Topic: Newbie with questions

[Bagpype]

bender,
it wasnt white it was a red one in griffin ga. I alson sent you an email back kind of.

[Bagpype]

I found this one on ebay  (link to follow). It is a 79 and a dohc and i know Im in a sohc forum but whats the pros and cons. Does this look like a good bike? Ill be getting a pretty good deal on it..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170570252613&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:MOTORS:1123

[Grnrngr]

Looks clean enough in the pics, but ebay deals aren't always what they seem although several folks here have done that and seem happy with it, and price is ok but nothing to shout about, I'd still shop locally..

[Bagpype]

He's going to take considerably  less than $1000. And it would seem that it's in pretty good shape. My dads side of the family is from Columbus and it's a short hour and a half down there. If it looks like crap, then it's an even shorter hour and a half back.

[Anti-Johnny]

does it have to be a 750? http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/mcy/2087678024.html looks like a really sweet deal.

[Bagpype]

Jonny,
Yes it does! That one somehow slipped through on me. I just emailed him, we will see what he says. I'm not stuck on a 750 no, that 550 would suit me just fine.

[Stev-o]

I'd buy the 550!

[Bagpype]

I looked and it was rough. the guy had someone coming to look at it after me. the fuses kept blowing, he was acting inconvenienced and his 4 year old son was screaming the same line over and over. It was loud, uncomfortable, insane, terrential downpour and I had to be at work. the gas tank was dented, none of the electrical would work, the bike wouldnt start, and there were wires torn and shredded. I know everuyone tells me how easy it would be to fix but id like to work with a more encouraging canvas. I have found some 70's 450's and the like around town here im going to look at. So the ebay bike for 700 doesnt seem like a good deal?

[Nortstudio]

You seem to have patience, and any bike you get in the price range you are looking in will need plenty of "paint" to make it your own.  So hold out for the "canvas" you feel comfortable with.

[Stev-o]

Sounds like that was not the bike for you, that happens. I  looked at 2 550's before I bought the one I have now. The more you "look and touch" the more you will learn.

Keep in mind, that most bikes priced under $1000 are going to be "project bikes". If you are not willing or able to take this on, you may need to raise your budget.

Go look at the 750, you may really like it. It's a Honda, so it's a good bike!

[Anti-Johnny]

It took me several weeks to find mine. Theyre pretty rare around Austin. Cost me about 2k for a solid runner. Its good because I can learn and ride it at the same time. The price I paid for mine seems pretty standard around here for one in that shape, but I am not sure about other areas. Keep looking though, some of the guys on this site find really nice bikes for very cheap. I find myself driving out in the country eyeing barns daydreaming of the treasures they might hold.

[Bagpype]

After seeing all the crap for under 1000 I'm raising my price range. I'm just going to have to wait and save some more money while I continue looking.

[PHeller]

I bought a $1000 reliable bike, rode it for 8 months and realized that a reliable bike is very similar to Toyota Corolla, Ford Escort, or any other tin-can econo-box from the late 90's: boring. I drive an Escort Wagon, I wanted an exciting bike.

Financially I couldn't afford a newer "fun" bike, and even found some decent early 90's sport bikes for well within my budget.

Here's the kicker...new bikes are going down in price, old bikes are going up.

If you spend $1000 a nice Honda CB...chances are...you won't sell it for more than that. Any money that goes into it will be money that you won't get back. While it may seem reliable, its all the "fun parts" that get expensive. I've seen tons of good running, cafe'd, clip-on, get-yer-chuck-taylors-and-ride kind of bikes...but people have already done the work and want good money for them. What's the fun in that?

I bought a $500 basket case that I knew ran, had more money in the exhaust than the whole bike, and had a new set of tires. Most of the expensive stuff was already fixed. It just needs love. Love is free. Love is cleaning the carbs, buying new jets, setting the timing, cleaning up the wiring harness, etc but when its done it won't be a bike that somebody else threw parts at, it'll be my labor of love.

My opinion? If you want to ride a motorcycle, buy a Ninja 250 and ride.

