Topic: 1972 Honda CB 750K2 New to me

[emlupi]

Good evening all,

I just picked up this 1972 CB750 K2. The PO is a Honda guy (former Honda  mechanic) with a garage full of really nice bikes. He's got 2 more 750's ('74 K and a '76 F) and a bunch of Dreams and Superhawks. He's had this one stored since 2001. He cleaned it up and got it into running condition for the sale. We rolled it out of the garage ice cold, put a test tank and battery on it, put on the choke and it fired right up on the first shot.

It needs to be gone through and general maintenance items done (fork seals and boots, carbs, tires, etc.) .  A nice winter project and something to look forward to come the spring. I will certainly be coming back to this excellent site along the way for advice and help.

 Already have Hondamans book. Looking to get a copy of the factory service manual. Is it worth it to get a Haynes or Clymer manual as well?

Looking forward to learning all that I can.

[FridgeRaider]

That's a good looking bike. My advice for the manuals is that you can never have enough information. I've found Hondaman's Book and the factory service manual will cover 95% of what you need to know as a home mechanic. Haynes and Clymer are a watered-down version of the other two but do add a couple of minor tid-bits of information to the puzzle. Purchase them if you want but they will end up collecting dust comparatively.

[jamesw]

http://www.vintagecb750.com/products/9/tools-hardware-manuals-decals

The green service manual.

[ekpent]

  That looks very well preserved and shiny-Congrats. Were were lucky enough to get the side covers also ? How many miles does she have on her. Those nice unmolested original paint bikes are getting harder to find. Enjoy,looks like you got a real keeper there.

[emlupi]

Thanks, I'm definitely excited about having it. I've been away from bikes for too long and I'm stoked about putting this one back on the road.

Unfortunately, the original side covers are not there. They are lost to history somewhere. There is an unpainted replacement side cover on the battery side and nothing over the oil tank. I will keep an eye out for period side covers of the correct color,  although I'm guessing these will be few and far between. There are some other bits and pieces that aren't originals as well. The ignition switch has been moved up to the handlebars with what appears to be an aftermarket type mount. The front brake caliper is from a later year without the fins and no C-clamp mount. I'm sure there are more little items such as this that have been changed along the way.

The bike has 18,493 miles showing on the clock. I only have paper documentation on the bike going back to 1996. That guy bought the bike with 18,100 miles on it. According to the receipts that came with it, he had it serviced a few times by local bike shops and only put 300-400 miles on it during the 5 years he owned it. The guy I bought it from picked it up and put it in long term storage in 2001. Now I have it.

My intentions are to keep it as it is, warts and all, and just enjoy the experience of owning and riding a classic Honda motorcycle.

[ekpent]

 Ignition switch relocation was very popular back in the day. Z1 enterprises and maybe others sell repop original under tank brackets if yours is missing. The electric side cover on your bike is an aftermarket made by Majier. Hopefully a member here in this thread is selling his exact style re-pops of better quality than stock if your unable to source gold original. In your search for covers they made that gold in 1971 also with the only difference a red jewel emblem instead of 72 orange.  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,74022.0.html

[Johnie]

Nice looking find for you...and exhaust too. You mention paperwork...that mean title with the bike?

[emlupi]

Yes, there is a title dated from 1996 that came with the bike. Also bill of sale and maintenance records from 1996 to 2001.

Exhaust is in pretty good shape, however there is a small hole in the upper right hand pipe near the tip. The baffle plates have been removed from the exhaust tips as well. The PO says he removes them to help alleviate issues with moisture being trapped in the pipes, thereby helping to prevent rusting and rot.

[754]

The forks appear to be changed and the caliper.
 The side covers should be available. In correct color from Yamiya.. Be well worth getting..

[emlupi]

Hi 754,

I knew about the caliper but didn't realize the fork was different. Is there something external that shows a difference? I thought the only way to tell was to pull the front wheel and look for the hex bolt between the two threaded studs on the bottom of the sliders?

Educate me, please.

[andy750]

The exhaust hole can be closed with JB Weld. I used this on a similar hole on my original pipes and 10+ yrs later no issues. Great looking bike. Where are you located?

cheers
Andy

[754]

Up till end of 72, the swinging bracket for the caliper was held in a C shaped piece.
In 73 they went to the T shaped.
Not crucial for right now, the one you have is a little easier to live with, plus you can pull the lower legs to do seals, without taking the forks out of the triple trees.
  I would check though for any bending of the front frame downtubes, paint crinkle or repaint on neck, and the forkstop.

[emlupi]

Andy 750,
Thanks for the tip, I will certainly give that a go. Hopefully it will hold up and prevent the hole from enlarging. Did you back up the hole with something while the JB set up? I would like to know the steps you took to apply the JB on your exhaust. If yours lasted for over 10 years then you did something right.

I am located in Connecticut.

[emlupi]

754,

Yes, I know about the change of calipers and brackets, I mentioned that in my earlier reply to ekpent. I believe the calipers and mounts are interchangeable between years so this still may be the '72 forks with later brakes installed. Perhaps I am mistaken in that?

There is no evidence of there having been any front end damage to the bike. The steering head and frame appear to be sound to my eye. I guess I will know for sure what style of forks I have when I go to change the tires and fork seals.

[andy750]

Andy 750,
Thanks for the tip, I will certainly give that a go. Hopefully it will hold up and prevent the hole from enlarging. Did you back up the hole with something while the JB set up? I would like to know the steps you took to apply the JB on your exhaust. If yours lasted for over 10 years then you did something right.

I am located in Connecticut.

Basically i just cleaned around the hole and then applied the JB Weld. Nothing too fancy. Good luck!


Andy