Author Topic: 78 hondamatic worth buying?  (Read 7082 times)

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Offline 73nancy

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78 hondamatic worth buying?
« on: July 17, 2010, 12:57:06 PM »
hey guys looking at a 78 cb750A hondamatic for sale near me. its only got 5k miles on it and seem in good shape. guys moving wants it gone trying to pick it up cheap if i can. what do you think one is worth in good shape? heres the link to the ad.
http://maine.craigslist.org/mcy/1847797493.html
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Offline dhall57

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Re: 78 hondamatic worth buying?
« Reply #1 on: July 17, 2010, 01:17:25 PM »
If your pics do the bike justice I would say $800 is a steal. Don't know much about the hondamatic, but if that's what you want you can't go wrong at that price. GET IT!!!!
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Offline Damfino

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Re: 78 hondamatic worth buying?
« Reply #2 on: July 17, 2010, 01:22:13 PM »
If your pics do the bike justice I would say $800 is a steal. Don't know much about the hondamatic, but if that's what you want you can't go wrong at that price. GET IT!!!!

+1 Looks good to me too! Go for it!
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Offline 73nancy

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Re: 78 hondamatic worth buying?
« Reply #3 on: July 17, 2010, 01:25:37 PM »
ya called him on it and he wont budge on price.. heck i wouldnt either thought it was a deal but i cant afford the $800 im a student and finishing my k1 build. but if anyone is near me this would be a good one to get.. hes the 2nd owner he says its a solid 8 out of 10 in his book.. i wanted it for a daily driver instead of putting all the miles on my cafe
k1 cb750 cafe racer (aka Helter Skelter)
k6 cb750 stock daily rider project
k3 cb750 race bike 911 big bore, alum rods, 13:1, race cam other goodies

Offline Spanner 1

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Re: 78 hondamatic worth buying?
« Reply #4 on: July 17, 2010, 01:30:22 PM »
Who ever buys it, check for rust holes at the header to muffler and start the bike cold ( must be cold ) and listen for primary chain lash.... otherwise great motor and bike handles better than a K bike ( longer wheelbase). I loved mine.!
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If your sure it's an ignition problem; it's carbs....

Offline 05c50

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Re: 78 hondamatic worth buying?
« Reply #5 on: July 17, 2010, 01:45:06 PM »
If it runs Ok and has a title, it's easily worth more then $800. I've seen similar Hondamatics bring $1200.00. Too bad you don't have the $$$

..................Paul
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Offline 73nancy

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Re: 78 hondamatic worth buying?
« Reply #6 on: July 18, 2010, 09:49:15 AM »
ya i wanted to have it to drive but its 2.5 hours from me and i cant afford the $800 price :'( hopefully it goes to a good owner who doesnt ruin such a good one
k1 cb750 cafe racer (aka Helter Skelter)
k6 cb750 stock daily rider project
k3 cb750 race bike 911 big bore, alum rods, 13:1, race cam other goodies

lanochefox

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Re: 78 hondamatic worth buying?
« Reply #7 on: July 27, 2010, 09:04:08 AM »
Just traded a like new lawn tractor for a 76 750a in worse shape a few months ago, but I bought a 78 in near mint condition in Monmouth a few days ago for $450.Keep looking the great deals are out there.I love these bikes.

Offline duke

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Re: 78 hondamatic worth buying?
« Reply #8 on: July 27, 2010, 12:58:46 PM »
Where was this guy last week!  I just drove 1800mi round trip to MICH to pick up a similar bike for $1900.  Maine is only 2 hr drive. :-(  Well, I could use a spare.....

Offline Duke McDukiedook

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Re: 78 hondamatic worth buying?
« Reply #9 on: July 27, 2010, 01:52:42 PM »
Do it.
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Offline 73nancy

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Re: 78 hondamatic worth buying?
« Reply #10 on: July 27, 2010, 03:01:57 PM »
ya go for it he says its a 8out of 10 bike. he did have alot of people looking at it. would like to see a forum member get it
k1 cb750 cafe racer (aka Helter Skelter)
k6 cb750 stock daily rider project
k3 cb750 race bike 911 big bore, alum rods, 13:1, race cam other goodies

Offline MRieck

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Re: 78 hondamatic worth buying?
« Reply #11 on: July 28, 2010, 06:11:13 AM »
Keep in mind about 50% of the internal engine parts are no longer available. This includes basic gaskets and seals.
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Re: 78 hondamatic worth buying?
« Reply #12 on: July 28, 2010, 06:59:28 AM »
Carb to engine boots are also unobtainium.  That will be an issue on most of them if you don't want to use radiator hose and worm gear hose clamps....yuck.  Anyway, I have one I am chopping into a King Rigid this Winter if I get it running.  They are like riding a moped and I get board wanting to shift and clutch.  The jockey shift install is sure a no brainer.

Offline 05c50

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Re: 78 hondamatic worth buying?
« Reply #13 on: July 28, 2010, 09:17:44 AM »
Keep in mind about 50% of the internal engine parts are no longer available. This includes basic gaskets and seals.

Mike, I'm sure that you're right about OEM parts, but I have been able to overhaul an A using aftermarket parts and some parts listed for the 750K. Even the oil pan gasket is available.....just have to do some looking.

..........Paul
Wear a helmet,the life you save may be your own.Ask me how I know.               CB650C,CB550F,GL1000,CB750A

Offline 05c50

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Re: 78 hondamatic worth buying?
« Reply #14 on: July 28, 2010, 09:19:43 AM »
Carb to engine boots are also unobtainium.  That will be an issue on most of them if you don't want to use radiator hose and worm gear hose clamps....yuck.  Anyway, I have one I am chopping into a King Rigid this Winter if I get it running.  They are like riding a moped and I get board wanting to shift and clutch.  The jockey shift install is sure a no brainer.

If you need carb boots, I have them for both the 1976 750A and the 77/78 750A (they are different).

..............Paul
Wear a helmet,the life you save may be your own.Ask me how I know.               CB650C,CB550F,GL1000,CB750A

Offline dave the welder

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Re: 78 hondamatic worth buying?
« Reply #15 on: July 29, 2010, 07:42:51 PM »
just bought a 77 off cl for 500 bucks had electrical probs 27000 miles and is 97-98%original just missing headlight and mounts i repared the ground wires from harness to frame jumped battery and it fired right up cant wait  to ride it should be way different from my 750 rigid chopper
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Offline MRieck

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Re: 78 hondamatic worth buying?
« Reply #16 on: July 29, 2010, 08:14:05 PM »
Keep in mind about 50% of the internal engine parts are no longer available. This includes basic gaskets and seals.

Mike, I'm sure that you're right about OEM parts, but I have been able to overhaul an A using aftermarket parts and some parts listed for the 750K. Even the oil pan gasket is available.....just have to do some looking.

..........Paul
It's stuff like the cap seal between the cases.... I think I just bought the last 2 in the country. There are none in Europe too. The oil pan gaskets are easy. I'm talking about spilitting cases etc. If you have big sources for those gaskets please....please   tell  me
« Last Edit: July 29, 2010, 08:16:24 PM by MRieck »
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