Topic: Another victim of the CB Bubble?

[sick_seven_fifty]

Hi guys!

I'm new to the forums, not so new to the CB scene.  I owned a CB360T several years back and have been hunting a CB750 for quite a while.  I wanted to find one within driving distance that hadn't been severely molested.  I finally found this beaut about 360 miles away on eBay.  As soon as it was listed, there seemed to be immediate bids and interest.  Within a day or so, the bidding was in the mid-1500's with 5 days left in the auction.  The seller had a $2675 Buy It Now option and I opted to seize the opportunity rather than let someone else beat me to it.

Now I'm not so concerned that I paid what I did...I'm happy with my buy and the bike is in very good shape...less than 4500 miles on the odometer...everything appears to be original with the exception of the exhaust and tires.

I've watched a couple of other auctions for bikes in similar condition, with similar outcomes.  It's obvious that there is some inflation on CB 750 bikes, but here is my point:  I don't believe we are experiencing a "bubble."  I think that people are just in the last 10 years beginning to realize how important these bikes were to the development of the modern motorcycle, and that they are just now being seen as classics.  I personally don't believe that the price WILL be coming down on these unmolested survivors.

Any opinions on my bike/deal, or any discussion about this "bubble" is welcome!

Look forward to meeting you guys!

[Bankerdanny]

Assuming that the bike is rideable as-is then I would say you didn't overpay. If it's been sitting for a while and needs a full carb clean and service, then you probably over paid by a few hundred dollars. But overall I think you paid a fair price.

Tuned and running with an original exhaust I would bet you could just about double your money.

[gnarlycharlie4u]

that's actually not too terrible. considering the low mileage you'll have to prob go over it a good bit, these bikes don't like to sit for too long.

but all in all... you should be happy.

what year is it?

[wardenerd]

unless you are planning to resell it what difference does it make?

[Gordon]

unless you are planning to resell it what difference does it make?

Exactly!

I don't understand all this fretting over the value of a bike being considered for purchase.  I'm not talking specifically about you, sick750.  This has been a common theme for a while, especially since the prices the sohc4's have been going for have gone up.  If it's worth it to you, and you're not planning on flipping the bike for a profit, it doesn't matter.  And chances are the amount of money you're going to spend on the bike over the years will dwarf the purchase price, whether it was $200 or $2000. 

[mrbreeze]

Its a nice looking bike. you don't say where you are from/where you bought it. That also makes a difference. In one market you paid too much. In another....too little. Like already mentioned ....if you have to rebuild carbs or sink anymore cash into it to make it roadworthy....you might have paid too much. What really counts is if you're happy with your purchase and you seem to be. Enjoy man!!!!!

[sick_seven_fifty]

The bike runs great.  If anything it may need to micro-tuned...just to tweak performance, but it runs smooth throughout the rpm range.  The only thing I noticed is that the throttle response is poor in the low (3000-4000) rpm range, but I've never ridden a 750, so I don't have anything to compare it to.  The only problems I've noticed mechanically is that it leaks a little fuel when not running if you don't turn the petcock off, and there is also a moderate oil leak from the rear oil line.  I've been looking at the replacement lines from HEL.

It is a 1975 model.  I live in Mississippi and bought it in Arksansas.  And no I don't really plan on selling it.  My only decision now is whether to keep it stock or "caffeinate" it.  If I did the cafe treatment, my modifications would be fully reversable.

At Gordon & wardenerd:
As I said, I'm happy with my purchase and I agree with your comments...I was curious to discuss the current market for these bikes and get some feedback.

[oldk6guy]

oh boy.......you said the "C" word.

[Bob Wessner]

oh boy.......you said the "C" word.

At least he didn't mention the "O" word. 

[sick_seven_fifty]

Didn't realize that this was an anti-cafe forum...

I guess I can see why you guys are sick of it...it's almost a craze now.  I can't help it...I've loved the cafe racers since I was a kid.  What's the "O" word?

[Duke McDukiedook]

It is the noun that dare not be spoken on this forum lest flames and numerous buckets of popcorn be brought forth. 

[Greggo]

Didn't realize that this was an anti-cafe forum...

I guess I can see why you guys are sick of it...it's almost a craze now.  I can't help it...I've loved the cafe racers since I was a kid.  What's the "O" word?

I wouldn't say this is an 'anti cafe forum', but most of us don't like to see really nice survivor bikes such as yours getting chopped and modded.  That bike just looks toooooo nice to cafe.  If you do though, at least save the original parts, or sell them to forum members That seems to appease the villagers.

[mrbreeze]

He said his treatment will be totally reversable and the o word is..........................blood!!!!

