Author Topic: Advice for restoring CB750  (Read 4321 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline DWright

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 3
Advice for restoring CB750
« on: September 03, 2021, 02:29:21 PM »
I am new to the site so I apologize if this post should be in the For Sale section.

I am helping a friend figure out the best plan for restoring or possibly simply selling a 1975 CB750.
They are the original owner and the bike now has 13,750 miles.
It has always been garaged, but now has been sitting for 3 or 4 years.
My question to the forum is whether I should restore the bike to sell it or just sell it as is.

I have been following these bikes on Bring a Trailer and so I have vague idea of the range they seem to sell in.

I have attached some pics, but they are not the best.  The bike is in Ohio.
Thanks.
Damon

Offline grcamna2

  • Not a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 16,180
  • I love to restore & travel. Keep'em Going Strong !
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #1 on: September 03, 2021, 04:01:04 PM »
subscribed
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline ozpacman

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 60
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #2 on: September 03, 2021, 04:02:11 PM »
I would market it 'as-is'. It looks like a nice original bike and I would think it would garner plenty of interest. They're only original once.

I'd love it, but the first thing I'd be doing is carefully removing and disposing of those 'accessories'...

Offline Hoosier Honda

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 66
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #3 on: September 03, 2021, 04:06:14 PM »
I would leave as is also and just get some good pics of the inside of tank and bottom of muffler if they are also in nice condition.

Offline ekpent

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 13,508
  • To many bikes-but lookin' for more
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #4 on: September 03, 2021, 05:39:37 PM »
 Not knowing your mechanical aptitude but if it were me I would remove the fairing/sissy bar and source the parts it needs to get it stock, get it running which may not take a lot  and do a deep clean and try to maximize the profit potential. On a bike that potentially nice you may as well go for the gusto and it won't take a large cash investment. As mentioned only original once and people will pay a premium for that but Vetter and etc. is not original.
   If your not a wrench or familiar with these to do the work yourself then probably be best to give it a great clean-up and let her go 'as is'. Start paying people to do it and profit will start to vanish and the work may not be good.
  Do you care to share what you think its value is as it sits right now. Understandable if you want to keep that under your vest.
« Last Edit: September 03, 2021, 05:45:33 PM by ekpent »

Offline DWright

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 3
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #5 on: September 03, 2021, 07:01:10 PM »
That is great advice so thank you.
Getting it fixed up a bit was really my preference and I am fairly handy with a wrench.
I keep my old Land Cruiser is good order.
But I would need to get the bike to NoVa and there is some sunk costs just in transporting it.

Other than what the CB750's are selling for on Bring a Trailer, I don't really know much about values for "as-is" bikes.
It seems the Super Sports have more power, rear disc, 4 into 1, etc, but don't bring the money the other bikes (K?) do.
I had hoped to also get advice on the value either as-is or fixed up a bit. 
I like the idea others suggesting values in the open forum and not in a pm, more transparent I think.

Offline samm_j2

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 191
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #6 on: September 03, 2021, 10:03:38 PM »
Supersport have some valve guid wear issues so "most" people seem to like the k models a little bit better.

I have a super sport and I like it, God it has given me hell from time to time though... :-\

Offline bryanj

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,987
  • CB500 Number 1000036
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #7 on: September 04, 2021, 01:55:08 AM »
Thats an F1 and its the F2 that are really bad on valve guides.
The F1 is the cinderella of the 750 range and brings least money with also being most difficult to get cosmetic parts for, mufflers for example are very rare.

The only way to market that one is as is but running for new owner to spend on. As to price i cant advise that as i'm in UK but about 60 to70% of a K4 would be about right here
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 RAFster122s

