Would love some purchasing advice

[ThatGuy]

Gentlemen (and ladies).

I was looking to buy CB 750 for a project, but found myself struggling to find the right one; or any in decent shape for that matter. I looked on Ebay (looks shady), Craigslist (full of finished cafe racers) and other similar websites to no avail. Some of these bikes seem way overpriced/nice to be project bikes or are in less than stellar condition running for nearly $2000. I am completely new to this scene, have never restored a motorcycle, but willing to put in good amount of time into learning how. With that in mind, could any of you give some advice on what condition should I buy it in, average price and perhaps even where I could start looking for these CB's?

I know it's a rather broad question, but ANY advice is welcome. I absolutely love the aesthetics of this particular brand/model and it's frustrating not being able to find something to work on. Thank you.

[TOOLS1]

My advice would be to just keep looking on Craigslist, and go around to local shops, and ask the people there if they know of any. I would also say to get one that is running, and has a title. I myself prefer the SOHC bikes (69-78) over the DOHC bikes (79-83) as they are much easier to work on, parts are more readily available, and they are less problematic.  I do not know where you are at, but there are several CB 750's on the Kansas City Craigslist.
TOOLS

[LukeM]

If you're looking at Craigslist, I might suggest opening up your search radius to your state and surrounding states (assuming you're in the US of A).  Sometimes you'll get a better deal if you're away from a major metro area, even if it might take some dollars getting it into a truck/van and back to your place.

Here in the central Ohio area, you could pay anywhere from 800-2500 or more for CB750s in various condition.

I second the suggestion of asking others, let them know you're interested in an inline 4 Honda bike, and see if you can get others to hunt around.

Luke M

[Kha]

Ive spent about 2 yrs on CL to find mine. Cost me $750 for a running bike. Not good but able to drove it home. I have a DOHC but after reading forums, I prefer a SOHC. Pre accelerator pump carbs model of course. Accelerator pumps are a pain in the butt. I see that the prices drop during colder months(I bought mine in December). Goes up during the riding seasons. There is a couple of SOHC right now around my area on CL. I live in sioux city, IA. If youre in the midwest. Good luck

[ThatGuy]

Definitely got some great advice, thanks guys! I will post here again before purchasing the bike, once I find one I'm interested in. Thank you again.

[shinyribs]

I have both SOHC and DOHC bikes. Currently,I only have a DOHC on the road.

Each has its pros and cons. The DOHC has some aspects that are easier to work on: oil changes are easier/less messy, spark plugs are super easy to get at and there are no points to fiddle with (not that points are bad). They also at least have a small storage area under the seat for a few tools and your papers.

SOHC carbs are crazy simple to clean and tune. The valves are easily adjustable and that requires no special tools(unlike the DOHC). But at least the DOHC will let you pull the valve cover off without having to pull the engine from the frame.

Charging systems can fail more often on the DOHC and it's pretty expensive to fix,but simple to figure out and repair.

SOHC brakes are noisy (just learn to accept that) and they do make less power.

Both are great bikes and are reliable machines. I guess which model to buy would depend on which you think looks better.

If I was forced to own only one bike it would be a SOHC. I love the bottom end power and smooth shifting of my DOHC,but the SOHC motors are just attractive looking, stupid reliable in all aspects (they hate silicone,though...it will kill them), and i think they have a nicer exhaust note.

Where are you located at? I know of a SOHC in my area that is currently not running,but it could be made in to a very nice looking original bike for not much effort. A buddy of mine has it and he is running out of room. He may be willing to sell just to free up some space.