Topic: Need Help: Looking at purchasing a 1974 CB750 w/ 3100 original miles

[VTSlim]

This weekend I'll have the opportunity to purchase a 1974 CB750 from one of my best friend's inlaws. The bike was purchased new by the one and only owner back in 1975. Obviously, with only 3100 miles on the clock, it's been sitting idle for much of it's life. The bike has a 2007 Virginia state inspection sticker on it, but I'm told it has been ran a few times since then.

The bike is all original except for the Kerker 4-1 (grrrrr!) and paint has been described to me as being "beyond very good". If these pictures show up, you'll see that it's just dusty and a bit rough around the edges from sitting in a barn for most of it's life.

It's a no-brainer, right? Well, not exactly. Here's where I'd like to enlist the help of some of you guys who have been wrenching on these things for years. I'm told that it has a blown exhaust gasket, and carburetor problems, both on cylinder #1. Secondhand, I was told that the float pin in carb #1 was broken, so a new one was riveted on, which caused the exhaust gasket to blow. Sounds a bit fishy to me. From the pictures, you can see the discoloration around the exhaust port. To me, this doesn't look like exhaust soot, it looks oily/gassy.

At a minumum, I plan on performing a compression check, analysing the "substance" around the exhaust port, and inspecting the different spark plugs for comparison. I'll also have to ask a few more questions regarding how exactly a carb float pin caused the exhaust gasket to blow. 

The other primary known problem is that the brake master cylinder is leaking. Oh, and the sissy bar has a broken bracket (dealbreaker!).

Since I'm sure that the asking price will be amongst the first questions, I'll go ahead and throw it out there that they're hoping to get $2000, which is down from the $4000 that they originally wanted a couple of months ago. I'm not inclined to pay more that $1500 for the bike, even if the exhaust gasket/carb problem turns out to not be a major problem.

I'd really appreciate any feedback regarding the potential problems with cylinder #1, and the asking price. I'll be sure to follow up with an update after I take a look at it on Saturday.

Thanks!

[VTSlim]

Admins: I apologize for the multiple posts, please delete the previous two. I was getting an error message indicating that I wasn't answering the security question correctly.

Lemme try posting the pics again:

[70CB750]

I bite:)

- Exhaust gasket is just a copper ring, easy to replace.
- Ditto for carburators, you can find a replacement here or ebay
- master cylinder will need to be rebuild anyway

As far as price - $1000 or so is about right for Virginia

[ekpent]

Wish we had a picture,maybe you need a few more posts. It may very well have an exhaust leak,the gasket is just a round copper or other metal ring that sits behind the spigot if stll there or seals up to the pipe. Be strange to rivit a broket float pin post,they have been JB welded before for a cheap fix. Easy to drop a bowl and check.If that cylinder was not working correctly unburnt material could seep past a bad gasket,oil though would be a warning sign.

[VTSlim]

Sorry for all the newbie problems guys, I can't seem to upload pics for some reason. I tried to link to the pics on flickr but it's not allowing me to post external links. The pics are under the flickr account "cafeslim", and they're the only two pics on my photostream.

[VTSlim]

I bite:)

- Exhaust gasket is just a copper ring, easy to replace.
- Ditto for carburators, you can find a replacement here or ebay
- master cylinder will need to be rebuild anyway

As far as price - $1000 or so is about right for Virginia

Thanks for the feedback. I agree with you about the price. I purchased a running '77 CB750 a couple of years ago for $1000. I want to be respectful to the sellers, because the owner is currently in poor physical health and the bike is being sold by his son. If this was a random seller, I'd probably be temped to low-ball them, chuckle and walk away. I don't want to make my friend look bad, so I have to be respectful here.

I guess my concern with the exhaust gasket issue is that the problem might be more than a crush washer. If I could get the pictures to work, you can see that there's clearly a yellowish film on the cylinder fins. I know that gasoline can do that if it sits there for a while, which would make sense if the carb is behaving badly and blowing exhaust gaskets out. Oil, however would be a problem. Without having seen the bike in person, I'm only able to speculate right now, but I want to try to figure out all the possible scenarios before I lay out the $ for the bike.

