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Author Topic: My first bike: '78 CB750k  (Read 54496 times)

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fendersrule

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My first bike: '78 CB750k
« on: November 11, 2012, 12:10:06 AM »
My '78 has arrived (eBay purchase).




Aesthetically, it needs a bit of everything. Just needs a thorough replacement/cleanup/polish on most things. But most are simple things: It's missing headlight reflectors, ear extension for OEM turn signals (probably had a faring), left side cover. The blinker/horn switch needs to be gone through and cleaned/replaced. The horn doesn't work. The center stand, and under-seat trays need to be cleaned/power-coated. The front fender sucks. I can't stand the handle grips. The gas tank lock is missing the locking clip. The driver's foot pedal is in bad shape. The ignition cover is dented (which is common seems like). Everything else is awesome, including the OEM exhaust and all the rest of the controls. Drives/shifts/stops great. All in all, a solid bike!

The seat will need to be reapolstered (and I may modify the seat a little bit to accomidate my tall size. The '78 acommodates taller riders significantly more than the '79 I also picked up. The '79 forces you to sit in one position. The '78 is more flexible, and allows you to sit further back. I may cut the foam back just a little more.
« Last Edit: November 11, 2012, 12:17:47 AM by fendersrule »
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Offline seanbarney41

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #1 on: November 11, 2012, 12:17:41 AM »
nice bike!...maybe just ride some fat chicks around to squash that seat back down? :D
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If it works good, it looks good...

fendersrule

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #2 on: November 11, 2012, 12:22:04 AM »
Sean:

I was just about to post about that. Why the heck is it like this? After studying it in the garage, I believe it's probably just minor warp with the seat. I assume that this be fixed when it undergoes some reaplstry?





I'm wondering about the costs of these options:

Option A:

Have reapolstry shop straighten the seat, cut the saddle part of the seat back 1-2 inches, and lower the passenger height of the foam a little bit.

Option B:

Find, and buy a '77 seat.

btw: notice how clean and great the right side cover is! Just need a left just like it, and there's one on eBay right now...
« Last Edit: November 11, 2012, 12:26:14 AM by fendersrule »
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Offline seanbarney41

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #3 on: November 11, 2012, 12:32:53 AM »
Have you checked out the rubber bumpers on the bottom to make sure everytning is setting the way it should? seat latch fully engaging?...other than that I don't know, not very familiar with the k7-8 bikes...
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fendersrule

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #4 on: November 11, 2012, 12:42:19 AM »
Here's the progress that I made today.

Here's my current front fender:



One ugly crease, and about 5 dents. It's no good.

Picked this up today for a good price. Cleaned it up. 9.5/10 condition...I think there's only one tiny ding that's hard to see:



Every day, I'm going to do some polishing. I cleaned up the left side pretty good:



Replaced the driver's foot pad:



I'm mostly a stock guy...mostly, but I dig this. Probably need to clean/oil them up for good measure:



I replaced the broken horn (check out the lovely flat black paint) with a nice horn that I found today. The horn also works!:



A bonus:

Lovely OEM exhaust:





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fendersrule

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #5 on: November 11, 2012, 12:48:02 AM »
Quote from: seanbarney41 on November 11, 2012, 12:32:53 AM
Have you checked out the rubber bumpers on the bottom to make sure everytning is setting the way it should? seat latch fully engaging?...other than that I don't know, not very familiar with the k7-8 bikes...

I put some polishing compound on all the rubber bumpers, and closed the seat. Only the center bumpers were the only ones making contact.

The outer side edge of the seat hits against the seat lock.

This tells me, that the seat is either warped from ass-sittage, or that the lock is positioned too high.

