Author Topic: Early CB750 KO - Start Again  (Read 34261 times)

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Offline Johnie

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Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« on: October 27, 2013, 04:17:47 PM »
Oops...I did it again...Back in September I met up with old scrambler (Dennis) and Jerry to give GZ the WI ride. We stopped at Dennis's shop for the tour. He had a titled early KO he was selling for the son of a friend who had passed away a couple years ago. I took a look at it and said to myself, "just what I need is another KO with those dang carbs." Well, I got to thinkin' and went back to Dennis's a 2nd time to look it over. I had to outbid another gent, but did land the bike and brought it home yesterday Oct. 26th. It is an October 1969 build titled as a 1970 with engine and frame 101 and very low numbers under 100 for both. It has a wrinkle tank that was in a box as the PO bought a NOS K1 tank for it (which you will see in the first set of pics). Also in the first set of pics are NOS side covers the PO put on and the faded original set were included in the sale. The air box also looks NOS. Has 30,000 miles and had some top end work done 3 years ago by the local dealer. Double cut front fender is nice with no dents. Rear fender nice. Some pits on the rear rim and it has a different chain guard on for the oil splatter. Will have to source the correct chain guard. Also included are a very nice set of no number pipes with baffles, no rust, no soft spots, no pits and they will clean up good. These pipes were found by the PO at a dealer and they were take offs from a early 750 someone turned into a drag bike.  The duckbill seat must be an OEM replacement before they were no longer available as it is in excellent condition. Gauges are faded and plastic lenses cracked. All in all a great bike that is complete. The only thing missing is the proper chain guard. My plans??? Still a bit up in the air. Will know more once the project progresses through the winter. Might really go into it like my other KO and add it to the collection, or might just clean and polish it up, get it running real nice and then sell in spring to someone to detail it as they wish. WAY to early to tell. Don't know what I am going to do with the NOS side covers or tank yet. They are WAY to nice to make a hasty decision on those. They sure looked great on the bike. I am thinking of putting the wrinkle tank back on the bike as it really belongs on this early bike and it did come with it. However, that NOS tank sure looks good and matches the other ruby red parts great. So as you can see...I am really undecided which direction I will go yet. Thanks for looking and watching this project. And thanks to Dennis for his help in landing this bike so we can save another. That is Dennis (old scrambler) on the 2nd picture. If you have not met Dennis yet, he is a wealth of knowledge and a great friend. Ride on fellas.......... 8)
« Last Edit: October 27, 2013, 04:42:22 PM by Johnie »
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Johnie

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2013, 04:23:29 PM »
Now are the pics with the wrinkle tank and original side covers...
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Johnie

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #2 on: October 27, 2013, 04:27:09 PM »
These last pics are of the OEM tank and side covers that were put on by the PO probably because of the fading of those parts. Now...into the shop with her...and she has company... :D
« Last Edit: October 27, 2013, 04:45:44 PM by Johnie »
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Johnie

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #3 on: October 27, 2013, 04:46:58 PM »
OK...got her on the lift and we are ready to proceed to see just what this KO is made of...more as I progress.
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Greggo

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #4 on: October 27, 2013, 05:04:56 PM »
Beautiful.  Lucky to have those original pipes in good shape!

Offline Don R

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #5 on: October 27, 2013, 05:48:28 PM »
Looking good. That's one to enjoy. If you decide to let go of some parts later on keep your old buddies in mind. L0L.
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
 CEO at the no kill motorcycle shop.
 You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

Offline jerry h

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #6 on: October 27, 2013, 05:50:12 PM »
What a relief to start a project and not have to worry about sourcing a set of pipes! 

Subscribed  ;D
"It is not the critic who counts, the credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose hands are covered with grease and oil."

K2 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,105097.0.html

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #7 on: October 27, 2013, 06:06:13 PM »
Congrats, great buy and all the spare parts is a plus.  Agree not to make quick decisions.  The wrinkle talk would add a lot of value to the bike, especially with a proper paint job.

Guessing it has not run in awhile and you haven't attempted start up yet?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline dhall57

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #8 on: October 27, 2013, 06:26:29 PM »
The original wrinkle tank with missing nameplates and the faded side covers with missing emblems give the old girl that used rugged look. But in a classy type of way of course.

You did good Johnie. Great find ;)

I will be watching the thread as the work progresses 8)
1970 CB750KO
1971 CB500KO-project bike
1973 CB350G- project bike
1974 CB750K4-project bike
1974 CB750K4
1976 CB750K6
1977 GL1000
1997 Harley Wideglide

Offline cheftuskey121

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #9 on: October 27, 2013, 06:28:52 PM »
where is the drooooool emoticon? candy red K0 mmmmmmmm will be watching this :D

Offline Bob Wessner

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #10 on: October 27, 2013, 06:31:50 PM »
John, does your wife know you are trying to corner the market on these things?  ;)
We'll all be someone else's PO some day.

Offline Tews19

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #11 on: October 27, 2013, 06:37:12 PM »
Great bike, I saw it a few times in person at Dennis'. Great buy Johnie and I am sure she will be ready for the road in very little time.

