Advice: Japanese Domestic '69 CB750 Four

[joegregg]

Hey DTT,

I apologize for the pre-mature post, but I'm not sure when I'll figure the rest of the information out. So here's my situation:

My grandfather bought a 1969 CB750 Four new in Tokyo, Japan the "first month" they came out (quotations because I've seen evidence of an August released bike but his was in December) and it is still sitting in his garage. Has not been started for over 15 years, but ran when he parked it. He said when he was stationed in Italy, he let his brother borrow it (for ten years) and got it back in running order, but rough shape. Apparently little to no maintenance was done to this bike. My grandfather told me over the phone it seems to still have compression and electrics still work.

The biggest problem I am seeing is, if I dive into this and something needs replaced, chances are I won't be able to find the part for it because the JDM motor apparently is different in multiple dimensions. I can't find a shop around here that is capable/knowledgable enough to do the job. I'd like to see it all happen in person if it's not someone I personally trust. My grandfather would really like it to stay as original as possible of course. He won't be riding it, I will, but it'll always be sentimental to him.

I've seen quite a bit of stuff about sand cast models from this year and am hoping his is one of them. He's going to get back to me with the serial number as soon as he uncovers the bike again. He's afraid though that some internal damage was done to the bike throughout the years his brother had it towards the end of its run. My plans are to atleast clean the carbs and drop some fresh fuel into it as soon as I can make the trip out there.

So my question is, what do I do? Ideas I've had are:
-drop some new fuel and oil in as soon as carbs/lines are cleaned out and replaced, give it a shot.
-swap another SOHC USDM motor in.
-sell it to someone for appropriate sand cast pricing (if it miraculously is one)

Any feedback is appreciated. Please feel free to text me if you have a strong opinion on what to do! My number is 417-818-4664.

Thanks a lot guys,

Joe

 

[hillsy]

Find out what it is first of all.

If it's a true sand cast, just sell it as is and buy another CB750....and a pick-up truck...and a shed to work on it...etc.

 

[mark13018]

Find out what it is first of all.

If it's a true sand cast, just sell it as is and buy another CB750....and a pick-up truck...and a shed to work on it...etc.

X2

 

[Tune-A-Fish]

Buy a skateboard, cut the tail off....

NO stop... +3 find out.

 

[J-Rod10]

Sell that bike, as it sits. Then buy a later, running, riding, 750 for a couple grand, and have several thousand left over.

 

[DohcBikes]

Don't go to SOHC4 forum. They will gang up and attempt to devalue it, then try to buy it.

First step, find the VIN and the engine number. Report back.

Even if it isn't a sandcast, which is unlikely just so you know, if it really is a 69 it should go to the right home, somebody with the money and resources to restore it properly.

 

[coyote13]

Yup, I saw a sandcast in what I would call "decent" condition going for 20-30k a few years ago. I can only imagine value has gone up.

DO NOT TEAR THAT BIKE DOWN. PERIOD. TAKE IT TO SOMEONE WHO KNOWS OR SELL IT (also ONLY to someone who knows)