Author Topic: Project: Can't Get Right. (Read 9095 times)

bjonesin · « **on:** August 19, 2012, 03:01:28 PM »

Hello to the Forum! In early February I purchased a 1977 CB750. I've never had a motorcycle, nor really any idea of what I was getting into. I have limited tools and even less knowledge. I do have a lot of ambition, so I do have that going for me. It runs but there are a few issues and modifications I would like to make.

If you hate cafe racers, you might stop reading now and I'm okay with that. I'm not sure I have the technical skills to pull off the empty triangle but I do subscribe to the philosophy that if it works then it looks good. With that in mind lets talk about what I am thinking about doing.

It has an oil leak. I am literally banging my head against a wall looking for the start of this leak. I've tightened every bolt and screw and I have cleaned the bottom of the engine. So, I've decided to replace the seals on the engine. Also a lot of the bolts are stripped so they are being replaced with hex head.

I'm a little short for the stock ride height, so I was thinking shorter shocks.

I would like to go with a cafe style seat, but my girlfriend demands that she rides on the back at times. So, I was thinking a brat style seat. My question is that if I run shorter shocks and a brat style seat will I run out of travel and the wheel will hit the rear fender.

So the front of the motorcycle is actually out of the planning stages already. I know, you missed your chance for input. I went to a salvage yard and pulled the entire front end off of a 1977 gl1000. Dual brakes upgrade! So at some point I've gotta get the tapered steering bearings. New grips and handle bars.

I sort of want to take everything down to the frame. strip the old paint off the frame, and then repaint. Replace the seals while the engine is out of the frame. Repaint the tank, side covers.

Too ambitious? Thoughts on the shocks? I've been thinking about rear sets, thoughts on a brand? Type of handlebars? superbike? brand?

aaand pictures!

krusty · « **Reply #1 on:** August 20, 2012, 05:07:09 AM »

A leaking O ring for the neutral sensor had me scratching my head for a while as it was in a tricky place to trace oil back to it.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #2 on:** August 21, 2012, 11:26:45 AM »

Shorter shocks (alone) are not the best solution for lowering the ride height. You will also need to adjust (lower) your fork height or the bike will be more difficult to turn in. Make sure when you order new shocks that you take into account the combined weight of both you and your passenger, and the frequency with which you plan to ride 2-up. You want the shocks properly sprung so you do not bottom out, but if you ride single the majority of the time you do not want the rear to be overly-sprung either. You will need to compromise based on how often she rides with you.

If you are adept with a wrench, go for it. If not, you may want to enlist some help or have an experienced wrench help you out. You can get over your head, especially if you are pulling the engine.

bjonesin · « **Reply #3 on:** August 21, 2012, 09:14:26 PM »

So I've started to clean and polish my front end. First I had to take it apart and wouldn't you know it, the speedometer hub is broken and the screw is stripped. Any good idea's on how to fix?

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bjonesin · « **Reply #4 on:** August 21, 2012, 09:19:49 PM »

Quote from: CB750 Cafe Racer Fan on August 21, 2012, 11:26:45 AM

Shorter shocks (alone) are not the best solution for lowering the ride height.

This is advice seems correct. From what I've read it will make the bike handle poorly. Also, my girlfriend doesn't ride often enough to warrant taking her into account. She has already had enough say. I think I am going to modify the seat to overcome my lack of height.
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bjonesin · « **Reply #5 on:** August 23, 2012, 07:40:04 AM »

Do you guys have any neat upgrades for the wiring harness?

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #6 on:** August 23, 2012, 07:52:05 AM »

The only thing I can think about the harness is make your own. I'll be doing this when the weather gets bad.....

mono · « **Reply #7 on:** August 23, 2012, 07:53:06 AM »

Quote from: bjonesin on August 23, 2012, 07:40:04 AM

Do you guys have any neat upgrades for the wiring harness?

no real need to upgrade the wiring harness. the bullet connectors work fine. you may want to clean all of the contacts and re-grease them with dielectric grease, though. Some people do upgrade the fusebox to be push-in fuses as opposed to the cylinder fuses, though.

if you need to replace the harness, new ones can be gotten for a reasonable price.

bjonesin · « **Reply #8 on:** August 23, 2012, 08:23:45 AM »

Here's a little clarification on what I was thinking. Has anyone installed fuse blocks? Is it worth the effort?

