Topic: 72 CB750 - $1800. Would you buy it?

[fmctm1sw]

I looked at one here today.  Looked ok.  No big dents in the tank or anything.  Pipes were original and weren't rusted out.  I saw oil on the pipe near the back (typical old Honda leak).  Appeared to be original paint.  Tires looked ok and the chrome was good.  34000 miles.  Opinions or things to look out for?  Had an owner relocated ignition switch on the instrument panel and a cigarette lighter 

[WFO]

Does she smoke on start up?

compression test?

has the cam chain ever been replaced?

check the tank for crud and rust.

how many owners?

chain and sprockets need replacing?

shake the rear tire from side to side to check the rear bearings also the fronts.


you don't want to inherit a bike that is due for major service.

[GammaFlat]

Look at the pipes closely.  One of them commonly gets it's moisture drain hole plugged by "chain fling" and subsequently rusts out from the inside.  The reason I mention exhaust is it is probably the most expensive part to get replaced and can cost around $1,000 (unless you go aftermarket).  I just got lucky enough to get a set of HM341's for $700. 

Even if the engine is bad (probably not), you can get one for between $100 and $200.  If it needs paint, sidecovers and tank work, you're still under the cost of a set of pipes.   

If I was spending $1800, I'd want to be pretty sure the pipes were gonna give me at least a few years. 

Having said all that, '72 is probably among the most desirable years (from my perspective)... especially if it is an early '72.  If it was well maintained, 34K is not a real lot of miles but there are lower mileage bikes out there that might not be as cosmetically good as what you're talking about for less money. 

If it has bitten you, try to get it for less money.  If it has bitten you hard, just fork over the cash   If you don't mind working on a bike, you might consider getting one in rougher condition and "rebuilding" it.  I'm not sure about other folks here (I could make my guesses) but much of my enjoyment comes from working on these ole gals. 

[rhos1355]

You yanks are soooo picky! A '72 cb750 my-old-man-used-to-ride-her-but-she's-lain-in-the-garden-shed-for-20years type of bike here in the uk would go for anything up to £2500 ($5000 approx)

[KeithB]

I paid $1800 for a decent '72 here in Canada and think it was fairly priced.
Needed some work but was in very good shape.

[speedy gonzalais]

for 1800 i wouldnt really wanna have to spend much more on it then as wfo said you wanna make sure the engine is in good shape cause they can cost a fortune to put right and how many previous owners, has it been passed around alot maybe cause its a troublesom bike? and the milage is low for the age but has a po abused it ?

[fmctm1sw]

Thanks for the help so far.  I think they said 2 owners.  And they supposedly have receipts for maintenance done on it.  A dealer took it on trade so I'm sure (hope...) they did their due diligence.  I'll look closer at some of that stuff mentioned...

[callbr549]

I paid $1900 for a 1972 that seems to run well (I've had it a month or so, put a few hundred miles on it).  I didn't start out looking just for CB750s, but just a cheap reliable bike, preferably a standard type (not a cruiser or sport bike). After looking at quite a few bikes over about a month, decided that the $1900 for this CB750 was an OK price. Maybe I paid too much, but I didn't see anything as good for a lower price. Now that I'm on the SOHC bandwagon, I'm glad to be here. I'm amazed at the support thats available on this forum.

Rob

[ev0lution7]

i paid $400 for my 77 Cb750k that had sat since at least 92 (that is when the registration expired) but i'm sorta doing a restore and upgrade so i just was looking for a junker and scored a nice bike!