Author Topic: 1978 750F for $3k?  (Read 1897 times)

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Offline gsgleason

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1978 750F for $3k?
« on: August 25, 2008, 07:19:09 PM »
Seems a little steep to me, but supposedly this bike is in immaculate shape.  The owner does not drive it, and it has 18k miles.  It hasn't been running for over a year, and the battery is shot.

I offered to bring some gas over if he'd be so kind as to drain the tank and float bowls, and can jump it off my car to see if it will run.

Even if it does run, do you think it would be safe to test drive?  What should I we weary of?  What do you guys think?


Offline jtb

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Re: 1978 750F for $3k?
« Reply #1 on: August 25, 2008, 07:28:44 PM »
From what I can see, it looks pretty good.  The stator cover is not original, either the bike got laid down, or the stator was bad and he replaced the whole cover.

I don't believe I would pay $3,000.00 for it.  Maybe 2200-2400.  I'd check the compression, that model from 77 & 78 is known for the exhaust valve guides wearing out.  If you can run it, that's great, too.  Do a search on here for jumping the battery from a car battery for precautions.  A lot of guys have had batteries explode or wiring problems from doing that.

John
1977 CB750F
1985 V65 Sabre
1986 VFR 750 (gone but missed greatly)

Offline jtb

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Re: 1978 750F for $3k?
« Reply #2 on: August 25, 2008, 07:32:01 PM »
The more I think about it, I think I'd shoot for about 1800 or 1900.
1977 CB750F
1985 V65 Sabre
1986 VFR 750 (gone but missed greatly)

Offline Six

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Re: 1978 750F for $3k?
« Reply #3 on: August 25, 2008, 08:40:06 PM »
Maybe $1500 if compression checks out (leakdown test would be even better), and if it runs/idles through the warm-up period, the brakes are not seized, the forks are not leaking, all the electricals check out, and the chain still has some life on it. 

The valve angles in this model tend to wear out the guides, leading to early smoking. (I had to rebuild the top end of one motor with 24K)  I hear the valve keepers of the F2/F3 models are a poor design and when combined with the lean carburation, can lead to dropping a valve if you happen to miss a gearshift at redline.  (search other posts on this topic)

The F2/F3 model carbs are a pain to rebuild and prone to clogging in hard-to reach places.  I know - I cleaned one set 3 times before I took it to an experienced mechanic who finally got them running right.  The accelerator pumps are prone to sticking, and like I said - they are jetted lean for low emissions, so these bikes are cold-blooded. (long idle on choke before they run right)

The alternator cover shown on the photo is not original, you can tell 'cause it's not black like the rest of the motor.  That tells me this bike was dropped hard at least once, and repaired without much regard for originality.

It has a nice paint job. - that's worth something, the seat does not look ripped, that's good too.  No matter how much you pay for a bike like this, unless you are a good mechanic, I'd still plan on spending at least another $1K to get it to a reliably safe running condition.

It's a nice start if you want to have something restored to almost original shape, but you'll spend another $2k and still only end up with a bike worth $2.5K in the end.  If you buy it (at any price) do it 'cause you love the bikes, not 'cause its cheap.  I got two of these almost free (a '78K and a '78 F, and have spent enough on them to buy a brand new modern bike.   I could have been riding trouble-free for years, and probably have more beer money. 

Have fun!

Six - Minneapolis.

Offline XN

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Re: 1978 750F for $3k?
« Reply #4 on: August 25, 2008, 09:01:30 PM »
Does the 78 K model have the same valve guide issues?
78 Honda CB750K
02 Yamaha V-star 650
02 Honda VTX 1800

Offline Hush

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Re: 1978 750F for $3k?
« Reply #5 on: August 25, 2008, 09:10:24 PM »
Not sure on the exchange rate but a bike in that condition would go for $3000 and up in NZ, I've seen worse that sellers have wanted truckloads for.
Comes down to what you want and what you are going to do with it.
I saw a CB750 for sale for $500 on a Canadian site the other week so maybe shop around some, at least beat him down on the price.
Just think if you were selling the bike, you would set a price you can come down on so his $3000 is only an opening suggestion.
Also if it wont start or sounds dodgy you can knock him back even more, it's all negotiation in the end.
I think the thing I most like about motorcycling is the speed at which my brain must process information at to avoid the numb skulls who are eating pies, playing the ukulele, applying make-up etc in the comfort of their airconditioned armchairs as they make random attempts to kill me!!!!!!!

Offline javahut

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Re: 1978 750F for $3k?
« Reply #6 on: August 25, 2008, 09:11:53 PM »
I was fortunate to pay $800 for one in similar condition, except the battery was good, and the bike ran, but carbs needed work.  just for comparison.

Dirk_M

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Re: 1978 750F for $3k?
« Reply #7 on: August 26, 2008, 03:57:21 AM »
Heya GSG -

Kelly Blue Book helped me set a price for my recent '78 CB750F purchase:
http://www.kbb.com/kbb/OtherVehicles/PricingReport.aspx?VehicleId=69132&VehicleClass=Motorcycle&PriceType=Retail&ManufacturerId=18&YearId=1978

But when all is said and done Mr. Kelly doesn't actually have any CBs for sale  ;) and the $$ number is between you and the seller.  What's it worth to you?


