55k miles on '82 cb750C

[Joseph Shaw]

Thanks for accepting me! I am going to look at a 1982 cb750 Custom tomorrow that has over 55,000 miles. It is described as running good and has no dents....I believe it has been painted as it is burgundy rather than the red that I see listed as a factory color for this year....I think the seat has been changed to non stock. If I decide to buy, I would use this bike regularly for errands and riding around....it is not being considered as a restoration bike....I might put a stock seat on it and do a few other small projects, but not a full restoration. What are your thoughts on this bike with over 55k miles? Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions.

 

[Oscar Meyer]

What is the asking price? A lot can happen in 55k miles but they are quite capable of much more than that if they are looked after properly. See how it runs and while it is running crack the throttle a few times and see if there is any signs of smoke. Ask the seller lots of questions like how long has he owned it, when was the last time the valves were adjusted, when was the last time the carbs were off it etc. If it no longer has the original paint or seat that will reduce the value unless the repaint is stock appearing and a quality job. Don't pay too much.

 

[mrtwowheel]

Pictures? Tires, battery, brakes, chain, sprockets, etc. etc. etc. it can get pricey just to have a safe dependable rider. Can you change tires, brakes, sprockets etc.?

 

[Joseph Shaw]

What is the asking price? A lot can happen in 55k miles but they are quite capable of much more than that if they are looked after properly. See how it runs and while it is running crack the throttle a few times and see if there is any signs of smoke. Ask the seller lots of questions like how long has he owned it, when was the last time the valves were adjusted, when was the last time the carbs were off it etc. If it no longer has the original paint or seat that will reduce the value unless the repaint is stock appearing and a quality job. Don't pay too much.

Thanks for the suggestions...if I were to buy it, would likely be around $1,000....if it looks good and appears to run well. It has had three owners in the last 21 years....I think this guy has had it for around 3 years. But, I will follow you suggestions regarding what to observe and ask. Thanks!

 

[Joseph Shaw]

Pictures? Tires, battery, brakes, chain, sprockets, etc. etc. etc. it can get pricey just to have a safe dependable rider. Can you change tires, brakes, sprockets etc.?

I do my own maintenance on my bikes....but not an actual mechanic....I just pay attention to service manuals and watch a lot of YT videos. It is said to have recent battery and tires....sprockets and chain is said to look good and it is said to run well. We will see....its just more miles than I have ever bought on a bike. But, looked at an '81 today that was supposed to only have 3100 original miles....and it was in awful shape....first cylinder car was pouring gas, and everything appeared rough....I walked away without making a counter offer. Thanks for the suggestions and warnings....will certainly heed them!

 

[mrtwowheel]

$1k, or less, is a good price for a 750C that has nice looking parts, good maintenance, and no signs of molestation.

 

[sergei]

Now, after owning a motorcycle for 3 years, I would check the following:
1) whether the frame is bent (check the alignment of the frame joints from the front)
2) whether there is any sound from stretched chains in the engine.
3) when the engine is hot, whether there is any “pinging” under the valve cover.
4) whether the charging from the generator is working.
5) measuring compression on hot

Everything else can be fixed relatively easily. And there’s also the issue of the motorcycle’s price.

 

[Joseph Shaw]

I appreciate all advice.....just looked at the bike and it wasn't anything that I would be interested in....very rough...had a lot of cosmetic issues and the bike did not run well enough to adequately judge the mechanics....except to know that it had multiple issues that I would not see the point of correcting with the condition of the rest of the bike. It was not what was advertised....but, an education none the less! Thanks again for all of the input on this.....for now, I am still looking!