Topic: Potential CB750 owner advice

[Mostly-broke]

Hi, Im new, and this is my first post.
Im getting back into biking after 8 years break following a pretty traumatic accident and I'm thinking a Honda CB750 would be just the ticket. I owned a CL450, so I've got some idea of what I'm getting into.
Ive got my eye in an ebay listing. It's 4 hours away so I was hoping to run the listing by the panel of experts (you guys) to see if its worth making the journey. Also any opinions on the dealer, price and any other input would be gratefully received.
   https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/127709998357
Thank you!

[newday777]

Welcome aboard the forum Mostly-broke from across the pond in New Hampshire
It looks like it has been repainted done fairly well restoration(from the stripes not perfect, chrome bottom trim out of place in a couple spots and paint flakes) and the side cover emblems are the earlier K1-K2 750four style and the wing emblems are on the wrong sides facing the wrong direction. The mufflers are showing the original Honda HM341 stamps(check out the undersides and the backsides for holes and patch repairs they are known for from people not riding the bikes long enough to burn out the moisture in the exhaust and not poking a wire into the little drain holes underneath).
The description doesn't give details of what was done to the bike in the restoration.
I don't know anything of the dealership/seller.
Best of luck on your purchase. Are you going to go and inspect it before the end of the auction so you can look it over well and hear it running?

[Mostly-broke]

Thank you for the warm welcome!
That's what im trying to determine. It's a long way to go and seller is not answering emails.
There is a video in the listing of the bike running and, to me, it sounds fine.
Im not looking for a perfect bike (budget does not allow) and it doesn't bother me if a few details are wrong.
Ive just started looking for a CB750 and I want a metal flake Orange one. Im not sure yet how common that colour is and im trying to resist jumping on the first one I see for fear of another one not coming up anytime soon. You'd have though by your 50s one might have mastered their impulses by now!

[BenelliSEI]

Welcome from Canada! Low mileage, good looking motorcycle. If the dealer is reputable and offers even a short (typically 30-60 days around here) mechanical warranty I’d say go see it. Prices in the UK seem to be higher than here. I sold this one three years ago for Cdn$6500.

[newday777]

I don't see a video in the link you provided.
It appears to be a USA import, from the MPH speedometer and the VIN plate on the steering neck. The metal flake orange was a popular, desirable choice in the 1974 model. It has a recovered seat on it from the positioning of the cover and it doesn't have the Honda stencil on the back(you can buy the stencil and paint it later) The bike looks good and presents well from the pictures.

Here's a fairly good reference site to know what the difference between model years
http://honda750expert.com/

[newday777]

John's bike above is a good example of how it should look as to the color and stripes and the sidecover emblems(though I do like the earlier 750four script. When I bought my first 750 in 1975 I was hoping to get an orange 1974 left over because of the color but the dealer didn't have any leftovers.....)

[Stev-o]

Welcome from Texas. 

As a '74 owner, that looks like a very nice bike and sounds great!  Stu - here's the vid:

The dealer has a good eBay rating and a nice looking shop.  Call him at 0 193 722 2819 and make an appt to go view and ride the bike and see if it "speaks to you".  [you'll know what I mean once you are there]. If you love it, make an offer off eBay, he may reduce the price.

Good luck!

[HondaMan]

I can't offer "sound advice" when it comes to buying [another] CB750.
They just seem to show up here.

All by themselves...

[newday777]

Thanks Steve.

[PeWe]

That bike looks good!
A cheaper bike will cost more when parts need to be replaced or found.
Often new tank, side covers and 4-4,  rims etc.... $$$$ ££££££

It looks like it need to be started and ridden only.
Carbs hopefully clean in no need of cleaning.
I should do an oil with a filter change to ensure the oil.

[Mostly-broke]

Got the go ahead from my wife and put down a deposit on it! Spoke to a guy up there and the bike came from a collection. I was assured the paint was very good and the exhaust pipes are in good condition. Can't really afford a day off to go up and see it, so although I know I'm taking a bit of a chance, from what I can tell, what you guys said and my conversation with the shop manager, I think (and hope) it'll be OK.

[Stev-o]

Got the go ahead from my wife and put down a deposit on it!

Congrats!  So, how do you plan to get it?  Will he deliver??

[newday777]

Cool to hear. May you have a great purchase.

[BenelliSEI]

Just watched the video and that bike looks and sounds very nice indeed! I always give people the same advice I never follow; “Buy the best one you can afford. You can’t build one for less”. You’ll probably be further along than 90% of us here. Well bought!

[Mostly-broke]

Guy wouldn't budget on price; £6500, delivered. It's 4 hours away and I can't really spare the time to go there and back.
Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. No doubt I shall be bothering you all again in no time!
Ive already bought some European bars to go on it. Im thinking off updating the electrics; reg/rec, digital ignition, new starter solenoid, etc, etc.
I think the first job will be check charging voltages and go from there.

[BenelliSEI]

If the electrics are working, leave it be. Most importantly, check the main (large) connector from the “generator/stator”. They can be replaced or solder and shrink wrap works well too. If all the connections are clean and tight most of those components will outlast you!

[HondaMan]

Guy wouldn't budget on price; £6500, delivered. It's 4 hours away and I can't really spare the time to go there and back.
Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. No doubt I shall be bothering you all again in no time!
Ive already bought some European bars to go on it. Im thinking off updating the electrics; reg/rec, digital ignition, new starter solenoid, etc, etc.
I think the first job will be check charging voltages and go from there.

My best friendly advice about those things: don't.
The OEM parts work exceedingly well if their little bullet connectors are in good, clean shape, and the electronic aftermarket full-replacement ignitions are not as reliable as the OEM points arrangement. If you must have 'electronic ignition' then possibly consider the one I created expressly for these SOHC4 bikes with their small alternators: the across-the-pond postage is high, but the unit installs easily and simply and lasts a Lifetime. And if it doesn't, I'll fix it (or exchange it) for free.

[PeWe]

Clean all connectors and make sure they sit tight. Contact spray on all of them when apart.
CB750 stock charging system works fine when ALL connectors are clean and tight.
Old battery? Buy a new.
Not too cheap battery that suddenly gives up.

I added relays for headlight Lo, Hi and ignition plus a louder horn. This after 100.000 km.
Aftermarket ign switch that might have too weak connectors for max 15A and less current thru the handlebar switches.

[Stev-o]

If the electrics are working, leave it be.

+1...it's a Honda!  "If it aint broke, dont fix it".  Ride it....