Topic: Need some buying advice...

[McQueen 750]

So I bought a 78 750 a year ago, been tweaking it here and there but finally sent it to Kurt (from Valley Cycles) in LA and he said the engine/tranny might have some serious problems. I'm better off buying a running bike

So I'm looking at this:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/2325817012.html

Just talked to the seller. He got it from a guy about a year ago who rebuilt the entire thing. Apparently has a salvaged title, but it runs and he said I can take it for a test drive tonight. Should I pass? or is it worth it?

[fire113]

...I would not buy this bike for ~1600$ I am sure that You can find better offers and in better / complete condition.

Good luck...Georg

[phil71]

the other thing is that complete running engine assemblies seem pretty plentiful and reasonable.. if your bike is otherwise sound, and clean and was cheap, why not just swap the whole thing out for a mid-mileage runner (they seem to avg $300)

[Hush]

I'm not sure of the USA market right now but that seems quite high $$ for such a poor condition bike.
I would suggest you find a good engine and transplant it into your bike, that shouldn't cost $1600 and you will have a complete motor for spares or trades.

[phil71]

wait.. what does it mean 'might' have some serious problems?

[McQueen 750]

Well, in 4th gear he said he heard some pretty serious rattling. Also, oil was spewing out of the exhaust headers when it was running.

FYI: I've been scouring craigslist here in the LA and surrounding areas and it's pretty hard to find a SOHC750 running under $2000. So that's what the market is like here.

Honestly, I'm at the point where I just want to ride, but also not get my pants pulled down over price.

[jwk1414]

McQueen I spent close to three weeks trying to find a bike in the greater LA area, scouring as far as Bakersfield, SD and the inland empire.  There just aren't a lot out there and when they do pop up, they are snatched up quickly.

Eventually, I had a non-running 75 750F with 18k miles shipped to me from Denver for around $1200.  Bike is actually in great shape rust/condition wise, but is currently in a million pieces going through a complete rebuild.  Having a running bike is great, but if the thing is beat to hell, I wouldn't do it.  There are deals out there to be had if you are patient.

[seanbarney41]

...sounds like LA prices are gonna pull your pants down ...spend a grand on a vacation to the mid-west...ride your new bike back...

[geminimotors]

McQueen, If you keep shopping, don't rule out bikes/motors for sale in the Bay Area. Sometimes the 750's pop up around here at ok prices, plus I'll be driving down that way to pick up a big tool box in the next month or so.

[McQueen 750]

Damn Gemini thats huge. Thanks for the offer, I'll pm you if I find something decent.

[Roach]

why not.....not trust a shop and take the damn thing apart. get a gasket kit, get the motor out strip it down  new gaskets... bet the noise he is hearing is the clutch...these motors arn't rocket sciense. My 5 year old cousin could put one back together with a little help and a great forum like this!!!!

[Artf0rm]

Just to provide some prospective McQueen.  I bought a running 76 cb750 that looked hauntingly like this one or $350 about 6 months ago here in North Carolina.   Bike had about 30K miles on it and the guy claimed a top end rebuild.  I am in the process of turning it into a cafe and cracked the engine open anyway but if i wanted to ride it as a beater it would have taken roughly $200 in non-essential stuff to feel safe and comfortable taking it out. 

You can do way better then this bike if you wait for the right one to come along.  Which is always tough. 

[geminimotors]

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/mcy/2341966665.html