Author Topic: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)  (Read 4953 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline jebon

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 291
Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« on: July 10, 2020, 12:05:31 AM »
Hi there.
I had a stock CB750 K2 for 5 years and got pretty familiar with it. Lovely bike.
Took carbs apart etc.

Recently I thought it was time for a change and I sold it and bought a big new Yamaha cruiser.
Already getting a little bit bored   ::)

I heard the K0 can be a pain to adjust, let alone get parts for.
What should I consider if I go this route? Is a K0 a much bigger mouthful than say a K1 or K2?
"Don't let schooling interfere with your education"
---
CB750 K0 1971

Offline bryanj

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,134
  • CB500 Number 1000036
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #1 on: July 10, 2020, 12:45:44 AM »
Yes and no, more finiky on carbs, more expensive on correct parts and a lot more expensive to buy but if its a bike for fun not everyday riding fine
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline jebon

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 291
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #2 on: July 10, 2020, 01:00:09 AM »
Thanks.
Yes that's what I've heard. more difficult on carbs and more expensive on parts.
Though this would be my only bike, it would be mainly for fun but hopefully reliable enough to go when I want it to :)
"Don't let schooling interfere with your education"
---
CB750 K0 1971

Offline ekpent

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 13,512
  • To many bikes-but lookin' for more
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #3 on: July 10, 2020, 05:17:49 AM »
 K1 was the largest production year so more still available and had a couple of refinements like carbs that made it a little more user friendly. Performance was still good and not going for as much money as the coveted collector first year K0.  All depends on your budget in the end.

Offline 69cb750

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,251
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #4 on: July 10, 2020, 05:39:05 AM »
Quote
What should I consider if I go this route? Is a K0 a much bigger mouthful than say a K1 or K2?
These three models are very similar, basically the same.
If you were bored with your K2 the same could happen with K0.
Motivation and passion are the keys to enjoyment, why do you want one ?

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,480
  • Central Texas
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #5 on: July 10, 2020, 06:29:38 AM »
If money is no object, get a Sandcast!   Here's a nice 1 owner K1....

https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/mcy/d/renton-rare-1971-honda-cb750/7152076308.html
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline BenelliSEI

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 10,252
  • 1969 cb750
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #6 on: July 10, 2020, 06:33:09 AM »
I prefer my K1 for riding. It’s identical to my K0 in feel and performance, and easier to keep in tune. Both have HM300 pipes, and sound the same.

Truthfully, if you are not looking for a project, buy the best running/looking bike you can find. K0-K6 are not really that different, for riding experience.

« Last Edit: July 10, 2020, 06:36:36 AM by BenelliSEI »

Offline Johnie

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,621
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #7 on: July 10, 2020, 07:02:30 AM »
Yes, the KO carbs can be a pain...but that is just getting them dialed in. At least that was the result on the KO's I have done. Once I get the carbs cleaned and synced they last long with minimal problems on my end. Of course that is doing everything else first like plugs & caps, adjusting the valves, cam chain, points, condensers, timing, etc. And that means using OEM parts and quality diagnostic tools. I have had my ruby red KO since 2007 very happy with how it runs. Recently considered selling it and keeping my candy gold K1 only because of the upgraded carbs in the K1. Then I realized I've had no carb issues on the KO and sold the K1. My point is paying attention to detail and not taking shortcuts on any of these bikes is how to have a fine runner for the long run. 
« Last Edit: July 10, 2020, 12:11:47 PM by Johnie »
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,480
  • Central Texas
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #8 on: July 10, 2020, 07:07:12 AM »
Another thing about the K0 - it has different side covers than the K1-6.  I had a set on my K1 [yes, they just pop on] and found them annoying to my legs as they are not as rounded and seem to stick out farther, did not like it.

Have you guys with K0's noticed that?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Johnie

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,621
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #9 on: July 10, 2020, 07:16:28 AM »
Stev-o...yes the side covers are wider, but I never had an issue with it. Now with your "Arnold" muscular legs I can see the problem :)
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline MauiK3

  • A K3 is saved
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 4,388
  • Old guy
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #10 on: July 10, 2020, 09:40:45 AM »
A die cast K0 would be cheaper than a sand cast.
All are great bikes.
1973 CB 750 K3
10/72 build Z1 Kawasaki

Offline jebon

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 291
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #11 on: July 10, 2020, 12:33:28 PM »
Thanks for all your responses.
I just decided to put the Yamaha up for sale. If I can sell it without a big loss, then I can fund a good K0. Have 2 in sight locally. A Gold and a Candy Blue. Sandcast is totally out of my price range. Have never seen one in Denmark either.
Let's see what happens

Sendt fra min GM1913 med Tapatalk

"Don't let schooling interfere with your education"
---
CB750 K0 1971

Offline jebon

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 291
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #12 on: July 10, 2020, 12:38:18 PM »
Quote
What should I consider if I go this route? Is a K0 a much bigger mouthful than say a K1 or K2?
These three models are very similar, basically the same.
If you were bored with your K2 the same could happen with K0.
Motivation and passion are the keys to enjoyment, why do you want one ?
I was not bored with the K2. There were just other bikes I had to try and own. I don't know if I regret selling it. I think it was inevitable to realise that I'm a Honda Four guy I've been wanting a K0 before, but I had to try others before I got to it.