[VTSlim]

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59319832@N06/8430101510/" title="CB750 Front by cafeslim, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8430101510_7bdc5a16d4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="CB750 Front">[/url]

[ekpent]

Something that I see in the pic that is a little fishy is the gas tank graphics or my coffee has not kicked in yet..Compare the stripes etc to other 74's. Was it ever repainted

[VTSlim]

I agree, I thought the same thing. It was sworn to me that the bike was a '74, but it does appear to have the '75 graphics on it. Without seeing the label on the frame, I can't confirm anything. I definitely prefer the look of the '74 graphic as opposed to the '75 and newer.

Something that I see in the pic that is a little fishy is the gas tank graphics or my coffee has not kicked in yet..Compare the stripes etc to other 74's. Was it ever repainted

[Smoke Detector]

I do like that Boss Maroon paint. Two things would factor into it for me: prices in your area, and how much you trust the seller's story. Where I live, that bike for that price simply doesn't come up - but may be more common where you are. You also have a chance to get the history of the bike straight from beginning which is not always the case, although you'll have to judge how accurate that history is. Just my $.02. Good luck.
 

[VTSlim]

I do like that Boss Maroon paint. Two things would factor into it for me: prices in your area, and how much you trust the seller's story. Where I live, that bike for that price simply doesn't come up - but may be more common where you are. You also have a chance to get the history of the bike straight from beginning which is not always the case, although you'll have to judge how accurate that history is. Just my $.02. Good luck.
 

I live in Norfolk VA, and the bike is in the suburban Richmond VA area. We really don't see too many of these bikes pop up in my area either, regardless of price. We get a lot of rain here, and combined with the salt in the air, anything left outside for even a short period of time gets rusty quickly. So in that respect, a bike in this cosmetic condition is a rarity around here. I do trust the story I'm getting on the bike, especially regarding the true mileage, because it's coming from a good friend who wouldn't intentionally lead me astray. However, I won't be able to talk directly to the owner of the bike due to his health, so I'll have to glean what I can from his family.

Ideally, I'd go look at the bike, give the family my respectful opinion on the asking price, and give them the opportunity to deal with the goobers on Craigslist for a while, haha. If they can sell it for what they're asking, then more power to them. But I'd hope they'd keep me in consideration if they decided to lower the price to something more reasonable. The problem with all of that is that I'm heading out to the west coast for 3 months in less than two weeks. So we shall see how this all plays out...

[Bankerdanny]

The missing original exhaust makes the bike far less valuable IMHO. A replacement 4-4 is over a grand.

On the plus side, very good original paint, seat and chrome.

The engine is the wild card. $2k for a non-runner with a bad carb, a problem of unknown severity on #1, and missing the original exhaust is too much. If it were 100% original then I would pay that regardless of engine condition.

[Panotaker]

I'm betting the copper gasket came off when they changed the original exhaust. I would ask him if he still has the original exhaust in that barn somewhere. Those carburetor towers that hold the pins have a bad habit of corroding off, so don't be surprised if the other carbs have the same problem. Low milage is not that big a deal, is the sitting around for decades that is the problem. Unless you get super lucky, you will probably end up taking everything apart and rebuilding it like the rest of us. At least cosmetically it looks fantastic. I hope by now Virginia lets you put the registration and inspection sticker some place else. Nice bike! 

[Harsh]

I live in Norfolk as well so if you do get it and need some help by all means give me a holler.  That said, from what I can tell the bike looks to be in very good condition.  The front brake is probably one of the cleanest I have seen that hasn't been completely overhauled.  Like others have said the exhaust leak can be an easy fix.  The yellow could simply be some form of dirt/dust from sitting around for years in a garage that attached itself to the exhaust soot.  Can you not see the VIN tag on the right hand side of the bike or the engine number stamped onto the left hand side near the starter cover?  There is a list of engine serial numbers that can tell you when it was manufactured.  The carbs can be reubuilt.  There are a couple of forum members here that do it.  I had mine done by one of them and they look pretty darn nice.

Panotaker.  Yes VA allows you to place the sticker pretty much anywhere on the the bike.  Mine is on a plate that is bolted to the swingarm.

