Author Topic: 1978 750F The start of a big project.  (Read 15940 times)

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Offline slikwilli420

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #25 on: February 09, 2017, 11:02:44 AM »
Matching tire size to rim width is going to be key to any sort of performance. If you want beefier tires, you need wider rims to accommodate that. Stock wheels of the era probably won't do it. Not sure what your budget is, but there are some amazing aftermarket options that really allow you to get what you are after.
All you gotta do is do what you gotta do.

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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #26 on: February 09, 2017, 02:12:16 PM »
Take a look at the tire manufacturer's web pages for the tires you want.  It will show the recommended rim width for the tires.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Jnel

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #27 on: February 09, 2017, 02:24:30 PM »
Yes.. I was just looking at Bridgestone.

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Offline Jnel

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #28 on: February 11, 2017, 12:22:02 PM »
Anyone got an idea on how I can remove a bolt from the points cover?  Of all the things I've removed, this was the only one that gave me a problem.

The top bolt is the problem and its now completely broken off.  Maybe eazy out?

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Offline palepainter

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #29 on: February 11, 2017, 02:29:44 PM »
Getting in there and boring it out for ez out is one way.  IF there is enough to weld on to the end of the broken bolt, that works too.  Plus the heat from welding has a tendency to work it loose a bit.  Either way.  Can always try welding first. Then ez out method.  From the looks of that bike, you will be dealing with this a lot.  I can suggest getting an impact driver with proper fitting Phillips to remove those.  The only way mine were coming out and it had zero rust.  Be sure to use anti cease compound on anything going back in.

Offline Jnel

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #30 on: February 12, 2017, 11:59:58 AM »
When i get home, I'm going to try the EZ Out approach i guess.  I have a small drill press that i can set up and get a good straight, center bore to remove some material and get ready for the ez out or maybe a re-tap.  No way for me to weld an extension on it.  I soaked it for two days, put the heat to it and still snapped it.

I used a hand Impact wrench on a lot of the parts and with good luck. This one... not so much luck.

Offline Jnel

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #31 on: February 12, 2017, 12:04:06 PM »
I'm definitely going to use anti-cease on everything  when it goes back together.

Offline calj737

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #32 on: February 12, 2017, 12:48:08 PM »
Man, I HATE EZ-Outs. They are more prone to shearing off inside the screw than anything I've ever seen. Left hand drill bits is the way to go. If you MUSTse an EZ Out, drill the pilot hole with a HSS bit just about large enough for the EZ. Then some cutting oil as you slowly drill the EZ. And make the hole deep enough so the stress isn't on the tip of the EZ.
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"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Jnel

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #33 on: February 12, 2017, 01:49:26 PM »
I've had some good luck with bigger sizes. But this little guy is going to be a pain.  I just know it.  I'm feeling drill and tap in my future and hopefully not oversize drill.

Offline calj737

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #34 on: February 12, 2017, 03:51:32 PM »
It should be a 6mm screw, so a .200 drill bit works well if you have a set of machinist bits. Just drill the core out and it will probably collapse enough to unscrew. Unless some mope before you screwed a 1/4-20 SAE screw in there  :-\
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"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Jnel

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #35 on: February 12, 2017, 04:17:19 PM »
Hey... thats good info.  I have the bits.  I'll rig up the drill press.

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Offline calj737

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #36 on: February 12, 2017, 04:42:09 PM »
I kid you not, I just got a PM from a new member down in Charlotte. Today he attempted what you are about to. Guess what? Yup, sheared off. So I'll drag a TIG rig down there and weld on a nut and turn that thing out. Don't make me come to Charleston... >:( just to weld a fix for a broken screw  ;)
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"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Jnel

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #37 on: February 12, 2017, 05:31:56 PM »
Don't worry if i drag you to charleston, it's going to be for more then a little job like that.

Offline Jnel

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #38 on: February 20, 2017, 07:40:38 PM »


Worked through some tough grinding and sanding. Went down to metal in 95% of the frame. But... its done. My fingers are killing me.  A labor of love im told.  I had no idea how bad it was.  I promise, i will never sit by and let another bike get that bad.  Know i feel pretty good about its condition. Cleaned off a bunch of tabs, extra metal associated with the center stand, side covers, and wiring.  Much cleaner now.  I almost started to dress up the original factory welds, but passed on that idea.

Offline calj737

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #39 on: February 20, 2017, 07:42:28 PM »
Time to install a frame kit.
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"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Jnel

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #40 on: February 20, 2017, 07:56:56 PM »
I'm going to hold off on cutting the back end.  I'm thinking about using the original plastic cover back there.  I thought it would bring a little bit of the original equipment to the party.  Plus... i think its a good place to tuck a custom brake light in there. Maybe I'm crazy, but you can get a pretty big light in there. The original light can almost fit inside the hump. When it comes to being seen... bigger and brighter is a good feeling for me. So this idea is not finalized yet.  I think an oil tank back there is a possibility as well.



Offline calj737

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #41 on: February 20, 2017, 07:58:37 PM »
Frame kit is for the motor hoops. It's a section removable above the head. Makes install/removal of tenting a breeze, plus possible to remove the head and rebuild the top end with motor in the frame.
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"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Jnel

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #42 on: February 20, 2017, 07:59:34 PM »
Frame kit?  What you talking about Willis?

Offline calj737

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #43 on: February 20, 2017, 08:02:37 PM »
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"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Jnel

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #44 on: February 20, 2017, 08:06:22 PM »
Oh ... I've seen this.   Very cool.  I thought it was great for race applications.  You think this for me?  Wait... you think im going to be rebuilding?  I think not. But i am going to make sure that timing chain is right befor it goes back in.  Who sells this kit?

Offline Jnel

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #45 on: February 20, 2017, 08:12:34 PM »
Man... things changed so much !   But i cant tell you how excited i am to learn all of this.  I can't thank you enough.  I'm a sponge these days and it's great to see all of the advacements for these old girls.

Regards from newb. 

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #46 on: February 20, 2017, 08:36:21 PM »

I recognize that oil tank/seat.  My buddy fabricated it and his wife did the upholstery.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Jnel

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #47 on: February 20, 2017, 08:49:09 PM »
750CRF...  thats cool.  Did he ever go into production?   This photo that i grabbed from Pintrest, i believe, is responsible for my motivation on the back end of this project.  I'm a fan of form and function and this is a pretty good job of meeting the needs of both.     Got any contact info on your friend?

Offline calj737

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #48 on: February 21, 2017, 04:43:48 AM »
John - The frame kit is in my opinion the second best aftermarket product for a 750 to hit the streets through this Forum. Mike Rieck's Billet Blocks being first. And yes, you do want that frame kit. There are 2 versions; Gordon's welded in type (linked above) or member 754 (Frank) sells a non-welded type.

Since you're down to bare metal and handy with a welder, I'd opt for the welded one but just because... Either will work great.

If you have a small machine shop on board, have your machinist make you one. 8 Half lapped steel rods, drilled and tapped, 2 pieces of 1"x0.83 tubing, and assemble, weld the tubes to the laps, presto! You can then make a new triangular bridge with flat stock. Its nothing difficult but very clever.
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"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Jnel

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Re: 1978 750F The start of a big project.
« Reply #49 on: February 21, 2017, 06:19:39 AM »
Cal...  do you have any ideas for exhaust. I like the original sound of the 4 into 4.  But now that I'm building a different style of bike and needs to sound a little more threatening.  But not too loud. Performance is important but I want to be able to sneak home too.  What's popular?