Sendt fra min GM1913 med Tapatalk

"Don't let schooling interfere with your education"
---
CB750 K0 1971

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,480
  • Central Texas
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #13 on: July 10, 2020, 02:08:49 PM »
Stev-o...yes the side covers are wider, but I never had an issue with it. Now with your "Arnold" muscular legs I can see the problem :)

Haha Johnie...I do have pretty strong quads!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline MauiK3

  • A K3 is saved
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 4,388
  • Old guy
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #14 on: July 10, 2020, 02:54:11 PM »
Good luck, this is the place for all the information you need.
Get Hondaman’s book, the best
1973 CB 750 K3
10/72 build Z1 Kawasaki

Offline ekpent

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 13,512
  • To many bikes-but lookin' for more
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #15 on: July 10, 2020, 05:56:16 PM »
  Sorry I did not realize you were in Denmark. Probably not quite as easy finding 750's there but sounds like you are a good hunter if you have a couple of K0's in your sights right now. Good luck on the Yammie sale and hopefully you will be checking back with your new bike. Which color do you like best between the blue and gold ? Heck maybe red is your favorite  :)

Online PeWe

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,750
  • Bike almost back to the 70's 2015
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #16 on: July 10, 2020, 09:29:29 PM »
Build an almost K0 copy?
Order body set from Yamiya and dress a later CB750 like a K2 that must be the most common around. Honda Sweden sold K2 from 1972 to 1975.

K0 seat too. Yamiya no numbers 4-4 look and sounds good.

Their Lotus Root 4-4 cost much more.
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 jebon

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 291
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #17 on: July 10, 2020, 11:29:18 PM »
Build an almost K0 copy?
Order body set from Yamiya and dress a later CB750 like a K2 that must be the most common around. Honda Sweden sold K2 from 1972 to 1975.

K0 seat too. Yamiya no numbers 4-4 look and sounds good.

Their Lotus Root 4-4 cost much more.
Kit and pipes cost almost the same as the bike. I want the dials too. I want a real one

Sendt fra min GM1913 med Tapatalk

"Don't let schooling interfere with your education"
---
CB750 K0 1971

Offline jlh3rd

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,572
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #18 on: July 11, 2020, 03:48:30 AM »
curious what your price point is for a K0, I have no knowledge what they are selling for, but I know where one is.....but he is on the high end of retail, and you'd need to talk to him. I can get pics , if you want....it is red...U.S.
« Last Edit: July 11, 2020, 04:15:45 AM by jlh3rd »

Offline jebon

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 291
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #19 on: July 11, 2020, 05:43:12 AM »
curious what your price point is for a K0, I have no knowledge what they are selling for, but I know where one is.....but he is on the high end of retail, and you'd need to talk to him. I can get pics , if you want....it is red...U.S.
These two are restored and are around $11-12,000. Import is not an option. Not from the US anyway. Taxes are 25%

Sendt fra min GM1913 med Tapatalk

"Don't let schooling interfere with your education"
---
CB750 K0 1971

Online PeWe

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,750
  • Bike almost back to the 70's 2015
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #20 on: July 11, 2020, 08:23:01 AM »
A real K0, stock with good looking HM300 pipes will not go cheap unless the seller has owned it for decades and is not aware of the prices of rhe used parts.
 I saw a few for around 10.000 Euros 5-10 years ago. In need of restore

Many bikes have rusty tank and rusty pipes so new can be needed anyway.
Even K1 gauges cost a lot if found.
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

Online PeWe

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,750
  • Bike almost back to the 70's 2015
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #21 on: July 12, 2020, 07:17:59 AM »
South Sweden is close for you, right?
Mint condition, restored. German model sold new in Sweden 1970.  16-17.000 euro
https://www.blocket.se/annons/skane/honda_cb_750__k0__1970/90227221
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 Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,480
  • Central Texas
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #22 on: July 12, 2020, 01:49:42 PM »
South Sweden is close for you, right?
Mint condition, restored. German model sold new in Sweden 1970.  16-17.000 euro
https://www.blocket.se/annons/skane/honda_cb_750__k0__1970/90227221

The ad in English...

Description
Honda CB750, K0, 1970. Completely renovated and painted in Candy Gold. It was sold as new in Sweden and is in the so-called German version. Comes with a new battery and inspected for the last time. Boy Fredin  $18,893

'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline jebon

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 291
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #23 on: July 12, 2020, 02:29:42 PM »
South Sweden is close for you, right?
Mint condition, restored. German model sold new in Sweden 1970.  16-17.000 euro
https://www.blocket.se/annons/skane/honda_cb_750__k0__1970/90227221

The ad in English...

Description
Honda CB750, K0, 1970. Completely renovated and painted in Candy Gold. It was sold as new in Sweden and is in the so-called German version. Comes with a new battery and inspected for the last time. Boy Fredin  $18,893
Too expensive but thanks

Sendt fra min GM1913 med Tapatalk

"Don't let schooling interfere with your education"
---
CB750 K0 1971

Online PeWe

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,750
  • Bike almost back to the 70's 2015
Re: Should I get a K0? (If I can find one)
« Reply #24 on: July 12, 2020, 07:51:55 PM »
I believe that guy has some Sandcasts too. So the renovation is most likely correct to the smallest screw.
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