Topic: Found out why they junked it - the CB700 SC

[eigenvector]

That bike I picked up from the junkyard was puzzling me.  It's simply in too good of condition to junk - engine is getting 170 psi, carbs were very clean and functional, except for the fact that they stripped it to the frame the bike was perfectly rideable.

Then I powered it up and started it - or tried to.  Turns out the starter clutch is shot.  So I read the trusty shop manual.
1)  Pull engine from frame.   
2)  Remove top of engine case   
3)  Use gear puller to remove alternator shaft   

I've read around and discovered that there's a good chance I can get to that starter clutch through the oil pan, but I'm shocked that Honda chose to put something like that deep inside the engine.  I'm guessing the PO couldn't float the bill to repair the starter clutch and junked it.

[Retro Rocket]

Yep, the CBx based engine is a very compact unit, even the alternator is chain driven off the bottom end... They are a great engine though, the Aus model CBX750 had just under 100HP and was quicker than the VF750V4, honda's flagship model at the time..

[BPellerine]

the Honda dealer gave a friend a quote of 2 grand to do that job,very common on those engines,for that reason they can be bought cheap.bill

[Retro Rocket]

the Honda dealer gave a friend a quote of 2 grand to do that job,very common on those engines,for that reason they can be bought cheap.bill

I rarely go to Dealers for any serious engine work, they charge like a wounded bull and in my experience, have some very average mechanics.....  I wouldn't say "very common", I've owned 2 of the 100hp versions and never had a problem, they are the best air cooled engine Honda ever built, well our Higher HP model was....

[eigenvector]

Oh well, one more chance to learn something new about another bike.

I don't mind, I gots lots of other bikes to ride in the meantime.  For now I'll try going at it from the oil pan side.  Something about removing the clutch first, but that's not a big deal really.

[BPellerine]

the Honda dealer gave a friend a quote of 2 grand to do that job,very common on those engines,for that reason they can be bought cheap.bill

I rarely go to Dealers for any serious engine work, they charge like a wounded bull and in my experience, have some very average mechanics.....  I wouldn't say "very common", I've owned 2 of the 100hp versions and never had a problem, they are the best air cooled engine Honda ever built, well our Higher HP model was....

+1 on the dealers retro,the reason so many Hondas are sitting around is the high cost of repair,imagine what it would cost just to replace a headgasket at the dealer,most guys just pushed the old bikes into the corner and bought something else.billp

[grcamna2]

Nice Bike eigen.