classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => Japanese Bikes => Topic started by: newrider on January 15, 2008, 03:29:08 AM

Title: 1975 cb200t - Should I Buy?
Post by: newrider on January 15, 2008, 03:29:08 AM

Hi all.

I've been looking at a 1975 cb200t with ~44,000 miles to purchase as my first bike. Extremely clean for it's age and seems to run steady after a carb rebuild.

I'm just interested in hearing what everyone knows about these bikes and what a fair price would be.

Thanks everyone.

Title: Re: 1975 cb200t - Should I Buy?
Post by: sprocket on February 19, 2008, 04:35:40 PM

Generaly a good reliable little bike.I had one for about 3yrs back in the 70's. As long as you keep a check on oil and battery levels should be no probs. When buying though, listen carefully for camchain rattle. A rattle may mean the cam chain just needs adjusting or it could need replacing which, unless you can do it yourself, could be costly.
Good luck with your purchase.

Title: Re: 1975 cb200t - Should I Buy?
Post by: newrider on February 19, 2008, 09:08:08 PM

Thanks for the advice. Seems to be in great condition, just not sure about the price.

Title: Re: 1975 cb200t - Should I Buy?
Post by: sprocket on February 20, 2008, 01:10:34 AM

Can't help much  with the price I'm afraid,depends really on the condition.mileage and whether or not it has service history, m.o.t. etc.
I would expect to pay £500 ish for a good one. Maybe up to a grand for a low mileage "mint"one.
Keep us posted,I'm interested to know how you get on.

Title: Re: 1975 cb200t - Should I Buy?
Post by: sono on February 20, 2008, 10:24:12 AM

I would advise you to get a compression test first. If compression is too low, you may have valve problems or your piston rings may need to be replaced.  You have a fairly high mileage bike. Let's say you have to offer a price considering you are likely to do some major work on the engine pretty soon.

Keep in mind that it is quite likely that you may have a hard time to find even common spare parts and make sure you get a Service Manual.

I found quite a few at http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/parts/genuine-spares/

and quite a few on http://www.cmsnl.com too

If you can't find it there, I would say good luck on Ebay.

I drive a Honda CM400T 1980. It did look perfect like yours, but after 500km I lost compression on one cylinder because a valve oil seal was defective and piston rings on that site failed.  Rubber parts just don't last that long.  I had to get the engine valves, cylinder and piston rings restored to specs because I was fortunate enough to find all required spare parts.

I don't think it would be wise to assume you will be able to safely ride this 1975 motorcycle for a long time without spending a substantial amount of time and money on finding parts and labour.

My first bike was a 1971 CB 175... I loved it.

I would advise you to consider finding a Honda CM/CMX250: Lower mileage, very reliable, easier to find parts because they were made from 1980-1987.

Good luck