1979 honda cb 750 k 10 yr anniversary limited edition

[lrgguy]

Does anyone have an opinion on this model honda ? Or does it have common issues ? Might buy today and would appreciate peoples opinion .. thx

[sgtslag]

I had the standard '79 K model.  I owned it for six years.  I modified it for touring two-up (custom seat, saddlebags, fairing lowers, additional lights for conspicuity), installed an oil cooler (oil runs at 250 F, thermal limit of conventional oils, back in the day, not sure about modern conventional oils' thermal breakdown limits).  Only reason I sold it is because we (wife and I) bought a dedicated touring machine:  bigger, more storage, more comfort, more power, electronic cruise control, etc.  My K was dry rotting in my garage, and I couldn't let that happen -- it was too good of a bike.

With regards to issues, the only one I know of is the head gasket can leak, very common.  I had mine replaced, and it ran perfectly afterwards, no leaks.  We rode it two-up, 1,935 miles, circling Lake Superior; ran it four days in the rain, in Canada -- never missed a beat, ran perfectly the entire time, even though we had it overloaded with us, and our gear.

Valve shims need checking/replacement periodically, but this is routine maintenance, on many bikes, old and new alike.

The Anniversary Edition is only slightly different than the K model, with mag rims, instead of spokes, and different badging.  It might have dual front disc brakes, and maybe a rear disc brake, but otherwise, they are pretty much the same bike.

If it has pod air filters, ask if they have the OEM air box -- pods are extremely difficult to make work on the Constant Velocity carb's on these DOHC bikes.  Cheers!

[TOOLS1]

There are two known problem areas on the DOHC bikes. One is the charging system, so take a volt/Ohm meter with you to check that it is charging properly. It should read at least 13.5 volts at 3,500 RPM. The other issue is the cam chain guides. The one for the front chain is known to wear out, and need replaced.
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[rich]

If the bike is not currently in running and riding condition (e.g. "Ran when parked XX years ago" or  "Needs TLC" or "Needs new battery" or "Needs carbs cleaned", all common phrases in used bike ads), assume AT A MINIMUM that you're going to have to overhaul the carburetors and replace the alternator rotor. Factor those items into your cost of the bike along with basic maintenance items like tires, oil change, air filter, spark plugs, and a chain and sprockets.

[lrgguy]

Thanks everyone for your sugested opinions on things to look at ... I curently own a suzuki gs 650 gl and the bike feels a little small for me .. mind you the cb 750 isnt much bigger and I believe they both have the same size bore of 62 mm

[rich]

Looks real nice. The accessories are cool.

[lrgguy]

You like the accessories ? I wanted to lose them all and get it back down to just the bike ..

[TOOLS1]

I sell all my old accessory's to Rich.
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[lrgguy]

How do you twst the volts when the bikes running at 3500 rpm?? Like where do you put your tester ?

[sgtslag]

Across the battery posts.  You should read 13.5 Volts DC, or higher, but below 16 Volts, if the charging system is working properly.

[rich]

TOOLS1 wrote

I sell all my old accessory's to Rich.
TOOLS

I draw the line at windjammers though.

[Re-run]

Hey a windjammer is awesome for touring!

[lrgguy]

Not sure im gunna take it !! When in neutral at idle theres a raddling noice .. it sounds like somethings rollong around in where the clutch plates are ... but if you give it a little gas to bring up the idle the raddle goes away !! Buddy sais all old hondas sound like this !! I dont know ... he would go down to $1100 from $1200 . I offered $800 cuzz we did have to drain the tank due to bad gas and theres yellow slimey crap all in the tank too meaning carbs all have to be cleaned too...

[rich]

The clutch rattle should also subside when you pull in the handle at an idle. It's a common thing with these bikes. Also, they will sound really bad at an idle if the carbs are out of snych.

I'm surprised it even started and idled with the old, nasty gas that was in there. Maybe they drained the carbs before storing it.

[TOOLS1]

The noise is most likely the carbs out of sync. When they are out, it makes the engine sound like it is eating it's self at idle, but goes away when you give it throttle. However these engines do make noise.
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[Truck]

This could also be the clutch. The rivets in the "clutch basket" get old and loose and cause this rattleing noise. My buddies 79 had the same problem. never effected performance and went away when the bike warmed up, but you thought the bike was going to come apart firdt time you started her up in the morning.