Author Topic: 1974 CB750K restomod (Read 5545 times)

Bigsam302 · « **Reply #25 on:** February 01, 2016, 12:25:46 PM »

I am keeping an eye on this build. I really like your plan and can't wait to see the finished product!

Sam

meangreen · « **Reply #26 on:** February 12, 2016, 04:10:54 AM »

Thanks, Sam. Looks like you have a hell of a nice build there yourself!

I couldn't stand not having a tachometer any longer. During my little shakedown cruise the other day, I found myself looking for (and missing) the engine speed at every single shift. Also, I think it's no coincidence that the PO removed it, then floated a bunch of valves. Hmm, wonder how that happened?

Anyway, I looked at a lot of different options, including OE, but couldn't decide. I really wanted a huge analog tach with a shift light, and a minimalist speedometer. In the end, my wife picked out a Koso T&T-01S in white. I think she has excellent taste.

It's got an adjustable shift light, adjustable backlighting, digital speedo, two trip odometers, and reads volts. It has the capability to run a fuel gauge and an oil light, but no pressure or temp.

Koso makes a great universal installation bracket that bolts right onto the triple, and put the gauge right where I wanted it. The speedometer is GPS capable, which I really wanted, except that the GPS kit costs almost as much as the gauge itself. Installation was quick and easy, although I don't have it fully calibrated yet. I bought a speed sensor adapter kit which attaches to the speedometer drive, but it's going to need a little modification to work. All in all, I think the T&T meshes well with what I'm trying to do with this project, and (of equal importance) it's very functional. This one's being built to ride.

I picked up some 42 slow and 130 main jets. I still need new float valves, then I'll throw the carbs together, sync it, set the base timing, and see what that all does for the idle. Well, not the mains, but you know what I mean. Right now, the idle sucks, but I couldn't do a thing without a functional tach.

After that, it's rear shocks, cafe fairing, and dent repair to the tank. It's getting there.

meangreen · « **Reply #27 on:** February 14, 2016, 06:30:23 PM »

I had an issue with the tach on the Koso gauge reading incorrectly. Actually, the tach needle moved erratically and bounced all over the place. I tried all different settings, as well as connecting the tach lead to each coil as well as the pickup coil, but couldn't get it to read properly.

I was able to dig up some information on the issue, and learned that the tach signal on these bikes is just too noisy to run an electronic tach. I found a schematic for a DIY tach filter on a Camaro restoration site, and gave it a try.

All that's needed is a 1/2 watt 270 ohm resistor, a 1.0 microfarad capacitor, a few pieces of 20 gauge wire, ring terminals, and soldering equipment.

Assembly time was 15 minutes. The ring terminal nearest the resistor connects to the negative side of the coil, the black wire goes to ground, and the blue and white wore goes to the tach. I shrink-tubed it before it went together. Problem solved.

I'm working on the speed sensor next.

meangreen · « **Reply #28 on:** February 15, 2016, 06:15:07 PM »

I didn't want to mess around with running a magnetic speed sensor off the front wheel. I think they're ugly, I didn't want the hassle of running wiring to the front wheel, and I couldn't figure out an easy way to mount it. Also, there was the issue of capping off the factory speedometer drive...just didn't want to mess with it.

Koso makes a speed sensor that literally screws right to the speedometer drive...well, on bikes with threaded drives. Ours isn't.

I scratched my head over the issue for a bit, then came up with a solution. I cut apart the crappy mini-speedometer that was on the bike when I got it, and used parts from it to mount the Koso speed sensor to the speedometer end of the cable.

Easy-peasy! There's enough length there to tuck the cable out of sight, possibly under the fuel tank. But for now, it's together and working.

I made a little progress with the tuning as well. I found a float that was hitting the carb body just enough to bind in one spot, as well as a clogged slow jet. I put it back together, did a quick sync, and found that it starts up and runs better than it ever has. It's actually got a nice smooth, stable idle at around 1500 rpm, so that's where it's set. I tried some #130 main jets, but they seem to be a bit big. I'm going to swap plugs, put the 120s back in, and see how it runs once it warms up a little bit more.

