Serious F*%#ing dilemma...

VonYinzer

Over 10,000 Posts
So... Many here know the "Horror Buisness/Crimson Ghost" chop project.

I love that fuckin thing... BUUUUUTTTT, I am B-R-O-K-E. And, I have no bike to ride while summer quietly slips away.

I was offered a trade (Im waiting on more details) for a fully restored 78 CB750 or maybe another bike.

I dont LOVE the 750s (Im short...) but its undeniable that theyre great bikes. And, seeing as my next biggest bike (minus the super long term project R5) is a 175, it would be nice to have a scoot I can really ride more than a short time.

Everyone I hang with has big boy bikes that can go anywhere. Even when my 350 was running I had to bow out of a couple runs because they were all on 750 or bigger scoots and running through the PA mountains which if youre from around here you know arent friendly to small cc Japanese motorbikes.

Anyhow, Im waiting to hear whats what and meet with this dude, but a BIG part of me says "DO IT ASSHOLE"!!!!

Thoughts?
 
I don't know the project you speak of (I new) but how long till you can ride it and what's the CC of the project?
 
RockVegas said:
I don't know the project you speak of (I new) but how long till you can ride it and what's the CC of the project?

Its based on a 72 CB350 twin... You would have to see the bike to really get what Im giving up. Pretty amazing project.
 
Sometimes you just have to ride man...

You know you will kick yourself if you get to the end of summer and you didn't get to enjoy any long rides....
 
GroovyAardvark said:
Sometimes you just have to ride man...

You know you will kick yourself if you get to the end of summer and you didn't get to enjoy any long rides....

Exact-a-mundo my friend.
 
Well Von, I may have a spare GR hanging around. If I can get the "cafe" done you can rock the stock Tempter.

And that badge comes off......
 
Shit man, I do love my projects, so I hear you there. But I couldn't spend a summer not riding. Just couldn't do it...don't even want to think about doing it. So frankly I'd make the trade, if it's a reliable runner.

Plus..."fully restored"? That can go for some decent coin... to maybe fund next summer's project...
 
I'm always the one waaaaay out in left field, I'd say get the Crimson running and ride it WFO! Everyday!!
KeV
 
That'd be tough. I'm all about trading up and not going in too deep on a project, but sometimes you gotta have strategery.


Are you only considering this because of the CB750 that is up for trade?


Like...you couldn't trade or sell other bikes to buy a runner?


EDIT: After reviewing the current status of the Crimson Ghost, and considering that it is based around a CB350 that will never pull like a bigger bike...it may be worth the effort to go for the bigger bike then start the project again with a larger motor for those PA mountains.
 
I have to say I am with the 750 crowd. I absolutely love the Crimson Ghost, its detail, and concept. But my take (having sold a few bikes that I really enjoyed once they were built), is that you can always build another. I kind of tend to treat bikes as having a purpose--to haul me around--and if they can't do that how and when I want, they go down the road to the best possible successor. I think in this case, especially if it is in as good a shape as reported, the 750 would be a great trade, and since there could be a Crimson Ghost II in the future. I think you could do it with little regret, and still make the 750 awesome with little expense! DO IT!
 
You know how I feel man, do it up. Just make sure he knows where that frame came from and who to go to for more like it.

Now about that "other bike," ha.
 
Well, hopefully the cat is coming by after I get off work today to see what I have to offer. He is a full time bike restorer/builder with his own shop so I would hope that the 750 (or any other scoot he may offer up) is tip top. That also leads to my other reason for feeling ok with this deal, the bike isnt going to some hack (like me ;)) but a real pro with 20+ years experience. Again, Im hoping to meet with him at the garage today. I have a bunch of extra bits from various bikes that Ive collected over the years Im willing to part with that may sweeten the deal for him also. Soooo... I guess now its a waiting game. Thanks for the advice and opinions gents. Youre ok in my book. And Justin, if "the other bike" becomes a possibility that would be something else all together. Hahaha
 
What it all boils down to is... which would you rather have/do? Can you build another bike? Can you ride some other time? Which one can you do without?
There's no right or wrong answer. People will understand if you keep the build, or if you chose to ride ;)
 
Mike, I'm missing something here. Maybe I need to read it all through again.

Have you seen the bike he's offering and know what's been done to it etc?

I'm always a little cautious about trades that sound too good to be true. What exactly did the dude offer you and what does he think he's getting in return or is he just using it as a way to check out your stash?

What does he want from you?

I'm not casting aspersions as to the OP's intentions, just asking what constitutes a fair trade.

It does sound like you like small bikes but feel the need for something a little larger. That RD400 should fill that bill or maybe a CB550, but always ride at your own pace.
 
The way it was explained to me by the guy who is interested is that he does mostly restoration work. He has a cb750 (and a few others) that he finished on his own time to eventually sell. He has very little money invested. He explained to me that hes been more interested in "oddball" stuff as of late and has been scouring the area for one of a kind projects. Ill admit, I have not seen the 750... yet. In our talk he explained that he has 13 bikes in his shop right now, and it seemed like he was just a bit bored with the resto work. Im not allowing myself to believe this is a done deal by any means. Theres a lot of ifs and buts waiting in the wings Im sure. As far as the size of the bike, I am a fan of smaller machines. That said, I have a few of them already. The RD400 is way beyond my budget anytime soon unfortunatly. A 750 would be a good bike for me (once I lower her an inch or two ;)), as I actually have a good bit of experience on similar bikes. In fact I really learned to ride on a friends 82 cb750.
 
The guy is 100% aware of what Im willing to put up for trade as a detailed list and pics were included in my last EMail. Im cautious myself, but hes willing to drive over an hour just to check things out. Thats respectable in my book. We shall see what comes from all of this. Hopefully a new friend is made, some bikes will see a new life. Thanks for checking in Teazer. Always like to hear your thoughts. Ill keep yinz updated...
 
Back
Top Bottom