Author Topic: Is this project for killing time or myself?  (Read 2253 times)

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Offline thelowmax

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Is this project for killing time or myself?
« on: December 11, 2009, 11:11:29 AM »
 Currently I own a 1982 CB 650. Before I got it (6 months ago), I had never worked on any type of vehicles and know very little about engines. It was pretty beat up but ran. I had my mechanic do the carbs but did the rest myself. I cleaned it up or replaced a lot of rusted parts. I bought a manual and researched online any issues that it had. Since I got it, I've been looking for a CB750 in my price range (0$). I've located a 1978 cb750K for $400, but here's the catch. The bike has been completely disassembled. The previous owner took it apart to restore it but never completed the job. Although the (new low mileage) engine and frame are together, the rest is in boxes. I've gotten some pictures and it seems like its in decent condition with some rust but nothing major. The pipes were rusted through and were removed and disposed of long ago. My questions are these...

Am I out of my mind (just in regard to the bike)?

Is there anything I should be aware/wary of when looking through the pieces?

To pick it up, I'll have to drive over 150 miles to get it. Is $400 too much for the effort?

I realize these are questions based more on opinion and personal expectations, but I certainly could use some feedback. I appreciate any comments.




What am I doing and why am I doing it? Those are excellent questions.

'72 Amen Savior/'77 CB750K Chrome/Da Bhudda(project)
'73 CB750K Green/El Verde (beat)
'76 CB750K Red/The Cinnabomb (sweet)
'77 CB750K Black (frame and parts) CANNIBALIZED
'77 CB750K Dark Purpley/Scooty Puff, Jr. (la beast)
'78 CB750K Black (struggling) SOLD
'78 CB750K Blue Flake/CiocioSan (minty)
'81 CB750C Poiple/Barbie'sDreamMotorcycle SOLD (darnit!)
'89 Trek 21" 21 speed Green/YaBiatch (the wife)
Converse One Stars size 8.5 Black/Sneaks (suede)

Offline tortelvis

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Re: Is this project for killing time or myself?
« Reply #1 on: December 11, 2009, 12:00:43 PM »
It might be worth it. Make a lsit of the bigger items and any hard to find parts and check what he has got. If you have to lay out for too many items you might want to wait for another deal. As you seem a bit of a novice you might want to satrt with a whole bike so as you take it apart you will have a better idea how it all goes back together. I'm sure there are many of us who start a project, get sidetracked and then struggle to remember "Where the Hell does THIS go?" Good luck.

Offline andy750

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Re: Is this project for killing time or myself?
« Reply #2 on: December 11, 2009, 12:09:38 PM »
Where are you located? I only ask as the plate in the photo is from Maine. If you are in Maine and are looking for a CB750 then you can buy a complete running 750 with everything attached for $800! You will likely spend more than this getting this heap running. Personally I wouldnt touch it with a barge pole....not for $400.

cheers
Andy
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline Old Scrambler

  • My CB750K3 has been in 39 States & 5 Provinces
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Re: Is this project for killing time or myself?
« Reply #3 on: December 11, 2009, 05:48:45 PM »
I agree with Andy...........for a little more you get a running bike. If you want a custom bike, try to get good parts to sell to recoup your costs. A '78 is a good motor with the latest features but the current value in the market is for the older models with the standard gas tanks. You decide.........
Dennis in Wisconsin
'64 Triumph Cub & '74 Honda CB750 Bonneville Salt Flats AMA Record Holder (6)
CB750 Classic Bonneville Racer thread - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,135473.0.html
'63 CL72 Project(s)
'66 CL77 Red
'67 Triumph T100C
'73 750K3 Owned since New
'77 750F2 Cafe Project
2020 ROYAL ENFIELD Himalayan

Offline thelowmax

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Re: Is this project for killing time or myself?
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2009, 07:25:56 AM »
OK. Thanks guys. Sanity has taken a firm hold again. I'm passing on this one. I'm sure that the guy would have taken much less but just the mileage to pick it up was enough to deter me. I am looking for a project but, ultimately, the goal was to end up with a bike I can ride. I press on.
What am I doing and why am I doing it? Those are excellent questions.

'72 Amen Savior/'77 CB750K Chrome/Da Bhudda(project)
'73 CB750K Green/El Verde (beat)
'76 CB750K Red/The Cinnabomb (sweet)
'77 CB750K Black (frame and parts) CANNIBALIZED
'77 CB750K Dark Purpley/Scooty Puff, Jr. (la beast)
'78 CB750K Black (struggling) SOLD
'78 CB750K Blue Flake/CiocioSan (minty)
'81 CB750C Poiple/Barbie'sDreamMotorcycle SOLD (darnit!)
'89 Trek 21" 21 speed Green/YaBiatch (the wife)
Converse One Stars size 8.5 Black/Sneaks (suede)

Offline andy750

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Re: Is this project for killing time or myself?
« Reply #5 on: December 12, 2009, 01:26:30 PM »
Location??
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline thelowmax

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Re: Is this project for killing time or myself?
« Reply #6 on: December 12, 2009, 01:29:23 PM »
Boston
What am I doing and why am I doing it? Those are excellent questions.

'72 Amen Savior/'77 CB750K Chrome/Da Bhudda(project)
'73 CB750K Green/El Verde (beat)
'76 CB750K Red/The Cinnabomb (sweet)
'77 CB750K Black (frame and parts) CANNIBALIZED
'77 CB750K Dark Purpley/Scooty Puff, Jr. (la beast)
'78 CB750K Black (struggling) SOLD
'78 CB750K Blue Flake/CiocioSan (minty)
'81 CB750C Poiple/Barbie'sDreamMotorcycle SOLD (darnit!)
'89 Trek 21" 21 speed Green/YaBiatch (the wife)
Converse One Stars size 8.5 Black/Sneaks (suede)