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Hello Everyone,
I am fairly new to motorcycles, however, I have owned a couple of newer bikes. Anyway, I have came across an 1971 honda CB 750 on CL. I am new to the 750 or any other classic bike. If I post the ad could someone more experienced talk and ask the general questions they would ask before purchasing this bike. I do have mechanical experience and have already talked to the guy. He said it ran good, good tires, small oil leak by the shifter lever, but before I drive 2 hours to look at it. I would like to make sure its worth the trip.(he said it had an 69 sandcastle motor???)))
http://tuscaloosa.craigslist.org/mcy/2213236861.htmlIf someone could please do this and get more detailed info on this bike, I would greatly appreciate it.
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As we all know, opinions are like belly buttons, everyone.... This is just my two cents. I have seen and heard of too many examples of scams on CL. I don't put much trust in anything on there. "Sand castle"?? I believe he means "sand cast", which was how some of the earliest 750's components were made. The first 750's were built in '69. I wouldn't bet on a '71 being a sand cast model. I know you say that you wouldn't want to drive 2 hours, but I, personally, would want to look it over. I'm not crazy about the picture either. I would want to see what the engine serial number is as well as the frame number. I would also go on line to either SOHC4 or VJMC websites. Either one I believe has a listing of engine numbers by years or models that might give you an idea of whether this engine is original to this bike. Being a geezer, I say, "Paper lies still, you can write anything on it" which includes Craig's List. Good Luck!
Cur
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I understand and appreciate your input. He did say it was a 71 frame and 69 sand cast motor. I just really don't know what to look for on these bikes and really not sure on how long the motors hold up or anything. I assume that the motor has never been rebuilt. Yea I know Craigslist has it scammers but this guy seemed legit. The bike is at a shop in a town that I am familiar with. He said it had a bunch of extras that I do not rememeber. I was just wanting someone else's opinion on what all it had and stuff(since I do not know jack about these bikes). However, it seems like a good price compared to all the other 750s I have seen.
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These SOHC honda's were the first bikes that were like Timex watches, ie, they could take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. If you kept the oil changed regularly, and rode the bike like a sane person, they wouldn't break and 50, 60, or 70,000 miles later they might need some top end work. I've owned a few and I have to confess to being a maintenance zealot and I've never had a mechanical issue with any of them. Yes, you can have some oil seeps here and there but nothing serious just cosmetic.
Price wise, I don't think it is too high or too low. Still, I would want to look it over. If you've owned motorcycles you can probably tell whether a bike has been reasonably taken care of. My question is why the engine change? The original broke? Why? - mistreated or under maintained? If it was mistreated, how is the rest of the bike? Frame straight, steering bearings "ratchety"? What does the oil look like? Inside of the gas tank- any rust? Swing arm bushings - are they tight or does the swing arm have some side to side movement? Start the engine - how's the exhaust look? Smoky or clean.
Like I said, I would feel a lot better putting my hands on it. Then too, are you looking for something to put a plate on and go riding or is it going to be a project bike? Okay Buddy, you've got at least four cents worth of my opinions. Hope this helps. Good night!
Cur
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hey nick, where are you at?? I saw the add is posted in tuscaloosa. I live in auburn and work in montgomery, but i drive a 75 750F. I know a really good mechanic here in montgomery who has done all the work on mine that i couldnt do myself. His brain might be worth picking.
A couple things i'd check:
Compression
Oil
When the bike is running, put your hand near the exhaust and then smell your hand. Shouldn't smell to strong of any odors like gas, sulfur, burning oil, etc.
Ask him why the engine swap, and see if you can get the old one thrown in :)
Ask about any carb work
And finally ask for all receipts he has or documents backing up work.
If any of these categories come back un-satisfactory, use them in pursuasion to get the price down.
Don't let them shy you away from a purchase, but use your best judgement
Also, has the swingarm been modified? it looks longer than mine.
have fun.
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I'm in Auburn. I appreciate all the help. I'm not sure when I will get up to look at the bike. Hopefully it will be sometime this week. I'm not sure on the swingarm, he didn't say anything on the phone about it. It has been lowered, I do know that. Do you know any bikes around this area for sale?
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