ebay.
Sure, there are cheaper ones to be had, but the nice ones seems to bring similar money around here.

Scott S · « **Reply #10 on:** July 29, 2015, 03:29:11 AM »

Quote from: greenjeans on July 28, 2015, 06:45:12 PM

I have a 73 with 12k miles that will be polished up that nice. No leaks, no slipping transmission. Even has a new set of pipes. Same color. Well sorted and just did a 400 mile trip to Austin and back. Be ready in about 3-4 weeks - painting the tanks side covers, frames etc. Buy mine

But, if you don't want mine, I'd see if they would let you give it a good test ride and see what happens in 5th gear. Seems like if it slips in 5th, you'd get some slippage in the other gears as well. It would be hard for me to pay that, unless the transmission and everything else worked like it should.

David Silver Spares has the tank trim.

I should totally put you in touch with my friend. What do you think shipping would be to Charlotte, NC? Probably ~5-600?

lrutt · « **Reply #11 on:** July 29, 2015, 05:25:20 AM »

for that money it should damn well be the proper color IMO. but I'd have to ask, who thinks it's not the proper color. I see no mention of year.

Good suggestion on just running regular oil for a while. Don't know about the recommendations on oil types. Rotella syn for diesels worked fine in mine but it was only 15w40 and I'm now running 20w50 Quicksilver syn from wally world.

It would make me happy to see it worth that much. Would mean my K6 is worth more than I thought as it's all orignal and proper and looks every bit as good.

ekpent · « **Reply #12 on:** July 29, 2015, 05:33:13 AM »

Quote from: lrutt on July 29, 2015, 05:25:20 AM

for that money it should damn well be the proper color IMO. but I'd have to ask, who thinks it's not the proper color. I see no mention of year.

Good suggestion on just running regular oil for a while. Don't know about the recommendations on oil types. Rotella syn for diesels worked fine in mine but it was only 15w40 and I'm now running 20w50 Quicksilver syn from wally world.

It would make me happy to see it worth that much. Would mean my K6 is worth more than I thought as it's all orignal and proper and looks every bit as good.

Its listed as a K6. If I did the resto I would have stayed with the Antares Red, always liked that color anyways and only one offered that year/model. Nice bike just not totally correct for that money. There are many very nice machines available in that price range. If I were paying big money I would be looking for a K1

flybox1 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 29, 2015, 07:30:25 AM »

Nice looking bike.

At $4800, its priced similar condition bikes up here in in the PNW. Its about the max a bike can be listed for and still move up here.

greenjeans · « **Reply #14 on:** July 29, 2015, 07:47:33 AM »

Quote from: Scott S on July 29, 2015, 03:29:11 AM

Quote from: greenjeans on July 28, 2015, 06:45:12 PM
I have a 73 with 12k miles that will be polished up that nice. No leaks, no slipping transmission. Even has a new set of pipes. Same color. Well sorted and just did a 400 mile trip to Austin and back. Be ready in about 3-4 weeks - painting the tanks side covers, frames etc. Buy mine

But, if you don't want mine, I'd see if they would let you give it a good test ride and see what happens in 5th gear. Seems like if it slips in 5th, you'd get some slippage in the other gears as well. It would be hard for me to pay that, unless the transmission and everything else worked like it should.

David Silver Spares has the tank trim.

I should totally put you in touch with my friend. What do you think shipping would be to Charlotte, NC? Probably ~5-600?

I sent a PM. Gimme a shout or have him give me a ring.

754 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 29, 2015, 08:19:04 AM »

I don't know why (some of) you guys are talking splitting cases...due to slipping clutch problem..
Nice bike, as far as colour..you like it or you don't....still nice stock tins to trade if you don't..

78whiteorbs · « **Reply #16 on:** July 29, 2015, 08:34:12 AM »

From what I have seen that is definately a west coast price (hi retail consignment or international auction price)
I have seen some just as nice with only the need to replace ape hangers and cables and polish and grease Go for 2-2.5k on the east coast but they don't last but a day or less So you have to be on the hunt like a hawk.

Me and my wife were having this conversation last night while strolling around REI= People with more money have less time so they tend to pay higher prices for everything out of time convince/availablity. If you can afford it and you don't have the time to look the only other option is to pay a spotter a finders fee for a lower price and then everybody wins. Personally I always find the good stuff cheap as I have more time than money and enjoy getting my hands a little dirty for the fun of it .

If the guy doesn't wrench and isn't willing to learn I'd look for something turn key or avoid vintage bikes all together. Sometimes people new to find age bikes get lost in the nostalgia and overlook the fact that they are buying a 40 plus year old machine expecting it thoughtlessly to be reliable and trouble free as a modern bike.

Personally if I had the dough to drop I would not pay that for any bike with a slipping trans/clutch/ etc.