I ordered a cafe fairing, which should be here next week. I'm anxious to see how it looks.

I'm actually getting a lot more done on this project than I thought I was going to.

meangreen · « **Reply #29 on:** February 19, 2016, 11:28:59 AM »

The fairing just showed up, and I only had time to throw it on quick before work. It'll look great once it's lines up and painted to match.

Went back to the 120 main jets and it runs like a watch. The WOT crackle and sag is gone, and it pulls hard now. It doesn't seem to want to idle very smoothly below 1200, but I'm guessing that is a characteristic of this cam and pod air filters. I think it sounds good and I'll leave it how it is. I can't wait until the weather warms up enough to go for an actual ride.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #30 on:** February 19, 2016, 12:15:05 PM »

That bikini fairing looks decent. It would look even better with the blue-green/black color scheme with some of the gold decal separation, too.

meangreen · « **Reply #31 on:** February 19, 2016, 09:55:02 PM »

Thanks. My plan is to get it painted to match the tank.

meangreen · « **Reply #32 on:** March 01, 2016, 08:00:40 AM »

Just ordered some 12.5" adjustable rear shocks. The speedo is close to dialed in. I'm going to attempt to ride it 38 miles to work today ha ha. Forecast high is 27. It'll be an adventure.

meangreen · « **Reply #33 on:** March 02, 2016, 02:34:13 PM »

I put about 100 miles on it yesterday, going to work, school, and back home. It was 11 degrees when I finished with work last night at 1130, and I was able to get it going without too much trouble despite the 15w40 oil it has in it. I cracked 86 mph at one point on the way home, and thought I would freeze right off the bike despite my full leathers and helmet.

The only casualties were a fairing screw that rattled out, and a generator cover gasket that gave up the ghost (must not have had it in right). Oh yeah, pretty sure there are issues with my steering head bearings, so they'll need addressing as well.

I'm still trying to sort out my idle issues.

meangreen · « **Reply #34 on:** March 08, 2016, 06:37:19 AM »

Picked these shocks up on Ebay the other day. They're 12.5 inch clevis mount, if anyone cares, and pretty much go right on. Not a fan of the white springs, though, so I'll probably paint them another color.

The steering head bearings ended up just being out of adjustment, which was a quick fix. With the suspension not as scary as it used to be, I finally got to take it out and flog it on some back roads to get a feel for what I actually have.

The first thing I noticed, right off the bat is that it rides HARD, like peeing blood hard. I don't know which springs are up front, but it's freaking brutal over bad pavement. And the bike's light weight, 35 psi in the tires, rear 150/80/18 Avon Venom X, and rear drum brake caused it to be very unsettled while braking into hard turns, with the back end even coming around on me once. It's going to need some tweaking to get it to corner in a more balanced manner.

It's got a nice oil leak in the alternator cover area. I've had it apart twice, but haven't figured it out yet. It dribbles oil down the back of the kickstand when it's parked.

meangreen · « **Reply #35 on:** March 10, 2016, 12:01:42 PM »

I feel like a buffoon, posting updates on a build that nobody gives a #$%* about. I'm done.

jaycox · « **Reply #36 on:** March 10, 2016, 12:13:46 PM »

That's a little harsh Lots of people look and don't post much like myself, doesn't mean we don't enjoy looking and enjoying threads.

Roach Carver · « **Reply #37 on:** March 10, 2016, 12:24:41 PM »

Just got done reading it too. I will continue to read as you update

martin99 · « **Reply #38 on:** March 10, 2016, 01:32:32 PM »

Interesting comment. I remember thinking once that anything I posted was a kiss of death on any thread because I'm a Brit, so I stuck around just to p1ss any limey-hating fcktards off

It's easy to get paranoid and think no-one's interested when you're documenting your build. I didn't get many replies when I posted mine, but then I didn't ask any questions, just showed 'em what I had done - much like you. On the occasions I have asked for advice/help, the replies have come thick and fast and that's the real reason I stick around this great forum.

