If you could have a 1974 CB750, would you?

[BuffaloBill_imp]

If you own a CB1100 and found an extremely nice restored or original 1974 CB750 Four for a fair price, would you?

I'm at that stage where I have two bikes, love the riding, having a lot of fun, but my heart is still being pulled to the 1974 CB750...

I know this is my passion, but I'm just not sure it will just sit in my garage taking up space (which I don't have a lot of) with me starring at it and not riding it all that much.

Not sure if the old vs. the new technology (i.e. brakes, EFI etc.) will make the old pale in comparison to the new CB1100 in terms of riding time...?

I've never had three bikes at one time. I know some of you have many other bikes, perhaps even an early 70's CB750 or other classic bikes.

So I would love to hear your thoughts as to what you might consider doing. Have any of you been there done that?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Considering a 3rd Bike in Buffalo...

- Bill

[sixbeans_imp]

Hi Bill:
I've pondered the same thing many times myself. I'm blessed with the good fortune of having six bikes now, and have been tempted to find a nice '76 like the one I used to own back in that time. I opted for the CB1100 instead, as I was always concerned that I would either end up having to pay a huge price for a really nice 1976 CB750, or would pay a lower price to get one and end up spending a fortune to bring it back up to "as-new" condition. Ultimately, I am a fan of the new machines, and hope the CB1100 will end up being the best of both worlds for me. That said, I still keep an eye open.....

[BuffaloBill_imp]

Hi Bill:
I've pondered the same thing many times myself. I'm blessed with the good fortune of having six bikes now, and have been tempted to find a nice '76 like the one I used to own back in that time. I opted for the CB1100 instead, as I was always concerned that I would either end up having to pay a huge price for a really nice 1976 CB750, or would pay a lower price to get one and end up spending a fortune to bring it back up to "as-new" condition. Ultimately, I am a fan of the new machines, and hope the CB1100 will end up being the best of both worlds for me. That said, I still keep an eye open.....

Thanks for the feedback! Are any of the six you have older classics, if so do you find you ride them much?

[sixbeans_imp]

The oldest is a 2008 Honda VFR800 Interceptor. I guess I've decided to live in the present, and enjoy remembering the past. One of the magazine's test of the CB1100 acknowledged that today's technology (frames, engines, electronics) is much improved over 1970's era machines, and a trip "back in time" might not be as satisfying as our imagination/recollection. I suspect they may be right.

[SUPERCRUZ_imp]

You only live once. Enjoy life to the fullest. Go for it.

[thumper_imp]

Like sixbeans, all of my bikes are modern, and I can ride any of them immediately, with the turn of a key.

But yes, I'd love to have a CB750. I have a place in my formal living room where it would fit perfectly.

[cooldrum_imp]

Hi Bill, I happen to own an unrestored original K4 and after riding it yesterday will keep it in the stable. The color is flake sunrise orange and it is not a repaint. Everytime I fire up the bike I marvel at the engineering and that enduring motor. The motor just wants to pull and cruise once I'm on the road and I set compliments wherever I ride from fellow bikers. I've checked out the cb1100 at my dealer and Honda has really captured the essence of the 750 with with current technology.
However, having a running and complete K4 is really fun and puts the grin on my face because I'm riding something that is unique today. These K's are easy to work on and parts are plentiful using the internet. The sohc4forum is a wealth of information and people are really helpful.
So, really nice K bikes are out there, all you have to be is patient and keep looking and not buy the first one ou see. Good luck, Russ
Hi Bill:
I've pondered the same thing many times myself. I'm blessed with the good fortune of having six bikes now, and have been tempted to find a nice '76 like the one I used to own back in that time. I opted for the CB1100 instead, as I was always concerned that I would either end up having to pay a huge price for a really nice 1976 CB750, or would pay a lower price to get one and end up spending a fortune to bring it back up to "as-new" condition. Ultimately, I am a fan of the new machines, and hope the CB1100 will end up being the best of both worlds for me. That said, I still keep an eye open.....
[/quote]

[wildezt_imp]

I say you buy that bike that bike Bill, give her a nice home.. .

[Scoobynut_imp]

Here's what I consider my 'realistic' view of the classic CB750 and the other classic Honda fours. Keep in mind this is only my opinion and that the CB1100 is what delivered my change in thinking on this very subject.

Before I bought the CB1100, I flirted with the idea of several different Honda classics. I liked the 1969-76 CB750 a lot; I also liked the later Super Sport 750s from '75-'78. I also thought someday I'd like to have a '79 or '80 CBX six-cylinder in addition to the CB750. I also liked the CB550s and CB400s (4-cyl.). Now that I have the CB1100 I've realized that those bikes would just gather a lot of dust if I had them as there's no way they could ever hope to match the feel of this new 1100. Modern computer aided engineering has (in this case intentionally) produced a bike with some of the characteristics of the aforementioned classics, but with a lively, responsive feel that replaces the mostly inert and heavy feel the older fours had. Don't get me wrong, I still love the classic fours, but having ridden a few of them, they just aren't even in the same ballpark as this new 1100. As I tell anyone who asks -- or even those who don't ask -- it's the most sweet-natured bike I've ever ridden, but the sweet nature sometimes gives way to a naughty side if you want it to. It truly is a modern classic.

They way I look at it, spending $10k on this bike has saved me a lot of money I might've spent on older Hondas.

On the other hand, as related by cooldrum, if anyone thinks it would be cool to own any of the classics that inspired the CB1100, I would completely get that. And despite what I've said here, I still might end up with one myself. I just don't feel any particular hurry like I used to.

[PowderToastMan_imp]

The classic 750 sure is nice to look at.
But the 1100 is nice to look at in its own way, and I'm fairly sure it is nicer to ride