Source for old motorcycle?

Anyone have any ideas where I could find an old Honda (mid '70's) to tinker with/ restore to running condition? I'd really like to find a 750 (my dad use to have one).

Btw, I'm in central NC and the budget isn't all that much (just a few hundred tops). Is it unrealistic to be looking for an old bike like that for so little money? I'm just starting to look into this so I have no idea. Thanks for the insight.

edit: Yes, I'm keeping an eye on on the local CL postings.

 

A couple of suggestions. Search Tempest (http://www.searchtempest.com/) is a great way of looking within x miles of your location if you know what you're looking for. For instance if you type in "Honda CB 750" it will search CraigsList and Ebay listings in all cities within the distance you specify.

Another search parameter is Vintage Iron. Some race shop owns that URL, but there is a Webpage that deals in older cars, trucks and bikes that uses those words.

Good luck!
Pete

 

sohc4.net
bikerforums.org
are a couple of old good source sites.

I found both my old Hondas off craiglist...a 79 & now my 85. Mine are both twins though & I use nighthawk-forums.com & hondatwins.com

 

Thanks for the links!

Both, my dad and my mom had bikes (both Hondas) back in the mid to late 70's. His was a 750 and hers, I believe was either a 400 or 450 (I can't remember).

I recently saw a show on HD Theater called Cafe Racer. I never knew this type of bike existed! It's really sparked an interest for me to get a bike (something I've always been interested in, but never pursued) and wrench on it. There's something about those older Japanese (and even British) bikes thats more appealing to me than the modern bikes available today.

Thanks again for the info. Now I've got a few good places to start.

 

Take a look on your local news stand for a copy of Cycle Trader. You could try talking to some motorcycle mechanic at a local shop. They usually have a line on cool stuff. Also pick-up a copy of "The Horse, Back Street Choppers"
I got a lot of great ideas from that magazine. It is filled with home built bikes.

 

I think if your budget is a couple hundred you may have a tough time finding a decent bike, at that price they usually need a complete overhaul, now I'm not saying it can't be done as I have found several in your price range but they are kind of rare to come by.

I found this bike(78 XS650) for $200 on CL under garage sales, I typed in motorcycle and it came up, non runing, needed tires, carbs cleaned, needed speedo and tach and fork seals to name a few. I think at this point I have about $800 total into it.

 

Yeah, that's kind of what I was looking at. And honestly, I'm in no rush get this done (for the most part anyways). I'm kind of looking at it as more of a long term tinkering project. Like they say, it's the journey more so that the destination.

Btw, nice Yamaha you've got there!