Topic: Thoughts on this 1974 K5

[captain rats]

I found this in my neck of the woods for decent price, local prices here are going a bit crazy at the moment. I like the K0 and K1 for obvious reasons but the tank and colours of the later bikes are awesome.

At the moment I have two bits and pieces K1 bikes that I am trying to get on the road. I will end up having to café one because of lack of OG parts and will make one close to stock K1 minus some flatter bars and a bit of stance adjustment.

This 8/74 K5 is a great price and I like that it is mostly stock, I feel I could just get on and ride this one to work and keep it as stock as possible. I was hoping to get any thoughts from the train spotters/ anoraks about any glaring problems or abnormalities on this one.

Thanks in advance.




From a riding perspective are these that much slower than a k1?
Are they much less desirable $$ wise than a K1/2?

FYI hm341 pipes are solid!

[MikeKato]

I don't know how long the bike has been advertised but if it runs good and you think the price is attractive,grab it before someone else does.

I'll let you do the math on how many more K5's were produced vs KO/K1's and you might regret doing a Cafe on your spare K1.  Like you said,it's hard to find original parts so you might just want to save/sell the ones you can.

http://www.hondachopper.com/engine/engine_timeline/timeline.html

GL!
Mike

[dhall57]

IMO that's the last thing you should be concerned about right now. Don't worry about the model being faster or slowing, less desirable, etc.than other models. Its a sohc4 CB750 that looks to be in good shape and mostly still stock and original. And the 341's are still solid witch is a big,big plus. If your looking for a 750 and if this one is in the $$ range you can handle, GET IT!!!!!!!!!!

[Johnie]

Agree with the guys...that bike looks awesome! If you feel it is a decent price grab it like yesterday! It will be gone fast if you do not move on it. Also looks like a nice CB450 green behind the K5. Let us know how you come out...

[DH]

That bike has all the desireables/unobtainables..Straight fork ears, grab rail, 341 exhausts, and decent side covers. Only things aren't stock are the rear shocks and looks like an aftermarket seat cover. A survivor for sure. Polish everything and repaint the tank emblems and you'll have a nice 750. GET IT BEFORE SOMEBODY ELSE DOES!

[Powderman]

That bike is a 1975 model not a 74. The number next to the K designates year model. Even though it was manufactured in 1974 it was sold as a 1975 model just like cars that come out mid year before the model year changes.

[Schnell]

Lucky to have the 4-4 exhaust! Here's mine:

[750K]

It looks great, buy it if it runs half decent. Buy it cheaper if it doesn't run half decent, just grab it before someone else does.

[Johnie]

Well...got it in on the trailer yet? 

[captain rats]

I put an offer in over the weekend, find out today if they accept it or not.

Will let you guys know if I end up with it.

[seanbarney41]

That bike is a 1975 model not a 74. The number next to the K designates year model. Even though it was manufactured in 1974 it was sold as a 1975 model just like cars that come out mid year before the model year changes.

that is not quite right.  Honda did not use year model designations until 1976 and later.  The fact that the k5 was mostly sold in 1975 is just coincidental, for example a k0 500 was not made in 1970, cb350k3 was made in 1970, not 1973, etc.  The k number can be thought of as a "version" number, with a new "version" coming out roughly once a year.  Also Europe never got k4, k5, and 1976 750's...the k3 model was sold in Europe until the introduction of th k7.

[Powderman]

I was only referring to the CB750 models in the USA. I usually go by this list below. I understand the 69 was only referred to as K and the 70 was the K0

SOHC
The single overhead cam models were produced from 1969 through 1978.
1969 CB750K or CB750K0
1971 CB750K1
1972 CB750K2
1973 CB750K3 (US-only, K2 elsewhere)
1974 CB750K4 (US/Japan-only, K2 elsewhere)
1975 CB750K5 (US-only, K2/K4 elsewhere), CB750F, CB750A (Canada-only) The 1975 CB750F had a more streamlined look, thanks in part to a 4-into-1 exhaust and cafe style seat with fiberglass rear. Other changes included the use of a rear disc brake and a lighter crankshaft and flywheel.
1976 CB750K6, CB750F1, CB750A
1977 CB750K7, CB750F2, CB750A1
1978 CB750K8 (US-only), CB750F3, CB750A2

[seanbarney41]

you got it...lots of people get confused by the 750's k numbers coincidentally corresponding to the approximate year of manufacture, and I was just trying to clear that up

[jerry h]

What's up with the cylinder fins?  Maybe just the camera shot, but it looks like the fins are ground off, or something odd? 

[Duke McDukiedook]

Yeah, on the lower jugs it does look kinda funny, maybe compression on the picture.

[ekpent]

I don't know how long the bike has been advertised but if it runs good and you think the price is attractive,grab it before someone else does.

