Author Topic: Another '78 K-Model  (Read 3039 times)

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Offline surveywaters

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Another '78 K-Model
« on: June 23, 2013, 05:45:19 PM »
I just picked up a K8 in great shape but it is a little old man for me. The seat is a deluxe touring and I want a stock seat. The handlebars are about 8-10" tall, I would like something a bit more agressive. I am hoping someone can tell me what model seats will fit this reverse hinge bike and where do I source some shorter cables?
1972 SL125,1974 XL125,1975 CB125,1978 CB750k,1978 KZ650,1978 XS650,1985 VT1100,1986 VF700, 2005 XV1700,2003 DL1000,1982 XR250R,1986 ATC70,1987 BW80,1987 XR250R,1999 Z50r,2002 DRZ400s

Offline surveywaters

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #1 on: June 23, 2013, 05:47:19 PM »
One more thing, the #1 exhaust is missing the baffle,any suggestions? I am having trouble finding a replacement and I don't want a 4into1.
1972 SL125,1974 XL125,1975 CB125,1978 CB750k,1978 KZ650,1978 XS650,1985 VT1100,1986 VF700, 2005 XV1700,2003 DL1000,1982 XR250R,1986 ATC70,1987 BW80,1987 XR250R,1999 Z50r,2002 DRZ400s

Offline knowsnothing

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #2 on: June 23, 2013, 06:22:34 PM »
Hey survey, congrats on picking up the best year made  ;D

For seats, the k7 and k8 seats are interchangable.  The k7 seat is flat like the earlier years while the k8 seat has a small bump for the passanger  seat. 

For shorter cables, motion pro makes a set, i think they are -2 inches. 

The baffle is tricky.  Orginal 4-4 pipes are rare.  You might have to make your own baffle. 

Good luck
1978 CB750k Green - 811 engine
1978 CB750k Blue - for sale
1974 CB375F Faded Black - had to have that 6th gear
1976 CB400F Red - in many pieces
1973 CB350F TBD - in many pieces

Offline surveywaters

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #3 on: June 24, 2013, 05:31:05 AM »
Sucks about the seat, that is a narrow window for replacement. Can other seats have the hinges moved?   

It will be tough to match the back pressure of the other pipes which I think will make tuning difficult, I need a replacement #1 pipe. If there is a decent 4into2 available, I'd go that route, but I don't think I want the MAC system. Will earlier K model exhaust fit?

Thanks for the cable lead. Is there a vendor that guys on this forum give preference to?
1972 SL125,1974 XL125,1975 CB125,1978 CB750k,1978 KZ650,1978 XS650,1985 VT1100,1986 VF700, 2005 XV1700,2003 DL1000,1982 XR250R,1986 ATC70,1987 BW80,1987 XR250R,1999 Z50r,2002 DRZ400s

Offline toytuff

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #4 on: June 24, 2013, 06:49:19 AM »
I have a K-7 so just to let you know they are harder to do. This was a two (2) year model run so parts reflect this.

Several members here have these years so parts will become available. Patience.

Don't forget to become a 2 cool member.  ;)

tt

Offline flybox1

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #5 on: June 24, 2013, 07:41:07 AM »
used, stock seats turn up now and then, so keep looking.
i used my seat pan to create the seat i wanted.
Euro bars, Norman Hyde M-Bars, CB400F bars.... will be less 'ape' than what you have, and more sporty, search the web. there are many more to choose from.
'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

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Offline toytuff

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #6 on: June 24, 2013, 07:54:17 AM »
I have a couple of bars. I think they are a little lower than stock. 1979 750 F bars look the same.

I like mine. Check picture.

tt

Offline toytuff

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #7 on: June 24, 2013, 01:29:17 PM »
One more thing, the #1 exhaust is missing the baffle,any suggestions? I am having trouble finding a replacement and I don't want a 4into1.

Gave away a set of pipes. Dang, to late to help now.

tt

Offline surveywaters

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #8 on: June 24, 2013, 01:34:03 PM »
ToyTuff, that bike looks great, are those the 'F' bars? That's close to what I want, maybe slightly lower, but that's a good width.

And  "Gave away a set of pipes. Dang, to late to help now." It's akin to saying "dang, I had a delicious pie at home I could have brought".

 
1972 SL125,1974 XL125,1975 CB125,1978 CB750k,1978 KZ650,1978 XS650,1985 VT1100,1986 VF700, 2005 XV1700,2003 DL1000,1982 XR250R,1986 ATC70,1987 BW80,1987 XR250R,1999 Z50r,2002 DRZ400s

Offline toytuff

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #9 on: June 24, 2013, 01:54:21 PM »
ToyTuff, that bike looks great, are those the 'F' bars? That's close to what I want, maybe slightly lower, but that's a good width.

And  "Gave away a set of pipes. Dang, to late to help now." It's akin to saying "dang, I had a delicious pie at home I could have brought".

