Anybody own a CJ750?

[Flip]

Does anybody out there own a CJ750? I'm thinking about getting one just as a fun combo. I'm an engineer and I have other vintage vehicles im mostly interested in your experiences with the suppliers and LTSA.

[xwhatsit]

I've done a little bit of research about it, to see how affordable it might be once I finish uni. The guys at http://www.cj750.net/ seem to have a good reputation on a few different forums, and have exported to NZ before. They're really enthusiastic about the bikes, have regular Chang Jiang rides and sell parts too. They also do LHS sidecar conversions too, and have all the goodies to upgrade the engines (the six volt sidevalve engine is particularly prone to overheating, there's an OHC engine and twelve volt versions as well; the other thing that stops overheating is proper carburettion, they sell new jetted carbs pretty cheaply as an upgrade as well).

I've only seen a couple on Trademe ever.

[Flip]

Before I shell out $7.8k to a chineese company I want to know that they are on the straight and level. The LH side car, 12v electrics, modern pistons and better carbs are just necessary these days. I do however like the idear of the side valve motor. However there is still the comfort of actually speaking to some one in NZ who says these folk are good to deal with.

[xwhatsit]

Before I shell out $7.8k to a chineese company I want to know that they are on the straight and level. The LH side car, 12v electrics, modern pistons and better carbs are just necessary these days. I do however like the idear of the side valve motor. However there is still the comfort of actually speaking to some one in NZ who says these folk are good to deal with.

They said that they've exported bikes to NZ on the website, so I dunno, maybe if you email them and ask them if they could contact a couple of their previous clients in NZ for you and ask if they'd be interested in talking to you.

Kiwibiker is probably the wrong place -- there's a couple of (fairly quiet) forums dedicated to the Chang Jiang, might want to ask around there.

[avgas]

I've seen a few of the older ones (like 90's - but looks like 50's) in the underground workshops of shanghai (shanghai has 150cc limit).
look good - but i never saw one running so i don't know what that means?
Would hate to make a mechanic out of you instead of a rider.

[Motu]

Would hate to make a mechanic out of you instead of a rider.

I think he's got that well covered.

I've had my eye on them for some time too - I'd love another sidevalve,that is not 50 years old.They require a lot of remedial work,as you are aware of - replacement spokes is required before they go on the road I hear.There is one on TradeMe now.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-177747325.htm

The best one I have seen,and saw on tradeMe not long ago - it was fitted with a BMW engine,maybe an R80,but that's not important.It was a bolt in,just redrill a couple of bellhousing bolts.He also fitted an Indian sidecar.It was a very impressive outfit.

[xwhatsit]

The best one I have seen,and saw on tradeMe not long ago - it was fitted with a BMW engine,maybe an R80,but that's not important.It was a bolt in,just redrill a couple of bellhousing bolts.He also fitted an Indian sidecar.It was a very impressive outfit.

I think half the appeal of a CJ750 (especially the original sidevalve version) is the 22hp of slugging goodness. Just have to stop on the side of the road every so often and let the pistons cool down

[Motu]

My main concern with them is that their top speed is below the speed limit,and cruising speed even below that.So not really usable on any main roads,a back road only bike....and it'd take weeks to do a trip that should take a few days.

Gave you been following Mr Cob's trip around the US on a Ural? He's nearly finished now,but I've been following the thread even before he set out.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=354338

[xwhatsit]

Excellent! Thanks for that link, you just kept me busy for half an hour when I should've been studying

Fair enough re: cruising speed. There's always the stock OHC engine, but, well, 32hp isn't much better!

The Urals look bananas but they don't do a 2WD left hand sidecar. You can ride a right hand sidecar here but I can't see a passenger wanting to jump in the chair!

[CJ750]

Hi there, I have just bought a CJ750 sidecar in from China. I am going through the registration process this week. I will answer any questions you have. Cheers Murray

[CJ750]

I have just bought one in from China. I will answer any questions you have. Cheers Murray

[xwhatsit]

Thanks for the message CJ750, it says you've disabled receiving messages though so I couldn't send one back. Did you contact Flip too?

I don't finish uni for another 6 months (taking my time ) so I won't be after one of these yet, but I still have a question right now -- got any photos of the beast?

[Ixion]

I think Motu is right., They are inadequate for todays conditions, it would be frustrating finding opportunities to ride one. Much though I like sidevalves.

Why on earth does not one of the manufacturers put out a decent sporting side valve.

[xwhatsit]

I think Motu is right., They are inadequate for todays conditions, it would be frustrating finding opportunities to ride one. Much though I like sidevalves.

Really? I'm surprised to hear you, of all people, talking like this. I found an A100 went more than fast enough for me to have fun. And I think one could have a great deal of fun simply riding to work in 50kph areas, 70kph back-roads (like around the back of the airport). I know there's a hell of a lot of weight, but there'd still be plenty of grunt for heading down gravel roads.

What's so nice about a side-valve, apart from the masses of torque?

[Ixion]

They woofle. Actually they don't necessarily have such a lot of torque. It's more the way they put it out. A side valve goes faster as it goes slower. You rev them up to slow down.

I think there is a difference between a little slow bike , like the A100 or F50, and a big heavy bike that is too slow to maintain its way on the roads.

The BMW (and thus CJ) was designed as a long(ish) distance tourer. That is where it would be most pleasant. But, in Auckland, to get anywhere where it would be 'in its element' would necessarily involve a significant distance on busy high speed roads.

If I lived in the more rural parts of the South Island (or similar) I would probably be of a different opinion. But Auckland main roads, on a machine with a top speed of maybe 75kph is just too dodgy.