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Author Topic: Has’t Run in 41 years  (Read 1208 times)

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Offline rider52

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Has’t Run in 41 years
« on: August 20, 2018, 03:56:06 PM »
I am on the trail of a 1975 CB750 that has 3000 original miles on it and hasn’t been started in 41 years. I have not yet seen the bike but expect it to be neglected and not abused. It is the original owner and I believe the owner to be honest. Although I have ridden for 43 years, I am brand new at the resto game.
I am comfortable assessing the bike visually but need help beyond that.....so...two questions.
1. What should I look for before making an offer...what tests could I easily perform?
2. If I buy, what likely challenges lie ahead?
Thanks in advance for any help.
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Offline Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er

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Re: Has’t Run in 41 years
« Reply #1 on: August 20, 2018, 04:02:45 PM »
Make sure the engine turns over. Check the tank interior for rusting! Hopefully it wasn't put up with gas in it which would probably necessitate a replacement tank.  Also expect to go through the carbs unless it was stored properly with dry carbs and tank.

With 3000 miles you could get very lucky. Buy a new battery, put gas in it and start it up! You may be surprised. If so plan on doing a complete tune up by the book and brake flush/fluid change. 
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As of today 3/13/2012 my original owner 75 CB750F has made it through 3 wives, er EX-wives. Free at last.  ;-)

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Has’t Run in 41 years
« Reply #2 on: August 20, 2018, 05:34:36 PM »
do a little research on what parts are expensive to repair or replace and make a realistic plan about what level of restoration you are prepared to do
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Offline MikeSimon

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Re: Has’t Run in 41 years
« Reply #3 on: August 21, 2018, 05:11:29 AM »
Before you try to turn the engine over, squirt some Marvel Mystery Oil into each cylinder and let it sit for a while (preferably over night).
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1973 CB350F -sold
1974 CB350F -218 orig miles, sold
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Offline ekpent

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Re: Has’t Run in 41 years
« Reply #4 on: August 21, 2018, 06:11:41 AM »
 Be cool to see how this turns out. Be sure to take your camera when you go look so we can all have a peek. Hopefully for you it will be a real gem and stored proper.
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Offline flybox1

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Re: Has’t Run in 41 years
« Reply #5 on: August 21, 2018, 11:00:37 AM »
Hopefully plugs are still in it.
If they are, a cheap USB borescope ($13 amazon) is a good tool to have to check cyls and inside the tank.
Check for rust at lowest points of frame and exhaust.
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'78 750K (F3 engine) PD42b's, Modified airbox w/K&N  filter, 40/110 jets, 1 needle shim, IMS@ 1 turn out. Kerker + Cone 18" QuietCore

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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Has’t Run in 41 years
« Reply #6 on: August 22, 2018, 09:16:37 AM »
Make sure the motor is not seized.  You can do this by using the kickstarter to see if the crank turns.
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"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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Offline 74cb750

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Re: Has’t Run in 41 years
« Reply #7 on: August 30, 2018, 02:17:04 AM »
2. If I buy, what likely challenges lie ahead?

All of them.  ;)

No Seriously, you're probably not going to know what it needs until you get it home to do a full assessment,
let me know what new engine parts you need as i have a bunch lying around.
michel
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