Hi
I've recently joined these forums because this summer I bought an unrestored '78 CB750K. The PO said that it only needed a pair of new carb boots as the ones on it was dried up and it had issues syncing because of it. It also needed some water and degreaser. He also mentioned that it had gotten regular service. Perfect bike for me, as it fitted my mechanical experience (very little), but gave me a chance to build some as it was an old bike. I've also only been looking at these, so there was no way around learning everything.
I've attached pictures from the first ride and the first wash. As you can see from the second, it turned out to be more than a wash. I discovered it has had a bit of creative customization from the PO, which was not all good, to be honest. He'd also been creative with matte black paint cans here and there.
So, my to-do/shopping list now consists of the following:
Frame:Sand blast and powder coat frame and swingarm, at least. There might be more added to this, but it depends on some other decisions along the way.
New front fender:The old one is rusted to the point that it needs replacement. Been looking at CB750cafe.com which has fenders in fibreglass.
Replace turn signal+front light mount:The front light mount is also rusted, not to the point of not being able to restore, but I want them to be separate as I might install motogadget turn signals some time in the future. I think I might go for someone that are smaller and preferably LED in the meantime.
Replace fork brace+brake signal switch+brake fluid line:I believe I've seen another bike with the brake light switch mounted with the brake lever mount and with the brake line in one line. I've also been looking at a pair of tarozzi fork braces, but I'm not sure about which to use yet. I think I need some input on this before I start spending, though.
Handlebars+throttle+levers+lever mounts+grips+handlebar switches:Had to remove old grips as they used to be heated. PO had cut the wire, but the switch+wire was still on the bike. As the grips came off (after cutting them off with a knife because of excessive use of glue) I found that the original handlebar was rusted on the inside. The throttle had also been modified to fit the grips so that has to be replaced as well. Levers, mounts and hb switches are not a "must do", but more of a "want to do".
I've been looking at Motion Pro's push/pull throttle w/ cables. Any experiences with that?
For handlebars I'm undecided except I know I do not want clip-ons or clubman. There's probably a forum post dedicated to it somewhere. I have not yet been able to look at every dark corner of this forum (yet!).
I might keep the old handlebar switches, as I'm looking at Motogadget for the future. They have some nice (and expensive) solutions. Open for suggestion if someone knows of something better than the stock ones.
Gauges:Top cover sprayed with paint. Looks ugly. Going to try to refurbish before buying new.
Tank:Have not checked for rust, but very little on the outside. Need to change the rubber mounts, as they are falling apart. Needs new logos.
Seat:This was maybe the biggest disappointment, as it looked decent when I inspected the bike at the PO's. After a few trips and a good wash I realized it was falling apart in the stitching and that the foam also does not look good in certain places. I've been looking to get a new flat seat from tuffside.com, but I think that would also require me to modify the frame. Anyone here with experience with those seats?
Engine:Luckily, it seems like (fingers crossed) the engine only needs to have the chain tightened (it rattles a bit on low gears), and I need to change a few cracked covers(L. RR. CRANKCASE, COVER, CRANKCASE TRANSMISSION). I've also been looking at a stainless steel bolt set to change old bolts to give it a facelift. And, I know someone who used to work as a Honda mechanic who has offered to help rebuild it if I want to. I should glass blast it if it comes to that, as well as buy a gasket kit for it.
I'd love to hear anyone else's experiences with engine rebuilds, but I will also look further at the forum.
Change carb boots:They are done. Ordered new on eBay for $40.
Change air filters:Change the air box to pods from K&N, they say. How much will it improve the performance? Worth it?
Wire harness++:The harness has been modified to the point that it needs replacement. I think this is the only thing I will have to get some assistance, as I am afraid my head will explode if I start with it. There is something strange happening with the wiring going back, as there are wires that should be connected to something that are not. I have not been able to look into it 100%, though.
Swingarm bushings:Planning on changing the original bushings with bronze swingarm bushings from cb750supply.com. Have not found them cheaper. Please let me know if anyone knows.
Rear fender+turn signal+back light:Rear fender is in the same state as the front, and I need to replace the turn signals and back light to fit the new. Planning on moving license plate so that I can get lower profile back lights and signals.
Also, I am going to take all the steps the service manual recommends taking at the different intervals (e.g. fluids, bearings, oil filter etc.).
I'd love to get some input before I get started with spending money on this.
--
Marius