  • I feel like a really really
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 12,569
  • SOHC4 member # 2605
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #8 on: September 04, 2021, 05:55:21 AM »
BAT is a bubble so,you cannot expect to see some of the prices seen there. They curate what is offered to an extent and without a lot of very good photos you won't sell it sight unseen easily for a good price for a seller. Not running, lowers the price substantially. Getting one running well that wasn't put away properly, that can be pretty expensive. Without decent tires you cannot safely demonstrate that it rides well, merely runs. Getting the Windjammer off and a headlight on it will add value to the sales price...just depends on how much it costs you to do that. If the fork ears are good beneath the Windjammer then it would be a huge expense. Then there is the job of cleaning up the bike so it isn't a dirty mess without ruining the paint.
Getting it running well you may need to clean all the electrical connectors. May need to change the points and condensers, or at least file them flat. Tank condition will determine the price to a great deal. If it wasn't put away well then the carbs may be a mess requiring them to be pulled, disassembled and cleaned. So you need new gaskets there.
Clutch may need attention to ensure it is unstuck and working as well.
Brakes definitely will need disassembled and cleaned and rebuilt.
All the cross point screws are JIS so you need to use care to not screw up the heads if they are OK now. So, JIS impact drivers and screwdrivers are needed.
If you take on getting it running and cleaned up you will invest more time than you expect and are unlikely to be compensated for all those tens of hours spent.
It is rapidly approaching the wrong time of year to sell one for a good price as well.
That's the reality as I see it.
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline robvangulik

  • Honda Fourever
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,418
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #9 on: September 04, 2021, 06:59:53 AM »
If the fork ears are good beneath the Windjammer then it would be a huge expense.
The F1 has no fork ears but a headlamp mounting frame like the cb400.

Offline ekpent

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 13,508
  • To many bikes-but lookin' for more
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #10 on: September 04, 2021, 08:04:50 AM »
 I've liberated a 750f before from a bike I got from the original owner that sat in storage for a very long time. Was actually a pretty easy project.  One part you will have to source is a 2 year only headlight bracket. Even if yours is still hiding behind the fairing chances are they cut off the turn signal stalk mounts for clearance. If the headlight bucket is missing then you need to source that. Not the same as on K bikes so a little harder to find.  Front turn signals might be salvaged off the fairing. Carb cleaning if needed is easy on these. Would not really worry about the tires if they are not cracked and hold air and your selling.Brakes are easy to clean and flush..
  Not sure where you live but if it was close I would be on it and those types of project/resto's are fun to do. Plus I need a blue one !  :D
   Here is a front headlight bracket for $75.00 or offer.  https://www.ebay.com/itm/274712184827?fits=Year%3A1975%7CModel%3ACB750F&hash=item3ff61f47fb:g:lg0AAOSw8~xgRknq
« Last Edit: September 05, 2021, 03:51:41 PM by ekpent »

Offline Johnie

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 8,749
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #11 on: September 05, 2021, 12:05:34 PM »
If you do decide or need to do some dismantling of the bike take lots of pics. It helps so much when you try to figure out what goes where during the reassembly.
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 samm_j2

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 191
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #12 on: September 05, 2021, 03:32:04 PM »
Bryanj, are you saying the f3 is not as hard on the valve guides as the other super sports? I thought they all had some aggressive geometry with the rocker to valve stem angle? What would make the f3 not as bad on the valves? I mean if this is the case it's somewhat reassuring as I have a 78 super sport which I think maes it an f3. I habe always been paranoid about when the valve guides are gonna wear on me even though I upgraded to the stronger valve guides...

Offline RAFster122s

  • I feel like a really really
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 12,569
  • SOHC4 member # 2605
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #13 on: September 05, 2021, 03:35:57 PM »
F1 is ideal and has long wearing guides but the F2  And F3 have guide wear and valve wear issues from what I understand...
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline Redline it

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 563
  • thread killer
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #14 on: September 05, 2021, 03:39:40 PM »
i might of missed it if it was already mentioned but why not buy it yourself. insurance is like nearly free compared to a car, tags are pretty cheap as well.

Offline jamesw

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 323
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #15 on: September 05, 2021, 04:53:58 PM »
Like others have said, remove the Windjammer and sissy bar, get it running and keep it or sell it.

F0 bikes like yours in that condition are tough to find. F bikes don't bring nearly what K bikes bring (K0, K1, K2).
72K-F 750 Cafe
75K 750 Cafe
75F 750 Restoration

Offline DWright

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 3
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #16 on: September 08, 2021, 02:56:18 PM »
Sincere thanks to everyone here for giving great advice.
I really appreciate it.
I will focus on finding a shop near Columbus OH and see if they can at least get it roadworthy and free of accessories.
Once finished, I will most likely post it in the classifieds here.
Thanks again.

