Barn find. Questions.

[Kel-Dorado]

Hello!
A friend inherited this bike. He has no interest in keeping it.
He is thinking about getting it running just to get the most value. That's where I come in. I'd be the one to get it running as he has no experience with bikes.
I am a capable mechanic, own and maintain 4 bikes, have a project bike already, nice motorcyle shop in my garage with lift table and full set of tools etc. The question is if I can get it running, will the juice be worth the squeeze, so to speak.

I know this is a desirable bike, according to Google it's worth between $2200 and $22000 .

The bike is a 1971 cb750. 12k mi. Last registered 1990. Stored in a pole barn in MN the last 35 years. Clean title. No key. Currently appears that the cylinders are locked up from sitting so long. I didn't try real hard to kick it over, going to pull the plugs and pour some marvel mystery in and let it sit awhile (unless there are better
suggestions?) I believe the engine is good though.

So some questions for the people on here who know these bikes. What could he approximately and realistically expect to get for it as is with the engine freed up but not running, vs engine running but still needs all the work to make it rideable, i.e. tires, brakes etc.

Also anything stand out in the pics? I know the fairing, seat and pipes are not stock. Any ideas what the pipes are off of?

She's a bit rough around the edges. But a gem of a find.







Thank you in advance for any help / guidance in this matter! Greatly appreciated!

 

[grewth]

Nice find !
I can't really comment on potential values in the US, as I'm UK based, and unfortunately, old motorcycles generally (but not always) fetch higher prices here.
I'd think that freeing up that frozen engine is going to be the deal maker/breaker in this case.
If you can't free it, it's probably going to need a complete engine strip down - and then only serious restoration freaks need apply .
If it can be freed up, I'd further enhance the value by getting rid of the fairing and strange seat.
And those freakish silencers too.

 

[dirtdigger]

yes the early 750 is desirable but kind of depends on how someone wants to build it is what someone wants for originality. around here probably 1000 not running and not original. missing stock exhaust and seat losses fair amount of value if someone wants and original or stock type bike. If it ran its probably couple thousand. If its stuck it means rust in the cylinders and that means machine work to fix it correct so its going to take some money to fix the engine correct, the 750 engine is not cheap to fix but tons of available parts options.

 

[Kel-Dorado]

yes the early 750 is desirable but kind of depends on how someone wants to build it is what someone wants for originality. around here probably 1000 not running and not original. missing stock exhaust and seat losses fair amount of value if someone wants and original or stock type bike. If it ran its probably couple thousand. If its stuck it means rust in the cylinders and that means machine work to fix it correct so its going to take some money to fix the engine correct, the 750 engine is not cheap to fix but tons of available parts

options.

yes the early 750 is desirable but kind of depends on how someone wants to build it is what someone wants for originality. around here probably 1000 not running and not original. missing stock exhaust and seat losses fair amount of value if someone wants and original or stock type bike. If it ran its probably couple thousand. If its stuck it means rust in the cylinders and that means machine work to fix it correct so its going to take some money to fix the engine correct, the 750 engine is not cheap to fix but tons of available parts options.

Ooof. Yea, was thinking a bit higher, just judging from the bit a research and the asking prices for similar that I've seen. But people can ask whatever they want. That's why I asked for a realistic value. Appreciate the feed back. Thanks!

 

[Walmart Ninja]

I am definitely not an expert, and I know it could have been repainted or a new tank, but aren't the markings on the tank and side covers for a 1972 model?

 

[Loki]

Pity the engine is frozen as cosmetically doesn't look bad, have you had a look in the bores with an endoscope? Might not be stuck too bad, from the condition it looks to have been dry stored indoors so you migh get lucky with the miracle oil.
Is that back wheel standard, looks a bit weird somehow, see lots of US bikes with those exhausts so guess they're US made? Seat is just a bolt on part so no biggy if you can find a standard one, fairing is a Marmite thing you like them or you hate them, not the prettiest one I've seen but looks in good condition so could be saleable if you can find that person that loves them.
See if it runs then take it from there.
Keys are easy take out the ignition switch and the number is on the side.
My current project nearing completion had stood for a similar period and has come out the other side, yes it's cost me but I've done it all myself so only spent cash on parts apart from paying £75 to have the frame blasted before I painted it.