Offline rbmgf7

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Re: 1978 750F for $3k?
« Reply #8 on: August 26, 2008, 05:16:12 AM »
yeah, check compression. anywhere near or under 120 all across, maybe $1000. the cosmetics are great. if you want to be road worthy, just look for a donor engine from another CB and swap 'em.

Offline Steve F

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Re: 1978 750F for $3k?
« Reply #9 on: August 26, 2008, 06:34:23 AM »
The more I think about it, I think I'd shoot for about 1800 or 1900.
+1

Offline PJ

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Re: 1978 750F for $3k?
« Reply #10 on: August 26, 2008, 07:18:29 AM »
Just for comparison. At 3k it would have to be a very nice looking runner imo. If he's wanting that much he probably will not deal down to what is reasonable but you can try.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Motorcycles___1977-Honda-CB750f-Super-Sport-LOW-miles_W0QQitemZ230284598642QQddnZMotorcyclesQQddiZ2283QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item230284598642&_trkparms=72%3A727%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245#ebayphotohosting

Offline cb650 bobber

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Re: 1978 750F for $3k?
« Reply #11 on: August 26, 2008, 07:21:39 AM »
if you jump it with a car dont turn it on just turn it to the key on not engine...dont ask me how I know.....ok ask it blew the main fuse....I have done it numerous time since the other way with no problems.
"I make a point of staying right at the edge of poverty. I don't have a pair of pants without a hole in them, and the only pair of boots I have are on my feet. I don't mess around with unnecessary stuff, so I don't need much money. Von Dutch

Offline gsgleason

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Re: 1978 750F for $3k?
« Reply #12 on: August 26, 2008, 07:36:21 AM »
yeah, check compression. anywhere near or under 120 all across, maybe $1000. the cosmetics are great. if you want to be road worthy, just look for a donor engine from another CB and swap 'em.

Okay, I've been reading about compression testing.  I can pick up a gauge at local auto parts store for $25 (single, so I'd have to move it) - I read somewhere that there are special ones just for bikes and that one for a car will give false readings?  I find that hard to believe - psi is a psi, I think.

Also, I read that with a CV carb, one should test compression with throttle wide open? 

eldar

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Re: 1978 750F for $3k?
« Reply #13 on: August 26, 2008, 07:41:31 AM »
Amazing how you all want old bikes but do not want to pay for them. The CBs are all going up in price. A beater a few years ago was under 500, now that same bike is almost a grand.  the cb is reaching Icon status and you are going to have to be prepared to pony up for one.

That said, I DO think the 3000 price is high but more than likely it is to give some bargaining room.

Also the 78K does NOT have the valve issues the F has.

These are also NOT cv carbs. Unless he has put on different carbs.

Offline gsgleason

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Re: 1978 750F for $3k?
« Reply #14 on: August 26, 2008, 07:48:34 AM »
can someone point me to a compression testing guide for these bikes?  I believe I need any old compression gauge with 12mm (I read online that the d8ea spark plug is 12mm) adapter.

Offline rbmgf7

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Re: 1978 750F for $3k?
« Reply #15 on: August 26, 2008, 08:04:43 AM »
yeah, check compression. anywhere near or under 120 all across, maybe $1000. the cosmetics are great. if you want to be road worthy, just look for a donor engine from another CB and swap 'em.

Okay, I've been reading about compression testing.  I can pick up a gauge at local auto parts store for $25 (single, so I'd have to move it) - I read somewhere that there are special ones just for bikes and that one for a car will give false readings?  I find that hard to believe - psi is a psi, I think.

Also, I read that with a CV carb, one should test compression with throttle wide open? 

make sure it comes with a couple adapters so you can screw in the correct fitting.

the carbs on the 78 are not CV, just slides (don't know the P.C. term). make sure you open the throttle all the way when you go to crank/kick.

how old is the guy selling it? seem like an older geezer that would take care of it and not ride the piss outta it? if so, you may be lucky and squeez out anoter 10K out of the engine. my PO did a lot of highway cruising on my 78F before the guides gave up around 31K. if this bike was abused, it may not last to much longer before the guides need replaced. i've heard some of these bikes not even make it past 6K but they owner must've been riding the crap out of it.

Offline medic09

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Re: 1978 750F for $3k?
« Reply #16 on: August 26, 2008, 09:47:25 AM »
Does the 78 K model have the same valve guide issues?

IIRC, the K models don't have the same problem and some folks have done transplant surgery between the models to deal with it definitively.
Mordechai

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'76 Triumph T160 Trident (rebuilding)
'07 aprilia Caponord

Santa Fe, NM

Offline gsgleason

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Re: 1978 750F for $3k?
« Reply #17 on: August 26, 2008, 11:53:27 AM »
I just bought a compression testing kit from local parts store.  I'll test all the used bikes I look at now and post back the results.