[VTSlim]

I live in Norfolk as well so if you do get it and need some help by all means give me a holler.  That said, from what I can tell the bike looks to be in very good condition.  The front brake is probably one of the cleanest I have seen that hasn't been completely overhauled.  Like others have said the exhaust leak can be an easy fix.  The yellow could simply be some form of dirt/dust from sitting around for years in a garage that attached itself to the exhaust soot.  Can you not see the VIN tag on the right hand side of the bike or the engine number stamped onto the left hand side near the starter cover?  There is a list of engine serial numbers that can tell you when it was manufactured.  The carbs can be reubuilt.  There are a couple of forum members here that do it.  I had mine done by one of them and they look pretty darn nice.

Panotaker.  Yes VA allows you to place the sticker pretty much anywhere on the the bike.  Mine is on a plate that is bolted to the swingarm.

Hey I've been checking out your build thread for a while now and I figured one of these days I'd have to shoot you a message. I love the work you've done to your bike. Regardless of whether I pick up this particular bike, I've already got a '77 CB750 (and a '69 CB350, and an '84 CB700SC, among other things, haha) that I plan on tearing down and rebuilding at some point. I'm heading out to San Diego for a few months, but I'd definitely be down for meeting up sometime when I get back.

Regarding the registration stickers, etc, I'd probably just get the antique plates like I have on my other old bikes. You avoid having to pay the yearly registration, and you don't have to get inspections. There are limitations on when/where you can ride the bikes with those plates, but I've never been hassled. I have a BMW Dakar that I ride to work on, so no problem there either.

I got some more info from my friend. He confirmed that it is indeed a '75.

[ekpent]

I think you misunderstood when I pointed out the graphics on the tank. The 74 and 75 etc are basically the same,they are called the Fat Stripe bikes. It is the shape of your graphics that look wrong.They look too tall and do not extend the full length of the tank. Stripe kit looks more like off a 550 or something maybe. Here is a shot of my Boss Maroon 74 and a green 73 to compare with yours as to the actual shape of the tank stripes and graphics.

  EDIT-Just read your new post while I was doing mine.The turn signals for instance are pre 75,can't see what side the petcock is on but that was different for 75. Ask your friend for the engine and frame serial numbers and report back so we can all see what year this thing actually is. Looks like a emblem wing is backwards on a sidecover also so they may have been worked on also.  Mileage on an odometer is a good thing if its a know original   

[VTSlim]

The missing original exhaust makes the bike far less valuable IMHO. A replacement 4-4 is over a grand.

On the plus side, very good original paint, seat and chrome.

The engine is the wild card. $2k for a non-runner with a bad carb, a problem of unknown severity on #1, and missing the original exhaust is too much. If it were 100% original then I would pay that regardless of engine condition.

Yeah it's a real bummer that it doesn't appear as though they still have the original exhaust. I agree, that would make the $2000 price a lot easier to swallow. I'd imagine that it would probably be in decent shape too on a 3k mile bike.

[VTSlim]

I think you misunderstood when I pointed out the graphics on the tank. The 74 and 75 etc are basically the same,they are called the Fat Stripe bikes. It is the shape of your graphics that look wrong.They look too tall and do not extend the full length of the tank. Stripe kit looks more like off a 550 or something maybe. Here is a shot of my Boss Maroon 74 and a green 73 to compare with yours as to the actual shape of the tank stripes and graphics.

  EDIT-Just read your new post while I was doing mine.The turn signals for instance are pre 75,can't see what side the petcock is on but that was different for 75. Ask your friend for the engine and frame serial numbers and report back so we can all see what year this thing actually is. Looks like a emblem wing is backwards on a sidecover also so they may have been worked on also.

Wow, you guys are sharp! I see what you're saying now. It really doesn't even look like a CB550 decal to me either, it's probably something aftermarket. Hmmm, the bike might have been down at some point? I should probably do my due diligence on making sure the forks and frame are straight, as best I can.

I doubt I'll be able to get the VIN before Saturday, but I'll do some research on that subject and have it ready to go so I can cross-check it when I go to look at the bike.

Ekpent, your bikes are gorgeous by the way!

