Author Topic: How reliable are these machines?  (Read 2207 times)

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Offline Deltarider

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #25 on: August 04, 2020, 12:52:49 PM »
The Keihins on the SOHC4 bikes rarely need rebuilding, which to me entails replacement of needles and jets.
+ 1000
A forum like this is not only about our bikes, but also about... us. What we all should realise. We read in manuals like Clymer and Haynes about all kinds of possible repair, pages that are often copy and paste from manuals edited before on other bikes, with adaptations ofcourse. Lots of folks get primed in this way: they read it, look at the pictures and think: hey, that looks like a nice chore I can undertake. Only... if you had talked to a retired mechanic who has had hundreds of these bikes in his workshop, he could have informed you by saying: we never saw that problem on bike such and so, we did see it on other bikes, but not your model. Such info is dearly missed today. Bryanj is a good example of someone who still has that knowledge.
Here's another way people get primed. On sites about anywhere, they see the same carburettor repair sets on offer. Now the mere fact you see them everywhere, makes the idea root: hey... ofcourse... these parts must wear,  it makes sense, if not, those sets wouldn't be there... looks like a nice chore I can do. Only... in case of the CB500/550 these parts practically don't wear. Again, a mechanic who has dealt with these bikes a lot, could have told you that. Have a look at the pic of one of my float needles. Over 136.000 kms it has passed gasoline. There isn't even a beginning of wear. If you feel with a fingernail - again - there isn't even a beginning of a groove.
Really, sometimes I get the feeling people are addicted to the act of buying/ordering itself and then drool by the prospect of having something to unbox soon.
CB500K2-ED Excel black
"There is enough for everyone's need but not enough for anybody's greed."

Offline andy750

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #26 on: August 04, 2020, 01:11:49 PM »
The only time these bikes are unreliable is when screwed up by the person working, or not, on them

+1  8)

See my signature for my road trips on my 1974 and 1972 CB750s. The `74 has been to 17 countries since 2001. Cross-country USA 5 times on a CB750. Every day riding for 300 -600 miles. Riding in Europe on the 1974 CB750 - blasting down the German Autobahn at top speed for hours on end. Ah to be young again  8) Check out Ofreens CB750 mileage (150,000 miles) or the adventures of Mooshie on her CB550 (cross-country trips etc).

Reliable? Absolutely!
Bikes have the following mileage:
CB750K2 67,000 miles
CB750K4 91,000 miles

Get it running right and it will be as dependable as any modern bike but will be easier to fix if something does need replacing. I also have a 2003 DL1000 VStrom and its had its fair share of repairs (fuel pump, rotor magnets, handlebar switch etc).
« Last Edit: August 04, 2020, 01:18:15 PM by andy750 »
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline 754

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #27 on: August 04, 2020, 01:34:09 PM »
I've looked at it once, I've looked at it twice and I still fail to see what improvement the maxi-dwell could bring. Personally I mistrust all products with 'super' and 'maxi' in their brand name. There's a lot you can sell where it concerns electrickety and/or magnetism. I stick to:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168266.msg1948882.html#msg1948882
Fact the stock point have short distance from pivot to block , so they move further, wear quicker.
 At the time they were first offered, you could walkin any auto parts store,  and get the  points  with 2 choices of spring pressures, one set needs a bit of grinding on the base.
 So due to design they last longer. + they have a built in timing light, does any ignition you own have that..?
 And they last and it revs nice up to at least 11, 000 rpm, and works with stock or other coils.
 They were like 30 or 40 bucks when they came out..
 Anyone have one to sell , left me know.,
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 robvangulik

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #28 on: August 04, 2020, 01:58:54 PM »
My electronic ignition has an onbuilt led for timimg ;D

Offline HondaMan

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #29 on: August 04, 2020, 05:03:10 PM »
The only time these bikes are unreliable is when screwed up by the person working, or not, on them

+1  8)

See my signature for my road trips on my 1974 and 1972 CB750s. The `74 has been to 17 countries since 2001. Cross-country USA 5 times on a CB750. Every day riding for 300 -600 miles. Riding in Europe on the 1974 CB750 - blasting down the German Autobahn at top speed for hours on end. Ah to be young again  8) Check out Ofreens CB750 mileage (150,000 miles) or the adventures of Mooshie on her CB550 (cross-country trips etc).