[Stev-o]

What rarely get discussed is inflation. In 1970, this bike was about $1500 new, which is about $8K in today's dollar. So you bought a used bike with 4500 miles for $2600, sounds good to me.
There will always be great deals out there, but not always available to everyone everywhere.
Looks like you got a great bike, enjoy it!

[xsmooth69x]

cafe cafe cafe whahahahaha

everything will be reversible so its all good guys, kinda like my bike except for the paint 

[Gordon]

Didn't realize that this was an anti-cafe forum...

I guess I can see why you guys are sick of it...it's almost a craze now.  I can't help it...I've loved the cafe racers since I was a kid.  What's the "O" word?

Nothing wrong with "cafe" bikes, but to some of us the whole idea is really tired.  It's all a matter of opinion, though, and I don't care at all what somebody else wants to do to/with their own bike.  It's just that sometimes hearing about it over and over again gets kind of old. 

I'm sure if there were internet forums back in the 70's we'd all be sick of reading about how somebody is going to turn their 750 into a "chopper", by bolting on a hideous butt-bucket with a padded sissy bar and some extra long forks and ape-hangers.

[tango911]

as long as you can ride the fun out of it you will get your moneys worth.

[Gordon]

as long as you can ride the fun out of it you will get your moneys worth.

You misspelled "#$%*"...

[davesee]

the problem with all this bubble hype is that i cannot afford one. some guys here snap them up for next to nothin' (jealous), some have lots to spend on one (jealous), and some have more than one (jealous).

i hate this forum!!!!

just kidding...your bike looks great, ride the hell out of it.

(guess i'll have to change my signature soon adjusting for inflation).

[cb550inct]

You did not pay too much, In the northeast that bike with a stock exhaust is going for 3 to 5 k, Not bad considering what you could get out of them. 77 and 78  750 supersports which are slightly less desireable are starting to climb as well.

Do what ever makes you happy with the bike, If you think your going to sell it in a couple of years save the original parts. How is it running, did you register it yet.

[madmtnmotors]

As clean as it is you have a well kept piece of history with extremely low miles. If it runs well I would say you paid a fair price. There are less expensive examples out there but they are typically suffering from neglect and/or higher mileage. Ride safe and enjoy.

[osirisdean]

Didn't realize that this was an anti-cafe forum...

I guess I can see why you guys are sick of it...it's almost a craze now.  I can't help it...I've loved the cafe racers since I was a kid.  What's the "O" word?

Nothing wrong with "cafe" bikes, but to some of us the whole idea is really tired.  It's all a matter of opinion, though, and I don't care at all what somebody else wants to do to/with their own bike.  It's just that sometimes hearing about it over and over again gets kind of old. 

I'm sure if there were internet forums back in the 70's we'd all be sick of reading about how somebody is going to turn their 750 into a "chopper", by bolting on a hideous butt-bucket with a padded sissy bar and some extra long forks and ape-hangers.

thats interesting to hear. im relatively new to both the pedigree/history of SOHC4s and to the forum (been lurking for about a year i guess), so the whole world of cafe racers is relatively novel to me. where i live (middle georgia) it's practically unheard of -- i think ive seen a single 550 on the road in my 7 years here. what's unique here is common elsewhere, i suppose.

i am in the process of (and soon to be finished with) cafe-ing the snot out of my 750, but as you said, it's my bike, it was a learning project, and i dont plan on reselling it. (...and it looks BAD ASS. i may be a tad bit biased, though.)

[CafeDawg]

Godwin's Law (modified) in action again,guess it was inevitable in a discussion about the "bubble".
You got a good bike at a good price, not a great one at a great price, oh well....buyers remorse or apples to oranges, let's just ride.
CD

[Bankerdanny]

Godwin's Law (modified) in action again,guess it was inevitable in a discussion about the "bubble".
You got a good bike at a good price, not a great one at a great price, oh well....buyers remorse or apples to oranges, let's just ride.
CD

You know how it goes, can't mention cafe without brining out the anti-cafe nazi's.

[sick_seven_fifty]

The worst thing about this whole ordeal is that two days after buying the bike I contracted the shingles.  I've been stuck in the house all week and not able to ride. I have, however, taken all of my free time to scour the web for my next purchases.  I just ordered matching helmets today for me and my wife.  It's a new helmet by an upcoming company called Torc.  It's similar to the Bell 500 or Rockhard-type 3/4 helmets...DOT and looks great.  As for fitment, I'm holding my breath. Here's a link:

http://torchelmets.com/helmets/route-66-t-50

I ordered the sparkle black version...I'll let you guys know what I think of em.

I still haven't decided what to do with the bike...for now, I'm just gonna ride it.