Vintage and Classic Hondas

To buy or not to buy

_‹ Previous Topic Next Topic _›

Classic

List

Threaded

10 messages Options

Stoyle

To buy or not to buy

I'm looking at a 77 Honda CB750 Four. It is a little rough around the edges. The engine runs but has some trouble starting and warming up, the seller says that the carburetors need to be balanced and it will run perfectly, I don't know much about these bikes and was wondering whether or not this sounds right or if there could be any underlying problems that may be worse than a simple carb synch.

robs750

Re: To buy or not to buy

The engine could also have other issues like low compression due to valves being out of adjustment or even burnt valves and or worn piston rings.
Just a warning.

TOOLS1

Re: To buy or not to buy

Administrator

In reply to this post by Stoyle

These engines are very reliable. I know of one with over 100,000 trouble free miles. How many miles does the one your looking at have?
TOOLS

Life is not about the number of breaths, you take, but the moments that take your breath away.
I don't have an anger problem. I have an idiot problem. Hank Hill
Never confuse education for intelligence.
Happiness is a belt fed weapon.
I just can't imagine what could go wrong.
No fire? No explosions? So whats the point of your story?
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber. ~Plato
It couldn't be done, but the darn fool didn't know it, and did it anyway.
We all got problems. Ksharp
I like vintage bikes because they take me away from the clutter of technology that I work with everyday and back to a simpler time of mechanical elegance and simplicity.. "ninadm"
Darkwing Duck: The worst part of public transportation is the Public.
"That is awesome shit there" Re-Run
"Fear nothing, attack everything" Eric Berry
" Oh, you read that on the internet? Clearly it IS a massive problem. Of course it CAN’t be normal operation."

1976 CB 750-A X 2
1977 CB 750-A X 4
1977 CB 750-K
1976 CB 750 F
1981 CB 750
1966 Kawasaki SG 250
1981 KZ 750 LTD
1973 CB 350
1979 CM 185 Twinstar
1982 Honda XL 80
South of Eden (Kansas City MO)

robs750

Re: To buy or not to buy

[QUTE]These engines are very reliable. I know of one with over 100,000 trouble free miles.]QUOTE]

Providing they are serviced regularly.

What is the seller asking?

Stoyle

Re: To buy or not to buy

this engine has almost 20K miles, I read that old hondas can take up to 200K between engine rebuilds. He was asking 1350 but he's willing to take less.

pat english

Re: To buy or not to buy

if he has the title for it,i would say thats a good deal..but if youre not handy with tools,it might cost some bucks to have someone get it road worthy for you..

Re-run

Re: To buy or not to buy

Administrator

In reply to this post by Stoyle

Get a compression tester meant for bikes, car testers work but the hoses are incorrect and will give lower readings because of increased hose diameter.
If compression is good, then I would spring for it.
The carbs will need to be cleaned, this is the biggest issue on hard starts and poor warm up, not balancing or synchronizing(the more used term).
Expect to spend some cash to replace or fix things though. It IS an old bike after all.

The ride IS the adventure. The destination is just to get gas!

Stoyle

Re: To buy or not to buy

Thanks everyone, I'm getting it tomorrow for $850, I'm going to buy the synchronization gauges and hopefully I can get it up and running by myself. I'm sure I'll be back with questions.

pat english

Re: To buy or not to buy

sweet thats a good price...so he has a title for then?..post up some pics when you get it home.

shinyribs

Re: To buy or not to buy

Administrator

Wow! You really talked him down! Good luck with your new bike. And I agree with Pat-pics!