Topic: 1978 CB750F "Porch" find is officially on the table

[desertrefugee]

I recently picked up three Hondas from a friend of a friend who passed away. A CB400T and two 750s. This 78 and the 400 had been on a Phoenix back porch for almost 20 years. A garage find would’ve been better, but at least a Phoenix back porch is not a Louisiana back porch, so it is not as bad as it could be… But still bad. By the way, the 74 was safely tucked away in the garage, but is in about 2000 pieces. That’s a story for another day.

I sold the 400 a couple of months ago for more than I paid for all three of these things, so my initial investment is nothing.  We all know how long that will last…

Anyway, to provide continuity, here’s a link to my introductory thread:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179791.msg2085222.html#msg2085222

So, although I have another project still underway, I could not resist putting this motorcycle on the table and beginning to peel away some of the things that will need attention. The motor is free, and the first thing I wanna do is drop the sump and pull the carbs. I’d like to at least attempt to fire it up and see if there are any ugly noises before I go much further.  If so, this project just became much more interesting - and the '74 may take its place in line.

I’m attaching a couple of baseline shots for comparison to what happens down the line. Still haven’t decided the direction I’m going to go, but have a pretty good idea.

Had a heck of a time getting the lower rear engine mount bolt out.  (See photo for reason why!).  That and the cracked right peg bracket suggest a fairly spirited dump.  Hope that's all the damage... Time will tell.

[HondaMan]

That long bolt is often bent! It straightens out well, though, as it is not hardened.
If you run into a seized rear brake pedal bushing, let me know: I made 2 of them when I rebuilt one of those about 8 years ago and still have the other one.

It still amazes me that the kickstarter arm actually misses the footpeg(!) on these F2/3 bikes.

[desertrefugee]

Thanks for the info - and the offer, Hondaman.   I'll be moving methodically on this one. 

For instance, I really just wanted to see if I can fire off the motor to see what I've got (for zero investment so far).  Carbs are off and will get worked and I replaced the scrogged ignition switch.  I applied power for probably the first time the bike has seen voltage in 20 years and it stayed cold and dark.  Hmmm.

I opened the fuse box and saw this!     Looks like I'll have a few more fish to fry than I expected.

Sheesh.

[desertrefugee]

...not that anybody's looked at this one, but for closure for my own sanity, I'll just say that I've passed this one along to my son who lives not far away.  I had it mothballed while working a few other projects.  This one is pretty needy and he's all over it already.   Fired it off and spewed rust all over his garage.  But at least somebody's on it.

Meanwhile, I have the K5 to take its place:   http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,187155.msg2169791.html#msg2169791

[Don R]

 "Fired it off and spewed rust" reminded me of the first bike of my second period of ownership, it had a plugged muffler, was ridden until it wouldn't run more than a few seconds and was packed with carbon. When it finally started it made black smoke like a coal burner. I had to evacuate the shop for an hour.