1979 CB750F SS

[arbowman]

Hello.  I am a new member to this forum.  I have a few questions about a Honda 750 that is for sale in my area on Craigslist that I am interested in.  If the feedback I receive from this post about this bike is positive, I will probably purchase it. Here is the description of the bike in the Craigslist ad:

Classic Sport/Cruiser 1979 Honda DOHC CB 750F SS with 17,000 original miles.Needs TLC-carbs remounted,front brake/master cylinder,new battery and elbow grease.Kokomura pipes.New ignition.Tires replaced in 2009.Have a near new CORBIN custom form fit seat that is included.Sidecovers are included.Bike ran perfect until carbs started leaking fuel from bad fuel rail seals.CARBS HAVE BEEN PROFESSIONALLY COMPLETELY REBUILT WITH ETHANOL PROOF O RINGS AND GASKETS.

The bike is not mint looking in the pics.  It has some surface rust on the tank and exhaust.  It will need to be mildly restored to get it looking good.  It is hard to tell exactly what it will need by the pictures in the ad but it looks like a complete bike that just looks bad cosmetically.  

Here is the strange part:  This bike was originally on Craigslist almost exactly a year ago.  I emailed the owner about it. The response I got from him then was that he had put the bike on Ebay.  I lost interest at that point and forgot about it until recently when I got a new email from the owner asking if I was still interested in the bike.  I was very surprised because it has been over a year!  Anyway, in the email he said he would take $700 for it which is down from his original asking price of $975.  

It seems to me like the owner just wants this bike gone.  So, I might just offer him $500 and he can take it or leave it.  I am not really a vintage Honda guy but I love the way this CB750F looks compared to other CB's.  Here is a link to the exact same bike that is in mint condition:


https://www.google.com/search?q=cb750f&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=LlWEUtDoL9be4AOlrID4BQ&ved=0CCwQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=665

It is bike #1 in the 3RD row.  For some reason the site won't let you look at it pic without being covered up.  It is the same colors, wheels, seat, lights, everything.    

So here is my questions:

Is this bike rare?  Is it worth $700 in non-running condition?  Would it be a good bike to restore?  What problems are these bikes known to have and what should I look for that could be a deal breaker?
 
I don't know much about these older CB's and what parts are available for them so that is why I am on here asking for advice.  I am a good mechanic and can do all the restoration and repairs myself other than a professional paint job on the body work.  Any advice is greatly appreciated!
 

[shinyribs]

The F model bikes of that era do look mighty fine. I'm partial to them myself.

Going through the front brake system should be less than $100 ,worst case scenario.If it needs tires that could run anywhere from $150-300+ depending on what you choose. A good chain and sprockets,if needed,will probably run about $125-150+.A battery can be anywhere from $40-65+

The #1 thing these bikes (DOHC CB's) are known for having issues with is the charging system. When they go they are expensive. If you search the forum here (search bar,upper right hand on homepage) for "doch charging issue" ,  ''dohc stator'',etc... you will see what I mean. The bikes are reliable,but they are just starting to show their age at this point and this is the biggest offender.

I agree it sounds like he wants it gone. Been sitting on it for a year,holidays coming up...I'd say $500 if a good offer,too. Of course,make sure it has a clear title.

Since it's been sitting make sure to check the inside of the tank for rust. You can always clean it up as long as it doesn't seem to be completely rotten,but it can also be a good haggling point in your favor if it does have a little surface rust inside.

The link to the pics didn't work for me,but it sounds like it's had some money invested in to it already. I'd say $500-700 is a fair price for what you described.    Good luck!

[arbowman]

Hey thanks for the response!  That was exactly the information I was looking for.  I have been giving this bike some thought.  I kinda wish that this guy never emailed me.  I have all kinds of other projects going on right now and the last thing I need is a streetbike project even though this is a bike I would love to own and ride.  I really wish I could buy it and just put it somewhere but the problem is I don't have anywhere to put it.  Thanks again.