Topic: Newbie here, TideWater2 from Missouri

[TideWater2]

Hello,

My name is TideWater2 and I have a problem, I can't shake my interest in early CB750s. I currently do not have a bike , but I have been shopping and found a couple that I'm considering. I just got registered here on this site and I hope to learn and find resources to feel more comfortable with starting a new hobby/project. My focus is 1971 K1s. I would like to find members that have experience with original information and top quality restorations. I have sent emails in the past to a couple experts that invite questions and emails, but I have not received any response. Is there anyone that consults and if so, what are the fees for such service?

Thanks
TideWater2

[Stev-o]

First off, welcome to the Forum.

There are many experts that are members here but I dont know if any consult.   Many new members post bikes that interest them and we gladly give our opinions of them.

Do you plan to get your hands dirty of sub out the restoration? Or buy a fully restored model??

Good Luck!

[TideWater2]

Stev-o,

The questions you ask are the same ones I been asking myself for several months now. This much I know/want, a bike original or as close to original as possible. I'm sure I'm a couple decades late to find pristine originals. I have found originals that I would rate 7.5 to 8, but need big tickets item like exhaust. I don't know the market value of such a bike. I been involved i agriculture so I'm used to working on machines and I can get my hands dirty and have tools and a place to due some work, however, I don't consider myself gearhead. I would consider buying a restored bike, but I'm not comfortable with what I'm finding in the auctions world. Little to zero information on the bikes history or what has been done to it as well as the quality of workmanship. I'm trying to avoid receiving my education at high cost$$$.

Thanks for your response,

TideWater2

[newday777]

Welcome aboard

Start by reading through this site to get knowledge about the CB750 differences.

http://www.honda750expert.com/

[RAFster122s]

Welcome to the forums…

[grcamna2]

Welcome to the forum TideWater2

[TideWater2]

Thanks everyone for the welcomes.

Newday777- I have been reading "Honda750Expert" and return to it often when I have questions. It is a great resource. After
                   looking at bikes I have found, I can answer one question with Honda750Expert, and generate 3 more. Thanks.

The biggest questions I have are determining what level of restoration to do for a very original appearing bike and of course the values that make sense. I'm not having much luck finding a consultant or appraisal service, but I have sent a couple more emails.

Thanks again. 

[newday777]

What is your intent in buying one. To ride it or ? Ask your questions here in this introduction. Many will see it and chime in.
What patt of Missouri are you located?

[TideWater2]

I live at Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri. I'm looking for a 1971 K1 and would ride it enough to keep it fresh and enjoy that great sound. I don't know the current market and also concerned that the future market maybe lower just due to us old guys not being able to do this hobby any longer. I don't expect to make money on this, but I really don't want to lose money.

I found one bike that is pretty good, the history is known and credible, but it does have pin holes and one pencil size hole in the original pipes. I got a quote from Yamiya for $1,850 to my door for HM300s and that's when they become available in early 2023. Now, I don't think I would want to hang new pipes on this bike without polishing up the engine, if you're going to polish the engine, probably should paint the frame, if you're going to paint the frame, it would look better with new paint on and on. Once you replace anything, its obviously now original. To me, if you're going to dissemble the bike, then probably not a lot of difference in a light restoration compared to a major, but I don't know. One concern on this bike is that I'm not 100% confident that the handlebars are original, they don't measure exactly with what Honda750Experts says they should be. He also says the KO-K1s had painted tanks stripes and later models decals. That is not what I'm finding in the field. The one bike I found that had decals under the clearcoat, was the only one that did not look like original paint. So, the more I read and search, the less I know, LOL.  Anyone with suggestions I'm open to emails and phone calls.

Thanks

[newday777]

The K1 was a changing year model. Early K1 had painted stripes, later on, Honda went to decals.

[Stev-o]

You are going to have a hard time finding an all-original model with documented history. Does that really matter, I buy the bike and not the story, and make my own story.
Remember, these bikes in the early 70's were only $1500 new, cheaper than the competition.  By 1990, they were virtually worthless, a nice example couple be had for a dollar per cc  [$736] or less.  Many were left for dead in garages and barns and rotted away, especially in the rust belt. 

Have you heard of the auction site Bring a Trailer?  If you are willing to pay, this may be the best ave to get a great bike.

There currently are not any K1's for auction, but here is a nice one that was recently up...

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-honda-cb750-39/

Seems just what you are looking for, beautiful condition and long term ownership, if you are willing to pay for it?!  It didnt sell so still may be out there, keep an eye out for it in CA.  Good luck!

[grcamna2]

That bike is looking good Stev-o 

[rocket johnny]

if the pipes have only pin hole and pencil size holes they can be repaired  .    a local welding shop has fixed holes the size of a silver dollar in mine .   repairs on bottom of muffler ,  have to get on your back to see .