SHould I buy? 1975 CB750

[michael_brown]

I've been looking for a project bike for a long time here locally in NC. Found this today near home. Owner says bike has not run in over 2 years, and that he knows that it has a "gasket issue causing it to foul plugs", which says to me that it needs piston rings, and probably an entire engine rebuild. A little background on me: I'm a service technician/shop foreman at a Lexus dealership. I've never built a bike, but I've got plenty of tools and I'm more than certain I can buy/read a service manual! Let me know what you think, honestly. The owner wants $300 for it.

,

 

[gr650tempted]

i would buy it for 300 even if it was just for parts i/e the wheels, tank, etc...it would make a great project either way. Where in NC are you located?

 

[michael_brown]

I live in Graham. I'm actually between the triangle, and the triad. I work in Durham. This bike is located in Greensboro.

edit: It DOES have a title.

 

[redwillissuperman]

if your plan is to completely strip it down to every nut, bolt and gasket, then rebuild it having to buy almost every nut, bolt and gasket, then yes.

Not including your labor, to render a complete resto on a cb750 is around $6000. Everyone knows some guy that did it for $500 but he also had $5500 worth of "free" parts already in his garage.

You can save yourself about $500 if you have skills to paint the tins yourself (still need to buy primer, bondo, sand paper, reducer, catalyst, the paint, tack rags, gun wash, clear, wet sand paper, etc).

You can save yourself another $500 if you can lace and true your own wheels.

Its A LOT cheaper to rebuild a 350 Chevy than a CB750 motor. New pistons, rings, bearings, chain/tensioner, gaskets, labor and maintenance items can run between $1200-$2000.

However, it does allow you to completely customize the motorcycle to your tastes, riding and usage. Look at the Bikes of the Month- most of these have $5000-$7500 wrapped up in costs.

 

[michael_brown]

I wanted to build a "cheap" cafe. By cheap I mean, on some sort of budget, as in come in under $4,000 total. I have a nightster, so I'll have something to ride come spring time, so at least there's no time frame. I don't plan on flipping it and making any money. I've built numerous project vehicles, and know that any money spent on this is just that. Money spent. This is not an investment. This is a project. I love cafe's and want one. I also want the enjoyment of having a project. I, however, have never built a bike, and subsequently know very little about these bikes. I need to know things to stay away from, things to look for, and just general FYI. I do appreciate all comments good or bad!!

 

[surffly]

you are much better off to buy a $1500-2000 running riding bike
most expensive bike ever is a cheap one....

 

[TonUp]

Hmm, looks like the bike's had a few generations of mistreatment...and what's up with those nut grinders on the top of the gas tank?

I don't have any definite thoughts on this...at the very least, you're looking at a top end rebuild, full carb rebuild, new tires, battery, cables, etc, etc, and I'd be wondering if previous owners had shredded the transmission with too many missed 1st/2nd shifts, which would get you into the bottom end. Since you're a technician, you have almost all the tools you'd need, so no major investment there

This is just my personal opinion, but given the condition of the bike, $300 seems a bit high..even for free, I'd want to really give it a close look and have some idea what I was getting into. On the other hand, if you get into it, and lose interest and energy, you could probably sell off enough parts to recoup most of your purchase price.

Not much of an answer, I know...

The seller has a title, right?...not a "bill of sale," or any of that nonsense...

And...look inside the tank for rust

 

[surffly]

16" wheels sucks too

 

[redwillissuperman]

Unless this is a bike that you LOVE for some weird reason or in another case its sentimental, there are better bikes for better money.

I'm restoring my basketcase of an RD because:
1. My Dad bought it for me on a special day
2. It reminds me of my first motorcycle in a weird way
3. It called to me and needed saving

I've spent several thousands over what I could ever sell it for, but it doesn't matter because I would never sell it. I even kept everything such that I could return it to stock in the future.

 

[michael_brown]

Sounds like the general consensus is no. I may go look at it anyway, see if $200.00 strikes his interest. Just seems like a good deal to an outsider. Henceforth why I invited the opinion of those much more knowledgable than myself.