Topic: Howdy.

[Rangle]

Hello everyone, I'm glad I could join the ranks!

I just recently purchased a 72 CB750 and am hoping to turn it into a fun and reliable bike. This definitely seems like the place to get some help with that! When I originally purchased the bike I knew basically nothing about older Hondas, so the PO and myself both thought it was a 73. After some research I'm beginning to believe it's a 72. It's got 14k miles on it and on the ride home I discovered what I think is an oil leak somewhere. Hopefully I can get some pictures up soon and start working on the problem. I've been lurking the forums for a while now and it seems like a great community with great advice!

[mrbreeze]

Welcome. What you need to do is look on right side neck of the frame (in front of the gas tank). On the VIN plate will be a frame # and a born on date. Tell us what that is and we can trace it to the year. The engine # is stamped on a pad on the left upper part of crankcase....by the starter. This # won't match your frame but it should be kinda close. If not...it may have a different year engine installed. You need to put up some pictures because everyone here loves them. You have to have I think 5 posts before you can put up pics though. Do you have any manuals yet? You can download them here but I like having my own...especially when getting aquainted with any bike. Be careful who you let work on your bike. Many shops employ kids that don't know jack about these bikes and they will make your life miserable. Best to do it (or most of it) yourself or find an old school mechanic that is familiar with it. They are very simple machines to work on and this place is an endless source of help if you run into any problems. Enjoy your new bike!

[calj737]

Welcome from up the road in Richmond! There's quite a few members down your way, and nearby here as well if you get into trouble. Definitely pictures.

Just reply to each of these posts to get your post count up. Or, use a photobucket account to add your pictures and link them in as it can be faster and easier for your threads.

[tool14]

welcome aboard.

[Rangle]

Mrbreeze,
Thanks for the info. I looked into the Vin plate and it says 6/72. The engine number is cb750e-2055433. After looking through some distinguishing features I noticed my gas tank matches that of a 72. I would image the tanks could be swapped so I guess that doesn't matter to much. I've got the Haynes work shop manual and the owners manual for a k3. Which others would you recommend?  Yeah I'd definitely like to do most of the work my self. From what I've seen these forums are very helpful with that.

[Rangle]

Cal,

Thanks! Glad to know there's a community not too far from here.

[Rangle]

Tool

Thanks, I definitely recognize the name from many of the posts I've been reading through.

[calj737]

grab a copy of Hondaman's book (member here, and its listed in the For Sale section) as it is jam-packed with goodies from a 40 year veteran and Master Honda Mechanic. He details every nuance, idiosyncrasy, and distinguishing feature of the 750.

[Rangle]

Awesome, thanks cal. Doing it right now. Should I start a new post looking for help and sharing pictures since this is the intro forum?

[calj737]

I would. If you have general questions, post in the SOHC Bikes section. If you have a longer term build, resto, or rehab, use the Project thread. You can always have multiples running, including Parts Wanted, Parts for Sale, etc. Keeps your answers and replies organized.

Also, lets members search certain sections for areas where they can help, but may not hold interest in your "project". Others, like me, just troll the whole damn site 

[MCRider]

Mrbreeze,
Thanks for the info. I looked into the Vin plate and it says 6/72. The engine number is cb750e-2055433. After looking through some distinguishing features I noticed my gas tank matches that of a 72. I would image the tanks could be swapped so I guess that doesn't matter to much. I've got the Haynes work shop manual and the owners manual for a k3. Which others would you recommend?  Yeah I'd definitely like to do most of the work my self. From what I've seen these forums are very helpful with that.

MrBreeze I'm sure knows this but just didn't follow all the way through. The VIN number is the control for what model it is, back then Honda model changes were designated by "k" followed by a number. IT is merely a coincidence that a CB750K2 is usually a 1972. OTher bikes like the 175s and 350s did not have this coincidence. The fact that its titled a 1973 is merely a timing detail, when the dealer sold it, and doesn't bear on what the model is. This happened a lot (dealer "holdovers")  until Honda got sued over it and the model years became the model of the bike. Around 1974 or so.

[Rangle]

Thanks rider, so is there a way to find out for sure what model it is?

[calj737]

This is pretty reliable info for you:

http://www.sohc4.net/cb750k-serial-numbers/

[Rangle]

Yeah, looks like its a 72. Thanks for the help guys. I'll be starting a new thread for some trouble shooting and posting pics.