Offline TwoTired

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,802
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #17 on: September 08, 2021, 03:47:49 PM »
Windjammers were put on because it made touring soooo much more pleasant, especially in chilly weather.  If you plan to drive it any distance, try out the Windjammer before you remove it just for looks and admiration of those who haven't ever experienced it.

Ah, I just noticed you are just flipping the bike for profit ...  never mind.
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline Bankerdanny

  • Eventually I will be old enough in reality to be
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 7,623
  • Endeavor to persevere
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #18 on: September 08, 2021, 03:48:09 PM »
I haven't seen any F bikes go through BAT and you really can't base the value on K bikes. That seems like a nice mostly complete original bike. It shouldn't take much at all to make it a nice runner.
"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline ekpent

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 13,508
  • To many bikes-but lookin' for more
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #19 on: September 08, 2021, 06:22:33 PM »
Sincere thanks to everyone here for giving great advice.
I really appreciate it.
I will focus on finding a shop near Columbus OH and see if they can at least get it roadworthy and free of accessories.
Once finished, I will most likely post it in the classifieds here.
Thanks again.
  Well here is my advice on that. If you were going to try and sell it here on the forum I would sell it just as it sits. Myself and I am sure others would rather be the first one to restore it before a shop starts messing around with it which is going to be expensive for you and maybe not done right. I can see good stock carb parts going in the trash for cheap Chinese junk rebuild kits and who knows what else. If the fairing is coming off parts need to be sourced which you will have to do probably and not the repair shop.
   Now if your going for the long dollar in a high end add on E-bay or BOT selling a nice stock runner then it may be in your best interest to invest more into it from a hopefully descent repair and shoot for the high retail/collector market. Get a quote first then crunch the numbers on the projected sales price - cost to repair and see where the profit lies compared to as is for less and weigh much the owner may want to invest to gamble and get it.

Offline david 750f

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 827
  • 1976 CB750F
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #20 on: September 08, 2021, 06:41:16 PM »
A few F bikes have sold on Bring a Trailer, they definitely don't command high prices like the CB750K.

March 11, 2021 sold for $5500.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1976-honda-cb750f-3/

Lightly modified sold on March 18, 2021 for $5250
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1976-honda-cb750f-super-sport/

Last summer this one went for $3600
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1976-honda-cb750-super-sport/
1976 CB 750F

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 35,262
  • Central Texas
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #21 on: September 09, 2021, 07:18:02 AM »
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline david 750f

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 827
  • 1976 CB750F
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #22 on: September 09, 2021, 08:05:51 AM »
Stev-o, that bike was a no sale at that price. It sold in 2020 for $7100, which has to be close to a record price for a 78 750F.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1978-honda-cb750f/
1976 CB 750F

Offline Shtonecb500

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,684
    • Youtube profile
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #23 on: September 12, 2021, 03:28:23 PM »
great survivor, detail it, tune up, sell it.
73/74'' CB500/550 resto-mod - sold
75' 750f 91' cbr f2 swap cafe - mock up
74' 750 chopper hardtail - complete - sold
74' CB750/836kit - Black mix & match - daily rider - always tweaking
71' cb500 K0 survivor - complete
71' K1 - CANDY GOLD/BROWN Winton kit - in process

Offline Doobie

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 311
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #24 on: September 13, 2021, 11:30:35 AM »
Don't underestimate what it would cost to get that bike running and looking good. Fixing it up would make the bike easier to sell, but I don't know if you would net any more than if you just sold it outright after buying parts and your labor.
You only go around once in life so it might as well be on a motorcycle.

CB550K4
CB750K2
CB750K2
CB750K6
CB750K6
CB750K7
CB750F3
CB900F2

Offline ekpent

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 13,508
  • To many bikes-but lookin' for more
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #25 on: September 13, 2021, 11:39:45 AM »
 Do non running barn find type bikes do well on Bring a Trailer for instance ? Don't watch it enough to know.

Offline 574hondarider

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 149
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #26 on: September 13, 2021, 11:52:24 AM »
Do non running barn find type bikes do well on Bring a Trailer for instance ? Don't watch it enough to know.

My 1973 cb350F "barnfind" looked all intact at first glance and I paid $700 from original owner.  Well, about $6000 and about 500 of my personal man hours later it is fully restored.  YMMV.