Thank you for the compliment. Lot of work, time and money. Here are some more bar pics.

Yeah, sure is! I had them for sale but no offers so out they went.

I believe these are lower bars than the K model had but yes, I like them myself. Shop around for the correct set or flats if you prefer. I usually don't sell anything anymore. Shed full.

tt










Offline Nycepop

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #10 on: June 24, 2013, 02:09:42 PM »
Wow! she's so beautiful!

Offline toytuff

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #11 on: June 24, 2013, 04:33:03 PM »

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #12 on: June 24, 2013, 09:09:50 PM »
Wow!!  Very clean looking bike!
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
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"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

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1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
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Offline toytuff

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #13 on: June 25, 2013, 02:40:00 AM »
Wow!!  Very clean looking bike!

Thank you.

tt

Offline surveywaters

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #14 on: June 26, 2013, 05:25:58 PM »
Okay, still on the exhaust. I just found a big hole in the #3 pipe that I missed before..... I guess I'll be purchasing an aftermaket exhaust after all. It has to be a 4into2 or 4-4. Any tips, I still don't think I want a Mac system, they sound like crap on a=other bikes, nr=evedr heard it on the 750k though.   Any dealer suggestions?

1972 SL125,1974 XL125,1975 CB125,1978 CB750k,1978 KZ650,1978 XS650,1985 VT1100,1986 VF700, 2005 XV1700,2003 DL1000,1982 XR250R,1986 ATC70,1987 BW80,1987 XR250R,1999 Z50r,2002 DRZ400s

fendersrule

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #15 on: June 26, 2013, 08:21:32 PM »
I don't like the sound of 4-2. I would go 4-1 if I had to deviate from 4-4, which I personally love.

There's a company that makes retro 4-4 pipes for the CB750. It will be around $1,000 in cost though, so prepare.

Just keep your eyes open for a set of 77-78k exhaust. They do pop up from time to time.

The 77-78 is the only seat that your bike will accept. The 77 is a far better seat in my opinion. The 78 seat has way too much rear padding and it really deviates from that flat, classic look of the CBs. I do like the 78k side cover emblems more than the 77k though (cursive doesn't work when everything else is upper cased...wacky decision). Hopefully you have your emblems, those are FAR more rare than the 77k emblems.

Toytuff does have a really clean example of a 77.

fendersrule

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #16 on: June 26, 2013, 08:22:46 PM »
I just took this video minutes ago. This is a 78k with a 77 seat.

1978 Honda CB750k after restoration

and classic Hagon shocks (better than the spring coil look IMO).

Offline toytuff

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #17 on: June 27, 2013, 05:32:06 AM »
FR, you did a fine job on that K model.

FR has a good point. First, remember these bikes take time and a constant search for correct parts. You could pick an aftermarket set for now and look for stock later. There was a CL ad for a like new set for $650.00. Steal. Remember what I said. 77/78 models are hard to do. Two year run.

Whatever you decide to do save those rear exhaust brackets. A parts bike is good to have if you can get it for the right price. Bikes are just to high out here. Pretty much done buying.

I'm thinking of attending the big AMA event in Ohio next year. Truck, trailer and cash.  ;D

tt

Offline surveywaters

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #18 on: June 28, 2013, 01:00:02 PM »
I went on and ordered a 4into2 Mac system; I do not like the look of a 4into1, it's unbalanced. I also purchased a new wiring harness, reg/rec combo unit, new coils/wires/caps, and a few other odds to get started. Hopefully I can do some fiberglass packing on the Mac system to get it to sound decent. Will I need to jet for the new exhaust?
1972 SL125,1974 XL125,1975 CB125,1978 CB750k,1978 KZ650,1978 XS650,1985 VT1100,1986 VF700, 2005 XV1700,2003 DL1000,1982 XR250R,1986 ATC70,1987 BW80,1987 XR250R,1999 Z50r,2002 DRZ400s

Offline surveywaters

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #19 on: June 29, 2013, 08:25:17 AM »

Thanks to Kenzo1979 for getting me the seat at a fair price and with lightning fast shipping. Good member to deal with!



« Last Edit: July 31, 2013, 05:32:59 PM by surveywaters »
1972 SL125,1974 XL125,1975 CB125,1978 CB750k,1978 KZ650,1978 XS650,1985 VT1100,1986 VF700, 2005 XV1700,2003 DL1000,1982 XR250R,1986 ATC70,1987 BW80,1987 XR250R,1999 Z50r,2002 DRZ400s

