Why I Wanted That XR 750
Man, I kept seeing pictures online of the Harley-Davidson XR 750. Just sitting there, looking mean and classic. Every time I saw one, I’d get this itch. Like, maybe I could handle that kind of bike? Maybe it could be my next project? Looked cooler than my old Honda, that’s for sure. That flat track vibe? Sold. So I decided I was gonna find one. Didn’t really know what I was getting into yet.
The Hunt Begins – Online Rabbit Hole
First thing, I hit up the usual places. You know, online forums, marketplaces. Typed in “XR 750 for sale” and fell down the rabbit hole. Spent hours reading threads from five years ago. Saw prices all over the place, which freaked me out. Some ads looked sketchy as hell, like they took the pictures with a potato. Others seemed way too shiny, probably hiding something underneath. Noticed a lot of people saying “buyer beware” about these old bikes. Figured they were mostly right.
Actually Going to Look at One
Finally found a guy local-ish claiming to have a 1972 model “mostly restored.” Emailed him back and forth, asked dumb questions like “Does it run?” He said “starts right up.” Yeah, sure buddy. Drove out to this garage on the edge of town. Place smelled like oil and stale cigarettes.
The bike looked decent from ten feet away. Up close? Different story.
- Grabbed the kickstarter. Felt wobbly, loose.
- Crawled underneath. Found rust flakes like dandruff all over the frame where it dipped down.
- Poked at the wiring. Looked like a plate of spaghetti exploded under the seat. Duct tape involved.
- Tank looked slick painted, but when I tapped it? Sounded thin, hollow. Suspected rust inside.
- Seller claimed the motor was “fresh.” Asked for receipts. Got a mumbled story about “his buddy the mechanic.” Red flag.
Figuring Out the Money Pit Potential
Drove home without it. Didn’t feel good enough. Started adding up what “mostly restored” really meant.
- Brakes looked ancient. Replace everything? Easy $500+ gone.
- Wiring harness probably shot. New harness and untangling hours? Another $300-400 easily.
- Rust in the frame? That’s structural panic right there.
- No paperwork on the engine? Big gamble. Could be a grenade.
Realized quick: the cheap asking price was just the starting line for emptying my wallet.
Finally Finding One I Pulled The Trigger On
Took weeks. Found another one, three states away. Owner seemed less shady, talked specific parts history. Asked for a million pictures, including close-ups of frame welds and engine numbers. Had a friend nearby actually go kick the tires for me. He called: “Dude, it’s rough but bones seem solid. Leaks oil, obviously.” Got on a video call. Made the guy show me the oil level, point out rust spots. Bargained hard. Argued over the “project” factor. Drove a rented trailer ten hours each way.
What You Gotta REALLY Know Before You Buy
So, after that whole circus? Here’s the raw truth if you’re thinking XR 750:
- They’re ALL Projects: Unless you’re paying museum money, it needs work. Period.
- Check the Frame FIRST: Rust is the enemy. Tap everywhere, especially underneath. If it flakes or feels soft, run.
- Paperwork is KING: Titles matter. Engine numbers matching frames matter. Bills for rebuilds matter. Don’t take “trust me” for an answer.
- BudgeTwice the Price: Whatever the asking price is? Mentally double it for parts and labor you can’t do yourself. Seriously.
- Learn to Love Tools: If you can’t wrench basic stuff yourself, this bike will bankrupt you fast. It’s old. It will break.
That XR 750 in my garage now? It looks gorgeous in the corner. Sounds amazing when it starts. But getting here? Cost way more time, sweat, and cash than that first picture online ever hinted at. Awesome bike? Hell yeah. Easy ride? Not a chance.