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 35,262
  • Central Texas
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #27 on: September 13, 2021, 12:20:35 PM »
Do non running barn find type bikes do well on Bring a Trailer for instance ?

I cant remember ever seeing a "barn find" [car or bike] on there.  They are very selective on what they will take and there is currently a two month wait to get your vehicle live. 
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline ekpent

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 13,508
  • To many bikes-but lookin' for more
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #28 on: September 13, 2021, 01:50:08 PM »
Do non running barn find type bikes do well on Bring a Trailer for instance ?

I cant remember ever seeing a "barn find" [car or bike] on there.  They are very selective on what they will take and there is currently a two month wait to get your vehicle live. 
I thought they may be a little fussy about wanting to keep the quality factor up which I think is good business on their part. If the original poster wanted to sell online as is for maximum exposure then E-bay may be his best option if a good deal is not made privately.
   As for the 750F in question on this thread I just don't see a lot of money being needed to get it back up on its feet and looking stock again. Been there and done them already and that one is the perfect candidate.
« Last Edit: September 13, 2021, 01:53:54 PM by ekpent »

Offline RAFster122s

  • I feel like a really really
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 12,569
  • SOHC4 member # 2605
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #29 on: September 13, 2021, 05:10:25 PM »
Dwright posted he was going to find a shop in Columbus Ohio to do the work...he is going to spend more doing that than it can be sold for...
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline Doobie

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 311
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #30 on: September 14, 2021, 02:41:53 AM »
FWIW, I sold a '78 CB750F for $6200 last year. Low mileage, bike was mint and all original except for the exhaust, which was a new 4-into-1. Guy who bought it had it shipped almost across the country, so he was all-in at about $7K.
You only go around once in life so it might as well be on a motorcycle.

CB550K4
CB750K2
CB750K2
CB750K6
CB750K6
CB750K7
CB750F3
CB900F2

Offline ekpent

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 13,508
  • To many bikes-but lookin' for more
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #31 on: September 14, 2021, 05:13:39 AM »
Dwright posted he was going to find a shop in Columbus Ohio to do the work...he is going to spend more doing that than it can be sold for...
Yeah I mentioned early in the thread that if he found a shop to do it and if they did it right it would probably be quite expensive. I've seen what some places charge for a simple carb cleaning and other jobs and its usually quite high. More money in the owners pocket if they can do it themselves or sell it off.
« Last Edit: September 15, 2021, 05:25:08 AM by ekpent »

Offline BenelliSEI

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 12,155
  • 1969 cb750
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #32 on: September 14, 2021, 05:39:55 AM »
I sold a very nice F a year ago. $7K (Canadian). To answer you original question;

If I estimate my labour at a ridiculously low figure, I might convince myself I made a profit. If you have any work done by any regular shop, you will spend more than the bike is ultimately worth. Believe me, I do it all the time……

Offline Kevnz

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 622
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #33 on: September 14, 2021, 05:27:07 PM »
Some people say you can't include your time in the calculations. IMO,if you don't. that would be akin to someone bringing you a bike, a pile of parts and expecting you to restore it for them free. I (mostly ) enjoy working on them and derive satisfaction from a well finished job, but I'm not going to do it for free for a stranger who probably has more money than I. Any " profit" I make just gets channeled into the next project, so hobby is self funding.
Good grammar: The difference between knowing your #$%* and knowing you're #$%*

Offline disco

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 571
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #34 on: September 15, 2021, 12:47:14 AM »
I must be the “odd man out” but I like those period accessories and would not be ditching them. Keep it as is. I think it’s worth more with the vintage accessories.
1976 CB750 K6 Sapphire Blue
1972 CB750 K2 836 Orange Sunrise
1972 CB750 K2 Candy Red
1972 CB750 K2 Candy Gold'

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 35,262
  • Central Texas
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #35 on: September 15, 2021, 07:33:40 AM »
I think it’s worth more with the vintage accessories.

Maybe in Oz but not here...
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline TwoTired

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,802
Re: Advice for restoring CB750
« Reply #36 on: September 15, 2021, 09:40:10 AM »
It would be worth more to me with those accessories.  But, I already have too many bikes.

Cheers,
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.