first bike purchase

[Drew]

Hi everyone,

I am new to the motorcycle scene and i plan to purchase my first bike soon. I have the opportunity to purchase a cb750 for what seems like cheap to me. see ad below. what do you think for a beginner bike. im about 6 ft 2 inches and weight about 190

 1980 Honda CB750 Custom - in good shape

$850


SHE NEEDS TO BE RIDDEN!!!
ONCE RIDDEN ABOUT 100 MILES OR SO, SHE WILL BE ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!
THIS BIKE IS A CLASSIC!

THE GOOD:
Brand-new air filters (breathers).
All fluids recently changed.
Tires in really good shape.
All electrical components work (lights, turn signals, etc).
LOW mileage (11,560 mi). *See pic below*
Clean and clear title, in-hand.

================================

THE ISSUE:
The throttle sticks a bit, needs to be used (ridden) in order to get the throttle lube down into the cable, then it should loosen up and be fine.
Battery needs to be charged up (from not being ridden...we are not riding it b/c we don't have insurance on it), but once its charged up (we have jumped it), it runs like a dream!

[TOOLS1]

Welcome to the forum. The price seems right. however if the new filters are pods there might be a jetting issue to contend with. The lube on the throttle cable story is BS. It probably needs a cable, and a battery, but both are not that big of problem. Be sure to check if it is charging. A $5.00 volt meter will tell if it is, or not.
TOOLS

[shinyribs]

On the idea of a good beginner bike,I love my CB750. I'm 6'3" and 225 lbs.I has more than enough power to get you into trouble.I just got mine out on the road a very short while ago and am still impressed with the power these bikes produce.When i shift into 2nd gear at full throttle coming out of 1st gear at 7000 rpm it usually slides/chirps the back tire a little.I had it out yesterday and parked at a rest area for a few minutes.There was a guy on a V-rod that showed up while I was there.He didnt have much to say.On my out i decided that i would show off a little and do my little 1-2 tire slide trick since he wasnt very impressed with my Honda.To my surprise the back tire HOOKED that time and i got a little unintentional wheelie out of it.Not much,maybe 20 feet.I wonder if he was impressed?I think you may fine that for a beginner bike it may end up being your permanent bike.I know mine is!

[cityslicker]

750 is a good beginer, I got a 500, and was salty after a few months, It just lacked the power I wanted. you just gotta go easy at first and know the plant is in there when you need it.

[seestheday]

You wheelied your 750?  Damn I didn't think they could do that.

I've toyed with the idea of revving and dropping the clutch but don't want the tranny to explode.

[Drew]

anyone have any suggestions for specifics i should check when i test drive the bike? Part checks, as well as things i should or shouldnt feel when im riding the bike? Im new to these bikes... well bikes in general.

[shinyribs]

Fork seals -     look for leakage. its a diy fix though

Wheel spokes -      bent/missing/unscrewing shiny/clean threads.If the spokes are off you may feel a wobble or out of balance feel       not your typical diy fix,but doable if you have the nerve/patience

Rear drum brakes-    there is an indicator notch on the actuating arm and another on the hub where the arm attaches.If they are lined up then it needs shoes.another diy fix

Drive chain-   there are indicator notches on the swing arm to see how much adjustment is left on the chain


Cold natured-   they just are

Kick start-   dont go to kick start it and think all the engine compression is gone because its super easy to kick over,they are very easy bikes to kick.If you have ever kicked a 4 stroke dirt bike divide the required force by 5 and that gives you an idea


Charging system-    it too is a diy fix,but can be a little pricey.Take a dc meter and check to see if it charges.youre looking for 13.5-14.5 at 3000 rpm

Tires and brake lines-    check for the typical dry rot


Electrical-   check for rats nests/chopped up wiring and judge accordingly.New harness are available for around $75

I'm sure i missed a lot,just what i got off the top of my head


I always like to make sure the antifreeze looks good ,too