'82 CB750 - Good Buy?

[cshield]

Hi all - short intro: 23, going to Texas A&M for engineering, looking for a nighthawk like crazy. Love everything about them, that swiss army knife style do-it-all-ness. Hopin to find a 90s 750, but I ran into a deal and figured I'd ask the experts.

It's a 1982 CB750, been in storage since 1992. Guy bought out a storage unit that was past due, the bike was in it.
http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/1552084651.html
The seller replaced the battery, plugs, wires, and tires. Says it runs and rolls, but bogs down when you goose the throttle. Sounds like a carb issue from sitting for 18 years...Bike's in good condition, no rust, nothin major missin.

So my question is, for someone that's mechanically inclined, is this a difficult bike to own? I know they're reliable, but I've also heard 80's bike parts can be hard to find and/or expensive. I'm looking for a cheap nighthawk that needs work, but should I hold out for a 90s model with more available spare parts?

THANKS!

[tcoop]

I have not had any problem finding parts for my 82 450 NH. I have seen tons of parts on eBay for the 750. so I would think is a good buy.

[Hondo]

the nice thing about the newer Nighthawks are the hydraulic lifters- this make valves adjustments unnecessary.

So either a 1983-1985 NH 650, 1984-86 NH 700S, or a later NH 750 -

[Munkey]

So my question is, for someone that's mechanically inclined, is this a difficult bike to own?

I've owned the 650 version of that bike for the past 12 years. Normal wear and tear items are not any harder to get than they are for any other bike. If you ended up with some major issue, then maybe those parts might be hard to get. On the other hand, major issues are rare. For anyone who is mechanically inclined with a good service manual, they are pretty easy to work on.

[hppants]

Bike looks a little rough in the pics. IMO, he'll come down a little more.  He's cleaning out a storage unit.  Offer him $600.00.

Also, if you pass on that one, regarding ease of maintenance, the 700s is shaft drive.

good luck - welcome to the addiction.

[6pkrunner]

I've dealt in the SOHC 750s since they were new. Its only been the last few years I got into the 1979-1982 DOHC versions. I have one 900C and 2 750s. Three things come to mind.

One - the cam chains are weak and there are no more available from Honda. There are aftermarket, and while I haven't used any myself, those that have are not impressed with the quality.

Two - the charging systems are weak and can let you down at the worst of times.

Three - there is a constant debate over the use of the stock airbox versus other methods of air filtration, but from rebuilding two banks of carbs now, the non-adjustable floats are a real PITA. Flooding isn't uncommon.

That said, I happen to like the 1979-1982 DOHC engine - a lot in common with the SOHCs that I know pretty well.

And finally he's advertising a repainted Custom as a Nighthawk.  There are Customs in better shape sold for less money.