Topic: Thinking about buying my first CB750

[ThatUnknownGuy]

Greetings everyone 
I'm considering buying my first CB750, this is something I have been wanting for some time now, but sadly, where I'm from there isnt any available for sale in the whole country.
There are a few dozen original CB750 that were sold here, but everything else has been imported.

I'm from Europe, so the most logical option is to import from countries with a high number of sold CB750s, like France or Germany.

Just for context, the only 750 I saw for sale locally (which had been imported from the USA, then to Germany, then to my country) was a K1 at around 10000 euros, with a lot of issues. It did have HM300 exhaust on it, but I ended up not  buying it.

I've recently come across this one, a "K6" imported from the USA to Germany and it is for sale at a price of 4000 euros.
I would like your feedback on it, as I see some issues already with the bike. Since I cant see it in person as I do not live in Germany, I want to make sure I'm doing a solid purchase.

Here's an album with some photographs the seller shared with me: https://imgur.com/a/nZOyHcv

Issues I have spotted so far:

• Seller states 1976 K6 but it doesnt look like it?
• Petcock is on the wrong side for a K6
• Instrument panel is K2 or K3
• Front fender is 1977 model
• Last ran in 2012, but engine turns over

What else am I missing? Excluding the tail light and turn signals, as those were changed to comply with German legislation. I'd eventually replace them with USA period correct style.
Does it seem like a solid base? My goal isnt to go through and restore everything, I'm looking for a mechanic restoration if needed, and use it as as is with minor corrections.


Thank you for your time

[newday777]

Welcome aboard the forum from southern New Hampshire USA
What country are you in?
You seem to have studied the 750 fairly well. That is a good thing. That is too bad there aren't more local to you.
Are there difficulties in importing bikes to your country? How about importing one from the US?

You are correct in there are some discrepancies to it being a K6 and if it was an import from the US, as the frame vin tag is on the downtube like the German imports were, I wonder if that was changed to meet the import requirements?
The US have the vin tag on the right side steering neck.
Yes the speedometer and tachometer appear to be K2 and the tank is wrong.
The front fender might be from a 75/76 F Supersport or K7/K8(I put a 76F on my new K6 back then and the early smaller turn signals)
The engine paint is in poor worn off condition.
The fuel hoses appear to be improperly run down under the carbs which it will starve for gas at high speeds.

[ThatUnknownGuy]

Im from Portugal, and since its the EU zone we can only realistically import from any country thats a part of the european union.
Since this bike was previously imported to Germany, no import fees apply, only issuing a license plate, technical inpsection, etc.

If I were to import anything from the USA it'd be taxed as a new vehicle, subject to 2026 standards and fees. It would be an absurd ammount of money.

I managed to get a picture of the documents, it is a  258xxxx VIN, so it matches with the K6 designation.
Regarding the front fender, is it a matter of getting a front bracket and it will be the same as K6 front fender, or is it different?

Other than that, does something stand out as being in bad condition?

[kyle750]

Welcome to the SOHC Forum.  You're in the right place with lots of very knowledgable members.

The CB750 is a classic bike that has withstood the test of time.  It will always look timeless and owners are lucky that there are so many parts that are available for these old bikes.  Restoring an old Honda CB750 is a Joy but it does take time and money.

I like the bike.  The CB750 you show looks complete and ready-to-ride with just a little work.  I personally like the smaller German turn signals and smaller tailight with black bracket.  The red color looks fast and looks like a previous owner did a lot of work to the bike. You get the benefit from the restoration work completed by the previous owner.   

IMO the price sounds reasonable and if there are not many choices available where you live then you need to ask yourself "Will you find a better bike at a cheaper price". 

[newday777]

Ouch yes that would be costly.
There is a UK SOHC4 forum that the members might know of one closer to you if you haven't joined it yet.
Being it appears to be a K6 with K2 dash, you won't know the actual miles on the bike, so you could run into problems with the motor needing a top end. Other than the outward appearance it is a gamble on buying a non runner.

[newday777]

The CB750 you show looks complete and ready-to-ride with just a little work.  I personally like the smaller German turn signals and smaller tailight with black bracket.  The red color looks fast and looks like a previous owner did a lot of work to the bike. You get the benefit from the restoration work completed by the previous owner.   

Careful.....on that recommendation
Looks can be deceiving. And Costly.

[ThatUnknownGuy]

Welcome to the SOHC Forum.  You're in the right place with lots of very knowledgable members.

The CB750 is a classic bike that has withstood the test of time.  It will always look timeless and owners are lucky that there are so many parts that are available for these old bikes.  Restoring an old Honda CB750 is a Joy but it does take time and money.