Offline surveywaters

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #20 on: July 01, 2013, 04:52:46 PM »
Well, while waiting on parts I was cleaning and noticed a valve cover leak. Pulled the engine and noticed the head gasket was seeping a bit above the cam tensioner. Now I am waiting on pistons and my machinist. So I went back to the frame, now I am waiting on tapered bearings, a  bunch of rubber and some other goodies. I can never just fix one thing; I think it's some sort of mental illness. :o
1972 SL125,1974 XL125,1975 CB125,1978 CB750k,1978 KZ650,1978 XS650,1985 VT1100,1986 VF700, 2005 XV1700,2003 DL1000,1982 XR250R,1986 ATC70,1987 BW80,1987 XR250R,1999 Z50r,2002 DRZ400s

Offline surveywaters

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #21 on: July 06, 2013, 08:01:29 PM »
Got the gasket set and went to install. When I removed the cylinders I found that the pistons were burnt down past the rings. I should have known to check this when ordering parts. I think I just didn't want to, you know, Schroedenger's Cat. Well, now I am waiting on my piston kit, cam chain, and cam tensioners so I can get the cylinders up to the machinist. I'll get to ride my new toy one of these days!! Hopefully next weekend, we'll see.
1972 SL125,1974 XL125,1975 CB125,1978 CB750k,1978 KZ650,1978 XS650,1985 VT1100,1986 VF700, 2005 XV1700,2003 DL1000,1982 XR250R,1986 ATC70,1987 BW80,1987 XR250R,1999 Z50r,2002 DRZ400s

Offline surveywaters

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #22 on: July 28, 2013, 04:40:25 AM »
Well the cylinders went to the machinist and then I realized the valve guides were shot and two exhaust valves were bent. Took the head in to get guides presses and he had to shave it as well, the head was warped too. Here's a nice pic of some fouled rings, no need to measure when you can see blow by like this. The brittle cam chain tensioner is also in the pic.
1972 SL125,1974 XL125,1975 CB125,1978 CB750k,1978 KZ650,1978 XS650,1985 VT1100,1986 VF700, 2005 XV1700,2003 DL1000,1982 XR250R,1986 ATC70,1987 BW80,1987 XR250R,1999 Z50r,2002 DRZ400s

Offline surveywaters

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #23 on: July 28, 2013, 04:49:57 AM »
   The machine work all got finished. Bolted it all back together with out a hickup, used the popsicle stick ring tool. I timed and synced her. The Mac 4into2 system blued real quick and gave me a scare but the bike runs like a top. Twenty-five trouble free miles last night.

   As for the Mac, it's a crappy crappy crappy exhaust that sounds like $#!t and is poorly chromed (the bracket weld will rust fast). The fitment is sorry, the center stand lug is 2" off of the stand and the side stand hits also. I attempted to contact Mac to see if the baffles had fiberglass packing or if I could successfully install some and they will not respond to my email.





1972 SL125,1974 XL125,1975 CB125,1978 CB750k,1978 KZ650,1978 XS650,1985 VT1100,1986 VF700, 2005 XV1700,2003 DL1000,1982 XR250R,1986 ATC70,1987 BW80,1987 XR250R,1999 Z50r,2002 DRZ400s

fendersrule

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #24 on: July 28, 2013, 05:01:39 AM »
Lookin good. Get me synced!

Offline snowman

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #25 on: July 31, 2013, 09:29:45 AM »
I am still looking for a stock seat ('77 preferably) if anyone has one available. I am willing to recover and foam if need be. I just need a good pan.

If you're willing to wait, I have a seat that can be "donated" to a resto once I receive my new cafe seat. All you need to do is pay the shipping.

Offline surveywaters

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #26 on: July 31, 2013, 05:31:01 PM »
I really appreciate the offer snowman, unfortunately I have already purchased one from another friendly member. I guarantee there are plenty of people here that would quickly take you up on that though. Cheers on the kindness.
1972 SL125,1974 XL125,1975 CB125,1978 CB750k,1978 KZ650,1978 XS650,1985 VT1100,1986 VF700, 2005 XV1700,2003 DL1000,1982 XR250R,1986 ATC70,1987 BW80,1987 XR250R,1999 Z50r,2002 DRZ400s

Offline snowman

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #27 on: July 31, 2013, 05:33:46 PM »
No problem, good luck with the build.
Cheers

Offline surveywaters

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Re: Another '78 K-Model
« Reply #28 on: August 04, 2013, 05:49:20 PM »
I am having trouble with my front end. At between 35 adn 45 mph I notice a bounce in the front end that is worse when in a turn. The front tire is in great shape with no notciable high spots and the rim is in good shape. i have installed tapered stem bearings and rebuilt the forks. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Today I removed the fork caps and springs. Then I pumped the forks a couple dozen times to be sure there were no air bubbles in the lowere end. I believe that I will retighten the steering stem tomorrow on the off chance the bearings have settled.
1972 SL125,1974 XL125,1975 CB125,1978 CB750k,1978 KZ650,1978 XS650,1985 VT1100,1986 VF700, 2005 XV1700,2003 DL1000,1982 XR250R,1986 ATC70,1987 BW80,1987 XR250R,1999 Z50r,2002 DRZ400s