[Baggerr]

VTSlim, I live in Northern Virginia and can tell you that up in my area that bike would sell for $2,500 all day long.  I have seen way worse sell for $1,500 to $2,000.  If what you have been told is all true, engine mileage etc., it could be an alright buy to a down right steel.  Once again my opinion is swayed by the Northern Virginia market.  Living just outside of Washington DC does have its draw backs.

[ekpent]

Print this out and take it along with you when you check it out. Everbody needs this in their glovebox if your a buyer.  http://www.hondachopper.com/engine/engine_timeline/timeline.html

[VTSlim]

Print this out and take it along with you when you check it out. Everbody needs this in their glovebox if your a buyer.  http://www.hondachopper.com/engine/engine_timeline/timeline.html

Awesome, that's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[VTSlim]

VTSlim, I live in Northern Virginia and can tell you that up in my area that bike would sell for $2,500 all day long.  I have seen way worse sell for $1,500 to $2,000.  If what you have been told is all true, engine mileage etc., it could be an alright buy to a down right steel.  Once again my opinion is swayed by the Northern Virginia market.  Living just outside of Washington DC does have its draw backs.

I hear ya on the NOVA prices. I do check out the NOVA craigslist from time to time out of curiosity. I tell you what, if I decide not to buy the bike, I'll talk to the seller and see if he wants me to give out his contact info and let some of you guys take a crack at it before he lists it on Craigslist. It would probably be about a 2 hour drive to New Kent (the location of the bike) from NOVA.

I'm kinda on the fence with this bike. I could easily be swayed one way or another. On one hand, it's a bit more than I'd like to spend right now and I have 4 other bikes to occupy my time, but on the other hand I have this disease for which there is no cure, and only more and more old motorcycles can ease the pain... hahaha

[Johnie]

Here is a close up of the tank striping discussed. This is my K3, but the decals should be the same if it is a K4. I did not see it mentioned here, but when you look at the bike get it in neutral and use the kicker to see if the motor is locked. In looking at your pic is appears to be an exhaust gasket to me with the leak to the side causing the carbon. Keep in mind these bikes are famous for the head gasket weep which most of us live with unless it gets so bad your pants are becoming an oil rag. Good luck and let us know the outcome.

[Baggerr]

VTSlim, I live in Northern Virginia and can tell you that up in my area that bike would sell for $2,500 all day long.  I have seen way worse sell for $1,500 to $2,000.  If what you have been told is all true, engine mileage etc., it could be an alright buy to a down right steel.  Once again my opinion is swayed by the Northern Virginia market.  Living just outside of Washington DC does have its draw backs.

I hear ya on the NOVA prices. I do check out the NOVA craigslist from time to time out of curiosity. I tell you what, if I decide not to buy the bike, I'll talk to the seller and see if he wants me to give out his contact info and let some of you guys take a crack at it before he lists it on Craigslist. It would probably be about a 2 hour drive to New Kent (the location of the bike) from NOVA.

I'm kinda on the fence with this bike. I could easily be swayed one way or another. On one hand, it's a bit more than I'd like to spend right now and I have 4 other bikes to occupy my time, but on the other hand I have this disease for which there is no cure, and only more and more old motorcycles can ease the pain... hahaha

If you're not interested I may be interested.  I wouldn't pay NOVA prices but something in between would be fair. I don't remember reading it but I assume there is a title.  If not a replacement title is cheap in VA if he is the original owner.

[VTSlim]

Here is a close up of the tank striping discussed. This is my K3, but the decals should be the same if it is a K4. I did not see it mentioned here, but when you look at the bike get it in neutral and use the kicker to see if the motor is locked. In looking at your pic is appears to be an exhaust gasket to me with the leak to the side causing the carbon. Keep in mind these bikes are famous for the head gasket weep which most of us live with unless it gets so bad your pants are becoming an oil rag. Good luck and let us know the outcome.

Thanks for the info Johnie. I'm going to keep this thread pulled up on my phone so I can reference it while I'm looking at the bike.

In the mean-time, to add more confusion, I found this link which seems to indicate that the Boss Maroon was only a '74 paint option: http://honda750expert.com/. I suppose this could be one of those situations where the leftover '74 models were sold as '75 models.