Writing from Australia,
Ok, got a few Dreams, have my eye out for a CB72/77 (they're getting silly money down here), but a CL72/77 is a very rare bike in Australia, and I'm not even sure they were officially imported.
Anyway, I have my eye on a CL77 - it's recently imported from the US, ran before going on the ship but no-one's tried since. It's piled up with other bikes & the seller won't move it unless I'm really interested, so hard to get good looks at it. It appears complete (ish), seems to have the good bits - good muffler, seat with stainless base trim, etc.
Is there anything to look out for, or that is particularly hard to source if missing? How do they go as a regular cruise-around type bike (IE, are the brakes ok for modern traffic, etc). They really appeal to me as I have a nice 1968 175 Scrambler & would love a bit more power, but want something that's useable.
Rob.
A CL77 as my next bike? Advice please!CLRob, most small parts are available (E-bay) or this forum, chain-guards are iffy(pricey) as well as good speedos. The brakes are great for an old bike once set up properly.Mine likes to cruise best in the 40 to 50 mph range. BUY IT............................................D
cl77The scramblers do vibrate a bit more, so I ride mine with a cushion for longer rides. They were geared for street and off road so if you cruise faster on the open road, change the gearing to match.
X ing the gears helps also if you open the trans. They're a great machine for 40 to 50 mph but the gas tank is a bit smaller than the others and limit the distance a little. Please do the noble thing and at least bring this great old machine back to life, you won't loose on it. Would be a down right shame to see yet another one go to the parts pile. Dennis, We should get together soon for a ride before the rains set in. What ya say,bro? Rw Be cautious about it belonging or being related to Ekins. I would be very doubtful of any paperwork and want it scrutinized if the seller is demanding a premium due to the connection with Ekins. Ask him if he has any cars that once belonged to Jon Voight.
I would think if they are extremely rare in Oz, you probably can't go wrong with buying the bike, provided you don't overpay. I got my CL77 this year and have to admit, it's a ball to ride. Vibes don't bother me much. I plan to ride it in the 2-day Motogiro next spring so I'll let you know if I still feel the same way about the vibes after that. regards, Rob
Don't worry - I'm not that Green ;)
Regardless of any connection to anyone famous, the Bike is probably UNDER-Priced considering what you guys are paying in the US...... So there's no premium attached. Lets just say that the person selling is known to me, has been in business a LONG time, has a good reputation within the industry & I would deem him as trustworty. He's no back-yard importer. The bike was brought in effectively as a 'container-filler' with a heap of pommy stuff, all of which came from the same source in the US..... Either way, at the money being asked, it's a reasonable buy, especially if it's a runner. Rob. Rob (great name, by the way),
Sorry, did not mean to imply you were a noob or a boob. Never know who is asking questions in forums. Can be first timers or seasoned vets who just don't know a particular bike. I had a friend who was a very seasoned Indian guy. He and his partner bought a chief that was alleged to have been one of Steve McQueen's bikes (ain't they all?). After the sale, the rumor could not be proven to be factual. He got a bit caught up in the moment and probably would not have purchased the bike if he slept on it. If it is underpriced and in good shape I have only one question. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR???!!!! Seriously, if the engine is free, but not ready to run yet, ask your friend if you can drop the oil pump from the bottom of the engine. Just a few bolts and down it comes (after draining the sump, obviously). It can tell you what kind of maintenance it has had. If it looks clean in there, then his asking price is probably going to stand. If it looks like somebody spilled a bowl of chocolate pudding in there, then you might be able to negotiate a better price or not feel bad about walking away. Any water that might be in the sump from condensation or weather should come out with the oil. That will give you some insight as well. Hope there is no water. Good luck, Rob
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