Is trying to tackle the wiring harness just an exercise in frustration? I know that some of my wires are spliced in and and look a little melty. My concern is that I am going to catch myself on fire driving down the road.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #9 on:** August 23, 2012, 01:25:55 PM »

That headlamp looks empty compared to mine.

JimJamerino · « **Reply #10 on:** August 23, 2012, 06:00:46 PM »

It looks like you've already started tearing into it. Is it a running bike as it is? Are you an inexperienced rider? If so, I'd just ride it for right now. You said you've never owned a bike before, so in my mind, modifying a bike before you have much experience riding is a half-baked idea. With an old bike like this, you're going to have plenty of opportunities to work on it before you start cutting it up (as evidenced by your speedo hub). There's a lot of little things that can go wrong in a build, and it would be truly heartbreaking (as well as painful) if your first ride ended in a wreck because of a small mistake.

I think your plan is doable, and I have no doubts that you'll be able to build your vision, but baby steps are a good thing when you're working with a machine that has two wheels surrounded by air.

Mind you, this is my personal opinion and I am in no way trying to be your dad and tell you what to do. Were I in your shoes, ride it if you can before you cut it up.

bjonesin · « **Reply #11 on:** August 24, 2012, 07:00:38 AM »

Thanks for your concern JimaJamerino, I really appreciate it. Its always good to have someone being a voice of reason. I'll answer your questions because there are probably people here that have the same concerns and questions.

Is it a running bike as it is? Yes! I commute to work on it. I've been doing that since May. So I have some experience, and its been really hard not to start this project early.

The speedometer hub that you refer to is actually not on my bike, but part of a GL1000. I'm trying my damnest to not take my bike out of commission until the very last day of the riding season here in KS. I'm trying to screw up stuff thats currently off the bike and wont compromise riding.

I've had the opportunity to buy other bikes. Cheaper, newer bikes. I didn't because I wasn't in love with them. Riding those bikes, was fun, but doesn't bring the same joy that a CB750.

bjonesin · « **Reply #12 on:** August 24, 2012, 07:05:23 AM »

Those with a keen eye might have noticed that my gauges are less than stock. When I bought the bike I was told a white lie that the gauges work, they just needed new cables. Cables work! Gauges do not, but luckily(Maybe?) after I bought the bike, he let me have some parts for it. Part of those parts where some spare gauges.

Let's play a game, who knows what gauges go on my bike?

?

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #13 on:** August 24, 2012, 09:48:06 AM »

I'm not sure about the 750 but I do know the 1977 550F2 had blue clocks.

bjonesin · « **Reply #14 on:** August 25, 2012, 12:33:53 PM »

Bad news guys. I managed to screw up the bleeder nipple extraction.

Any suggestions on what to do? I don't think I have a drillbit hard enough to drill through the extractor. Do you think it would be easier to just find another brake caliper at this point?

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Stev-o · « **Reply #15 on:** August 25, 2012, 12:45:29 PM »

PM FFJ, he may be able to help you with that caliper...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=104370.msg1234888#new

bjonesin · « **Reply #16 on:** August 26, 2012, 12:26:08 PM »

Thanks Steve-O, I sent FFJ a PM and the Price to get it drilled is about the price it would cost for me to pick up one at a junk yard next weekend. So, I think that is the plans as of right now. Plus, I wanted to see if I couldnt find a tank to learn to paint on. I'm going to spend the week trying to find someone closer to me with the ability to drill it out and see if they couldnt do it cheaper. Not that FFJ wouldn't do a great job, I just kind of want to keep as much of it in my hands as possible.

bjonesin · « **Reply #17 on:** September 06, 2012, 07:48:31 AM »

Does internet shopping count as working on the bike? I sure hope it does. In my case i spend time reading the forum, actually picking the exact part I want, and then price comparing. It's time consuming but hopefully keep my budget in check.

I went ahead and bought a used caliper off ebay. The seller has a seven day hold on all paypal orders. Purgatory is stupid slow. Hopefully that will show up sometime next week.