I'll let you do the math on how many more K5's were produced vs KO/K1's and you might regret doing a Cafe on your spare K1.  Like you said,it's hard to find original parts so you might just want to save/sell the ones you can.

http://www.hondachopper.com/engine/engine_timeline/timeline.html

GL! 
Mike

Actually I think that is wrong. More 750's were produced in 1971 than any other year at 77,000. Only 35,000 were produced in 1975 according to this data.  http://www.sohc4.net/cb750k-serial-numbers/

[bjatwood]

Looks like my K3 is realativly "rare" LOL

[MikeKato]

I don't know how long the bike has been advertised but if it runs good and you think the price is attractive,grab it before someone else does.

I'll let you do the math on how many more K5's were produced vs KO/K1's and you might regret doing a Cafe on your spare K1.  Like you said,it's hard to find original parts so you might just want to save/sell the ones you can.

http://www.hondachopper.com/engine/engine_timeline/timeline.html

GL! 
Mike

Actually I think that is wrong. More 750's were produced in 1971 than any other year at 77,000. Only 35,000 were produced in 1975 according to this data.  http://www.sohc4.net/cb750k-serial-numbers/

Wow Thanks Eric!
I've never seen that link with the numbers crunched. Looks like i've falsely believed for some reason that there were a couple million SOHC 750's produced. Where have all the 71's gone?

From your link:
"The second most popular model, the K2, also sold in large numbers, a total of 63,500, due primarily to the fact that this model was in production until 1976 in all markets except the US and Japan."

So on the other side of the world 76 750's are really 72's?

I got out of the stock market after 20yrs of confusion and bad numbers. Anyone want to buy a dozen 750 frames and a dozen motors? 

GL!

[Stev-o]

The tank appears to be original Planet Blue, side covers may have been replaced/repainted, not a perfect match.

Looks like a very desirable bike. Mind if we ask the asking price?
Bet it is higher than what we'd expect over here [$3000?]

[captain rats]

Well good news,

I won the bike. It was an auction so it ended up in a bit of a bidding war. I got it for a good price but is still higher than what you guys in the USA pay. I would prefer not to flout the price around, the way prices are going here in Australia I think it was a decent deal.

I have a problem now. It is 14 hours away by car. I am seriously thinking of flying in and riding it home over two/three days. For those who know Australia the bike is in Adelaide and I need to get it back to Sydney.

I am not sure of the exact costs to transport it but it is around $400. I can fly there for $99 and a few tanks of gas and some adventure I will have a nice road trip and experience with the new bike.

The problem is that it is a long way(14hours) and if this bike has sat for a long time (which according to the seller it has been on the road regularly) I might run into problems. 

I would be interested to hear from you guys about what would be the best way to approach a trip like this from a preparation point of view. Would you change the oil , filter and ride the bike and fix anything that popped up on the road or would you give it a real good prep, service new plugs etc? What kind of things can be problematic on a trip like this.

I have read some of the books I have and think at a minimum I would do the following:
1. oil change and filter
2. spark plugs
3. check timing and valve gaps
4. swingarm and headset grease?

Maybe check compression before leaving?

I figure a tool kit like this would be good.

Rear tube and tools to change
feeler gauges
screwdrivers
adjustable spanner
allen keys
tape and wire cutters
spanner set
cables

There are plenty of towns on this route so help should not be a big problem.
I am real keen to ride it home but I also think its important to be realistic when you are passionate. If you think it is a silly idea on a bike that may have been sitting for a while I will ship it home.

Either way its good news, appreciate your advice and I am amped to get a nice close to original bike (all my others were incomplete).

[750K]

I'd fly out and evaluate when I got there, if the brakes work and its not leaking oil seriously and it runs smooth I'd try and ride it home. I'd change the oil and filter, adjust the valves and check the points gap and timing and give things a good inspection and make sure it's road worthy. Lube the chain etc, I'd probably bring a full tool kit and some spare fuses and maybe throttle and clutch cables just in case. If it craps out then I'd figure something out along the way, sounds like a fun adventure. Congrats on getting it.

[LesterPiglet]

Check those tyres for cracks.

[Johnie]

I take it the seller can not meet you half way. In looking at the pic it appears to be a very well maintained bike. What is the mileage on it? As everyone here knows these bikes are almost indestructable. You just want to be sure it is road worthy so you do not do any damage on the way back. Check the things mentioned and be sure the tires are good. Let us know how it goes.

[Bootlegger56]

There is one thing about it.  If you fly out and pick it up to ride home by the time you get home you and the bike will be intimately acquainted.  I think that's a good thing!  Do what 750K says and if it checks out then hit then road smilin!  Congrats on a good looking purchase. 

[Bodi]

Whenever I go on a long ride, it rains. So ride it - you guys could use some rain.