Author Topic: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You  (Read 17691 times)

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Offline BRAD CHIEDUCH

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #75 on: March 31, 2018, 03:00:33 PM »
I installed the cylinder today.  I'd be lying if I said that I managed to get it on the first attempt ... or even the second.  On attempt one, I managed to get pistons 2 and 3 in and then noticed that I forgot to tuck in the cam chain tensioner and it was sticking out the back of the cylinder so I had to remove the cylinder and start again :-[.  The second time, I thought the ring compressors that I machined up would have been the answer but I was wrong - they were too wide and once piston 2 and 3 were in I didn't have enough room for the ring compressors to move on pistons 1 and 4  >:(.  I then resorted to using hose clamps as ring compressors (saw it in Hondamans book) and it was third time the charm ;D.
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Offline MRieck

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #76 on: April 01, 2018, 08:39:54 AM »
Looks great. The 915 kits are awesome for stock cylinder applications. They can make really good power. ;)
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Offline BRAD CHIEDUCH

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #77 on: April 01, 2018, 11:59:11 AM »
Looks great. The 915 kits are awesome for stock cylinder applications. They can make really good power. ;)

And coupled with your skilled work on the head, it should hustle this bike down the road like never before 8)
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Offline BRAD CHIEDUCH

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #78 on: April 01, 2018, 07:30:37 PM »
Didn't have much time to spend on the bike today, but took some time to make a piston stop for timing the camshaft.  I think I saw another member do something similar but basically beat the guts out of a spark plug and tack a nut on top and machined a center bolt.  The ceramic in the spark plug has to be some of the toughest stuff on earth but pounding on it with a punch for about half an hour I finally managed to get it out.  Should do the trick - I hope  ;)
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Offline Raydog

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #79 on: April 01, 2018, 07:40:58 PM »
Fantastic post! I just started with a rough 78 K model, on the way to a Street Tracker look so your pics are so illustrative and fun to look at (since mine will be "on the way" this week), anyways, thanks for sharing the evolution of your beautiful scooter!

Offline Godffery

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #80 on: April 01, 2018, 08:49:17 PM »
If you grind the rolled edge off the top of the steel, just where the ceramic goes in, it will allow you to pull it apart clean. 

Offline 754

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #81 on: April 01, 2018, 11:11:51 PM »
Yeah just above the hex, it's rolled over to hold it in.
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
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My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline Davez134

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #82 on: April 02, 2018, 05:24:23 AM »
Didn't have much time to spend on the bike today, but took some time to make a piston stop for timing the camshaft.  I think I saw another member do something similar but basically beat the guts out of a spark plug and tack a nut on top and machined a center bolt.  The ceramic in the spark plug has to be some of the toughest stuff on earth but pounding on it with a punch for about half an hour I finally managed to get it out.  Should do the trick - I hope  ;)

I made one of these, then I realized I didn't need it since my engine was apart (like yours) You only need it to find true TDC right? So while your piston tops are exposed use a dial gauge to find TDC, then put your timing advance plate in position and mark where true TDC is in relation to the mark on there. (I still double-checked with my piston stop since I spent the time to make it haha) Here's a picture:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,139768.msg1640225.html#msg1640225
« Last Edit: April 02, 2018, 05:26:19 AM by Davez134 »

Offline BRAD CHIEDUCH

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #83 on: April 02, 2018, 06:14:09 PM »
If you grind the rolled edge off the top of the steel, just where the ceramic goes in, it will allow you to pull it apart clean.

Yeah, once I tore the guts out I came to this conclusion as well.  This was the first time I had to bore out a spark plug so I'll chalk it up to a learning experience - plus my neighbors enjoy hearing me curse like a drunken sailor and pounding away on a Sunday morning  ;)
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Offline BRAD CHIEDUCH

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #84 on: April 02, 2018, 06:30:22 PM »
Didn't have much time to spend on the bike today, but took some time to make a piston stop for timing the camshaft.  I think I saw another member do something similar but basically beat the guts out of a spark plug and tack a nut on top and machined a center bolt.  The ceramic in the spark plug has to be some of the toughest stuff on earth but pounding on it with a punch for about half an hour I finally managed to get it out.  Should do the trick - I hope  ;)