A part that did show up is all the way from the uk!

I made the mistake of telling my boss at work. The next thing I know i need to have put then so I can show him.Before

Dont tell my girlfriend

So sad looking

Finished !

This project wasn't slated for when it happened. I know i will have to undo this work when i swap front ends but man are new handlebars great. I don't feel like I'm 80 driving a goldwing anymore. So my bars hit my tank of course. Build new steering stops or can i adjust the bars so they dont hit?

So while reading the forum, i discovered that on the late model F you can flip flop the footpegs and it moves them about 2" back. I tried this and got as far as taking the nut off the bolt that holds the footpeg on and discovered that the bolt was bent. Probably from laying the bike down. Any suggestions on how to get the bolt back in alignment or not worth the time?

Ive been sanding my front fork in preparation for paint. How fine should i go? I've heard since its being painted that 400 will work. Any suggestions on paint brand?

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bjonesin · « **Reply #18 on:** September 11, 2012, 06:48:03 AM »

It's been a few days and it's been a fight every step of the way. I ordered a hondaman ignition. I wired it up

It finally sputtered to life and i rode it around to make sure it was solid. my bike sounded better and i was pleased. I went out to start it the next day nothing. Its like it wasnt getting spark. So i unhooked it all and Wired it back to stock. Still nothing. Checked all my connections and wired it back in. Pulled the sparkplugs out and kicked it to see if they were getting spark. They are. Im at a loss as to what to do now?

?

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knowsnothing · « **Reply #19 on:** September 11, 2012, 11:15:25 AM »

- Check your battery

- Check fuel

Report back.

Mercutiojb · « **Reply #20 on:** September 11, 2012, 12:10:36 PM »

I have a 77 as well, and will keep an eye on this!

bjonesin · « **Reply #21 on:** September 12, 2012, 09:36:48 AM »

So, I unplugged everything from the hondaman ignition, cut the female cover sleeves, cleaned all the connectors, went back to stock. First kick, roars to life. Sweeet! This may have been worth all the frustration, it sounds better than it ever has. So, of course I have to touch it again. Disconnect stock, hook Hondaman Ignition in. NOTHING! I think that the problem is the ground on my points cover. It is the only unknown left in this situation. I obviously don't think the ignition is broken, becuase I've gotten it to work once. The problem is clearly my battery, or the connections. I'll keep fighting with it until resolution.

My bar end mirrors arrived, and I installed the left one. Cut the tip off the existing handlebar grip and tighten down. Looks good. Cut the top off the grip. Hey dumb dumb, remember the throttle sleeve? nope. So the question now is, can i slide everthing up the handlebar to expose the actual handlebar or will the throttle sleeve not slide up that far? If I can't do I make an adapter to fit into the actual handlebar that sticks out far enough for the mirror to attach to?

knowsnothing · « **Reply #22 on:** September 12, 2012, 09:48:07 AM »

I am running a hondaman ignition and haven't had any issues so far. It was pretty much plug and play. You might think about getting in touch with Mark (Hondaman) and see if he can help troubleshoot your issue. He knows a TON and is more than willing to help.

The throttle sleeve should just slide up until a bend in the bar i would think. Its a hollow tube open on both ends.

bjonesin · « **Reply #23 on:** September 12, 2012, 09:54:24 AM »

That is exactly what has me worried. If I can't figure out the things that are plug and play, then I should probably forget about anything more complicated than putting fuel in. I wanted to flounder around some more before I ask for real help from Mark. How am I ever supposed to learn anything if I get expert advice exactly when I ask for it!?! In all seriousness, I'm going to ask if I can't do it myself.

bjonesin · « **Reply #24 on:** September 17, 2012, 09:48:47 AM »

Okay so I think I've got it wired up correctly but I'm still having some issues with start up. Maybe just cold blooded.

All though does anybody know if my points plate is supposed to jump a spark across it? Do i have some sort of short or grounding issue? Is this why im having problems is that my spark isnt traveling down to the sparkplug but to my points?