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1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #12 on: October 27, 2013, 06:47:59 PM »
John, does your wife know you are trying to corner the market on these things?  ;)

He must be telling her it's part of his 401K retirement plan! (And prolly not a bad idea)
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Johnie

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #13 on: October 27, 2013, 07:04:11 PM »
Thanks for all the great replies and encouragement. I have not tried to start it yet as the slides are stuck and she does need some carb and tank cleaning. I put in a battery and do have 100% electrical to all blinkers, horn, lights, and starter. According to Dennis it was last run 3 years ago. Have the oil draining now and will add some fresh stuff in the top end too. My wife says the more 750's I can find the better :D She is quite a gal...
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Don R

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #14 on: October 27, 2013, 07:14:41 PM »
 I use an oil feed tank normally used for auto AC oil to pre lube them. It even has a hose with a rubber cone that seals against the end of the oil galley. I haven't started mine yet but with the pre-luber I kept the oil light out for over a minute.
 It's nice to know it's been lubed before I start it. I did oil the cylinders first too. An oil pressure guage adapter, a 90*, a bushing and a stack of threaded pipe fittings can be used to gravity feed one too. I once  made one with a foot long 3/4 pipe nipple and filled it with oil, that gets it a good start on oiling too.
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
 CEO at the no kill motorcycle shop.
 You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

Offline andy750

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #15 on: October 27, 2013, 07:18:26 PM »
Johnie
Great bike and I know you will do a great job on it. Is the wrinkle tank a 19 litre tank? Looks bigger than the NOS one. Curious! Anyway great deal and looking forward to see how this turns out.

All the best
Andy
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline Johnie

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #16 on: October 27, 2013, 08:47:05 PM »
Andy yes, good eyes there. In speaking to Dennis he schooled me on the bigger tank and that is what I have here.
Don thanks for the pre-lube tip. I plan to use it.
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline andy750

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #17 on: October 28, 2013, 04:17:59 AM »
Congratulations Johnnie the 19 l tanks are highly sought after (especially by me!). If you ever sell it let me know ;).

good luck
Andy
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline JDS

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #18 on: October 28, 2013, 05:15:16 AM »
Would love to have the NOS ruby red tank for my much abused K0 if you ever decide to let go of it!!

Offline Greggo

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #19 on: October 28, 2013, 06:09:09 AM »
The tank doesn't have the carb reliefs on the bottom?

Is it a sandcast?  Did I miss that?

Offline markb

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #20 on: October 28, 2013, 07:57:50 AM »
Congrats on a great find.  It's always nice to see them go to someone who appreciates them.

Is the wrinkle tank a 19 litre tank? Looks bigger than the NOS one. Curious!

I'm not saying it's not a 19L tank but I don't think it's any different on the outside.  The difference is underneath where additional clearance around the frame reduced the volume but made more room for routing the carb cables.  Interesting if it is a 19L.  My guess would be that it was a replacement early on from a sandy that had its cases wrecked.  Very expensive item.  I believe that last one I saw (not in this good condition) on ebay went for over $2000 and that's been quite a while ago.
1969 CB750 sandcast #97 restored - Sold Restoration thread link
1969 CB750 sandcaxt #576 - Sold
1969 CB750 sandcast #1553 - Sold
1969 CB750 sandcast #1990 - Sold
1969 CB750 sandcast #5383 restored - Sold Restoration thread link
1970 CB750 K0 restored - Sold
2010 H-D Tri Glide Ultra Classic (Huh?)

Offline Johnie

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #21 on: October 28, 2013, 11:02:35 AM »
Here is a couple pics of the underside of the wrinkle tank. Take a gander at the pics and let me know. In speaking to old scrambler he said it was the 19L and pointed out the clearance areas you mentioned. They are located behind the mounting brackets on both undersides. I also added a pic of the interior. Amazing the condition.

Greggo the bike is a diecast.
« Last Edit: October 28, 2013, 11:06:07 AM by Johnie »
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Greggo

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #22 on: October 28, 2013, 11:10:23 AM »
Here is a couple pics of the underside of the wrinkle tank. Take a gander at the pics and let me know. In speaking to old scrambler he said it was the 19L and pointed out the clearance areas you mentioned. They are located behind the mounting brackets on both undersides. I also added a pic of the interior. Amazing the condition.

Greggo the bike is a diecast.

Here is a pic of MarkB's 19L tank from #97.  Notice how it doesn't have the four reliefs for the carburetor tops.


Offline markb

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #23 on: October 28, 2013, 11:16:10 AM »
 :( Sorry to say, I agree with Greggo, that is not a 19L tank but still a nice wrinkle tank.
1969 CB750 sandcast #97 restored - Sold Restoration thread link
1969 CB750 sandcaxt #576 - Sold
1969 CB750 sandcast #1553 - Sold
1969 CB750 sandcast #1990 - Sold
1969 CB750 sandcast #5383 restored - Sold Restoration thread link
1970 CB750 K0 restored - Sold
2010 H-D Tri Glide Ultra Classic (Huh?)

Offline Johnie

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Re: Early CB750 KO - Start Again
« Reply #24 on: October 28, 2013, 12:46:09 PM »
Yes, I see the carb cut outs on mine and not yours. Thanks for clearing that up. Man, I am learing a lot about the simple wrinkle tank for sure. :) Never even thought I would own a wrinkle tank.
Andy...it must be an optical illusion as I see what you mean about it looking fatter in the pic.
« Last Edit: October 28, 2013, 03:12:33 PM by Johnie »
1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA