"Prospect," the real purpose of forming SOOC was to build a fellowship of enthusiasts so we could learn more about the sandcast CB750.
2001, i came to the realization i wanted a 750 like the one my Dad purchased newed new in Aug. 1969 (4779.) Starting my research, I quikly knew there was very much i did not know as well as for years had wondered many times about various aspects of the machine's production history.
When i purchased 4363 in 2001, it was "game on" to learn as much as i could because i knew so little and was familiar with the rigors of restoration in making a machine correct. Quickly, i realized there was much detail, even the experts had not yet uncovered, discovered or were unwilling to share.
Near daily emails for over 3 years w/ KP McGovern, we made the decision to start up the SOOC website. We wanted to learn the secrets of the sandcast.
Certainly, there are, regretfully (from my perspective) a number of folks who are very knowledgeable who do not belong to SOOC. However, the web club has been a gathering point for a number of hard core sandcast enthusiasts to share what we discover. so we can benefit along the way with our restoration efforts.
I am aware the club has likely created a "sandcast panacea," in terms of some of the items we see represented as "sandcast" on ebay. There is no doubt many have benefited from information on the website without being involved with our efforts.
Without the website we would not have the friendships quite a few of us have formed. We would have no Registry of existing machines. We would not know there are nearly 100 differences between early and late production machines. We would not know late pre-production machines exist. Without the website the AMA would likely not honored the CB750 at 2009 VMD and had SOOC as a classic club representing the marque. There is much more we would not have learned without this website.
I don't think anyone who actively participates with SOOC is overly concerend with being secretive; likely the opposite. Everyone i've met in person and via email make for a great group of guys; most of us are "baby boomers" still working more or less for a living.
Without the participation we've had, we'd still have not learned as many secrets as we unearthed to date.
Given the existance of the website and the participation we have, i don't feel were a terribly secretive bunch.