I like the bike.  The CB750 you show looks complete and ready-to-ride with just a little work.  I personally like the smaller German turn signals and smaller tailight with black bracket.  The red color looks fast and looks like a previous owner did a lot of work to the bike. You get the benefit from the restoration work completed by the previous owner.   

IMO the price sounds reasonable and if there are not many choices available where you live then you need to ask yourself "Will you find a better bike at a cheaper price".

Yeah I dont want to get too excited about this. Truth be told, I havent seen anything close to these prices, they are usually around 6-7000 for a decent one, and upwards of 9-10k for a really nice one.
Hence the price of 4000 euros has me a little worried, but then again, everything in life is a gamble at some point.

Ouch yes that would be costly.
There is a UK SOHC4 forum that the members might know of one closer to you if you haven't joined it yet.
Being it appears to be a K6 with K2 dash, you won't know the actual miles on the bike, so you could run into problems with the motor needing a top end. Other than the outward appearance it is a gamble on buying a non runner.

Sadly UK is out of the EU zone, so it would be the same as importing from the US at this point.
Did you see my question about the front fender? Could  I simply buy a front bracket and call it a day?

I can also see the VIN tag on the downward tube, does this mean this was never an USA bike, but a german motorcycle all along?

[newday777]

I'll have to  measure the front fender as the F fender might be shorter to the front.

Like I said on the tag,  it's an unknown if it had to be changed at import or if it was a German bike to begin with to me.

[seanbarney41]

Will you have the same expense and difficulty's importing parts?

[ThatUnknownGuy]

Will you have the same expense and difficulty's importing parts?

Any import on parts is subject to 23% VAT + fees, unless it comes from the EU zone.
There are some shops in Europe I have found listed here http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,184923.0.html

Like I said on the tag,  it's an unknown if it had to be changed at import or if it was a German bike to begin with to me.

Most likely an Import I would say due to the odometer being in miles instead of kilometers.


Another question for the experts, was this turn signal support cut off, or did it come that way from the factory?

[Stev-o]

Issues I have spotted so far:

• Seller states 1976 K6 but it doesnt look like it?
• Petcock is on the wrong side for a K6
• Instrument panel is K2 or K3
• Front fender is 1977 model
• Last ran in 2012, but engine turns over

First off, welcome from Texas.  When buying a 50+ year old bike, you really never know what it's been through and why things have been changed, but it's very common.
It could have been in an accident or stolen or the owner just wanted to update the look for whatever reason?

This bike looks to be in fairly good cosmetic condition and if nice bikes are selling for 8-10 Euro and this one is half that price since it's not running, seems to be on par?

Most of us on this forum have bought a non-running bike and although may not always be simple, were able to get it running with time, money and labor.

I'd make an offer on that bike unless you are looking for something with better history.  Good luck...

[bryanj]

Cant view any pictures

[kyle750]

Buying the cheapest bike available can often become the most expensive in the long run. Do you know the reason it is not running? and is it possible to have a mechanic look over the bike and especially the engine??  Any old bike as a non-runner is a big gamble.

[newday777]

I'll have to  measure the front fender as the F fender might be shorter to the front.

The K2-K6 front fender is longer than the F0/F1, K7/K8 is by 2"
If you are buying the bike to ride, it is fine to ride it the way it is. If you are trying to restore one to 100% original you will outspend the return, especially where you don't have accessibility to parts.

[ThatUnknownGuy]

Cant view any pictures

They should be accessible through this link https://imgur.com/a/nZOyHcv

Buying the cheapest bike available can often become the most expensive in the long run. Do you know the reason it is not running? and is it possible to have a mechanic look over the bike and especially the engine??  Any old bike as a non-runner is a big gamble.

I completely understand your point. It is being sold from a reputable shop, the seller says it comes from a private collector collection of CB750s. There are actually 3 for sale, this one for 3999, and two for 7499 euro each.
The last inspection was in 2012, so it had to run on that date since they are pretty strict there. That's all I know thus far.

[newday777]

K vs F

[Stev-o]

Cant view any pictures

They should be accessible through this link https://imgur.com/a/nZOyHcv

Buying the cheapest bike available can often become the most expensive in the long run. Do you know the reason it is not running? and is it possible to have a mechanic look over the bike and especially the engine??  Any old bike as a non-runner is a big gamble.

I completely understand your point. It is being sold from a reputable shop, the seller says it comes from a private collector collection of CB750s. There are actually 3 for sale, this one for 3999, and two for 7499 euro each.

Can you go to the shop and inspect the bikes?

Do you feel comfortable buying a Project bike? Do you have mechanical skills and basic hand tools or have a friend with such?

[ThatUnknownGuy]

K vs F

Thank you very much, i now see my original idea is not viable.

Can you go to the shop and inspect the bikes?

