Author Topic: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!  (Read 5603 times)

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Offline somesuch

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #25 on: August 23, 2016, 10:53:03 PM »
The statement "nobody wants 76" is correct. I don't know of anybody going out of their way to find a 76.

The only reason people end up with a 76 is because they can't find/afford and earlier bike.

Given a choice of the same condition and the same price, nobody picks a 76k over a 72.

I have 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 and 76 (more than one of each :) ) and my preference is 70/71, then 72, then 73-75.

the 76 is for sale :)


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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #26 on: August 23, 2016, 11:51:56 PM »
Nobody wants a K6?  I think he is thinking of K7 and beyond.  K6 was the last year of the desirable SOHCs.


+1.  Do you know if the K6 was originally blue?  Planet Blue was a K5 color only (at least in America) but who knows what has been done to a forty year old bike?!
No problem with a K6. K0 is the more expensive one.
K6 color is Candy Sapphire Blue, right?
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline Gene

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #27 on: August 24, 2016, 01:31:13 PM »

Choose the bike thats the best value, best condition, and best documented history. And ride the be-jeezus out of it!

^^^^^^^ This! ^^^^^^^ Don't think of it as an investment, these were made to be ridden.
*1973 CB750K3 (Bow)

Offline caemca

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #28 on: August 25, 2016, 03:09:11 AM »
Hi guys! Thank you all for your help and your opinions.
I'm here because I'd like to get a bike I can ride a lot without worrying about the odometer, and that has some vintage appeal. I always liked the idea of the first proper 4-cylinder bike...

One thing I can't do without is easy resalability, since I already had to move country twice in the last 5 years.
I think a K2 is easier to sell than a K6 at around the same price point... I guess I'll just keep looking for a good older example!

Offline caemca

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #29 on: August 30, 2016, 02:16:54 AM »
Hi guys!
I still got one question for you, out of curiosity... (And who knows, maybe...)
What are the power differences between early models and a K6 caused by?
Is it possible to revert those changes and get the early bikes' "personality" back?

Offline ekpent

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #30 on: August 30, 2016, 04:35:45 AM »
 Looks like a couple people were interested in this 1976 to the tune of $6800.00.  ;)  In the end it all comes down to condition,condition condition-----  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-CB-/262567813794?forcerrptr=true&hash=item3d2242e2a2:g:V9AAAOSw6n5Xp9wi&item=262567813794

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #31 on: August 30, 2016, 08:27:07 AM »
Hi guys!
I still got one question for you, out of curiosity... (And who knows, maybe...)
What are the power differences between early models and a K6 caused by?
Is it possible to revert those changes and get the early bikes' "personality" back?
My K6 had 63hp from the very beginning. The earlier CB750 had 67hp as I know. 
69 model had a cam that gave a little bit more, machined head ports (bad cast or imrpovement?), other ignition advance, open 4-4 system with better breathing. Maybe 17:48 gearing too... This according what I have read on this forum.

Hp is not the deal here. Best shape and which model/color you prefer. Power can be upgraded which end up in pulling the engine and upgrade domino effect with new chains, tensioners, sealers. Probably open the cases and check all bearings when prim chains are replaced.
Maybe only over size pistons, head/valve job. A cam like WebCam 41 can improve the power.
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline caemca

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #32 on: August 30, 2016, 02:20:45 PM »
I had a go on the K6 today.
It was a blast! A lot of fun... It feels totally different than any of my other (modern) bikes! So much better! The candy sapphire blue is just beautiful...
On the negative side, the bike is very top heavy at city speeds, even with a pretty empty tank.
The engine is torquey and smooth, started cold very easily but there isn't much power.
All my past bikes were either more powerful, or lighter... Or both!

The conditions, well... It's a (nearly) 40 years old bike, and it shows!
The tank has some scratches in the original paint, especially where the saddle touches it (not to be seen with the saddle shut). Other small scratches are visible.
The side covers are new (6 years old, the owner says the old were totally cracked), I was under the impression the color on them isn't as deep as the one on the tank.
The chrome line around the bottom of the tank is broken where it meets the saddle.
The paint on the engine inner cases is flaking (does the original engine paint flake, or was it redone in the past?)
There is a yellowish stain on the cylinders' fins, so I guess it leaks or used to. The engine was dry.
Some small spots of rust on the rims.
The throttle had a stop screw, I think that was not original on the K6...
The front brake was pretty much useless, the rear one was the hero of the day.
The 341 exhausts are new and in very good shape.

I guess this is to be expected with a used, 40 years old bike. Or is it?
The paint flaking on the engine is a big turnoff for me, it looks poor and would require a lot of work to get sorted out. I will post some pictures as soon as I get to my laptop.

