Topic: 1976 F1 750 on Ebay

[meb1948]

Folks, I'm a newbie to this forum (I've only made one post) but need some advise.  Currently, on Ebay, there is a 1976 Honda 750F which I'd like to chase.  Sadly, I know nothing about these bikes.

Here is the link to the Ebay ad.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=010&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=200085584668&rd=1,1

I have a 1980 Kawasaki KZ-1000 and a 1976 Honda 400F.  I've restored both bikes to the point they will turn heads.
I live close to the seller so getting the bike from point A to point B shouldn't be a problem.  The problem I have is understanding
the value of these bikes so I can bid accordingly.  Also, there is a reserve on the bike... normally when I see this, I pass.
My feeling is you should set your reserve as the opening bid.... then let me figure out it your stuff..at your price is worthy of sitting in my garage.
From reading the add and looking at the pictures I know the seat, side covers and tail piece will need attention.  Any thoughts you folks may have will be greatly appreciated.

Mark.

[GroovieGhoulie]

Looks like a solid rider assuming the mechanical stuff has been maintained.  It looks clean enough to ride around and be proud of, but not too nice that you won't wanna take it out.

I think it's a solid $1200-$1500 bike.  Some folks might say I'm low-balling, but I'm a fiend for originality and low miles and 30K on a bike is high-ish miles to me.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Looks like a solid rider assuming the mechanical stuff has been maintained.  It looks clean enough to ride around and be proud of, but not too nice that you won't wanna take it out.

I think it's a solid $1200-$1500 bike.  Some folks might say I'm low-balling, but I'm a fiend for originality and low miles and 30K on a bike is high-ish miles to me.

I agree. Looks very well maintained for 31 years old. Little/no rust (header pipes have been cleaned up with steel wool). Engine shows no usual leaks but it's been prepped well. All stock except side covers and seat covering. Someone attempted to get inside speedo possibly but not likely more miles than shown with it's condition. Gauges have very little fade. Tank looks good with little fade. Muffler looks clean inside so probably no oil use. After market oil pressure gauge has been removed. If it runs as well as it looks I'd say up to $2000 (I paid $1800 for my 75 new). I'd definitely put a new set of tires. Since you're close enough and there are 6 days left, I'd go check it out. Fire it up and see what it sounds like. If it sounds as good as it looks go for it.

[LoopsAndLogic]

I've never bought a bike without seeing it first. Cause you never know whats going to pop up when you go there to pick it up.

 I would first price out the parts that you think it's going to need, then ask yourself, "Do I want it now".

Is there a gallery that shows your 400F? I'm a 400 nut, and personally own 2

 Also, you might want to ask him how long has he had it, and how many miles did he put on it.

Best of luck.

[Gordon]

Personally, I wouldn't spend more than a couple hundred dollars on a bike I haven't seen in person.  I'm with Jerry on this, go take a look at it for yourself.  Pictures have a way of making an old bike look much better than it actually is.  Rust and pitting on chrome, and paint fading, cracking and scratches tend to not show up very well, even though they may be very apparent in person. 

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Here's a comparison from today on EBay. Check this item # out 150095934862

[KB02]

I think I'd sooner buy the first one...

MEB1948 - I'd say go for it. It's getting now the point where it's about tops what I would pay for it, but I'm a cheap SOB anyway.      I like that seat, but it would suck to get it wet.

Mayer side covers...

[meb1948]

Folks, I appreciate your input and agree with your assessment of the bike.

My 400F was a basket case.  In fact, the 'ol Girl was about to be cut up and
placed in the trash.  My neighbor asked me if I'd help him pick up this bike
from his Son's house (the Son's neighbor was the one with the cutting torch).
Needless to say, how the bike got into my garage is a long story... Let's just say
she was dirty, worn out and tired cosmetically.
Today, she presents gleaming chrome, a nifty seat, side covers and a gas tank
which would make any owner proud.... I love this bike...  she's tiny but sexy

I liked the 400F so much, I bought one for my Son in San Diego.  He has a '77
Yellow Tank 400F... damn sexy bike.

I understand the comment about purchasing stuff via pictures.... and you're correct.
I've restored VW's, Datsun 240Z's, Ford Mustangs and a house... that I currently use
as my humble abode.... I guess what I look for in a restoration project is original parts.
If all the parts are there... I can make them whole.... one way or another.

I haven't determined if I'll chase this bike as of this writing.  But if I do, and I get the
'ol girl, I'll restore her as best I can.

God Bless you Folks for helping my on this project.

By the way, it seems the 400F's are fetching a premium these days on Ebay.
I wonder if it's because they are rare bikes?  It will be a cold day in hell before
I part with mine.

Mark.

[paxtonpony]

Dude, if you live even remotely close to LA, check out craig's list and the recycler.  You'll find good used CB750's all the time.  I found all 3 of my bikes on craig's for cheap.  Take a little time and you can find what you're looking for under $1000.  Plus, you can go look at it before you fork out your cash.

[meb1948]

Well, I'm now a new owner of a 1976 Honda 750F... I think.
The final financial and delivery transcations need to be worked
out, but I was the high bid for this bike on Ebay.
The final bid was $2075 which is where you folks predicted...
you guys are good and I enjoy this forum... now, I hope you
guys will enjoy all of my questions about a 1976 Honda 750F....

A nice problem to have... she looks like a sweet bike.

Mark

[mick750F]

   Congrats on your new ride and welcome to the addiction...I mean monkey house...nope, I mean the club...yeah yeah, that's it, the club. It's a nice looker in the pics. I'm a bit surprised by what it went for but as has been discussed here recently, the prices for these old sohc Hondas are going up.

Mike

[Hockers Choppers]

Its not like their making any more of them! 

[morseji1]

If it is as nice as it looks, I would say you got a good deal. I would have paid that for it. Cheap bikes aren't always the deal people think they are especially if you need a few original parts. Just the exhaust for my 70 was $1000.

Jim
 

[Hockers Choppers]

Hell the chrome alone is worth that!

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

We expect a full report after you ride it home

[meb1948]

You got it bud.

Mark.