I made one of these, then I realized I didn't need it since my engine was apart (like yours) You only need it to find true TDC right? So while your piston tops are exposed use a dial gauge to find TDC, then put your timing advance plate in position and mark where true TDC is in relation to the mark on there. (I still double-checked with my piston stop since I spent the time to make it haha) Here's a picture:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,139768.msg1640225.html#msg1640225

You are correct that the piston stop allows you to find true TDC.  I think using a dial gauge will get you close but you will find that the dial barely moves as the piston moves just before and after TDC and I think you could be off a degree or two (or more).  Using the piston stop I think is the best way ... or it's just my OCD kicking in!   ;)
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Offline BRAD CHIEDUCH

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #85 on: May 13, 2018, 01:58:32 PM »
Today I was getting ready to install my camshaft and was checking journal clearances.  I previously purchased NOS cam towers as the old ones were badly scored.  The bearings on the new towers measure from left to right 0.8677”, 0.8680”, 0.8676”, 0.8677”.  The camshaft that I purchased from CycleX is a Webcam CX-4 (equivalent to Webcam 63B).  The cam journals (from left to right) measure 0.8640”, 0.8582”, 0.8586”, 0.8642”.  Thus, the clearances are 0.0037”, 0.0098”, 0.0090”, 0.0035”.  According to the Honda manual, the upper limit on the clearance is 0.0083”.  I can’t explain why the two inner cam journals are so much smaller than the outermost cam journals.  Maybe I just have the wrong camshaft?  :-\ :-\ I’ll have to give Ken a call a CycleX and maybe he can shed some light on this for me.  Could this possibly be acceptable?
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Offline BRAD CHIEDUCH

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #86 on: November 20, 2018, 07:16:18 PM »
It's been a while seen I've been on my project - I was busy building a house through the summer.  However, I'm back on the bike project for the winter.  Previously, I had cut off the tail end of the frame behind the shock mounts so that I could mount the seat cowl.  I never liked the chopped look of the tail end of the frame and decided to fabricated a frame hoop.  It was a difficult bit of fabrication to get it to fit nicely inside the seat cowl.  The hoop has some tight compound bends and I had to make it out of five separate  pieces.  I think it turned out quite nice and I still need to weld it to the frame but the hard part is done.  I also removed the stock shock mounts because they were bent upwards and I will install aftermarket mounts from Cognito Moto (to come).
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Offline Godffery

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #87 on: November 21, 2018, 09:49:51 AM »
 Nicely done!

So what did Ken @ CycleX say about the variance of the Cam shaft clearance?

Offline BRAD CHIEDUCH

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #88 on: November 21, 2018, 04:59:54 PM »
Nicely done!

So what did Ken @ CycleX say about the variance of the Cam shaft clearance?

I did speak with Ken about the cam clearance and he indicated that this was not uncommon and acceptable.  I don't have the experience on these motors to say one way or the other and it seems strange that the values could be this far out from Honda's documented spec's.
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Offline Godffery

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #89 on: November 21, 2018, 06:38:55 PM »
Nicely done!

So what did Ken @ CycleX say about the variance of the Cam shaft clearance?

I did speak with Ken about the cam clearance and he indicated that this was not uncommon and acceptable.  I don't have the experience on these motors to say one way or the other and it seems strange that the values could be this far out from Honda's documented spec's.
Hmm...?
Ive been looking at ordering one of there big bore kits but just not convinced about there self-proclaimed supererogatory.     :-\ 

Offline BRAD CHIEDUCH

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #90 on: February 10, 2019, 09:15:50 AM »
It's been -30C for over two weeks here in Edmonton so it was nice to work a little more on my project and share my latest progress - it's not much but I keep chipping away at it.  I'm using a C5 ignition system and mounting their coils in a nice neat fashion was a bit of a challenge.  I welded in a couple of pieces of flat bar in the general location of the original mounts under the gas tank - does the trick.

I was looking for an out-of-sight location for the rear brake reservoir and found a spot under the right/rear side of the gas tank.  The reservoir tucks up nicely and all I will have is the line coming down to the master  which is mounted on my rearset.

I also made up a new electrical tray - the one that I bought wasn't quite deep enough and my seat pan was touching the top of my fuse box.  So the new tray is a bit deeper and solves the issue.

