Hello All

[Saesneg Shaun]

Hello,
New member here. Not new to bikes but I am to seventies Hondas. Going to look at some 750K5/K6 bikes this weekend.
My being realistic and at my price point its going to be an import and its going to be a weekend rider type of thing not a show bike.
Any obvious pitfalls for a newbie. I've asked a lot of questions of the owners and the replies seem positive.
There also seems to be a good spares scene for these bikes which is encouraging.

[Nurse Julie]

Welcome to the Forum Shaun.
As a Newbie, the most important thing, I feel, is for you to look past the 'bling'. Anyone can make a bike look great but it could be a pile of poo from a mechanical and engineering point of view, which can be very, very expensive to rectify. Enjoy your search.

[Sesman]

Hi, Shaun.

I started from exactly your position. Neat, clean, safe and functional rather than a show pony. Not that I’ve got anything against show bikes of course. Horses for courses.

I’m still learning and would be the last person you should accept advice from, but concentrate on the motor and running gear. Everything else is decorative….but I’m guessing you know that.

[philward]

Welcome Shaun - good look with the bike search

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Hi Shaun,

FWIW my experience  on my 400/4 project was/is balancing a purchase price that I could afford (initial lump sum outlay) against a projected restoration cost spread over many months  in the hope that at the end I would have a bike that I was pleased with.  Whilst I wince at my total spend over the last 16 months it has come at a cost that I can easily justify - the challenges of the build has been a real bonus during lock down with a great bunch of members here sharing their experience.  I am still many months away from completion so the ride is still a mirage on the horizon - for me it's all about the build, the highs, the lows, getting to eventually ride it is the gold at the end of the rainbow.

Go for the best starting point you can afford is my advice don't be in too much of a rush to get on the ownership ladder as invariably a month later you will probably see a better bike at less money.
Good luck with your search. Cheers Ted

[Sesman]

Try to find a bike as complete as possible, but in poor condition, rather than a mongrel is my advice. It’s amazing how expensive things like panels, mudguards footrests and like can be.  And that’s presuming they are available.

[Saesneg Shaun]

Thank you all for the replies and advice.
A good usable and as original as possible bike is the goal rather than a restoration project or show bike.
I do expect there will be some things I will get wrong in my search but hey its a learning curve, hopefully not a expensive one!
I have my eye on a couple of bikes already and have a couple of viewings planned now, they may even be members bikes!

[Saesneg Shaun]

So the weekend went well and i've bit the bullet.
I bought a mechanically sound but needs a little TLC CB750K6.
I think she's original bar a new set of replica 341's and lovely paint job.

Rides fine apart from squeaky brakes at low speed.
Clutch is light and selects gears ok.
Throttle is heavy and doesn't return properly.
Slight oil leak from the rocker box but the oil tank was overfilled so might have been an issue.

She could do with some sympathetic refurbing of the fork legs and engine cases but its all usable.

Let the fun begin!

[Sesman]

It’s a beauty.

[Nurse Julie]

Enjoy. If you need any reference photos, we have an original UK K6 that I can take pics of, it is very similar to your USA model, just a few differences.

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[Saesneg Shaun]

Thanks both, I can see some differences. I need to educate myself in 70s Hondas

[philward]

Lovely bike Shaun - that looks not far off with very little walk needed. Enjoy!

[Johnny4428]

Nice looking bike Shaun, bikes like these are very sought after, the price usually reflects that. Year after year don’t see any levelling off of value. Maybe why parts are getting so expensive too. Of course always glad to see a picture of your nice 750 Julie!

[Moorey]

Welcome to the forum. It looks a nice one.

[Andrew-S]

Welcome from me too Shaun, glad you found a decent bike which doesn't need too much tinkering with, so if it ain't broke don't fix it. OR, you could fiddle with it until it is.........

Cheers,
Andrew