New rider with general questions

[David77]

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the motorcycle scene so I am hoping you can offer some insight...

Let me start off my saying that the CB750 talks to me. I love the look, the sound and everything about it pretty much makes me want to get one. I do have a few questions though.

Being that these are old bikes and I don't know much about them, it this a bike that you would recommend for a new rider? Does it require alot of atention?

How does it rate safety wise?

A general question - it seams a little odd to me that bikes that are just a couple of years old and ones that are 30 years old are selling for comparable prices. Why is that?

I want the bike to have back support for the passenger and a rack for carrying loads. Should only buy a bike that has them already or are those things easy to add later. Looking a what was selling on ebay, none of the 750's had any racks or back rest.

And speaking about ebay, is it the right place to shop for a bike? Are there any websites where I can shop for a 750?

Is there a Honda bike other than the CB750 that is similar in style and function but that has the rack and back support?

What are the weak points of the 750?

When shopping for one, what are the things I should be looking out for?

What should my budget be for one that is in good condition?

Thank you in advance for your input.

David

[Rod_Knockin]

What year? would be my first question. 1979 splits the bikes into two groups. Pre 79 bikes are single cam. Im really not familiar with them. Or there ride. I have owned my 79 since I was 17 in 1987. Its been a great bike for me. Its pretty easy to ride. Its an upright bike. Your not bent over like a crotch rocket and your not laid back like a cruiser. It will not carve corners like a new sport bike and it wouldn't be my choice if I was doing any real long  distance cruising. That being said I love my bike and cant find a reason to get something else.
The bike is actually pretty easy to work on. From the posts on this board the carbs are coming of age they need to be rebuilt. If you have a bit of mechanical ability its easy to do. There arent any computers or electronic injection and that makes it easy for troubleshooting. Parts seem to be available. Bottom line is if you like the bike and will be able to maintain it yourself its a great bike. Lots of shops wont work on old bikes. If you need a mechanic to do the work for you consider a Honda 919 Hornet as it is new and is loosely based on the f model.
As far as safety goes I crashed mine once and the airbag failed to deploy.  Any bike is only as safe as the rider makes it. Bikes dont crash themselves just like guns dont fire themselves.
I had a rack and backrest on my bike at one time. seemed ok.
As above mechanical ability would be a determining factor in your chioce to use ebay and what to pay. Look at the posts here. One guy got a good bike that needed work for $150 and there is another here concourse restored for $5800
get what you pay for.

[gonebiking-2]

Rod_Knockin has given you the same advice that I would have given you. Its sound and practical. I never owned a SOHC Honda so cant talk from experince. Get the carbs rebuilt and thoroughly cleaned out. Make sure the fuel tank is clean inside, other wise get that scale and rust removed and the inside coated to prevent further build up of gunk inside the tank. One thing that should be looked at is the rear shocks and springs for wear, the rear swing arm bushes ( which are the primary cause of rear end wobble at high speed ) and the steering head bearings. As these are sealed and there are no grease nipples, it would pay you to remove them and replace with new ones. Apart from that the motor is pretty well bullet proof. Happy riding

[pena750f]

Amen to Rod_Knockin and gonebiking. You have made a sound decision in chosing the CB750. One of the most important bikes ever produced,(you can look that up too). I returned to motorcycles after a 20 year hiatus and found a 76 supersport, I got for $1000. I reiterate, you get what you pay for. The motor was seized and it had issues, but I know bikes. It runs sweet now. If you aren't too confident in your mechanical abilties stay away from ones that have been stored for years. A good give away, is if you see pix get a look at how recent the registration is on the plate. Locked up motors can be an easy fix or a nightmare, best to avoid if possible.
They are easy and fun to ride and you will get noticed wherever you go. Parts are available everywhere to do just about anything you wish to the bike. I find simple add ons to be best
E-bay is good but you have to be careful there as well. You will find some good deals and some poeple trying to put sentimental velue on theirs. You will fid them getting higher as gas prices go up and time goes by. These are becoming collectable and the demand is greater. Be patient and cautious, and if you can, look locally so you can visually inspect. When you do find one be sure to gat a shop manual. You will need it, guaranteed!
Best of luck and have fun.