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #39 on:** March 10, 2016, 01:52:24 PM »

Quote from: martin99 on March 10, 2016, 01:32:32 PM

Interesting comment. I remember thinking once that anything I posted was a kiss of death on any thread because I'm a Brit, so I stuck around just to p1ss any limey-hating fcktards off

It's easy to get paranoid and think no-one's interested when you're documenting your build. I didn't get many replies when I posted mine, but then I didn't ask any questions, just showed 'em what I had done - much like you. On the occasions I have asked for advice/help, the replies have come thick and fast and that's the real reason I stick around this great forum.

Plus, if the OP had looked at the top of the page there's been 995 views, plenty of people watching, besides, whats he doing, Building a bike or hunting for likes..? This isn't facebook....

Hey Martin, p1ss off you dopey pommy pr1ck....

martin99 · « **Reply #40 on:** March 10, 2016, 02:24:46 PM »

Quote from: Retro Rocket on March 10, 2016, 01:52:24 PM

Quote from: martin99 on March 10, 2016, 01:32:32 PM
Interesting comment. I remember thinking once that anything I posted was a kiss of death on any thread because I'm a Brit, so I stuck around just to p1ss any limey-hating fcktards off

It's easy to get paranoid and think no-one's interested when you're documenting your build. I didn't get many replies when I posted mine, but then I didn't ask any questions, just showed 'em what I had done - much like you. On the occasions I have asked for advice/help, the replies have come thick and fast and that's the real reason I stick around this great forum.

Plus, if the OP had looked at the top of the page there's been 995 views, plenty of people watching, besides, whats he doing, Building a bike or hunting for likes..? This isn't facebook.... Hey Martin, p1ss off you dopey pommy pr1ck....

That's what I'm talking about, one big happy family oozing with love. I appreciate the sentiment Mick, and I don't want to disappoint you, but I'm not gay and I couldn't afford the air-fare anyway

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #41 on:** March 10, 2016, 02:28:12 PM »

Quote from: martin99 on March 10, 2016, 02:24:46 PM

Quote from: Retro Rocket on March 10, 2016, 01:52:24 PM
Quote from: martin99 on March 10, 2016, 01:32:32 PM
Interesting comment. I remember thinking once that anything I posted was a kiss of death on any thread because I'm a Brit, so I stuck around just to p1ss any limey-hating fcktards off

It's easy to get paranoid and think no-one's interested when you're documenting your build. I didn't get many replies when I posted mine, but then I didn't ask any questions, just showed 'em what I had done - much like you. On the occasions I have asked for advice/help, the replies have come thick and fast and that's the real reason I stick around this great forum.

Plus, if the OP had looked at the top of the page there's been 995 views, plenty of people watching, besides, whats he doing, Building a bike or hunting for likes..? This isn't facebook.... Hey Martin, p1ss off you dopey pommy pr1ck....

That's what I'm talking about, one big happy family oozing with love. I appreciate the sentiment Mick, and I don't want to disappoint you, but I'm not gay and I couldn't afford the air-fare anyway

One thing I was told recently was the reason they bury you poms 20 feet under, because deep down, you are really nice people...

martin99 · « **Reply #42 on:** March 10, 2016, 02:33:47 PM »

nimbuzz · « **Reply #43 on:** March 11, 2016, 08:55:54 AM »

Did you ever get the idle sorted out? I suppose it might be tricky to sync the carbs on those. You mentioned the cam--Did you change the cam?

Stev-o · « **Reply #44 on:** May 10, 2016, 04:01:08 PM »

Did you ever get the suspension ironed out?

What are those rear shocks??

1199 views...

bender01 · « **Reply #45 on:** May 10, 2016, 07:30:19 PM »

The oil leak isnt as simple as the front sprocket oiler is it?

OllieCB · « **Reply #46 on:** May 11, 2016, 06:41:13 AM »

Quote from: Stev-o on May 10, 2016, 04:01:08 PM

Did you ever get the suspension ironed out?

What are those rear shocks??

1199 views...

+1 for the rear shock info. You mentioned eBay and I've seen them on there for a while. I love the look of them (and the price even more) but have been skittish to pull the trigger. I don't race / ride super hard so don't think there would be much of a performance issue but would love to hear your thoughts.

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Author Topic: 1974 CB750K restomod (Read 5545 times)