Okay, so the first note was meant to be a bit of a teaser. I suppose that I should be a little more forthcoming.
I've been lurking for "a while" -- I obtained member number 988 on the old site a year or more ago. I'm sitting in the Seattle area with a garage full of old bikes in various states of repair. My propensity for procrastination is such that I'm just now uncovering the stuff that I bought in 1988.
The current focus of my efforts is a 1970 CB750 K (near as I can tell, based on the sandcast engine -- in the 4000's). Sitting next to it, and purchased at the same time is a 1972 K2. The K2 is "nearly original", with a few exceptions. It's got K1 "Candy Ruby Red" headlight ears, and (it appears) K1 style rear turn signal mounts. Major problem with the 1970 is that the steering head was cut off in California, and replaced with a severely raked home-made one. Fine, except though usable, the frame ain't collectible, and because of the severity of the rake, and the insufficient gage of material used for the replacement steering head, the lower bearing race was peeled apart when the previous owner clocked the front end to one side and ripped off the fork stop. Oh well. I went to a guy who reinforced and welded it together to be more robust, and have, at last, a usable frame (though it will probably handle like a V-Rod). I'm planning on this being the daily driver, which I'm trying to put on the road with whatever parts seem to work -- hence the old Hodaka Ace 90 taillight. All the original and good stuff I'm putting in a pile next to the K2 (with K1 bits) -- including the sandcast engine.
The 1977 Hondamatic sits next to it. I haven't seen one yet that didn't have a rotten exhaust on the right side. Bought that 10-years or so ago for $250. Rode it for a couple of years, and decided that I needed to tear off the top end and give it new rings and valve job, because it was showing signs of reduced compression. Bought some JCWhitney pipes to fabricate replacements for the rotted originals. I don't consider the bike all that collectible because of the Vetter fairing and floorboard retrofit by the original owner, but it was a fun ride when I had it going -- but certainly not a sport-bike.
The 1978 Honda Goldwing sits next to that. I've washed the carbs twice (though apparently not well enough), and still can't get it to idle right. Two options -- Randakk's rebuild kit (which I have), or go to a single carb setup ala Solex carb with homebuilt manifold (cause Cycle Innovations is kaput).
The 1978 CX500 sits in pieces next to that. Haven't even gotten into that to know what it needs.
The 1967 CT90 sits next to that. Dad's old hunting bike. The only bike in the garage that currently runs.
Oh, the fourth CB750 is a 1973 K3 that I found abandoned in a field and which has provided many parts for the Frankenbike.
So, now you know the rest of the story. What's a sandcast engine worth? Intake boots are mangled. Missing the countershaft sprocket cover - otherwise complete. Cases are intact and good looking. Cylinders and head have all good fins. I took the top end off and the cam chain adjuster is chewed. Original diameter bores in serviceable condition. One valve stem is slightly mushroomed. Countershaft sprocket is 18-tooth (versus 17), and teeth are broken off -- but no damage to cases. Carbs are stamped "7A" (vs. 657A), and have brass floats. Two of the carb tops need the little rubber grommets.
I'm left debating whether to do a rebuild myself and keep it as a ready spare, or to call someone like WorldCycles and see what they're willing to give me for it. Given that it's hazardous waste, and all.
