Author Topic: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance  (Read 598 times)

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Offline kyle750

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New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« on: November 20, 2024, 04:14:30 PM »
Hello and Thank You for having me in your forum.  Very excited about a possible new journey for my older self.  I am an American and live in Thailand and ride a Honda CRF250L purchased new in 2012.  When I was 20 I owned a CB750K and always loved the bike (photo attached)

Fast forward 40 years and I want to buy a CB750 again.  Not many for sale here in Thailand.  This 1973 CB750 was just posted for sale and I really like this bike and  think it might be the one. I know restoration and parts will be expensive and I have no mechanical skills. Other owners thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated.  Thank You.  Kyle

« Last Edit: November 20, 2024, 06:23:39 PM by kyle750 »

Offline kyle750

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #1 on: November 20, 2024, 04:20:02 PM »
Photos of the CB750

Offline calj737

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #2 on: November 20, 2024, 04:21:27 PM »
If you lack the skills and parts are rare and expensive, is it worth the undertaking? If you have to locate a reputable shop to do the repairs, you could be in for far more trouble than your pleasure.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline kyle750

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #3 on: November 20, 2024, 04:23:18 PM »
More Photos

Offline kyle750

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #4 on: November 20, 2024, 04:28:54 PM »
If you lack the skills and parts are rare and expensive, is it worth the undertaking? If you have to locate a reputable shop to do the repairs, you could be in for far more trouble than your pleasure.

Thank you for your reply.  I am very concerned that the undertaking will be more hassles than the enjoyment of the bike.  My current Honda has been running well for 12 years now with only regular maintenance.  Starts every time, runs like new, and I've never had to add any oil in between oil changes. 
« Last Edit: November 20, 2024, 05:32:52 PM by kyle750 »

Offline bryanj

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #5 on: November 20, 2024, 04:57:16 PM »
Visualy that looks in good order, what needs restoring?
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 kyle750

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #6 on: November 20, 2024, 05:05:14 PM »
Visualy that looks in good order, what needs restoring?

Thanks for the reply.  Very much appreciated.  Chrome plating looks to be in poor condition throughout.    Thailand is hot and humid and exposed metal rusts quickly. Rust on the wheels is pretty bad and I am quessing that the bike must have sat idle for a long time.   Seller is the brother of the owner who got the bike running.

Also damage to the top of the tank (a little hard to see in the photos)
« Last Edit: November 23, 2024, 02:40:18 AM by kyle750 »

Offline Johnie

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #7 on: November 20, 2024, 05:32:53 PM »
Welcome to the forum. You have come to the right place to discuss the CB750. What are your plans for it. If you're going to restore it to original including chroming the fenders and stuff it will be costly, but most of us have done that do to our love for the showroom bike. Does it have a title? What are the miles? Look in the tank for rust. Those original exhaust pipes...look them over good as I would be surprised if they are good do to the atmosphere in Thailand you mentioned. If you want to get original pipes you are talking major cash if you can find them. Now if you decide just to get it and run it "as is" more power to you. If you got tools and a bit of "know how" we have walked many through some general maintenance of it. I am including a pic of my 1971 CB750K1 that I sold a few years ago. It will give you an idea of the possibilities. Good luck and keep us informed.
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 kyle750

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #8 on: November 20, 2024, 05:44:25 PM »
Welcome to the forum. You have come to the right place to discuss the CB750. What are your plans for it. If you're going to restore it to original including chroming the fenders and stuff it will be costly, but most of us have done that do to our love for the showroom bike. Does it have a title? What are the miles? Look in the tank for rust. Those original exhaust pipes...look them over good as I would be surprised if they are good do to the atmosphere in Thailand you mentioned. If you want to get original pipes you are talking major cash if you can find them. Now if you decide just to get it and run it "as is" more power to you. If you got tools and a bit of "know how" we have walked many through some general maintenance of it. I am including a pic of my 1971 CB750K1 that I sold a few years ago. It will give you an idea of the possibilities. Good luck and keep us informed.

I am drooling looking at the photo of your K1. Beautiful Bike in Beautiful Condition  :) Title and registration is often a big problem with older and larger engine bikes (high import tax for bikes over 400cc) here in Thailand.  I am checking the title with bike frame and engine numbers now and everything looks good. Bike is properly registered with license tag. 