I removed the seat latch from the seat, and I managed to break a stud in half (ugh). I assume I'm going to now have to get it reupholstered since the only way to get to replace that stud is to remove the seat cover/foam. The good news is that I have a new seat latch on the way. Other than that, I'm not sure of any adjustments that I can truly make. I may try to see if the seat lock can move down, but I doubt it.
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Offline dhall57

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #6 on: November 11, 2012, 03:45:24 AM »
Welcome from North Carolina. Congrads on your first bike. By the pics it looks good. Like most of these 34 year old 750's just needs plenty of TLC. How many miles and did you buy it from the original owner? Feel like you got a good deal on it. I see the bike has pod filters. IMO I would go back with the factory air box. These bikes were designed to run the best with that set up. I think most members here will agree with me. The right side cover caught my eye. I think that cover is from a SS not a K model and maybe the bars have been changed out to accommodate the PO.
« Last Edit: November 11, 2012, 04:16:30 AM by dhall57 »
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1970 CB750KO
1971 CB500KO-project bike
1973 CB350G- project bike
1974 CB750K4-project bike
1974 CB750K4
1976 CB750K6
1977 GL1000
1997 Harley Wideglide

Offline Killer Canary

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #7 on: November 11, 2012, 07:23:05 AM »
The seat problem was caused by someone removing the grab rail and thereafter using the seat edge to lift the bike onto the centre stand. I think the fork ears are also from an F; shouldn't the blinkers mount just aft of the headlight pivot?
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #8 on: November 11, 2012, 07:43:40 AM »
Welcome from Texas.

DHall is absolutely correct - that right side cover is from an F model. I'm surprised it fits. Should be fairly easy to fnd a set and you can sell the F cover.

How does the bike run?
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

fendersrule

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #9 on: November 11, 2012, 08:51:35 AM »
The bike has 11k miles on it. However, the engine VIN doesn't match with the frame, so your guess is as good as mine.

The SS side cover certainly fits. I was just out in the garage removing it (in order to reinstall it to see if it wasn't jerry rigged on), and of-course, I cracked it. ERRRRRR. Note to self: be VERY careful when removing 30+ year old side covers.

The ears are correct for this bike. The reason the signals are not in the right spot is because a faring was installed. That means, the signal mounts were cut on the ears. I really hate when people mess up these bikes when installing fairings.

I dig the handlebars, actually.

That makes sense about the seat. I hate the seal rail, and I would've taken it off even if it came with one.
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Offline Killer Canary

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #10 on: November 11, 2012, 08:56:50 AM »
It's okay if you grab under the fender to lift. Most go straight for the seat though.
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If it's worth doing at all it's worth over-doing.
Honda MT250, CB400F, CB450K, CB550, GL500, CBR929
Kawi GPz900, H1

Offline dhall57

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #11 on: November 11, 2012, 09:05:48 AM »
Yeah fender the frame and eng. vin#'s will never match and any of these sohc4 bikes. Sorry about your side cover :(
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1970 CB750KO
1971 CB500KO-project bike
1973 CB350G- project bike
1974 CB750K4-project bike
1974 CB750K4
1976 CB750K6
1977 GL1000
1997 Harley Wideglide

fendersrule

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #12 on: November 11, 2012, 09:06:39 AM »
I can buy two aftermarket maier panels for the same price as one original panel.

Wouldn't it be better to grab the aftermarket because new plastic (Maier claims "super string ABS") has me feeling much safer as opposed to original 30+ year old plastic...
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #13 on: November 11, 2012, 10:01:10 AM »
Personally, I don't like the Maier covers. Forum member Frankenstuff makes superior covers but may be on hiatus.
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

fendersrule

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #14 on: November 11, 2012, 10:06:27 AM »
I just bought a set here:

http://www.fb-stuff.com/fb-stuff-store.html

Very highly regarded. I'd rather buy this than spend $75 on one side panel....which may be more prone to cracking and breaking. I just don't trust them anymore.

Also bought:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200787611385

And some random other hardware/grommets.

