Triumph Rat Motorcycle Forums banner

Is it wrong to just LOVE bikes?

2K views 31 replies 11 participants last post by  propforward 
#1 · (Edited)
So this week I got the opportunity to obtain a 1979 Honda CB750, cheap. Friend of a friend thing, he wants it to go to a good home.

I WANT it. I sure as hell don't need it - but it's a bike - why wouldn't I want to add it to the collection?

I'm being daft really - but I'm going to go and look at it in the morning, and if it's in good shape I'm going to buy it.

I just love bikes, you see.
 
#5 · (Edited)
So this week I get the opportuity to obtain a 1979 Honda CB750, cheap. Friend of a friend thing, he wants it to go to a good home.

I WANT it. I sure as hell don't need it - but it's a bike - why wouldn't I want to add it to the collection?

I'm being daft really - but I'm going to go and look at it in the morning, and if it's in good shape I'm going to buy it.

I just love bikes, you see.
Think of all the poor souls who have not found anything to love, who don't have anything that fires them up. You have been given a gift, it would be disrespectful to ignore it.

Besides, there is a fine line between "want" and "need".

Hope it works out and you bring home a new bike you love. I'm jealous, I have a better half who feels one bike should be enough :confused: (And a checking account that agrees)
 
#7 ·
Prop... It's a syndrome with no known cure except lack of space. I have 15 and consider myself quite norble. I’m looking for a new shed. They say you can only ride one, but who says you can’t have choices.
 
#9 ·
Nice grab...cb750...good shape?...lots of options...what do you think you will do with it...

My wife has been bugging me to "go with" more this spring...I told her Id take the safety course with her...
Im thinking...get "her" a CB750 and do some cafe racer mods to it...she will get tired of it...then I can havessss it...:D

 
#10 ·
TIE I have one of those upper fairings. Does anyone know who made it. I'm thinkig about putting it on a 70 Norton Cafe Racer
 
#12 ·
Do bikes love us back? I would say they do. Some say love is a verb. One way of showing love is doing for another. So I guess we wash, wax, change oil, shine, fix, tinker, grease , buy new bits and presents for. Come on guys we have all bought something for our significant other said it was a present to her but we really wanted It . And then we are rewarded with a trouble free ride that looks great and puts a smile on your face. It accompanies you on new adventures, doesn't talk back but just listens. So yeah I am going to go with they love us back.
Now this topic hits the nail on the head for me today as I just got back from a 550km round trip and brought a new friend home. But I am no terrorist so I am not going to hi jack this thread. Going now to start my own now.
 
#14 ·
Come on guys we have all bought something for our significant other said it was a present to her but we really wanted It . And then we are rewarded with a trouble free ride that looks great and puts a smile on your face.
Yeah. What he said. ;)


BTW, '79 CB750? That's a classic! Ten year anniversary of the motorcycle that changed the face of the sport forever! You, sir, have an opportunity to take on a noble calling; the care and feeding of a classic, to preserve it for future generations. Do not let them down.
 
#16 ·
Indeed - the first year of the DOHC CB750s I believe. Spoked wheels, single disc on the front and electronic ignition.

It has the sexy 4 into 4 pipes - or at least the original did. Hopefully this one still has them. My understanding is that the carbs need a thorough rebuild, it needs new tyres, chain, sprox, almost certainly a battery and has two broken spokes. I don't know what condition it is in overall, but in a few hours I will know. I am going with bike ramp in truck and cash in pocket. If there is a deal to be had, it will be coming home with me, life to be breathed back into it. In that event pics will be posted. :D

Beyond making it a runner I do not know what I will do with it. Start there and then see.
 
#21 ·
Indeed - the first year of the DOHC CB750s I believe.
Well gowlly, you're right; I just checked, and the single cam was made from '69 to '78. I thought they made it for a lot longer than that.

Hey, what are you doing posting? You're supposed to be out inspecting/buying/photographing! :D
 
#17 ·
Is it wrong to love bikes? Absolutely not. Sounds like a real find. Looking forward to your next post.

On a more practicle side, maybe some of you with multiple bikes can 'splain how the insurance works. You can only ride one at a time, but when I checked with my Insurance company about adding a second bike to my garage the answer was I would have to pay the full freight...just like the first one. I already think I am paying too much for one... I would be broke having to insure two or three. How do you guys with a half dozen bikes do it? Prop, if you think I am too far off topic, just zap this.
Thanks
 
#18 ·
Here in NJ If the bike is 25yr old you can get vintage plates and not have to ever go to motor vehicle inspection again plus vintage insurance is only about 50 bucks per yr.
 
#20 ·
I am glad I asked. That Classic or Historic plate idea has already started me thinking. There are some real nice "classic" bikes out there that can be made to be just as rideable (and as much fun) as our new classics. I think that is the way to go. I'd much rather put my money into mods than the insurance company's pocket. I am just funny that way. :D
 
#22 · (Edited)
Ideally I would have preferred a SOHC model for the sheer classicness, but just take a look at this:









Basically it has some normal wear and tear, it has been used, but has not been abused. It needs new tyres, chain and sprox, fork seals, oil and filter change.

The battery is good, just needs charging, and it needs a carburettor overhaul.

All the intake rubbers are soft and pliable, no cracks, the brakes are free and work, and all the instruments are unfaded. It has been stored in a shed, out of direct sunlight, so everything is in good shape.

The front brake master cylinder reservoir developed a leak over winter, which has unfortunately damaged the gas tank paintwork a bit, but say lavvy.

So I had to buy it. 460 bucks. I set out with the idea of talking the guy down more than that, but in truth I would have felt bad, because in my view the bike is worth the 500 he was asking.
 
#23 ·
I put the battery in it and jumped it just for a laugh and the darn thing fired straight up. Was running really rough, and then wet itself.



The carbs do need an overhaul for sure. :D

Other than that though - this can get on the road very easily.

Sissy bar has to come off, and it has four broken spokes, so I'm going to learn how to true a wheel.

If I am unable to learn that, then I'll take it somewhere.

It's a shame it doesn't have the original 4 into 4 silencers, but maybe I'll find a set of those somewhere one day.
 
#25 ·
They are ENORMOUS aren't they?

I'm looking forward to playing with it.

First though I have to finish up my Buddies KZ650, and then my other buddy wants me to look at his KZ650.......

It's a good job I love bikes, that's all.

Did I mention that at all?
 
#26 ·
Those are not turn signals...they are orange ice cream bars...

I think it would be safe to take the 600 mile maintenance warning sticker on the speedo off too...;)

As far as it taking a leak on you...did you rub its nose in it?:D
 
#27 · (Edited)
Yes, well done. You couldn't have left that behind and well worth the price. I am paying more than that for a set of mufflers...:rolleyes:
I am glad you mentioned the sissy bar. Has to go.

Wet itself. Ha. Just like a new puppy.

I think you are going to have a lot of fun with that bike. Are you striving for an original restoration or something else?
 
#30 ·
I have been ruined for others bikes. After having the Rocket I really can not see me on another bike. I have considered the Victory .visions and I even did a road test, but it just does not have the power of the Rocket. I do not want a Boss Hoss only because they do not handle as well as the Rocket does. I have been considering getting another Rocket but I will have to see, especially since they do not make it in Graphite. :D
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top