Lastly, I made a pan under my seat cowl to house my battery and starter solenoid.  The seat cowl was oh so close to the battery terminals so I recessed the battery slightly into the pan and it holds the battery nicely in place and gives a little more clearance.

That's all for now.  The weather isn't warming up soon around here so I will share some more progress soon.
« Last Edit: February 10, 2019, 09:21:58 AM by speedwobl »
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Offline Godffery

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #91 on: February 10, 2019, 10:04:01 AM »
Look'n good.
For the rear reservoir; there is the potion of just running a length of clear hose, capped at the end. As long as you leave an air pocket, It acts like a mini reservoir.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjc5aGc4LHgAhWhx4MKHaYYATsQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ducatimonsterforum.org%2Findex.php%3Ftopic%3D61837.0&psig=AOvVaw2MnsYSM4WrNOSkIwMHr92F&ust=1549908210186779

Offline BRAD CHIEDUCH

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #92 on: February 10, 2019, 11:01:41 AM »
Godffery,

I did consider the reservoir eliminator (tube/cap) option.  I assume the cap would have to be vented and I guess my only concern was water getting inside which made me decide not to go with it.  However, probably a good option on a race bike or if riding around California.
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Offline BRAD CHIEDUCH

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #93 on: February 10, 2019, 11:36:50 AM »
Got my tail light mounted and I am quite happy with the way it fits in under the rear frame hoop.  I was wrestling with ideas for a license plate mount and will go with a vertical side mount off of the lower shock bolt.  I know here in Canada that's an excuse for the authorities to pull me over as unlike in the US, the plate is supposed to be mounted horizontal and center with the rear wheel and has to be illuminated with a white light - details, details.
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Offline BRAD CHIEDUCH

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #94 on: February 10, 2019, 12:58:31 PM »
What do you guys think of this fender?
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Offline BRAD CHIEDUCH

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #95 on: March 28, 2019, 07:43:37 PM »
Here's a photo of my latest progress.  Finally got the rear shock mounts welded in place and the shocks are now sitting nice and true.  Now starting to mock up the front fender and need to fab up some mounting struts - good weekend project.  Got the head back from Mike Rieck and soon will have to turn my attention back on getting the motor back together.  The snow is melting fast and I'm getting the itch to get back on the road.
« Last Edit: March 28, 2019, 07:45:16 PM by speedwobl »
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Offline 754

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #96 on: March 28, 2019, 10:29:33 PM »
 Looks good , give the fender a bit of clearance.
 The one on the black bike above,  would likely make you drop the bike if you went thru some mud , or got a soda can  wedged under it.
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline BRAD CHIEDUCH

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #97 on: March 29, 2019, 06:26:09 AM »
Looks good , give the fender a bit of clearance.
 The one on the black bike above,  would likely make you drop the bike if you went thru some mud , or got a soda can  wedged under it.

754, I hear you on the fender clearance.  The front fender on my V-twin I spaced a little too tight and the odd rock has got jammed and worn a groove in the tire.  Being wiser this time, I've got the fender gapped about 5/8" with some rubber strips.  The mounting brackets on the black bike you refer to just didn't fit properly for me so I am left fabricating my own.  I think I will just bend some 1/4" rod around the top of the fender which is kind of a throw back to the old fender design on these bikes.  I am also seriously considering leaving the fender and struts in the polished state (stainless steel) versus painted which again leans toward the old look.
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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #98 on: March 29, 2019, 08:24:37 AM »
Maybe something with some round-bar similar to what Devin makes: https://cognitomoto.com/products/aluminum-fenders-with-mounting-brackets?variant=28664030157
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)

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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 BRAD CHIEDUCH

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Re: 1977 CB750K Cafe Racer Project - $$ Can't Take It With You
« Reply #99 on: March 29, 2019, 05:36:17 PM »
Maybe something with some round-bar similar to what Devin makes: https://cognitomoto.com/products/aluminum-fenders-with-mounting-brackets?variant=28664030157

I've seen those and of course Devin and the boys make a great product but I might just give it my own personal touch - we'll see how it goes.
Buzzin' like a blue-arsed housefly.