New boy on the block.

[Capetown-Ken]

Good morning.I am in the process of buying a Honda CB 750. Not knowing much about bikes i am ready for a steep learning curve. The bike i am looking at runs, but i would love some advise on what to look and listern out for so i dont buy a complete clunker?
Any suggestions will be appriciated.

 

[dirtdigger]

What year of 750? The sohc motor is pretty bulletproof but you gotta realize that even the newest sohc750 is over 30 years old. Look for any oil leaks by the head gasket area. Does it run and can you ride it? Check how it shifts and listen to how even the motor runs. The sohc is pretty noisy motor so it would be hard for someone that has never been around one to know what are good noises and what are bad noises.

If it is a later dohc motor then chances are tight off the bat the carbs are going to give you issues. They are a decent motor but are far less desirable and not worth a lot of money and dont have near the aftermarket support.

 

[Dave]

Everything Dirtdigger said plus...

Spark plugs can tell you alot. Some good pics here with descriptions.

Oil can too. Feel it, should be smooth, no grit. Smell it, should not smell burnt or like gas.

Clutches are expensive. If you can ride it, try to make it slip by acellerating hard in 5th gear while going about 50mph.

Check the rubber between the carbs and head for signs of brittleness and/or cracks.

Check all the switches; Headlamp, Hi/Lo, blinkers, brake light comes on with front and back brake, horn, engine stop switch, start button. Electrical probs can be a bitch.

PS Hi and welcome