82 Honda CB900 Custom?

[Hodj864]

All,
Looking for some input I am thinking about buying a 82 Honda CB900 custom, the bike was ridden regularly up until 6 months ago when the owner had to stop riding due to health reasons, he has however started the bike at least monthly to ensure it would still start and run.  The bike is in pretty good condition, the only major issue I could see was that at some point in the past 6 months the gas tank sprung a small leak.
He wants $1500 for the bike which I thought was too high but I do not know much about the bike, was hoping to get some help from some more knowledgeable members, any opinion or input would be great.
Thanks

[skramer360]

I'd say too high also. "Sprung a leak" = rusting out gas tank to me. Repairable, but quite the pain. Also, I don't know where you are, but any place where it gets cold prices should be down this time of year. If you want it, I might offer $1000. Just my $.02

[detdrbuzzard]

check here for info       http://www.cb750c.com/

[seattledave]

I've got an 81' cb900 f.  Pretty similar except for the shaft drive and some cosmetic differences.  These bikes are cold blooded as can be, get poor mileage for a bike and mine is giving me all kinds of trouble.  I need to have the valves reseated before spring.  I also love my 900.  It's got tons of power, is great on the freeways and it feels really good riding a big fast bike.  I also think they look cool as heck.  I also have an 82' cb450sc.  The 450 is a great around town bike in the way the 900 isn't.

I would recommend not buying the 900c as a first bike or as your only bike.  It's great to go work off some frustrations over the 900 with a quick ride on the 450.  I would recommend buying the 900c if you do a lot of freeway riding, have a backup bike and if you really love big old school bike and enjoy working on them.  Also, find a new tank before you buy the bike.  Don't even mess with trying to fix a leaky tank.  Finally you should be able to get a couple hundred off this price.  I bought mine for $1300 and it was working great at the time.

Peace

[ariwhiteboy]

I also think $1500 is too high.  Don't know if you're still around but to the forums!

[CaptainCrunch]

Hey guys, Steve here from Seattle WA and this is my first post.   Just wanted to chime in here about the 900F Supersports form this era.  I have a 1980 900F and it is a wonderful bike.  $1500 for the bike you're talking doesn't have to be completely out of line, but it should be a rideable example and look pretty decent.  These bikes aren't rare but they are rising in popularity fast with their great styling and sporty pedigree. 

Areas to watch/ask about:
-Charging system (these guys stator and rotor like to go out)
-2nd gear (some models had issues, I think it was more the 1100 than the 900 but not positive)
-Tank rust (as warned about up top)
-Pod filters (a BIG no no for this bike and will complicate tuning and reliability)


Now, other than these idiosyncrasies the 900F is a big, smooth, powerful but not scary old ride.  I actually get about 45mpg on mine.  I don't think that's too bad for a 30 year old bike with almost 90hp.

Anyhow, I do agree it's not a great choice for a first bike, or an only bike especially if you live in a really dense urban area.  In the city, a 450 to 650 is about the biggest thing I'd want to rip around on and try to find parking for, etc.  But if you're living suburban, or further out, and have had a little experience with a mid sized bike (the 900 only weighs about 20lbs more than the 750F of the same era) you'll love the 900F.

Good luck all.  Great forum you have here.

[Wahrsuul]

He was looking at a 900C, not the 900F.

[CaptainCrunch]

I'm a little slow, but I finally figured that out.  Most of what I mentioned would be good advice for a CB "C" shopper too, I suppose..  Either way, good luck with your search. 

[6pkrunner]

I've got an '82 CB900C and as most of the 79-82 DOHCs there are common trouble areas.

As mentioned above   - rotors. These things are notorious for rotors going on them. Download the shop manual and follow the instructions for checking it. The stators almost never go bad, unless there was some sort of catastrophic failure. A few places rebuild the rotors and they're averaging around $125 or so for a rebuilt.

Mikuni CV carbs and the stock airbox. You'll find tons of info all over the place on why the stock CV carbs will not work properly without the stock airbox and stock paper filter. They need their vacuum signal and to alter it is more than a rejetting headache. Some have spent months trying to get them to run properly with pods. Some say they can do it and are running pods successfully. However the ratio is about one successful pod claimant to well over a hundred who experience headaches. There's your odds. Stick with the stock airbox. I have and the 900 works great.

And the greatest issue with the 79-83 DOHCs is camchain stretch. Even the latest Honda replacement chains are failing very early - one guy got 1500 miles before it died. So check the mileage on the bike. The higher the mileage the worse the chain will be. The chains are getting like unobtainium. The best source is eBay for a low mileage engine that has been taken apart. You'll have to find a seller that you trust as there's no odometer on the chain. Again in the factory shop manual there is a weight test for checking the chains to see if they are still within spec.

Make sure the valves are adjusted properly!!!! A good number of people chase their tail with carb and ignition searching when the valves should be set as the absolutely first thing done. Once they are set, sync the carbs. This will remove a good 50 or 60% of issues others have tried to deal with before setting the valves and synchronizing the carbs.

These are hot running engines and with coils mounted right above the head have a habit of failing - they're not the best from the factory. Get a pair of the Dynatek 3 ohm (green) coils - also the leads and caps.

Rusted tank - toss it. Nothing but headaches. Right now there are 3 on eBay in the $26 range. While not pristine they are tanks. A real nice tank will set you back $70 to $100. 
While on this topic when you got the tank off (and if the carbs are decently clean, install  an inline filter between the tank and carbs. While at that you may want to remove and discard the vacuum supply unit that shuts off the flow of fuel until it gets a signal from number two carb. Just a needless contraption. And don't forget to plug the vacuum hole on the number 2 carb if your doing this or you'll have a  real sweet time trying to get her to run smoothly.

For $1500, I'd like to se a bike that doesn't have a rusty tank. Check it carefully and if the rest isn't in good shape and it doesn't run at least half decently no more than $800-$1000.