Having said that, surely someone will by it .It sure is shiny .Beautiful bike no doubt.

78whiteorbs · « **Reply #17 on:** July 29, 2015, 08:46:43 AM »

I just reread that and am calling "PO BS" that guy has some other nicer bikes in his little show room ( a cbx I see) .If you are selling that bike for that much why would you not fix a slipping clutch....? Further more he fed you a "synthetic oil po story" Guy is no stranger to selling bikes I am sure. Paint and polish is fairly cheap compared to fixing trans problems. Really nice dress and lipstick on a partial gimp . That's my thoughts..

rickmoore24 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 29, 2015, 10:11:30 AM »

Quote from: 754 on July 29, 2015, 08:19:04 AM

I don't know why (some of) you guys are talking splitting cases...due to slipping clutch problem..
Nice bike, as far as colour..you like it or you don't....still nice stock tins to trade if you don't..

You're right Frank, for some reason I was thinking internal tranny problems. Clutch is easy to get to. Sorry about that gents! Rick.

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flybox1 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 29, 2015, 11:39:19 AM »

For comparison.
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/5141805988.html

Great condition 1975 Honda Cb750 k4
27,000 miles ,all new gaskets and maintenance work, carburetor jet kits, New tires, very nice condition Oem exhaust mufflers that have no rust. This is a collector bike It runs an rides like a dream.
I want to hang on to the bike but downsizing.
I have a clean title for the bike $3500

rickmoore24 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 29, 2015, 12:35:19 PM »

Very nice! ^^^^^^

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Scott S · « **Reply #21 on:** July 29, 2015, 12:38:54 PM »

Quote from: greenjeans on July 29, 2015, 07:47:33 AM

Quote from: Scott S on July 29, 2015, 03:29:11 AM
Quote from: greenjeans on July 28, 2015, 06:45:12 PM
I have a 73 with 12k miles that will be polished up that nice. No leaks, no slipping transmission. Even has a new set of pipes. Same color. Well sorted and just did a 400 mile trip to Austin and back. Be ready in about 3-4 weeks - painting the tanks side covers, frames etc. Buy mine

But, if you don't want mine, I'd see if they would let you give it a good test ride and see what happens in 5th gear. Seems like if it slips in 5th, you'd get some slippage in the other gears as well. It would be hard for me to pay that, unless the transmission and everything else worked like it should.

David Silver Spares has the tank trim.

I should totally put you in touch with my friend. What do you think shipping would be to Charlotte, NC? Probably ~5-600?

I sent a PM. Gimme a shout or have him give me a ring.

I fowarded the PM you sent me to him. He's going to look at the bike today and I think he has a pretty good grasp of market values. Said he's going to make an offer....at a fair bit less than listed price.

greenjeans · « **Reply #22 on:** July 29, 2015, 01:49:02 PM »

If everything worked properly on that bike, I think it would be a fair price. For us guys that live and breathe CB750s, it may seem high. The reality is, there are a bunch of them out there, but they are getting harder and harder to find. Parts, while plentiful, are still going up in price. Good clean tanks and pipes are never going to be cheap again. I would have no problem selling a bike like that for $4-5k in my part of the world - but, everything would have to work. No issues. The CB750 enjoyed a 3-4 year run where it was the darling of the collector bike world. It's a good entry level collector bike. The market has come down a bit in the last year or two, but people still want them and many are willing to overpay a bit. Just like the auto world, it is hard to recoup the price of a thorough nut and bolt restoration. That's why most restorations that you see are paint and polish. Whenever I sell one, my argument to hagglers has always been: Go find another... they are out there, but this one is here, ready to go and needs nothing.

Ultimately, the farther we get from 1969, the harder it is going to be to find good clean original stock bikes.
The days of finding $100 CBs are long gone.

Tews19 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 31, 2015, 07:12:55 AM »

I think i see what some have pointed out. The color does seem off not to mention the decals are off on the tank. 4800 and not original. Not here.

78whiteorbs · « **Reply #24 on:** July 31, 2015, 07:22:36 AM »

Quote from: Tews19 on July 31, 2015, 07:12:55 AM

I think i see what some have pointed out. The color does seem off not to mention the decals are off on the tank. 4800 and not original. Not here.

I just saw that tews. That'd bug the crap oughta me that left decal and badge being off. Screams a bit of slop- If the time wasn't taken to fix obvious cosmetic eye sores like that it would say alot to me . People who get in a hurry always regret it later when "the" perfect bike they were really looking for pops up and makes them resent there purchase. I am still waiting for "the" H1 . I missed one a while back by maybe just a few hours. It checked all the boxes I wanted checked and they money was right. Haste makes waste and patience is a virtue.

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Author Topic: CB750 guys....need purchase help guidance, for a friend (Read 4862 times)