My plans for the bike (if I decide to start this journey)  would simply be to admire and appreciate the craftsmanship and innovation.  Fix it up to where it looks better and runs well.  It will never be a show bike.  Park it in the garage and occasionally take the bike out for a quick spin in my neighborhood. 
« Last Edit: November 20, 2024, 06:17:07 PM by kyle750 »

Offline carnivorous chicken

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #9 on: November 20, 2024, 06:40:26 PM »
One thing is a little unclear -- is the bike already in Thailand? First post makes it sound like it is, last post makes it seem like you're going to import it. IF it's the latter, you'll have to figure that as part of the cost and potential bureaucratic nightmares (and possibly bribes or fees) with registering it. I just brought my second CB down to Mexico and instead of paying an agent, did everything myself and it was a royal PITA.

That being said, things like rechroming are going to be much cheaper and more widely available in Thailand (or a neighboring country). Vietnam is also a recent hotspot for repop CB (and other) parts, so you're closer and the shipping would be cheaper.

These bikes, once sorted, can also be tremendously reliable with regular maintenance, and regular maintenance is pretty easy to learn (especially with help here) -- adjusting valves, changing oil and filter and plugs, setting timing, lubing, gapping points, etc.

The bottom line is what you're willing to pay and what you think you'll get out of it. My headaches with registering my bike here in Mexico City lasted a couple months and I was getting ready to throw in the towel, but now that it's registered I am having a blast riding it around. And similar to SE Asia, there aren't that many old CBs around. So if you've got the cash to do it and really want to, I say go for it.

I work in Indonesia and Timor-Leste, and travel in the region -- including Thailand (walked across the border from Malaysia to Narathiwat and spent some time in the South, and of course Bangkok). You'll find that there are some places with old bikes -- there are clubs across Java, for example, especially in Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Surabaya, and I've seen a few old bikes in Singapore (where people have the money to bring them in, although I mostly see 400Fs and twins). I imagine if you get it you might find similar groups in Bangkok or even Chiang Mai, but I have no idea (and I'm not sure where you are).

Offline kyle750

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #10 on: November 20, 2024, 07:03:42 PM »
Thanks for the excellent reply.  Lots of riders and a very active vintage Honda CB club here in Thailand.  I apologize for any confusion - the bike is currently in Thailand - 1 hour from where I live.  I would never attempt to import a bike into Thailand.  I have had to deal with customs (not bike related) and the bureaucracy is a complete nightmare.  Truly unbelievable the amount of paperwork involved.
« Last Edit: November 21, 2024, 01:19:24 AM by kyle750 »

Offline jlh3rd

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #11 on: November 21, 2024, 04:58:58 AM »
I own no 750's, but have seen, read, and listened enough to stories such as yours. Since you have no mechanical skills, the engine could be your biggest obstacle. Translation?...$$.
However, the 750 probably has the most parts support (oem and aftermarket) and on line support probably of any of the other vintage hondas. So that's in your favor. Still not necessarily cheap, just depends on how far you wanna go....Again, I'd be more wary of the engine, cosmetics are the "easy" part. You might be surprised with elbow grease and honda  chrome and the results.
On the surface, the bike looks good. Curious what the miles are.
« Last Edit: November 21, 2024, 05:00:47 AM by jlh3rd »

Offline kyle750

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #12 on: November 21, 2024, 06:04:26 AM »
I own no 750's, but have seen, read, and listened enough to stories such as yours. Since you have no mechanical skills, the engine could be your biggest obstacle. Translation?...$$.
However, the 750 probably has the most parts support (oem and aftermarket) and on line support probably of any of the other vintage hondas. So that's in your favor. Still not necessarily cheap, just depends on how far you wanna go....Again, I'd be more wary of the engine, cosmetics are the "easy" part. You might be surprised with elbow grease and honda  chrome and the results.
On the surface, the bike looks good. Curious what the miles are.

Thanks for the honest and balanced opinion.  I am VERY concerned with the engine but it is running so that is a plus.  I received a short video of the engine running that I would like to post here  and let you guys listen to it.  You might hear problems just from the sound.  I don't know enough to understand what I am listening to or listening for? 

Late Edit:  I tried to upload the video but it will not post.  My computer skills are even worse than my mechanical skills.  I am quessing I need to post the video to a 3rd party hosting site and then post the link? 
« Last Edit: November 21, 2024, 06:18:30 AM by kyle750 »

Offline MauiK3

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Offline Stev-o

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #14 on: November 21, 2024, 06:58:51 AM »
  Lots of riders and a very active vintage Honda CB club here in Thailand. 

First off, welcome to the forum.   

