'76 CB750F - Fix it or...
 

I just got back from a work trip to Montana and enjoyed the drive, but really got the itch to do some longer rides. The problem is, the only working bike I have is a 2001 CBR600 F4i.

This got me thinking that I need a sport-touring bike. Then I began looking at the FJR1300. Realistically though, I can probably only manage 2 trips per year, so even though I can afford to spend $9k on a used bike, maybe I shouldn't.

Then I got to thinking about my '76 CB750F that has been collecting dust for 15 years. At minimum, here is what it needs:
Tires $200
Chain $60
Sprockets $50
Fork seals $30
Muffler $100
Windscreen $30
Battery $40

What are these bikes worth in running condition? Should I spend the money to get the bike running and use it as my touring bike, or is the money better spent on something newer?

This weekend I'll try to dig it out of my Dad's barn and evaluate the machine and snap a couple photos.

$1k to 2.5k depending on condition. Not running >$1000.

Also depends on your market. The 1970's F models were going for 2 to 3 thousand in the Sacramento area 17 or 18 years when I still played with motorcycles. I haven't really paid attention to them for years but don't see any listed on CL right now.
JJ

Unless you drained the fuel out of it, you'll probably need to recoat the inside of the gas tank due to rust. Almost certainly rebuild the carbs, and get new jets. Probably fuel line and maybe filters too.

The first time I endeavored to ride the bike was in 2000, and it was my first ride. The original tank was unsalvageable due to rust. I bought another one off Ebay and put a tank coating in it, so hopefully it's held up since parking it in 2003. I also cleaned out the brake calipers and replaced the fluid, but I imagine I'll need to do it again. Can I blame E10 for the rust problem, or does it happen with straight fuel too?

Certainly the carbs will need to be gone through. I'm no expert on tuning though, so hopefully a cleaning is all that's needed. Was also thinking of replacing the points with electronic ignition since they've caused problems in the past and I never seem to get it adjusted right.

I ended up getting just $2000 for my 75 CB550F from a guy in Bozeman who was very happy. It was in great shape and needed nothing to enjoy and very little to make it perfect.

I found that the carbs on the old CBs are a nightmare. At first a simple cleaning and rebuild kit did the trick but then after 6 months they seemed to constantly have additional issues. Too much flow, not enough, floats not opening, and then not shutting. I admit I'm no motorcycle mechanic either but 4 of those buggers may be great for max power per CC but terrible for day to day.

A 750F is probably worth a little more although I bet the CB400F might be the most valuable of them all. I've seen some 70's GL1000's for a good price, I wonder if they wouldn't be a better choice. like this https://greatfalls.craigslist.org/mc...579991710.html

Nah. E10 is not the problem. Any of the old Honda 750's that I know of that sat for more than a few years had the problem. I owned three '74's and a couple of my buddies had them too. Bought my first one for a hundred bucks in 1990 and got a package deal for two more for $250 a couple years later. Nice to have cheap parts bikes.

Electronic ignition is a great idea. I never really checked into it but it seemed like I was changing points every year. I would look into getting a four ganged vacuum gauge for tuning also. Your carbs should be pulling really close to the same vacuum on all four cylinders and it's nice to be looking at all four at the same time.
Have fun.

Oh, seems like the manual said something about squirting a little oil in the cyclinders if the engine hadn't been turned over for a long time but I may be misremembering. Maybe I need a little squirt of oil.

JJ

You can check the NADA value of your bike online.

Unless you enjoy the time wrenching, I'd say sell the CB as is and get something more up to date, ready to go, and designed for the long haul.

FJRs are nice, as are the Honda STs if you want to stay on the "sport" side of touring.

ZG1000's can be had pretty cheap. Put about 40,000 miles on the 1998 I had in 3-4 years. Sold it for more than I bought it for, but did have to work on the carbs replace the carb boots because it set in a barn for 10 years and needed a new gas tank. 45 mpg

I guy I work with occasionally just got a 04? with 78,000 miles, only his second bike at 65? yo, first was a CX500 just a couple years ago. Dropped it in his garage and couldn't get it back up. I never thought of it as that heavy but he's 15 yo older and 5" shorter.

I'd probably get a newer version if I was going to get back into riding.

https://quadcities.craigslist.org/mc...626832122.html