Topic: Total newbie here in Illinois

[Chief]

Hello all,
I joined a few days ago and have been surfing around while waiting on my project bike to arrive from previous owner.  Got it yesterday and spent some time going over it. It is a 1976 CB750F Super Sport.  Mostly complete.  Big items not there are the exhaust, point cover, side covers and what I believe is called the rear fender. (the part with the little storage compartment ) .  Saddle came from a 750F, just not this one.  It seems to have all the same afflictions I see mentioned here on the forum, i.e. brake calipers frozen, master cylinders need  rebuilt/replaced, rust in tank,  etc.  I love it!  Oh also filthy and ...yellow.  I would love it if you folks could steer me to a logical starting place to return this bike to the road.

[MD]

Hello from NE MN,

Here is my suggestion.

Pull the spark plugs  squirt oil in each cylinder and let sit for several days.  Then try turning motor with kick stand. 

Pull Carbs and clean,

Charge/replace battery

Drain oil/replace,

Clean gas tank

Clean points

Try starting.


-MD

[Stev-o]

Welcome Chief.   

First thing I always do is clean clean clean, then you can see what you really have.

Start a thread in the Project Shop area so we can follow along.

[rocket johnny]

     welcome from western colorado !   i agree with the above posts and would add find and read everything , down load manuals from here, buy a clymers or see if you can get a factory manual from honda .  go slow, have fun !

[Chief]

Thanks for the advice guys!
Stev-o, got the cleaning thing in progress.  Lots of grease/crud, mostly around chain and rear wheel area.  What's the best way to clean the chain?
MD, I can turn the motor over with the kick starter.  The electric starter switch is broken.  Previous owner told me that the engine was running last 3 years ago.  I think the throttle cables might have an issue as the grip will not roll back on it's own.  (it is supposed to do that, isn't it?)
rocket johnny, Already on the manual thing and reading up.  I last owned a motorcycle back in the late seventy's and didn't really do any work on it.(it was new)

[Holubs]

Welcome from Eastern Iowa. I have 3 (depending on how you count!) 1976 Super Sports. I agree with the clean, clean, clean approach to see what you are really working with. A pressure washer will clean the chain up fairly well, but you will need to deal with the water intrusion so the chain doesn't rust. I have soaked chains in a pan of oil after cleaning until I am ready to use it.

Holubs

[Stev-o]

Thanks for the advice guys!
Stev-o, got the cleaning thing in progress.    What's the best way to clean the chain?

  I think the throttle cables might have an issue as the grip will not roll back on it's own.  (it is supposed to do that, isn't it?)

Prolly easiest way to clean the chain is remove it.  clean with a solvent and wire brush.  If super rusty, consider replacement.

The issue with your throttle is most likely the carbs being gummed up.  If not run in 3 years, they will def need service. The cables could use lube too.

[Chief]

Thanks Steve-o.  Looks like a place to start.