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Offline Stev-o

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #15 on: November 11, 2012, 10:14:47 AM »
Yes, that is Frankenstuff's website.
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

fendersrule

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #16 on: November 11, 2012, 01:06:46 PM »
Thanks guys again for the welcome. I'm really enjoying all the responses. Since this is my first bike, I'm truely getting the best help I can image, so please keep the responses coming. You're apart of this "restoration" as much as I am, so I'm honored to hear any responses.

I'm going to go out in the garage now and try to remove the stupid speedometer screw (it was previously stripped) so I can get this new fender on.

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Offline Stev-o

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #17 on: November 11, 2012, 01:59:16 PM »
Although it won't help on stripped screws, pick up an impact driver to remove screws in the future.
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

fendersrule

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #18 on: November 11, 2012, 05:55:11 PM »
Day 2:

* Extracted a stripped speedometer screw. Replaced it with a replica found at Lowes.
* Did a long polish on the forks. Got the oxidized aluminum shining almost like chrome..looks beautiful.
* Cleaned and degreased the front end.
* Replaced the fender
* Regreased the speedo cable with lithium grease




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fendersrule

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #19 on: November 11, 2012, 06:16:58 PM »
I always favored the '77 seats moreso than the '78 seats.

Do you guys think this seat would fit up perfectly to my bike?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/77-HONDA-CB750-CB-750-A-AUTOMATIC-USED-PARTS-SEAT-COVER-PAN-FOAM-/390482568039?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5aea932367&vxp=mtr

Edit: using the search function is useful. http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=56947.0

A hondamatic seat won't fit.

Man...I'm desiring a '77k seat right now.........
« Last Edit: November 11, 2012, 06:31:49 PM by fendersrule »
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fendersrule

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #20 on: November 12, 2012, 09:09:06 AM »
How much do you guys think I should estimate to get my seat:

*straightened
*minor shaving
*covered

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Offline flybox1

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #21 on: November 12, 2012, 01:20:47 PM »
~$300

I had the same OEM seat on my K8. hated the riding position.
i'm 6'5" and wanted the bump moved back a bit to fit me better.
I'm still upright, its more comfortable, and i dont feel like my b@lls are resting on the tank.

turned out like this...

Nice work so far, BTW  8)
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'78 750K (F3 engine) PD42b's, Modified airbox w/K&N  filter, 40/110 jets, 1 needle shim, IMS@ 1 turn out. Kerker + Cone 18" QuietCore

Past Bikes
1974 550K0 (stock), 1973 CB350F (stock), 1983 Yamaha XS400K (POS)
77/78 cool 2 member #3
"Knowledge without mileage equals bullsh!t" - Henry Rollins

"This is my CB. There are many like it, but this one is mine…"

fendersrule

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #22 on: November 12, 2012, 03:11:15 PM »
WOW...up to $300? That's definitely outside of my expectations. You're at the price point where you can find a minty condition OEM seat for that. Any reason why you didn't just shave the rear section too (since it looks like it's already too small to accomadate a passenger)? Looks good though!

I was thinking for a simple re-foam and cover: ~$100. I was expecting $200 tops for a straightening, and refinishing of the bottom and the whole works...at the most.

I'm 6'4, so I know what you mean. At 6'4, I find the '78 seat pretty acceptable (I've only ridden on it for a couple miles though) and a godsend from the '79 seat. With the '79 seat, Your balls are definitely smudged at the gas tank.

That's kinda what I'm looking for a '77 seat. It's flatter, and probably accomodates taller riders better, and doesn't need any shaving. Anyone have any experience with the '77 seat?
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Offline mono

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #23 on: November 12, 2012, 04:22:30 PM »
I beat around the bush too long and missed a stock 78 seat on CL for 30 bucks.... :( 

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

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fendersrule

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Re: My first bike: '78 CB750k
« Reply #24 on: November 12, 2012, 09:17:19 PM »
Keep your eyes out for a '77 seat guys!

I just found out that my rear wheel is a 17"er. Should I head to the junkyard and pick up a 18", or should I be happy about that?
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