Looking to buy an '81 CB750 Custom

[Fran Krajewski]

Local guy has one for sale $1200 firm, ad said runs strong, pictures look good except for  the seat cover has tears and the paint on the side of the tank is damaged.
Asked a few questions and seller stated "shifts great in all gears, no leaks not a drop".

Going to call and schedule a look in person. Any advice on this year/model or things to look for would be appreciated.

Hope to become an active member on this board sometime soon. Recently looked at a '82 CB650 Nighthawk but the owner was not taking care of it and started to bobberize it. I almost bought it just to save the Bike.

Just took a MSC and of course everyone recommends a smaller bike but ...

[shinyribs]

These are not lightweight bikes.It will feel sorta heavy at first in parking lot type situations. Take a little time to get used to it and you'll be just fine. That is a kinda high price ( for my area at least) but it does look like a nice bike. Check out the tires,chains and sprockets. If those need replacing you could drop $500+ real easy on those three. Also,I would check out the front brake calipers,too. Make sure they look good and healthy.No rotten rubber or fluid leaks. I was gonna use an 81C front end on another bike and calipers parts were scarce and expensive.


And I too have bought vehicles just to save them beforeSomebody has to save those orphans!


Is this possible previous frame repair or is it stock? I really dont know,just wondering

[Fran Krajewski]

Thanks for the reply. Good suggestions appreciated. It certainly was more than I had planned to spend. I was hoping to find a classic bike for around $600-800 that and then put a hundred or so out a little at a time to get her back in shape. But after looking and doing some research, I didn't want to have too many additional parts to buy as I found parts somewhat limited availability. Not sure about the frame repair I guess I should ask seller as that would raise some concerns.
I originally was looking for a 650 but so far in this area only found 550's, 750's, and a couple 900's that were a good candidate for getiing back to original. I'm not a collector but just appreciate classic bikes (boats,cars,too) and want to preserve one. The 550's looked a tad small but I guess I should check the specifications (length, wheelbase, etc). When I came across this one it caught my eye and I am hoping that at that price it is mechanically sound and I could focus on the cosmetics and normal wear and tear items.
Also, most importantly, anxious to enjoy some riding and maintaining (garage+music+beer).

[Half-Caf]

shinyribs wrote

Is this possible previous frame repair or is it stock? I really dont know,just wondering

All DOHC's have that sort of bracing in the front (on both sides). So, unless the welds look crappy or something seems off I would say its fine.

As for choosing a 750 for your first bike, I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea. I am also a fairly new rider and my 1980 750f was my first. It is a little heavy and I'm sure a little 250 would be smaller and easier to maneuver, but if you're careful and responsible you should be ok.

As a side note, I bought my bike having never rode a motorcycle. I took my MSF class and came home all excited to try mine in the alley only to pick it up and then immediately drop it again because I was used to riding the little 225's for the last 2 days.

[easyrider12]

Hi Fran,  I bought my 81 750 custom over 5 years ago for $2000 and it was the best purchase i've made.  Minor repairs and endless roadtrips but It's at the point now where it needs some TLC.  I bought mine over 500 miles away and rode it to the parking lot of the DMV for the upgrade test (>550cc) the next morning. I passed first try but the lady said i couldn't ride it home till i updated my paperwork ;).  I say go for it!  good luck

[Fran Krajewski]

Half-Caf, Thanks for the reply. I had a couple other bikes in the mix but this one is in the lead. I will give it a good look in person. The guy is a local fisherman like me so he coldnt be all bad !

[Fran Krajewski]

Easyrider12 that's a great story. Thanks for the comments. I have a couple other bikes under consideration but I'm going to call the guy tomorrow and schedule a look at this one.

[Hellbilly429]

Bring a multimeter with you and check the charging output of the bike! The DOHC charging system blows and costs lots of money to replace, just a heads up

[shinyribs]

Fran,if you are inclined to get a 550 don't let the smallish look of it fool you. I'm 6' 2'' and have sat on a few of them. It definitely feels smaller than my 750,but it was not at all cramped. It felt pretty sporty actually.Granted,I didn't actually ride them,just sitting on them. The 550's feel super light,too. Neither would be a bad choice for a starter bike or a long term keeper.

[Piute]

   I myself am learning more about these smaller 450-550cc bike for back road cross country riding,been visiting another forum http://baldy.smugmug.com/ and  of enjoying that type of adventuring. So there more to be had with a smaller bike if used in that dirt type fashion.

                                                      But kan't do this on no trail

[Fran Krajewski]

Thanks for the comments. Points well taken. I have considered the whole gammit 550-650-750-900 and at first I was inclined to start off with the "smaller" bikes, although from what I gather it's more of a weight/power thing than size. This particular 750 had extra appeal due to low miles (9950) although a bike with 40000 miles could be a better choice than one with considerably less miles depending on how well it was taken care of. I already have a name for her "Sandy" ! By the way, love the sidecar rider :)