CB750 TOP TIPS!

We spoke to Vin Egan from V Bikes who has bought, sold and stripped Honda 750s for parts over the years. Here’s some of his CB750 wisdom on parts and availability.

■ Exhausts: NOS systems are extremely rare and pricey. There are some excellent pattern systems out there, mostly for the four-pipe models. They won’t carry vital hallmarks of genuine Honda systems, but they will look beautiful when fitted.

■ Bodywork: There’s plenty still out there, tanks are hard to find in tip top condition. Being steel they do rot so avoid poor repairs, especially if you intend to invest money in a professional respray.

■ Carbs: Easy to remove, strip and clean. Parts are readily available and with the right tools it’s a job that is easily achievable by anyone with some mechanical know-how.

■ Damage: Crash damage is worth checking for and before getting a frame repainted it’s worth checking that it’s straight…

■ Engine: Built to last so don’t be put off by high mileages. They do like regular oil and filter changes to keep them in tip top condition.

■ If you are rebuilding a motor, parts are plentiful, plus you can add extra pep with some Wiseco big-bore pistons and a lumpy camshaft for that ‘special’ feel.

■ The odd ball models: The Honda Britain is one model that’s maturing rather well. Basically it is a pimped up CB750F1/F2 and it’s a real taste of the Seventies race-rep scene and worth a good look.

■ Best advice: Buy the bike you want and if that’s a clapped out restoration project you will be fine finding a majority of the parts you will need to complete the project. Likewise, if paying good money for a shiny bike in road-going condition takes your fancy, then go for it!

■ The numbers game: It goes without saying to check frame and engine numbers, as you would anything else. Beware of anything where the numbers look to have been tampered with.