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bjonesin · « **Reply #25 on:** September 25, 2012, 08:05:40 AM »

Time for a big old update. The sparking issue i would like to think was related to poor grounding from my sparkplugs. So i replaced them and the caps from z1enterprises. I went with them because they had 102 degree caps. I could find the plugs and caps with 90 degreees ans straight on amazon but not 102.

I also was tired of looking at my exhaust. I want to replace it but thats going to have to be a year away with headers costing what they do

it's bbq paint rated up to 1500 degrees. I'll see how long it lasts. I didnt spend a whole lot of time prepping for paint because you can see the dents in the exhaust in that picture.

that's how it currently sits with the hondaman ignition. acceleration is affected and i sort of hate that but the more i read the more ill probably replace the sprockets and drop a tooth from it. Added benefit is ill change to a 530 chain from a 630. That will probably wait until next spring. My current project is to fix that stupid caliper off the gl1000 and maybe build a two up cafe seat. So i got everything working and i pick two projects that are going to frustrate the hell out of me. Smart.

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bjonesin · « **Reply #26 on:** October 28, 2013, 08:35:37 AM »

I know this thread is sort of dead. Completely my fault. I've been busy with life and none motorcycle related topics thats why I'm skipping and getting right to pictures.

This thread is only interesting when I'm tearing stuff up.

so this is how far I got over the preceeding week. I also removed the hondaman ignition. So if anyone wants it I will sell it to you for half price.

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Bankerdanny · « **Reply #27 on:** October 29, 2013, 03:04:29 PM »

Did you try to contact Mark (Hondaman) about the problems? He's a regular here and will no doubt stand behind his product.

Good to see that you are back to work on the bike though.

regarding the seat issue (cafe vs room for the GF), you might consider having 2 seats. One for regular use and one to put on when the GF wants to ride along. If you keep the tail light separate from the seat this should be easy to accomplish.

bjonesin · « **Reply #28 on:** October 29, 2013, 03:18:50 PM »

I had great customer service from Mark, and I think the product he created solved a problem.The problem I had was that the product worked as intended, I just didnt like the way it worked. He says upfront that the it will cause a drop in acceleration, and my bike doesn't have need for a modified ignition. Mostly comes down to personal preference. I'm sure as soon as I ship it off, my ignition will go out and I will wish for it.

It feels good to be back working on it.

I've considered having two seats. I'm not sure how to solve the engineering problem that creates. Rather, how to make interchangeable seats that dont fall off. I would need frame attachments of some sort.

bjonesin · « **Reply #29 on:** November 01, 2013, 08:00:26 AM »

So this is how the upgrade is coming, mixed. Nothing is ever easy. I froze my races, the bottom one slide in like butter and the top one looks like this. Is that right? It doesnt look right.

In addition to that, the steering stem off of the gl1000 had a tapered bearing attached to it. The washer on the bottom keeps deforming. Any great ideas on how to remove it?

bjonesin · « **Reply #30 on:** October 09, 2014, 01:59:47 PM »

THIS PROJECT IS NOT DEAD OR DONE! I have been hard at work.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #31 on:** October 09, 2014, 05:44:56 PM »

Back from the dead!

bjonesin · « **Reply #32 on:** May 18, 2015, 11:08:13 AM »

Where to start? There has been so much in my life since my last true update. There isn't as much time as I had when I started this "project".
I will try to keep an accurate account of what has happened.
I bought a house, so I had to box all my parts up, which contributed to a number of problems with the engine that I will get too.
Unboxed all the parts from the move, and promptly started working on the house.
I got married.
My wife decided to paint the garage, which meant boxing the parts again.
Built a workbench.
Started working on the motorcycle.
In the next few days I will try to document the state of my project. My skills haven't improved much since beginning this project, but having a dedicated workbench and space to work seem to help a lot.

streak09 · « **Reply #33 on:** May 18, 2015, 04:18:19 PM »

I feel like I just read a synopsis of the past year of my life in your last post. That has been my progression to a T, same sequence and everything. Keep on keepin on! You are absolutely right about having a dedicated space to work in. Is amazing how much you can get done in so little time when you don't have to move 40,000 things out of the way before starting!

News:

Author Topic: Project: Can't Get Right. (Read 9095 times)