Topic: '74 CB750K Not a Rebuild - just making it more better...

[lowriderbud]

I bought this 1974 CB750 K4 in October this year.  The PO said it was a barn-find and had spent the last 18 years waiting for him and his teenage daughter to restore it.  They did a really good job bringing it back to life, but came in short of a full restore; new rings, valve job, replace all the seals and gasket without doing a complete tear down, fork seasl, complete brake rebuild, anything rubber or plastic got replaced, carb cleaning, completely painted the engine and trans with shinny aluminum paint, and the list goes on. 

Sounds like I should have had nothing to do, right? No.  Cosmetically it left a lot to be desired.  The tank and right side cover were from a '72, tank dented and faded (but exceptionally clean inside), the left side cover came from something I can identify; it was painted black (rattle can) and held on with screws.  The handlebars painted from the same can.  On a brighter note the bike runs great.  After I added about 3/4 bottle of oil the oil light quick flashing at idle.
I rode it 1000+ miles before I started my work on it and taking things apart.  it doesn't leak, starts right up even when hot, and handles like a 1974 bike should.

Now on to the pictures:
#1 is the left side cover.  Anybody know what it came off of?
#2 Is the day I brought the ol' Gal Home.
#3 Painted Engine.  I've got a polished valve cover that will go on while the tank and side covers are at the paint shop.
#4 Appears to have a Tach from a '76.  I've already replace the handlebars.
#5 Lester Wheels; period correct, but I'm a big fan of spokes.  Plan to paint the Lesters and ride Tubeless tires.

That's all for now.  I'll keep y'all posted.

Later, Bud...

[seanbarney41]

Cool starting point...that sidecover is a cheapo aftermarket "reproduction".  They look like #$%* compared to an original or good quality repro even when painted nice, imo.  Speaking of good quality repro's hit up member Frankenfrankenstuf for better than oem quality new repro's.

[lowriderbud]

Just a quick update - while waiting for my tank and side covers to get painted I decided to change out the valve cover to a polished one (Chewbaca does a great job, at a fair price and quick turnaround time).  I did not remove the engine, but did cut the frame.  I could have bought a re-attachment hardware, but made my own. 



Later, Bud...

[Stev-o]

Nice project, sounds like they did the hard work for ya.   

I would be a little concerned about the blue pipes, could be running lean? Have you checked your plugs?

Stock style exhaust would look great or do you like what you have?

[lowriderbud]

Thanks for your comments, Steve-O.  I would love to have the original exhaust, but I do have a budget I need to manage too.  The blue on the pipes was there when I brought the bike home.  I'll address the tuning when I get it back on the road.  The gas tank and side covers just came home from the painter, and the weather here in Texas looks promising for riding next week.  So, I should be able to do some test runs and check those plugs.  The bike was running great, so it might be tuned correctly and the blue was done prior.

I'm not trying to make the bike a 100 point show bike, but a real nice rider.  It got a lot of attention before I started working on the cosmetics and my audience is asking when is it going to be on the road again? 

I'll post some pictures when I figure out how to get them right-side-up.

Later, Bud... 

[Stev-o]

Yeah, weather should be good this week, where in E Texas are you?

I'm outside of Austin by Lake Travis...

[lowriderbud]

I'm at Lake Livingston (Coldspring, 30 miles east of Huntsville). 

Someone fixed my avatar - THANK YOU.  Now if I can post a couple of pictures I get this thread caught up.

Here's what a perfectly good frame looks like when it's cut.

...and here what my home made frame splice kit looks like.  Notice the pictures are now 'right-side-up'.  Thanks again.

[lowriderbud]

Been a while since I updated on my progress.  Got the tanks and side covers back from the painter - WOW! if I do say so myself.

Also, rebuilt the carbs on the SuperSports, been cleaning the tank and plan to get it back on the road this weekend.

Later, Bud...

[Stev-o]

Paint looks fantastic!  Who sprayed?   What else was done to the bike since you got it??

[lowriderbud]

The paint was done at Coldspring Collision right here in Coldspring, Texas (formerly Britetrim).  Their painter is one of of the best in this area.

So, what else have I done since getting the bike?  The bike did not need much when I got it; mostly cosmetic and detail items.  It starts, runs, and rides very well.

Changed the handlebars to chrome from painted black ones.
Replaced side covers and badges.
Replaced the bent clutch lever.
Sync'd carbs.
Replaced the valve cover with a polished one (cut frame pictures).
Polished the Alternator cover and highlighted HONDA.  Will add picture later.

Left to do:
Replace Front Fender
Gauges need to be matched (one black face - one green face) plus chrome and rubber seals need replaced
Clean and touch-up the paint on the Lester wheels
Exhaust are discolored, but I'm holding off doing anything with them until I'm sure I have the carbs dialed in correctly.

Then we might be ready for some local shows. 

Later, Bud...

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Yeah, that orange paint looks superb.