Topic: 1975 CB750F Tiki Racer

[gkoroneos]

Hi guys,

I'm fairly new to this forum and new to the world of vintage motorcycles. I've been itching to get an old CB750 for years now to have something to work on. I already own a newer Bonneville and a slightly less new Vespa GTS250, but I've gotten bored of just riding around on a perfect bike.

So I set up an RSS feed for local Craig's List ads and I managed to score a 1975 CB750F SuperSport for $1,000. The current owner said he bought the bike from the original owner a year ago and didn't have room for it. The bike has 13,577 miles on it and supposedly hasn't moved much since the early '80s. In the storage box I found the original manual and insurance and registration card, which expired in 1981.

The bike itself is in decent condition. Very little rust on the front half including the engine. Surface rust on the rear wheel and shocks, but nothing really worn. The tires are original, so I plan on changing them out. The carbs need an overhaul and the front and rear brakes are seized. The gas tank was also half full and the top half is a rust bucket, but no leaks. The current owner hooked up a bypass tube to get gas from the tank to the two working carbs. That gave it enough gas to fire it up and get me around the block, but I didn't switch gears past second fearing for my life. I'm not a big fan of riding with no brakes and 40 year old tires.

I hauled it home and am beginning the process of converting it into a cafe racer. The name of the bike is based on my obsession with Tiki and hot rod culture. This is my first attempt to work on a bike, but I have been working on my Vespa forever and spent years taking apart old stereo equipment and guitars and rebuilding them. Hopefully this won't be too much harder. I'm sure those are going to be my famous last words.

My goal is to get the carbs rebuilt and new tires on her and fire her up in order to gauge whether the engine needs a rebuild or if there's any problems with the trans. I'm keeping my fingers cross that I won't have to pull the engine. Wish me luck.

[goldarrow]

Very cool find!  Subscribed.   I have a 75 750F, too but in faded orange.  Mine has close to 40k miles on the clock and the bike still hauls on freeway, plenty to torque.

If you're going to cafe out the bike, I'd be interested in your tank, seat, and side covers.  Thanks

[gkoroneos]

Thanks goldarrow. I was going to swap out the tank, but after seeing and falling in love with the T.A.O. F3 bike, I think I'm going to hold onto it. I'll let you know if I and when I let go of the seat.

[goldarrow]

 I'd say, Get it up running tip top, then tear down to the way your style.  Keep posted your progress

[lwahples]

Nice find! Sad to change the Factory look,maybe you will enjoy it as is.

[Stev-o]

Welcome, looks like a good start for a project.  The F tanks are very popular for cafe bikes. Soak the tank in Evaporust to rid it of the rust.  12K miles is nothing, just carbs will need a clean/rebuild, that is the single most important thing to getting it running good.
Good luck.

[gkoroneos]

I spent a few minutes last night taking the gas tank off so I can get to the carbs. Shocked to find out that there were no bolts holding the tank in place, just the seat. A quick look at the inside of the tank shows a little bit of rusting, but I should be able to clean most of it out. Picking up the Por15 treatment kit this week.

[goldarrow]

I would say save the money from por 15 and get evaporust and fill up the tank with that stuff, leave it overnight and clean it out thoroughly. Or cheaper way is electrolysis

[Stev-o]

Tank is head in place with the rear rubber holder, see #7....

http://www.westernhonda.com/fiche_section_detail.asp?section=2451415&category=Motorcycles&make=Honda&year=1975&fveh=131093


Bookmark that fiche, is very helpful identifying parts and reassembly.

[MOONDOGNYC]

In time you'll love the fact that it isn't bolted down.

[gkoroneos]

I think I was surprised more than anything. I ordered a replacement rear rubber piece for the tank. The front round rubber pieces are solid.

[gkoroneos]

Spent a ton of time today trying to get the carbs loose.



Two bolts and the airbox is free. Can’t wait to see the crap inside this bad boy.



Shocked how little resistance I got from the 38 year old screws holding the carbs and airbox in place. This should have been harder.



It took a little bit of wiggling, but I got the carbs free.

[Stev-o]

Off is the easy part. The fun part is getting em back on.

[goldarrow]

Very interesting the air/fuel adjustment screws...wonder if those are stock as mine are different. 

Take the carbs apart and sort them out by the cylinder, tear all the way down to needle jet.  Soak the carbs bodies overnight in hot water mix with pinesol.  Blow out all passages with compressor. Clean all brass bits and set settings to stock for now, until you decide how you want the bike to run.

[cheftuskey121]

those look like the early year carbs like on my K1. I did a full break-down, cleaning, and replace/refresh of my carbs, I have lots of info on my build thread http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=115879.0
great carbs! keep taking lots of pictures. we love them and they will help you remember how thins go. will be following along, looks great

[gkoroneos]

Well I got the carbs off and found out that one post is completely broken. Explains why the PO told me to buy new carbs instead of just rebuilding them. Big thanks to harisuluv for finding me a new (old) one for a great price. Going to powder blast and rebuild these bad boys ASAP.

[gkoroneos]

Took a break from powder blasting and rebuilding the carbs to take apart the front brakes, which were terribly seized. Broke down and bought a 30 gallon compressor to get the piston out. The brake is filthy, but the piston is in decent shape. Just ordered a new seal, pads and speed bleeder. Master Cylinder is next.