Topic: First timer!

[C.Mike]

Hi!
Setting out on a (late) mid-life nostalgia tour; I want to get one of ‘those bikes’ I couldn’t afford when I was 20. Looking at a complete, non-running ‘81 CB750k with 9k miles. Seller wants $600 for it, but there’s no title/paperwork and I think I could walk with it for half. What do you think? Any info regarding what to look at, repair deal-breakers, where to get parts, and how difficult getting it titled would be (I’m in MA) would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!
Chris

[tool14]

Welcome aboard

[BenelliSEI]

Chris...... welcome to the site. You’ll get plenty of useful advice here!

Assuming this is your first bike in a while? My advice is always the same. Buy the most/best motorcycle you can afford. Unless you are a serious tech, or been doing projects like this all your life, a $300 (no title) project will likely end in disappointment. Instead, buy a runner. Keep it running, tune, improve, polish and ride it. Get comfortable with the maintenance and basic workings. After that, drag home a derelict.

By the way, not the way I started, but still good advice!

[Kelly E]

Do yourself a favour and only buy bikes with a clear title. For us untitled bikes are parts bikes and should be priced accordingly.

[Alan F.]

Chris there are quite a few of us from MA on this forum, welcome. 

Check out the Vermont DMV for info about registering it there, with that registration the MA RMV will let you title it here. For a 750cc bike you'll need a vin verification done by local law enforcement. This only works if the bike doesn't come up as stolen in VT or MA.

I recommend a 69-76 CB750K if you can find one reasonably complete at a good price. Odds are it won't be in running condition if the price is low. There's a 73 CB750K engine on Worcester Craigslist for $450....

[MD]

Welcome from NE MN,

-MD

[Gurp]

Welcome.
as mentioned above def go  clean titled bike.
Will make getting on the road so much easier.

[C.Mike]

Thanks for all your replies! Sounds like I should shy away from this ‘81... it just looks so good from the pics, and with ‘only’ 9k mi... I guess it’s human nature to hope for the best when you’re sifting through these things. I might still go tale a look, being the optimist that I am (plus I have some time on my hands!). I’ll probably approach it from a parts bike position.

And just so I’m clear, is there a distinct line drawn between sohc and dohc bikes (and their proponents?) I know from my experience owning a first-gen Tundra and their forums that there can be some hard lines drawn between subtle differences, so I don’t want to annoy anyone by being in the wrong room!

Again, thanks for the input!

[Stev-o]

And just so I’m clear, is there a distinct line drawn between sohc and dohc bikes (and their proponents?)

Yes, huge difference in the motors, doubt there are many parts that interchange.

This forum is dedicated to the "1st Gen" CB750 which was manufactured from 1969-'78.
I suggest you stick with this, parts are plentiful and can be reasonably priced.

Good Luck!

PS. I had a 1st Gen Tundra years ago, what a great truck!  I now drive a Tacoma, I find the new Tundras too large for my needs.

[Kelly E]

Thanks for all your replies! Sounds like I should shy away from this ‘81... it just looks so good from the pics, and with ‘only’ 9k mi... I guess it’s human nature to hope for the best when you’re sifting through these things. I might still go tale a look, being the optimist that I am (plus I have some time on my hands!). I’ll probably approach it from a parts bike position.

And just so I’m clear, is there a distinct line drawn between sohc and dohc bikes (and their proponents?) I know from my experience owning a first-gen Tundra and their forums that there can be some hard lines drawn between subtle differences, so I don’t want to annoy anyone by being in the wrong room!

Again, thanks for the input!

The DOHC bikes are fun, handle good and just as easy to work on and get parts for. The way I see it a Honda is a Honda. One cam, two cams, who cares it's a great bike. Being so focused on one brand or type you miss out on the fun of variety. I like to ride different bikes back to back. The last time I rode the 79' CB750F and then jumped on the 90' Moto Guzzi 1000 Le Mans. The differences are huge in how they handle and the way the power comes on but they are both a blast to ride.