Strip Down or Build Up? CB 750 1st build

[CBs_CB]

I am trying to decide if I want to start piecing & parting a bike together from the frame up, or if I should buy a "complete" bike and tear it down.
I understand a couple of the issues that I will face along the way i.e. finding parts and title.

Can you please point out the ups and downs of starting from the ground up?

I want to hear from you and get some advice before I decide to build from the ground up and find myself in over my head.

I have access to several $100 '70's era CB 750 K, F, & A frames w/ swing arm and several $200 engines that have been compression tested.
This method lends a financial advantage because I can start with 1 system and avoid the burden of shelling out a grand or two right off the bat.

- Do these prices seem reasonable?
- What PSI should I look for?
- I am leaning toward a '76K or '78K frame. I understand that K's are best when looking for parts.
- What do I want to avoid?
- What do I want to look for?

Purchasing a frame, motor/carbs, and tank seem to be a logical place to start IMO.
This would allow me to break open the motor and get to work on the insides.
This would also allow me to start cutting the frame to accommodate new seat, design, etc.

Is that a good place to start? What next?

I am thinking...forks/tree/instruments, new swing arm, wheels/hubs/brakes, electronics, paint....

My fear is this...since this is my first build, will I be overwhelmed with the things that I DON'T KNOW that I DON'T KNOW?
I have only met a couple of guys here in Denver, CO get advice from, and I don't see much Colorado representation on the forum.


Honestly, any advice is appreciated. I am just eager to get my hads dirty and start building my baby.
Thanks-
CB

 

[JESUS FREEK]

Imo if you have money to burn, piece one together. Your gonna spend a ton piecing one together. If it were me I'd start with a complete bike and work from there. I just purchased a cb750 before Christmas and spent 500.00 and its all there,a complete bike. It definatly needs work, but its all there. Finding a frame with title,carbs,motor, and all the goodies individually will cost you in the long run. Purchase a complete bike and rebuild it like me and look for the esentials as you go. Heck I am on the hunt for Lester Rims, but will run with my stock spokes in the mean time. I might not mount the Firestones on them, but I always have in the back of my mind " sets of Lester Rims don't come around every day"

 

[my-79-750-k]

Buy a bike first, get it running, ride it for a bit, then when it gets cold, or you have some down time and really feel like it, strip it down. With a complete bike, you won't be chasing down parts, VIN numbers, gaskets, wheels, tank, fenders, seals, bars, etc. A lot of the time you can simply modify the existing parts to fit what you want and save a bunch of money down the road.