Topic: Help.

[eyepoke]

I recently got a  hold of a 72 cb750. The previous owner had it running about a year ago. When I picked it up it was completely stripped down to the frame. The goal is to rebuild it. My plan is to have a bare minimum cafe. I'm kind of lost as to where to start. Any suggestions? Do I put it all together then see what's broken or go ahead and tear the motor apart.
Also in the boxes of parts there was a new gasket kit but the label has it as a 76-78 cb750 super sport.?..

[70CB750]

Welcome neighbor:)

I would put it together, if it was running year ago, chances are the motor is good.  If it ain't broken, don't fix it:) 

Get a manual from this site here, also look up Mark Parish CB750 book - very helpful - and ask questions when you need to. 

[eyepoke]

Sounds good I have absolutely no time line so I would like to do it right.

[Pecantree]

Welcome
LOTS of knowledgeable folks here.
Most more so than me.

Before you twist a bolt you have to be somewhat clear on what you want.
Do you have a ride now or is this your only ride.
Are you wanting a gee-whiz bike or a "lets get it ridable and I'll work on it as I ride".
I've found it almost always takes twice as long as I've planned.
And for me, trying to do a full rebuild while riding is a fools errand. (me, not you)

If I had your project I'd start with the frame, repaint and work out.
Get a rolling chassis, slap the motor in and see where you are.
At that point decide where to go next.
Download the manuals, helps a lot. Get Hondamans book, good info.
Use the search function, start a build thread.
Can't answer to the gasket's.

Good luck and lets see pictures
Steve

[70CB750]

Oh, the gaskets are most likely not for your engine.  Super sport had different valves.

[knowsnothing]

I agree with the other guys.  Start by getting it back together and running so you can determine if anything is wrong.  While you have it in pieces, I would go ahead and swap out the wheel and neck bearings if they are still the original ones.  Won't break the bank and should help a lot with the ride.  Also new tires are always a good idea if the ones you have are old.

[eyepoke]

Pecan tree, this bike will totally be a gee whiz bike. I have a Ducati 1098 I ride when the navy allows me time so like I said before I have all the time in the world. It seems like everyone is saying to slap the motor in but wouldn't be easier to rebuild or "replace " stuff first, While the motor is out? Ill definitely post pics as soon as I get a chance I'm moving to Biloxi Mississippi so all of it is in the back of a moving truck. Except the carbs which I left out so that can work on them

[Jiminy Indy]

Well in my opinion I would get the motor to run first, and then if it doesn't or if you see problems fix those. Sure, there's an advantage in working on it first, but the question is how far do you go if you don't know what (if anything) needs fixed. Top end only?, split the cases?, and so on.

Having said that if you want the go-fast bike, now might be the time to spring for a 836 kit and build the motor the way you want it. Plus, it's a real learning experience to get elbows-deep in the motor.

[ekpent]

Any idea as to how many miles the engine has on it,was the original speedo there? Is the engine covered in oil around the usual leak areas or is it fairly clean ? You were able to talk and ask questions of the previous rider correct. I also am in the school of getting unknown engines etc running first to assess the possible problems.

[iron_worker]

If you've got boxes and boxes of parts it's going to be a hard enough project to figure out where all that sh!t goes if you didn't take it apart yourself. I would start by putting it back together (at least enough to get it running) and see if you are missing parts (almost guaranteed there will be some).

As mentioned, tapered neck bearings and wheels bearings are a great idea at this point. Kind of a safety thing.

You may even find that you fall in love with the bike in the stock form and decide to restore it.  Ya never know.

IW

[eyepoke]

The motor is pretty clean except for some black build up in the front which seems like just road gunk. The original speedo says 30,000. I'm gonna go ahead and stick the motor in and see how she runs on the general consensus . What do I need at the bare minimum on the bike just to kickstart it?