Topic: Came across 1974 cb 750 that is near mint, sitting 30 yrs

[Trevdawg]

Hello everyone!!
So I am new to this sight and there is tons of information.  I have come across a 74 cb 750 with 6,000 miles.  The fork boots, grips, seat arent torn or worn. The parts are all there. The only problem is that it has been sitting for about 30 years. I have found info about the tank because it does look like varnish inside. So I will clear that out and the carbs and oil change.
I have seen mixed reviews on here though. Some do a few things and it is up and running. While others have to do a complete overhaul. I am hoping for the best that alll I need to do is this stuff and it will go.

I haven't had enough time to look over everything on this sight but when I check out the bike later today. Is there anything I should look for that might be a deal breaker, I guess?

It is a 1974, dark green color, and picking it up for 1,000.  He said that once it is running it would be worth Atleast double.  Any of you think this is true?

[70CB750]

If the mileage is true, you should be fine. Get it and post a picture. Depends on the area, you could even haggle the price down since it is not running and there are things that will need replacement like carb rubber boots and such.

The varnish in tank gave me quite a trouble too.

[lone*X]

Yea, the varnish in the tank means it was left with gas in it that has evaporated.  Most likely carbs were also full and will now be gunged up pretty good along with the petcock and fuel lines.  Not hard to clean and rebuild.  Not a deal stopper and if the bike looks good 1k is still a good price.  Have you tried to kick it over?  If it isn't frozen it shouldn't be necessary to tear it apart.  Even some lightly frozen engines can get by without a full rebuild.

[750K]

Hopefully the motor is free and not seized, post pics of it even if you don't get it. Cause you know the deal, pics or it didn't happen haha.

[bollingball]

Check to see if the engine will turn over with the kicker. If every thing you say is true it is worth it. I ALLWAYS take $100.00 bills put 8 in one pocket count it out in front of him See if he will bite if not and you think it is worth it pull the other two out of the other pocket and go for it. Most people are not firm on there first price you never know.Still expect to put $500. to a grand in it. Parts add up fast. If you have to pay labor walk away and buy a newer bike.

Ken

[ekpent]

The main thing is the engine turning over  and having a title.If the throttle handle still turns that will at least say the slides and needle aren't 'glued' in with varnish,though they will still need work. Sounds like maybe it has original exhaust ?? if so get down and look them over real well for rust through,pipes are pricey but still available. Pop the seat and see if its mousy or any other signs of the little chewing varmints.  If you had a bud with a battery that would be cool,I always take one with me on buying trips to at least check out the electrical.
   Good luck and take your camera for us   

[ChuckG750f1]

+10 on the TITLE.  You have to see it and read it and confirm the VIN#.  If the bike is titled, clean and the motor turns, it's worth it but it's going to be a project.  Good Luck.  PICS!

[Johnie]

Welcome to the forum man. Sounds like an excellent find and you have some real good information to go on from the guys. Be sure to check the title like Chuck said. Some were titled by the number on the engine (WI). That number is on the left side flat area under the carbs. Some of these older bikes were titled by the VIN on the frame. That number is located in front of the gas tank on the steering head frame. You said 74 green...here is a pic a 73 green. Yours would be a lot like this one. Click pic to enlarge it. It may help you see if most of the parts are there. Don't be afraid to take a screwdriver and pry the hold down strap on the float bowl off. Then you can see the carb jets and get a good idea how dirty they are. Showing the guy might get you a hundred off the price. But I do admit that $1,000 is a good deal on what you tell us.

[Trevdawg]

Thanks everyone
It's my girlfriends uncle. I have known him for years. He has a second kid now and selling almost all his bikes. My friends have bought 2 - 197x 350 cb's off him already but the gas tanks were in better shape, and an old Harley sprint off of him. He is  into old bikes, he had a BSA. And is currently working on a Norton. The price is gunna be a grand. He does have the title too.

Once I get there tonight I will take Photos and post them.

Yes it still has the original exhaust. Good point to check for rust on these. 

My Main thought is if I want to do a lot of changes to it. But I'm just getting ahead of myself. 

[Johnie]

Does he have any more CB350's to sell?

[MCRider]

20 years ago, you could hang your hat on the low mileage. But that doesn't matter (so much) anymore, as the age thing does.

All the rubber and vinyl bits have outgassed the chems that make them soft. They may look fine but just as soon as you start to flex them they will break up. Well, in time any way. The tires, tubes and rim strips are shot regardless of the mileage (age 6+ years), the insides of the cables get microscopic corrosion from temperature cycles even in heated garages, there is still condensation. I could go on. Everything won't have to be replaced at once of course. The point being don't get too awe struck, if its going to be a rider, its going to take some money. And effort.

Shoot for $500, pay $800. If it were a runner with tires and reliable starting, it would be worth more. With a question mark on the engine, be careful. AS long as you have the proper expectations, you will be fine.

PS: Just saw the post on the GF uncle. Whats a few $ between friends? Get it running w/ tires first. Yes it could be worth $2k+ at that point. Soak all the rubber and vinyl (seat especially, before you sit on it) in a product that rejuvenates such things.

[ekpent]

As MC states sometimes bikes sitting unused for that period of time can be a little bit of a gamble. For instance the worse thing you can do to an antique clock is to just let it sit and not keep it working and running. Gasoline machines are very similar with all their working parts,best to keep it all moving.
   I am a gambler though and if it is as nice as you say should be worth the risk. Heck its only money,they'll keep printing more 

[Trevdawg]

Yes I am willing to take the gamble.  Someone is buying this just to learn how to ride and get their license. I will be working on it and once they are done I might take it. My mom wants to get her M class license on this then get a Harley.
So I was thinking about making this into a cafe racer, if you will.

