Topic: Introduction

[Wrenchless]

Hello, I'm brand new to the forum and new to motorcycling. My user name is appropriate as I am no mechanic, maybe even an antimechanic. I have very bad luck with combustion engines. My first bad experience was when I tried to do some distributor work on a nice 53 Chevy pickup, back in the 70s. Never could get it running again after I SCREWED IT UP. Also have killed two outboard motors. So I'm really wondering if I made a mistake buying my 1978, one owner, 12K miles 750K. Sounds like this is high maintenance bike and requires good mechanical skills to keep it running well.

I bought my 750K because it was good deal, 1600$ and in perfect condition. I just wanted to get a good bike to use to commute 10 miles to work and rides out in the country. No freeway on a daily basis, maybe an occaisional foray into Eastern Washington, with long stretches  on I-90.

Again, I'm wondering what I've gotten myself into. The bike is a little big for me, a bit hard to handle. Mainly though, I really don't want to mess this well cared for bike up, but I'm not sure I've got the motivation, time , or apptitude to learn a whole new set of skills, and I know I don't have the money to pay the local Honda dealer to regularly work on the bike (synching carbs, etc., etc.)

Any advice from you SOHC veterans?

[kghost]

Thier a pretty dead stock reliable bike. Some of us are resurrecting ours. If they've been maintained or are in good mechanical condition they will run a long time without a lot of attention

As for when they do need attention you might try finding a good independant shop. They tend to be cheaper than Honda and believe it or not most are more competent on old bikes. Seems Honda mechanics are all young these days and don't remember or work on anything more than 5 years old.

As for the weight and handling? Take'r slow and steady. Practice seems to make the pounds melt away. Go for some lesiurelu cruises check out the local bike action at the favorite hang out. The added benefit might be making new friends that do know how to use a screw driver for something other than a pry bar 

Folks are always willing to help out the old bike community has some of the nicest helpful people. Go mix it up and meet some.

[Bob Wessner]

Welcome Wrenchless. I'm no born mechanic either, but if you get a good shop manual, follow the directions and post questions here, there are many knowledgeable folks who will reply. Anything seems difficult the first time. Good luck and grab your wrenches.  

[ProTeal55]

Welcome to the site 
The best thing for you to do (with your motor-killing past) would be to do some research
and find a shop in your area that deals solely with vintage jap bikes, such as the one u own.

I am not a motorcycle mechanic, but I did allot to my own CB750, just by trial and error. I finally hit a snag with the dual-disc setup, and gladly put the project in the hands of a great shop in the city (chicago), and should have my bike back soon..

Know when to put the wrench down and pickup the phone...

[Wrenchless]

Thanks to you all for the advice. I'm thinking of reading Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance for some inspiration.

[byidesign]

Welcome: wrenchless,
    The longer you ride ,the more it
   all will make sense to you.....
     just starting with simple maintenance things,
        From the shop manual....
        {like oil changes}
      We all had to start somewhere...
           Unfortunately when I did .
            {ancient history lesson there}
     Forum's like this didn't exist.....
            and nobody to ask..............
       {and what I could have done with all
           that"do it over".... time}
              Enjoy
                Bruce