Offline Gene

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #33 on: August 30, 2016, 02:28:55 PM »
If the paint is flaking on the engine I would guess it was redone, perhaps poorly.  But hey - it's an old bike!  Sounds to me like you rode a 750, warts and all.
*1973 CB750K3 (Bow)

Offline somesuch

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Offline caemca

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #35 on: August 31, 2016, 03:19:36 AM »
Thank you for your time guys, as always you are awesome!

somesuch, I'm looking pretty much everywhere on the internet, buying abroad is definitely a possibility... But the US are really too far away for it to make sense... Here in Europe these bikes are rarer than in the US and a lot more expensive!
That modified 71 looks amazing anyway!  8)

I'm sure I could live with the (lack of) power, but not with a botched bike.

The owner bought the bike from the original owner, had it serviced and the carbs rebuilt because it sat for quite some time.
I can't figure out why the flaking paint and the stripped screws, why should you open a 25000 miles engine?

Time for some pictures. I'm not a good photograph, and my stupid mobile phone is stupid. So please excuse us.  ;D

Engine paint flaking (and some stripped screws!)


More paint flaking and Engine serial number


Some small paint defects


Yellowish stain on the top fins of the cylinders, some more paint flaking and almost-stripped screws


Small rust points on the rim...


Handlebar, controls and gauges. (And some horse manure.)


Exhausts.


The fresh side covers!


I hope you can see the pictures! If not, please tell!
What do you guys think of the bike?
« Last Edit: August 31, 2016, 03:22:53 AM by caemca »

Offline ekpent

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #36 on: August 31, 2016, 05:33:09 AM »
 An old gas leak from the carbs and it just laying there can cause paint damage also. Stripped screws from a ham fisted mechanic. Overall though it looks pretty clean considering it is a survivor and not a frame off resto. We call that 'patina'

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #37 on: August 31, 2016, 08:37:25 AM »
Bad front brake is std. You have to have the traffic under control and avoid sudden hard braking. 
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline somesuch

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #38 on: August 31, 2016, 09:00:07 AM »
The (peeling) engine paint looks like original Honda paint, peeling in the usual original way :)
All the other (small) imperfections I consider "normal" and not a cause for concern.
The stripped heads of the of the alternator cover screws is not big deal either.... the bike looks good to me

Offline Gene

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #39 on: August 31, 2016, 09:17:36 AM »
Looks about right for an original.
*1973 CB750K3 (Bow)

Offline Johnie

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #40 on: August 31, 2016, 10:25:01 AM »
Agreed she looks pretty nice on the pics.
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

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Offline 754

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #41 on: August 31, 2016, 09:50:06 PM »
If you spent an afternoon and pull the pipes, you could probably repaint the engine cases , and have them looking pretty good.
 But it looks original and does not bother me so much..
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Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #42 on: September 01, 2016, 02:56:12 AM »
The engine look like an untouched originaal with flaking paint.  Possible to make touch-up as the other guys write. Just find the correct rattle can and spray with engine in. Under carbs by wrap everything around with paper, alu foil. You might get a reason to pull the pipes....
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline caemca

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #43 on: September 01, 2016, 09:55:31 AM »
I'm reading your opinions, I'm pretty close to contact the man and tell him it's mine.

One thing just came back to me, which I forgot to tell...
During my (very short) test ride I was shifting from second into third and I got into neutral instead.
Tried to make it happen again, but could not. I think I didn't shift all the way, but it worries me a bit.
What do you think? Could it be bad?

Should I test drive it again? What should I look for?
« Last Edit: September 01, 2016, 10:07:09 AM by caemca »

Offline flybox1

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #44 on: September 01, 2016, 10:11:09 AM »
I can get N between most gears if I try.
Be sure your shift is firm and this wont happen.
Jumping out of gear, into N is another issue.
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Offline ekpent

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #45 on: September 01, 2016, 06:53:24 PM »
 I get a false neutral between 4th and 5th sometimes if I'm lazy on the shifter and usually she doesn't like to re-engage without makin' some noise.

Offline somesuch

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Re: Some buying advice for a CB750 please!
« Reply #46 on: September 01, 2016, 10:39:26 PM »
I'm reading your opinions, I'm pretty close to contact the man and tell him it's mine.

One thing just came back to me, which I forgot to tell...
During my (very short) test ride I was shifting from second into third and I got into neutral instead.
Tried to make it happen again, but could not. I think I didn't shift all the way, but it worries me a bit.
What do you think? Could it be bad?

Should I test drive it again? What should I look for?

This bike looks really good from where I am....really

If I were selling that bike, and if someone was as indecisive about it, I would just say that "this bike is not for you" and close the garage door .....but I am strange that way

just buy it, it is a good bike!