Topic: Keeping a Midwest CB750 Alive

[StockRider]

Hello All,

Thanks for keeping this wonderful site so active! I found you folks when searching for a service manual...

Dad passed last Oct. (2010) and I'm going to do my best to keep his single-owner 1970 CB750 running strong. It sat idle for over twenty years (when the kids came along ) but he did a mechanical OH in the early 2000's and maintained it as a weekend rider through last summer. I'm interested in eventually doing a cosmetic restore but the biggest priority right now is making sure everything is mechanically safe and sound.

Tank and side panels are off right now but I should be able to "stage" a picture this weekend since I have noticed quite an appetite around here for snapshots!

-Aaron

[nomad]

Sorry about your dad.  My dad passed several years ago and he's the reason I developed a love for the early CB750's.  I , unlike you, wasn't fortunate enough to have his original bike.  You're extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful family heirloom.  NEVER part with it.

Btw, welcome to the forum.   

[Johnie]

Hey welcome there stocker to the best SOHC site around. And you have it right...we love pics and anyone who brings these SOHC's back to life. My 1970 CB750KO was idle for 19 years and started right up after doing the basics before I fired it up. These bike are very reliable and age does not affect them if they had some basic maintenance when they were running. Just be sure you don't overfill the oil tank which is common with new owners. Check the oil when it is warm not cold. These bikes tend to let oil run down from the oil tank into the crankcase. Not a big deal unless you check it cold and then add oil when it really does not need oil. Then you blow oil out the overflow and sometimes on the back tire which is pretty scarey. What...no pics yet??? 

[Holubs]

Welcome to the forum, you will find every bit of information about these old girls that you would ever want.  I have been very impressed with how much I have learned here.

I bought my first CB750F1 my brother's insurance company after he totaled it in 1980.  I sold it to a different brother 20 years ago, when my kids acame along.  He parked it in a barn on his farm when it quit working almost 20 years ago, mechanic told him it wasn't worth fixing.  I spent a year getting everything repaired/replaced/cleaned to make her safe to ride again.  So the bike has always belonged to a member of my family.

Bought a second F1 in pieces this winter to start building a second bike.

Holubs

[StockRider]

I wasn't able to get back to Truck until last night and I didn't have anything but my phone to take pictures with but since I promised... below are two quick (and dirty [don't tell Truck I said that]) shots...

The tank and side panels are getting a thorough cleaning, the old candy ruby red is fairly faded under all the grime (I mean protective coating  ). I pulled the carb float bowls and all looks clean and well. The only non-stock items I've noticed so far are the master cylinder, brake lever, and fuel lines. You can catch up with me in the "Project Shop" forum over the next few weeks if you want to see better pics.

[StockRider]

We just passed the 10 year mark of this bike being my responsibility, 50 years since dad purchased it in Rantoul, IL.

I've enjoyed quite a few great rides and new friendships thanks to Ol' Truck. The last three years have involved a lot more work and less play. Truck has been a bit neglected.

It's winter, and time to rebuild the carburetors, replace the tires, replace front wheel bearings, and re-pad/shoe the brakes. We'll see what else comes up along the way.

Rumor has it that Dad had it tuned in Peoria, IL. That could just be folklore but it would be interesting to know if he ever crossed paths with HondaMan..., less than two hours away and lots of racing blood in his veins.

[tool14]

welcome aboard

[craz1]

Nice to see you have kept it.