calling all experts on old(er) UJMs!

[bemused]

next door neighbor has an '80 Honda CB750 Custom he's thinking about selling, wondering what it's worth. I don't have a clue, but told him I'd ask around.

I've only seen it a coupla times. It seems to run fine, isn't too trashed... but is far from pristine. what sorta ballpark figure is one of these worth?

anyone?

[wastedincome420]

hhmmmm
I would figure maybe bout $500-$700. But thats just my guess. Most UJM's I have seen for sale are in that range depending on the condition of course.
I checked out a 83' 650 Maxim the other day. It was in pretty good condition and was up for $675 And was GONE couple days latter.
just my 2 cents

[TheIglu]

FINALLY, I can help someone out.....

How many miles? That is the 16 valve DOHC engine if I am remembering correctly, and you want to make sure the valve clearances were checked and done on regualr intervals. Also, get it hot, and shift early while riding in third/fourth gear. If you hear a knocking from the left hand side of the engine while it is under 4000rpm, you should probably stay away from it.

Open up one of the air cutoff valves on the side of the cabs. If it is clean and the diaphragm is in decent shape, that is good.

All in all, expect to pay around $1000 for a decent running one with no restoration. If that one you are talking about has some excess wear and tear, even from normal riding and age, around $400-$500 should be right. Also, check the tires and chain.

Good engine, but also cosider an oil cooler from a CB900 or CB1100F to keep the engine temp down on warmer days. It will bolt right on. (in case you decide to pick it up)

I have a lot of spares for that engine.....

[wastedincome420]

opps I just reread your title and you may want to disregard my last post as Im NOT any sort of expert in this field

[bemused]

thanx for all the input Clayton... but I'm not gonna buy the bike

just helping a buddy fix a reasonable price for it...

from what you and Mark say, looks like he should expect around $500 or so...

appreciate the help, guys

[benVFR]

There is an article about restoring CB750s in the current issue of "Rider".

There is a problem they mention you might want to look for.

The camshaft bearings had a design that would cause them to seriously wear out if the oil flow was interrupted... And the oil flow could get interrupted if the bike sat for a long time and then was started incorrectly. I forget the details of it. I have it at home and can try and look for it again.

I think that is a fairly sweet bike. I'd love to have one of those to restore some day, it seems to be a big piece of japanese bike history.

Ben

[bemused]

Originally posted by benSV
I think that is a fairly sweet bike. I'd love to have one of those to restore some day, it seems to be a big piece of japanese bike history.

Ben

should I tell my neighbor you might be interested, if the price is right???

[benVFR]

No I need to get responsible, etc.. and buy a house with my own garage before I try and do anything like that.

Ben

[TheIglu]

Also, the article you saw was on the SOHC CB750's made from the late 60's to 1977. This one is a DOHC one, with those engines made from 1978 and still used today(basically). Not as "cool" of a restoration.....

[Matt K]

I paid $500 for a 1972 CB 350F a little over 2 years ago. It needed a tire and tome TLC (a fair amount of work, but very little $$$ in parts). I thought it was a pretty fair deal. Sold it a year later to my girlfriend's little brother for $650. I think if our friend wants it gone fast, list it for 500ish, if he doesn't care if it takes a while, ask 750ish. More than that I don't really think is too likely, since it's the "newer" dohc version, it's not quite old/cool enough to start being worth more $$ to somebody who wants to restore it or wants a piece of history (70s motorcycling was really defined by the UJM and the departure from the harley/biker gang image)... . Plus, there are a lot of 80's UJMs to be had for cheap.

[bemused]

thanx, all

I now know more than I did before, and will pass it along to Jan.

gotta love this place, y'all are awesome

[Matt K]

Jeff, whereabouts are you located? If the decides to sell it, I may well want to buy it...

[bemused]

Salem, MA... just like the sig block says

if you're interested, I'll try to take a closer look at it this weekend... mebbe even take 'er out for a spin and see how she feels.

I know that Jan doesn't know much about bikes, and he came into this one recently... but will also try to find out as much as I can about its history, as well.

[Matt K]

Thanks

[TheIglu]

Correction on my post....the SOHC engines were used until 1978, in 1979 they changed over to the DOHC. Just more useless information to clog everyone's memory with.....