If you want to involved in motorcycle culture, in "cafe racer society", in restoration or stylization of old bikes, then buy the cheapest titled bike you can, and then buy a few more parts bikes.

[Stev-o]

My opinion? If you want to ride a motorcycle, buy a Ninja 250 and ride.

If you want to involved in motorcycle culture, in "cafe racer society", in restoration or stylization of old bikes, then buy the cheapest titled bike you can, and then buy a few more parts bikes.

Even though I agree with you, this may not be the best route for everyone. Not everyone has the time, money, patience, tools, knowledge and most important willingness to take on a project bike. It is obvious Bagpypes was overwhelmed at the prospect of the project bike he went and checked out, it just didn't feel right for him. And that's ok.
For my first CB, I wanted a runner. My latest wouldn't even kick over! And that's ok!! [it does now]

[Bagpype]

I agree with you both but yeah I may need a runner, at least one that turns over and starts. I can deal with bad carbs and timing issues and all other problems but seeing as though I have never laid wrench one on a bike I'd like it to be at least running. I don't want to start my motorcycle hands on experience with an engine rebuild. Lol, talk about an education!

[Bagpype]

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/mcy/2090260390.html

Talk about a project! But it's 100 bucks. Pheller I think this ones got your name all over it..

[Bagpype]

There are three that I'm looking at now. A 1972 cb 450 that is in very decent shape, runs well (he says) but the battery doesn't hold a charge. He has replaced the stator but it still won't hold a charge. He says he will take 875 for it and it is local. I could prob talk him down a bit too.
The next one is a 1976 cb 360 that the guy says will start but won't idle, he had the carbs worked on but thinks they need to be synched. It needs lotso cosmetic work it seems."It'll need some new tires, the front brake needs fluid and bleeding, tank needs a good cleaning, headlight is blown, and there are probably some other little things.The tank isn't its original color and the seat has been recovered."  He is also local and is asking 600.
The 79 cb 750 is still available though it wont start and he's 1.5 hours away. He's asking 700 but it's a 79 and a dohc, I'm looking for something a little more vintage.
Any thoughts?

[Stev-o]

The Honda 360 is not the best bike Honda made, I'd stay clear of that one for sure.

I agree with you on the '79, why don't you go look/ride the 450 and see if it's the bike for you.

[Grnrngr]

My opinion only..the 750 is much more attractive at $700, especially if it's something as easy as a dead battery. I didn't really read the listing the first time thru, looks like he's put some effort into getting it cleaned up since he got it out of the barn, garage or where ever it was.. and "Anniversary Editions" (of anything) always have a little more appeal..granted, it's pretty much in the "looks" rather than performance end, but...could be a very nice deal. It's you're call whether a 1.5 hr drive is worth it for a look see..personally, I'd rather have a 750 than a 450, but 450s are great bikes too (I'm just "power hungry"  "  and twins are (arguably) maybe easier to work on .....the 750 is a little newer, they're both dohc, but I'd agree with choosing something other than a 360...

[my78k]

the 450 sounds like it be a good choice but something he is describing doesn't add up.

There is a big difference between not charging and not holding a charge! If he is chasing stator issues etc I assume he thinks it is not charging. Not holding a charge would just be a battery swap. IF you are able to take it fir a ride I would sneak a multi metre in my jacket and once I am out of sight I would take a reading at the battery and see if it is charging or not.

Either way it's not necessarily a deal breaker but if it IS charging (reading above 12.7v when revving and preferably above 13v) then you know you just need a battery. If it doesn't go over the 12.7 then you know it still has charging probs. At least then you can use it as a bargaining chip when you get to discussing prices if you want to pursue it.

I don't recall your history but is this a first bike? If so the 750 has a bit of weight to it! If you are doing an MSF course then the 450 lends itself better to the slow speed turns etc.

Dennis

[Bagpype]

Dennis,
This is my first bike in 15 years yes. I learned on yz80s and went to on/off road 450s then I bought an 80s Suzuki gs550 sold it the same year. So I guess this will be a re learning bike.