Topic: 1977 CB750K

[jodoco1962]

A friend of mine keeps telling me that the 1977 CB750K is a bad year to build. I am not really sure why he says this but I want to ask you guys what the reason may be. I am making it into a Cafe Racer so everything is being stripped down and rebuilt. I know of the charging system issues on the oem bikes but it is going to be all upgraded. Are there any other "real" issues with the '77. He says the'77's and 78's are trouble? Any info is helpful !!

[BobbyR]

The 750 purists think the K7-8 were not traditional looking enough. If you do do research you will see the the heads on these motors are considered the best for porting on overbored motors. The forks are more extended, gas tank bigger with a concealed gas cap. I own one and there are no problems. It is all folklore.

[750K]

He's an idiot, don't listen to him. The swingarm on the later bikes were longer by a touch along with what BobbyR said. Oh and the 77-78k's use a 630 chain and sprocket unlike the earlier yrs which use a 530 pitch, carbs are different too. 77-78 pd carbs have an accelerator pump to help with cold starts and less lag when you open the throttle quickly, they have press in idle jets unlike the round top carb with screw in jets. The 77's do have adjustable needles the 78's don't, you can still shim the needles on the 78pd's. Like I said your friend doesn't know what the #$%* he's talking about.

[madmtnmotors]

Have had my CB750K8 for twenty-six years and closing on 60,000 relatively trouble-free miles...



except for the few problems I created for myself when I was a noob!     

[bollingball]

Just like any other bikes or cars. They change things up every few years. The people with the older ones don't like the change. Then look what happened in 79 . They are all good bikes no big issues with 77-78 But I do have a 78. I like them all. Just make sure what ever you get look at the condition and is it worth what the seller wants. Ask the seller what he thinks needs to be done write it down then use that the next time you need to crap Take pictures and post them lots of people here will see something you may have missed. Price depends on where you live and what shape the bike is in. See if there is a member close by that can look at it with you.
Ken

[Stev-o]

I also like my K8 very much, there are no charging issues.
The engine is basically the same, the tank is bigger but has nice lines. 
Do more reading and less listening to your buddy.

[timbalish]

I believe you should get what you like, if you do encounter problems, fix them.  We have the technology.
I have had my 77 cb750k since 1998 and no trouble.
Finally did a frame up makeover this year, not too hard, and still no problems and now its spotless, polished and leak free.
The only thing I can think of is that 77 78 was only 2 years worth of bikes so less spare parts available.? na.
Get whatever you like.  The 77 is just as good as previous years. I think, but I am slightly biased.

[madmtnmotors]

And a 750K8 is the newest one you can get! 

Some even believe that the later models benefited from more highly refined manufacturing/machining techniques and metalurigical advancements.

I just like to ride it... sometimes like I stole it! It will still "carry the ton" with throttle to spare. Bikes got bigger cajones than I do! 

[BeSeeingYou]

I think the biggest difference is that the older the CB750 the better your sh!t smells....or so they tell us.  Until you get the very early sandcast  bikes.....then it's edible.

If the price is right just get it...it'll be fine.

[Jiminy Indy]

Ask the seller what he thinks needs to be done write it down then use that the next time you need to crap
Ken

That has got to be some of the best advice I've seen on this board - ever. Ken, you just made my day.

BTW, Happy Pearl Harbor Day

[mrrch]

Total myth, I love mine. The 77/78 F's had some valve issues though.

[phil71]

Actually, that motor got back some of the balls they took away in 72, so i think it's a good build.. especially if you're going to shape in in your own image.