1975 Honda CB 750 Good Deal?

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amodoko · #1 Unread post by **amodoko** » Mon May 15, 2006 5:18 pm

Hi, I've been looking for a bike for a couple of months now and I found a 1975 Honda CB 750 for 800 bucks. It's orange in color, has some rust on it, runs really well and strong, front tire is new, back tire is fair, has a brand new battery, has a fairing (I don't know what that is, I don't know if it is a compartment or a wind fairing), he doesn't know the mileage on it cuz he thinks the cable to the speedometer and tach is broken so it doesn't work, and that's about it. I don't know if this is a good deal or not, I'm located in St. Louis, MO. At first I thought this was, but then I realized 2 weeks ago I found a Suzuki GR650 that was in really good condition and included 2 helmets for the same price (but I could never call the guy since his number in the ad always took me to his fax machine!), so I don't really know if this is a good deal when I compare it to the Suzuki. He said 800 was the lowest he would go. I would be willing to pay 600 without the fairing but I don't know if 800 (with the fairing) is too high. The guy seemed to be a real nice person but you never know. Thanks guys for your time in advance, I always appreciate your guys' knowledge on these things. Oh, and one more thing, do you guys know how much it will cost to fix a broken speedometer/tach cable (or the speedometer and tach itself) if I take it to a motorcycle shop? Thanks.

Pongo · #2 Unread post by **Pongo** » Tue May 16, 2006 9:34 am

IMO too much. For that money I would expect a second bike for parts.

TechTMW · #3 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Tue May 16, 2006 7:21 pm

That GR650 seemed like a decent deal - you should keep trying that

amodoko · #4 Unread post by **amodoko** » Wed May 17, 2006 9:19 am

Oh wow, I didn't realize that the Honda CB 750 was a bad deal. I guess it is because the speedometer is broken and the mileage is unknown? I would think that if the speedometer was working that it would be an okay deal. Does anyone know how much it would cost to fix a broken speedometer at a dealer? Well, anyways, I tried to contact the guy with the GR650 but it's impossible so I've given up on that. Just today I found a new deal for a Yamaha XJ 650 Maxium with a fresh tune up and new tires for 750 bucks. It runs and drives, has crash bars and footpegs and an intact seat. I haven't gotten the mileage info on it yet but I will soon. Do you guys think this is a good deal? I'm basically letting you guys give me the word on when I should buy a bike. When you guys say you think it's a good deal then I'm going to buy the bike. There are so many knowledgable people on this forum, it's great. Well, anyways I attached links to the earlier Honda CB 750 that I mentioned as well as the Yamaha XJ 650. Let me know what you guys think and I may just end up buying a bike. Thanks in advance.

If the above link doesn't work, just copy and paste the link below and that should show you the picture of the Honda CB 750

http://img11.picsplace.to/img.php?file= ... broken.jpg

If the above link doesn't work, just copy and paste the link below and that should show you the picture of the Yamaha.

http://img11.picsplace.to/img.php?file= ... Maxium.jpg

Britjoe · #5 Unread post by **Britjoe** » Wed May 17, 2006 10:03 am

looks in nice original shape, I think the price isnt too bad try to find a used speedo, at a bike breakers, anything from a honda of the same period would work, CB500, CB400 4, that kinda thing, then try to get him to deduct it from the overal price...still dosnt sound a bad deal, what can you buy for 800 these days.

DUMP the fairing though EEEK

CORSCO · #6 Unread post by **CORSCO** » Wed May 17, 2006 10:12 am

These bikes are considered by some to be collector's items. May want to grab it. Don't think the price is that bad. My dad has a mint '74 that I am trying to get from him.

camthepyro · Wed May 17, 2006 10:27 am

DUMP the fairing though EEEK

+1 Those front fairing windscreen combo things are the ugliest thing you can do to a poor helpless bike.

amodoko · #8 Unread post by **amodoko** » Wed May 17, 2006 11:43 am

Ok, well do you guys consider the CB 750 to be a better deal than the Yamaha XJ 650? Between the two of them which one should I buy? The Yamaha has a working speedo while the Honda doesn't. I don't know how to fix the speedo even if I bought a new one so I would have to pay a dealer to do it. If he can fix the speedo I would definitely buy the Honda I guess, even for a little more. However, he did say it ran strong but that it had sat for 3 years before this past month. He said it fired right up. But since it sat for 3 years do you think I should expect problems to arise soon or would he already have noticed them when trying to start it up? Thanks again guys.

JCS · #9 Unread post by **JCS** » Wed May 17, 2006 12:18 pm

The 750 Honda can be a great bike if maintained.

Things to think about....

The headlight in that fairing is a part of the fairing. (Looks like an old Windjammer.) If you don't want the fairing you will have to find another headlight, mounting bracket and maybe turn signals.

Speedometer not working. This could be the cable to the front wheel, the speedo drive mechanism in the front wheel or the speedometer itself. The cable is easy to replace. The drive mechanism may be harder to find. If it's the speedo itself, odds are you will probably have to replace it.

Tach not working. Same thing. Could be the cable, the tach drive (I think it might be in the head.), or the tach itself. Again if it is the tach you will probably have to replace it. Cable is easy to get. If it is the drive you might have to pull the head or at least the valve cover to get at it.

You might can find a used speedo and tach.

It sat for 3 years.

Change the tires.
Check the fork seals and any other seals you can find. Did you check the chain and sprockets?
Be prepared to remove the carbs for a good cleaning.
Empty and clean the tank.
Change the fuel filter.
Figure on a new battery.
Check the throttle and clutch cables. Be prepared to replace them or at least lube them.
Check the front brake pads.
I believe this model had a rear drum brake. Check the brake shoes.
Change the oil and filter.
Check the rectifier and voltage regulator. I have seen these go bad with time.
Do a valve adjustment.
These bikes had points type ignition. Check them.
The bike has an aftermarket pipe on it. What kind of shape is it in?

How many miles does the seller think it has on it?

Again these can be good bikes. Just be aware that you will have considrable more invested to make this bike right than the purchase price.

moto_hanki · Wed May 17, 2006 12:19 pm

Call your local Honda menchanic and find out if they will even work on a bike that age, some won't, then ask for an estimate for the speedo cable.
I would be leary of a bike that has been sitting if you don't have a mechanic or a friend who can look at it.

If the Maxim is a daily rider for the seller, I would go for that. I have an xj600 Seca, it is a good bike and my mechanic loves them. His kid ownes an 85 Maxim, they can't say enough good stuff about them.