If your plan is "...simply be to admire and appreciate the craftsmanship and innovation.  Fix it up to where it looks better and runs well", I say go for it!   And when/if you need parts and/or help with a repair, you can connect with a local CB club. These bikes are fairly basic, some issues are easily fixed with basic hand tools. Parts are never an issue for these bikes, eBay has absolutely everything you could ever need.  Go ride the bike and see if it "speaks to you", then you will know if it is the bike for you.  Good luck...
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline kyle750

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #15 on: November 21, 2024, 08:34:44 AM »

Get Hondaman's book (on Amazon), a must read, it will save you much headache and money.


Many Thanks!  I just purchased the book (hardcover edition).

Offline willbird

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #16 on: November 21, 2024, 08:52:21 AM »
I am thinking your plan was to keep your present bike and add this one as an additional one ?? In that case I think no worries really.

Buying the proper tools so that you do not damage things such as the covers for the valve lash adjustments will be important.

But things like adjusting the valves are based upon miles ridden so unless you ride 5k miles a year you will end up doing them once maybe.

In HAM radio they refer to more experienced HAM operators who help newer people to the hobby as "Elmers"...so you need a CB750K Elmer or two :-). You buy the cold beverage and lunch and they work with you through stuff like checking the valve lash.

But overall these bikes do not NEED a lot to keep them working if they are stored inside. And you can do things as your budget allows that will make the bike look nicer.

To start you may need tires, tubes, rim strips, a battery, oil, and oil filter. Forgot perhaps chain and sprockets.

Bill
« Last Edit: November 21, 2024, 10:33:04 AM by willbird »

Offline Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #17 on: November 21, 2024, 11:21:35 AM »
Kyle,

First, welcome to the group.

Second, consider this as a project that will keep you from the bar girls in Pattaya.  ;) Ride your scooter and play with this one until such time it's worthy. You've got the book, get some tools and as you go and ask many questions here. I was in Bangkok in September. Did the city food tour, train market and floating market, temples. Only 5 nights so not enough time to go to Pattaya  :'( :-X

I only looked at a couple pictures. LOOKS solid. Clean that shiny #$%* off the seat so you don't slide off! Plan on replacing the fork boots and while you have that area apart you MAY want to consider replacing the fork seals just because. Double lip seals with the correct side up. PVC pipe to tap into place. mechanical stuff first THEN do the visual things if you are so inclined. They don't make it run any better. 
As of today 3/13/2012 my original owner 75 CB750F has made it through 3 wives, er EX-wives. Free at last.  ;-)

Offline willbird

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #18 on: November 21, 2024, 12:36:07 PM »
One key thing with the older bikes is IMHO learning to remember to turn the fuel petcock off, and of course turn it on, and turn the choke off once you have ridden enough that you no longer need it (maybe never needed in Thailand?).

Offline Stev-o

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #19 on: November 21, 2024, 12:51:15 PM »
Only 5 nights so not enough time to go to Pattaya

Disappointed to hear that, Jerry!

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

Offline kyle750

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #20 on: November 21, 2024, 03:11:26 PM »
Many Thanks for all your advice and guidance.  I'm 62 and just started receiving Social Security benefits this year so my US retirement income can be spent fixing up an old Honda (if I decide to start this journey).  The Thai Girls are fun and super sexy but they can be a lot of trouble and sometimes more trouble than you bargained for (sounds alot like an old CB Honda)?

Quick update on the Candy Gold Honda.  Owner/Seller has been excellent answering questions, providing additional photos, videos, and documentation.  Numbers on the frame and engine match the title (Green Book here in Thailand). Registration is current and the bike can be legally driven on the roads. A proper title on an older bike is often a huge problem so that really is the first hurdle.



 
« Last Edit: November 21, 2024, 03:57:43 PM by kyle750 »

Offline kyle750

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #21 on: November 21, 2024, 03:14:48 PM »

 consider this as a project that will keep you from the bar girls in Pattaya.

 :)
« Last Edit: November 21, 2024, 04:30:24 PM by kyle750 »

Offline kyle750

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #22 on: November 21, 2024, 05:00:17 PM »
Why a Honda CB750

For me the CB750 makes my heart race.  I love everything about the bike.

The straight lines of the frame and tank, chrome highlights, simple analog gauges, upright riding position, and super smooth powerful engine.  A simple, straighforward, no frills design.  Everything you need and nothing more.  Perfection!

« Last Edit: November 21, 2024, 05:08:33 PM by kyle750 »

Offline spotty

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #23 on: November 21, 2024, 05:07:25 PM »
Everything you need and nothing more. 

except power
i blame Terry

Offline kyle750

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Re: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance
« Reply #24 on: November 21, 2024, 05:13:34 PM »
Everything you need and nothing more. 

except power

 ;)  I'm a slow old man and I can't handle too much power any more (and my reflexes suck).