I currently ride a buell firebolt 1200 so if this bike isn't that bad I will sell my Buell.

What would be the "best" solvent to get from home depot or wal-mart to get this tank cleaned? Or it doesn't matter the chemical. They all take time?

[Bankerdanny]

Last year I bought a '77 with similar mileage that had been sitting since '84.

I cleaned out the tank (I used the Works toilet cleaner from Home Depot, but be very careful to protect your paint when you are rinsing the tank) and replaced the very plugged up fuel tap, cleaned the carbs and installed new carb o-rings and gaskets, replaced all the fuel lines, replaced the spark plugs, changed the oil and installed a new battery. Total cost less than $200. At that point I started it and once I knew the engine was good I replaced the original 1977 tires and tubes.

I didn't replace the chain, brake hoses pads and shoes, plug wires or the points and coils, which were all original to the bike. I didn't even mess with the valves.

I rode it 1400 miles around Lake Michigan in the 2011 Relay Rally and about 4k miles total between June and August with only one problem, the wire from the 1-4 condenser to the 1-4 points worked loose, and that was my fault.

[Bankerdanny]

If it has the original 4-4 exhaust and that is in good shape the exhaust is worth $1k all by itself.

Cleaned up and running right with an original exhaust the bike should be worth more like $4k-$5k, not $2k.

[ChuckG750f1]

If the bike is fairly clean and stock, you may not want to hack it.  Cafe may be cool but stock is the holy grail and not a fad.

[ekpent]

I have cleaned out that varnish before,takes awhile and maybe a couple of applications with a product sold at Menards called Greased Lightning,a powerful cleaner and degreaser, and a handful of good steel nuts and a few bolts for scrapers.More powerful stuff out there also though. Pull and make a cover for the petcock and get an expandable rubber plumber plug for the top of the tank so you have no leaks and shake and sit,shake and sit.When the varnish is gone then you can see what you have for rust which is a different technique  but you will have the plugs already for the tank.Varnish has to be removed first before rust can be addressed anyways. If the paint is nice put a good coat of Turtle wax on it first and just leave it without buffing to help protect and flush the outside with water to keep the bad stuff off.Only original once so take your time and be careful.
   If it is super nice and you make a cafe out of it we will hunt you down and make a sacrifice to the Honda Gods with you       

[Trevdawg]

Original it is then, because it is better to do the cafe on a bike missing parts, etc.  I will post pics later

[Johnie]

Ekpent said it good... ...these originals are getting few and far between. If it was not for this board there would be a lot fewer. Nothing against the cafe...they have their market and kick too. But find a junker to cafe and keep the stocker in this condition stock. You will be glad you did when all those people stop you to tell you about the one they had years ago. And you will get great comments.

[MCRider]

Original it is then, because it is better to do the cafe on a bike missing parts, etc.  I will post pics later

Thanks! Johnie et al, said it well.  I think someone has the right to do whatever with whatever they own. But personally, I'm glad you came to that decision. Plenty of scumbag partial bikes out there to make a custom out of.

[Tews19]

Congrats, welcome ! Pics or it didn't happen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Also, I am interested in buying the pipes if you are willing to sell... I am near Milwaukee.... Not to far from you

[ekpent]

Johny posted a pic of his Bacchus Green 73 so I have to also. Might be a nice Boss Maroon 74 back there also.If yours is a 74 though it should be this color of green,Freedom Green Metallic I think. Pic was taken with member Seanbarney on a very cold 32 degree day this spring or winter on a meet,which we were the only ones on a bike !!!!   Everybody likes pics 

[Tews19]

Johny posted a pic of his Bacchus Green 73 so I have to also. Might be a nice Boss Maroon 74 back there also.If yours is a 74 though it should be this color of green,Freedom Green Metallic I think. Pic was taken with member Seanbarney on a very cold 32 degree day this spring or winter on a meet,which we were the only ones on a bike !!!!   Everybody likes pics 

Sigh. I forgot how many bikes you have Eric. Sweet looking they are. I think you should be honorary CB addict counselor. Show the newbie what this addiction brings along. We need a pic of all of them lined up! I know you have maybe one pic like that!

[Stev-o]

Welcome.  I disagree with Johnie, there is no way that bike will look as good as his!

$1000 is a good deal, buy it.  Especially if you know the guy. Plank on spending at least $500 on tires, tubes, a battery, oil and other asst goodies. Consider it a good investment, prices are going up on these bikes, and originals are worth the most.

Another thing to note is the tag on the frame will tell you month/year built ('73?) and the title will list it the first year it was titled ('74?). This was very common back then.

[chewbacca5000]

Johny posted a pic of his Bacchus Green 73 so I have to also. Might be a nice Boss Maroon 74 back there also.If yours is a 74 though it should be this color of green,Freedom Green Metallic I think. Pic was taken with member Seanbarney on a very cold 32 degree day this spring or winter on a meet,which we were the only ones on a bike !!!!   Everybody likes pics 

CB addict counselor or dealer?  Psst! You yeah you got a 750 right here. 

Sigh. I forgot how many bikes you have Eric. Sweet looking they are. I think you should be honorary CB addict counselor. Show the newbie what this addiction brings along. We need a pic of all of them lined up! I know you have maybe one pic like that!