Honda CB750 Sandcast

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Topics - kindofblue

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General Discussion / 1969 fair market value? bike's been garaged 35+ yrs
« on: December 27, 2012, 05:54:01 pm »
Hi all,
I'm moving forward with the possibility of buying my friend's dad's 69 CB750. See here for details and history
http://cb750sandcastonly.com/smf_forum/index.php?topic=863.0

This bike has been garaged basically untouched for over 35 years in Seattle. I however, am in Albuquerque NM. I've asked the owner to send me pics but have no idea what a reasonable price range is for a bike that's been sitting like this for so long. So I thought I'd pose the question here for your comments. Also, what are these bikes worth then they're fully restored?

I know there will be a long list of things to do to restore the bike and wouldn't be surprised to learn that it's going to take a lot of $$$ and time. I'm hoping the engine hasn't seized and have thought of asking him whether the kick starter will turn the pistons with the ignition turned off. Would that be sufficient to determine that the pistons and rings haven't seized? I would imagine that rebuilding a seized engine would entail a lot of $$$$ and time and that in turn would need to be reflected in the fair purchase price.

I'll post pics as soon as I get them and fill in details also. Thanks in advance for your perspectives and opinions.

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New Member Introductions / New member from Land of Enchantment
« on: December 16, 2012, 03:48:57 pm »
Hi all,
I've registered here because I may have the opportunity to buy my best high school friend's dad's CB750 (~1969-70). Dave's dad sold the CB750 to Dave's  cousin a number of years ago before he passed away. The cousin has had it gathering dust in his garage ever since. I just learned about it last week and have asked my friend to ask his cousin if he'd be willing to sell it. So we'll see. I'd be thrilled at the possibility of restoring this CB750. Dave's dad took meticulous care of his bikes so it was in excellent condition before it started gathering dust. I know it'll need a lot of work but if I can get it for a reasonable price, I'll get it and take it from there.

I'm reasonably skilled at bike maintenance having done routine maintenance on all my bikes since I resumed riding ~10 years ago after a long hiatus. I rode in high school and college but it'd been 30 years when I resumed riding 10 years ago. That said, I don't have technical skills for things like rebuilding carbs, etc. I do, however, have a friend in our local BMW club who's an excellent mechanic and retired math teacher. He is meticulous and has offered to help me if I can procure this CB750.

I remember Dave's dad telling me that he got the first CB750 off the boat from Japan in Seattle. He was a long-time rider who'd bought a number of Hondas from a dealer near the old Seattle Ranier's baseball stadium but its name escapes me. That's why I suspect it's a sandcast.

I currently ride a 2013 Triumph Explorer. Prior to that I had 2 BMW GSs, a Triumph Tiger 1050, 2 FJRs, etc...

My username, kindofblue, is a tribute to Miles Davis. And blue is my favorite color on bikes ;-)

If I get a chance to inspect this CB750 what would you recommend that I look for? I wouldn't attempt to start up the bike without a careful cleaning of the fuel system, replacing fluids, etc... so what are your thoughts on how to come up with a fair offer for it? Thanks in advance for your replies.

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