Loki

 

[Kel-Dorado]

Pity the engine is frozen as cosmetically doesn't look bad, have you had a look in the bores with an endoscope? Might not be stuck too bad, from the condition it looks to have been dry stored indoors so you migh get lucky with the miracle oil.
Is that back wheel standard, looks a bit weird somehow, see lots of US bikes with those exhausts so guess they're US made? Seat is just a bolt on part so no biggy if you can find a standard one, fairing is a Marmite thing you like them or you hate them, not the prettiest one I've seen but looks in good condition so could be saleable if you can find that person that loves them.
See if it runs then take it from there.
Keys are easy take out the ignition switch and the number is on the side.
My current project nearing completion had stood for a similar period and has come out the other side, yes it's cost me but I've done it all myself so only spent cash on parts apart from paying £75 to have the frame blasted before I painted it.

Loki

I'm starting to lean towards just telling him to sell it as is. I wasn't really looking for another project right now, and I know all to well the rabbit hole you can go down when you get into these things. Really is a labor of love.
Appreciate all your insight! I don't know about the rear wheel. Good question.
I haven't scope it, or even done the miracle oil yet. If I bring the bike to my house, I have to find a place to store one of my bikes for the winter! Lol

 

[Kel-Dorado]

I am definitely not an expert, and I know it could have been repainted or a new tank, but aren't the markings on the tank and side covers for a 1972 model?

Good question. Idk. I saw a Pic of the title but I guess I didn't note the date. Friend said it was a 71 so I just went with that. I'll have to verify. Thanks!

 

[grewth]

I'm thinking that the red badge on the side panels indicates a K1, ('71 model).
I thought that the K2 went to amber badges.
If it's a K1 it should also have candy gold headlamp shell and mount brackets, although these might have been junked when the fairing was fitted.
If DK had that in their showroom in the UK, they'd be asking about £2000 for that, maybe a little more, even with the frozen engine.
But that is UK prices, and top dollar at that.
Usually takes them six months plus to shift a bike

 

[Kel-Dorado]

I'm thinking that the red badge on the side panels indicates a K1, ('71 model).
I thought that the K2 went to amber badges.
If it's a K1 it should also have candy gold headlamp shell and mount brackets, although these might have been junked when the fairing was fitted.
If DK had that in their showroom in the UK, they'd be asking about £2000 for that, maybe a little more, even with the frozen engine.
But that is UK prices, and top dollar at that.
Usually takes them six months plus to shift a bike

That seems like a pretty fair assessment. I think I'll tell him to just list it at $1500 and take what he can get. Pretty sure someone is looking for a winter project.
It does still have the candy gold shell behind the fairing.
Thanks!

 

[grewth]

A nice project for someone.
K1 are getting thin on the ground, and I suspect that the real reason is the number of parts they share with the so called "K0" model, actually just the plain CB750.
Wrecking yards, breakers, or whatever you call them will happily break up a K1, to sell the parts on to eager CB750 restorers.
Forks, clocks, tank, seat, exhaust, headlamp, brakes, all the same as the original '69 version.
The K1 was allegedly the fastest selling of all the CB750 variants, with 71,000 units being sold in just one season.
Allegedly just as fast as the original, but with an improved throttle control and airbox, possibly the best CB750 model ever sold.
A shame to see them all being dismantled due to a fashion trend.

 

[Kel-Dorado]

Initially I thought it would be a good candidate for restoration, for someone who knows and loves these bikes. Seems its a bit to far gone and will likely be a parts or chopped project bike for someone.
I agree its sad to see these bikes being dismantled, but I guess if some or all if it ends up back on the road at some point, that's better than it just sitting and rotting in a shed.

 

[Kel-Dorado]

Final update on this. He listed it on marketplace for $1500. Had a call within 10 minutes! Guy bought it as is, engine froze and everything, for full asking. Didn't even try to knock him down. Thinking he should of asked for $2k. Lol. Oh well.
Sounds like the guy knew his stuff. Said he wasn't going to part it out. Was going to leave the pipes it has on it, fix it up and sell it. Sounded like he's done it before. Said he'd have about 80hrs into it and he'd make a couple grand all said and done.
Also he said it has a Harley rear wheel on it, I found that interesting.
Thanks to everyone who had some input on this.