Do you feel comfortable buying a Project bike? Do you have mechanical skills and basic hand tools or have a friend with such?

Project bike is what Im after to be honest. I do own around 20 motorcycles and have mechanical skills but only on two strokes really.
I am not afraid of tinkering around and it is fun for me to learn new stuff everyday.
This would be the first four stroke I'd ever worked on, but in reality, I've read so much about this bike I'm ready for the potential headache.

Cleaning carbs, diagnosing eletrical problems isnt the issue to me, what scares me is tinkering with the top-end. If work is needed there i'll just take it to a professional.

I can't go to the shop, it would take me 3-4 hours on an airplane and going to another country

[scottly]

The caliper mount on the front forks is the early K0-K2 style, which has a front fender brace unique to those models.

[Stev-o]

K vs F

Thank you very much, i now see my original idea is not viable.

Can you go to the shop and inspect the bikes?

Do you feel comfortable buying a Project bike? Do you have mechanical skills and basic hand tools or have a friend with such?

Project bike is what Im after to be honest. I do own around 20 motorcycles and have mechanical skills but only on two strokes really

Cleaning carbs, diagnosing eletrical problems isnt the issue to me, what scares me is tinkering with the top-end. If work is needed there i'll just take it to a professional.

If you have 20 two-strokes, you have nothing to fear on working on a SOHC!  Most likely, you will only need to service the elec and fuel system to get that bike running.

What bikes do you have?  I have a few two-strokes as well, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki etc...

[MauiK3]

It may be a bike assembled from various parts, if you are ok with that, it might be a good starting point. If you go this route your bible to get it running right is Hondaman's book.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=my+cb750+book&crid=2EIEJCY81D7J3&sprefix=my+cb750+book%2Caps%2C282&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

It would be the most important tool in the shop (other than your own brain:-))
If we ever get trade settled down it might get easier to move these bikes around and you can look for a more correct one later. This could be your learner bike.

[jlh3rd]

Greetings everyone 
I'm considering buying my first CB750, this is something I have been wanting for some time now, but sadly, where I'm from there isnt any available for sale in the whole country.
There are a few dozen original CB750 that were sold here, but everything else has been imported.

I'm from Europe, so the most logical option is to import from countries with a high number of sold CB750s, like France or Germany.

Just for context, the only 750 I saw for sale locally (which had been imported from the USA, then to Germany, then to my country) was a K1 at around 10000 euros, with a lot of issues. It did have HM300 exhaust on it, but I ended up not  buying it.

I've recently come across this one, a "K6" imported from the USA to Germany and it is for sale at a price of 4000 euros.
I would like your feedback on it, as I see some issues already with the bike. Since I cant see it in person as I do not live in Germany, I want to make sure I'm doing a solid purchase.

Here's an album with some photographs the seller shared with me: https://imgur.com/a/nZOyHcv

Issues I have spotted so far:

• Seller states 1976 K6 but it doesnt look like it?
• Petcock is on the wrong side for a K6
• Instrument panel is K2 or K3
• Front fender is 1977 model
• Last ran in 2012, but engine turns over

What else am I missing? Excluding the tail light and turn signals, as those were changed to comply with German legislation. I'd eventually replace them with USA period correct style.
Does it seem like a solid base? My goal isnt to go through and restore everything, I'm looking for a mechanic restoration if needed, and use it as as is with minor corrections.


Thank you for your time

this is from the official American Honda identification Guide.
helps a little.

[bender01]

What's the gas tank look like inside? Does it kick over with Compression? Is the front brake locked up from sitting? Could you pull a float bowl to take a peak? It looks like a fine rider to me. I think the bars have been changed and for the better in my opinion. Many people wouldn't know it was anything else than a cb 750 whatever year you pick from 73 -76. With a paint job. Here in the US that small rear turn signal was last used in 74. Unless you bring here to find out all the things that make it a mixed bag.

[newday777]

What's the gas tank look like inside? Does it kick over with Compression? Is the front brake locked up from sitting? Could you pull a float bowl to take a peak? It looks like a fine rider to me. I think the bars have been changed and for the better in my opinion. Many people wouldn't know it was anything else than a cb 750 whatever year you pick from 73 -76. With a paint job. Here in the US that small rear turn signal was last used in 74. Unless you bring here to find out all the things that make it a mixed bag.

He has said he isn't any where near the bike to check it properly. Read through the replies.
That small taillight was never used here in the states. It is a German converted bike taillight and turn signals.

[MauiK3]

Looks like a good place to start. It's mostly there and ready to go.
I'm thinking a 74, maybe.
Hopefully the tank is not full of bonds.
Side cover wings are facing the correct way!!
Master cylinder is missing the boot at the connection.
Bars have the wires on the outside, at least I think that's what I saw.