Topic: shopping for cb750 - should I get an F or K ?

[gsgleason]

I've been in the market for a 70s CB750 for a while now, browsing craigslist, local classifieds, etc, and even visiting a few people and looking at/testing their bikes.

Currently I'm looking at buying a 75 CB750F super sport once the fellow gets the title situation worked out.  It drives, shifts, and goes quite nicely.  It has an ugly vetter windjammer that I'd want to remove right off the start, and it will be necessary to procure some original parts when I do that, IF I do that..

That leads me to my question.  I've been scrubbing the web for parts for a while now, and it seems that the parts availability for the K models is MUCH better than that of the F models.  In particular, oldbikebarn, z1enterprises, and ebay all have WAY more K parts than F parts out there. 

Should I maybe focus on getting a K instead?  Working in the service industry, I know that parts availability and serviceability is a pretty important factor in getting a new old bike.

Please advise.  And if you have any commends about F vs K, that would be helpful as well.  I did read one article about such things here, but any real-world notes would be appreciated.

[KingCustomCycles.com]

Parts are available and affordable for both.  I pull the engines out of F's for my bobbers and sell the rest. My daily rider is an 81 (DOHC) Super Sport CB750F.  Seriously, parts availability is not a huge issue on something as reliable and long lasting as these  Honda's IMHO

[gsgleason]

Parts are available and affordable for both.  I pull the engines out of F's for my bobbers and sell the rest. My daily rider is an 81 (DOHC) Super Sport CB750F.  Seriously, parts availability is not a huge issue on something as reliable and long lasting as these  Honda's IMHO

That's good to hear.  Thanks for the advice.

[burmashave]

Although parts are available for both, I'd say that parts for the K's are more available. I chatted with a guy last week who is restoring an F and is frustrated by finding parts that are exclusively F.

[jtb]

You have to be more patient in finding F parts.  They are two different animals, the F0&F1 are mostly the same, and the F2&F3 (77&78) are mostly the same.  Since each was only made for two years, there are fewer around, hence parts are harder to come by.  That said, I wouldn't trade my 77 F for anything.

(Well, for MOST anything)

[markjenn]

If you're buying a bike that is in reasonably good shape (basically only needing consumables), then I don't think it matters.  But if you're buying one that needs lots of work, the K will be easier to find parts for.

Regardless, get the one you like.  The F is a little faster, has more modern systems (e.g., disc rear brake), and handles a bit better.  The F2 is faster yet, but has a reputation as having a fragile motor if pushed.  The early K's are the most classic-looking and are likely to appreciate more because they look more like the iconic K0 which is the one most coveted by collectors.  The later K's just look totally ugly to my eyes, but that's just me.

- Mark

[shoemanII]

i negotiated with the PO and bought my "F" in the dark, didn't find out it had a "K" engine/carbs until later.  not a bad thing i hear; the only niggle i have about my "F" is the weenie rear tire.  really miss the look of my previous K's 130 coupled w/shorty shocks.  
bobp      

[SD750F]

Remember, the 1977 and 1978 F2 & F3  respectively have a thinner top piston ring that are almost impossible to get. So consider that if you need to pull part your engine for an overhaul you should consider a new overbore kit or to have the top ring grooved for the standard K series rings...

Scott

[andy750]

Buy a 1972 CB750K - best around  ...who wouldnt the looks of the classic CB750?! 

cheers
Andy