Reliable? Absolutely!
Bikes have the following mileage:
CB750K2 67,000 miles
CB750K4 91,000 miles

Get it running right and it will be as dependable as any modern bike but will be easier to fix if something does need replacing. I also have a 2003 DL1000 VStrom and its had its fair share of repairs (fuel pump, rotor magnets, handlebar switch etc).

...those don't belong on motorcycles, IMHO... :D
See SOHC4shop@gmail.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

The demons are repulsed when a man does good. Use that.
Blood is thicker than water, but motor oil is thicker yet...so, don't mess with my SOHC4, or I might have to hurt you.
Hondaman's creed: "Bikers are family. Treat them accordingly."

Link to Hondaman Ignition: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=67543.0

Link to My CB750 Book: https://www.lulu.com/search?adult_audience_rating=00&page=1&pageSize=10&q=my+cb750+book

Link to website: www.SOHC4shop.com

Offline tlbranth

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #30 on: August 04, 2020, 05:57:24 PM »
Most reliable bike I've ever owned
Don't own a Vanagon
Don't work at Boeing
Life is good

1970 CB750 K0
1975 GL1000
1999 GL1500
2002 VT750-CDA ACE - Momma's bike
Terry

Offline 754

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #31 on: August 04, 2020, 06:05:21 PM »
 Tlbranth has had his bike since 1970.
 Yeah the timing lite built in , maxi had it 40 years ago , it's good to see at least one other using 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 72 yellow

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #32 on: August 04, 2020, 06:33:41 PM »
I bought my 72 CB750 for $150.00 in 2006.  It was chained to clothes pole in a backyard, next door to a drug house. It was not in running condition.  About a grand in tires, brakes and other parts it was ready to ride.  Still riding it today with no problems.

Offline Prospect

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #33 on: August 04, 2020, 06:59:37 PM »
Quote
The fact that so many have survived is a testament to their reliability. I don't see many 70's harleys around.....keep the oil changed.


There were over 500,000 cb750's. Harley made about 10% of that. That's why you see so many Honda's. I ride my 54 Harley a lot and it's simple and easy to maintain. The major difference is getting the Harley running right. You can park a Honda in a swamp for a decade and clean the carbs and it will run but not so with a Harley. Once you get a Harley running well it will stay that way with plenty of reliable miles.
Current Bikes

1969 CB750  Sandcast #256
1971 CB750K1
1972 CB750K1
1975 CB400F
1975 GL1000 Goldwing
1954 Harley Davidson Panhead
1957 Harley Davidson Panhead

Toronto Canada

Offline ktm136

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #34 on: August 05, 2020, 05:43:55 AM »
I was digging around in my headlight bucket last night and I was amazed how pliable the wiring still is for a 40 year old bike. There is a big difference between cheap and inexpensive, I think Honda knew where to spend the money and where to save money when building these bikes.

Offline andy750

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #35 on: August 05, 2020, 06:21:08 PM »
My electronic ignition has an onbuilt led for timimg ;D

Which ignition is that?
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline 34barab

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #36 on: August 05, 2020, 06:53:34 PM »
In my experience all bikes regardless of make like to be ridden more than they like to sit. When bringing a bike back to life it's not uncommon for people to say that their bike rides and runs better every time they take it out. Buy quality parts, follow good repair practices, use a good manual and ride-ride-ride!

Second it
Current Projects: 1973 CB750K3; 1972 CB350K4; 1980 CX500D;1969 CB750.  Roadworthy: 1971 CB750K1

Offline robvangulik

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #37 on: August 06, 2020, 12:18:27 AM »
My electronic ignition has an onbuilt led for timimg ;D

Which ignition is that?
Accent electronic
German manufacture, suitable for all sohc's, works on anything from 6volt to 18 volt, most members of the Dutch cbfourclub use it.

Offline andy750

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #38 on: August 06, 2020, 03:38:16 AM »
My electronic ignition has an onbuilt led for timimg ;D

Which ignition is that?
Accent electronic
German manufacture, suitable for all sohc's, works on anything from 6volt to 18 volt, most members of the Dutch cbfourclub use it.

Found it thank you!

http://www.accent-electronic.com/ELZ2Coil.html
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Online RAFster122s

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #39 on: August 07, 2020, 05:17:15 PM »
Old Harley joke. 90% of Harleys are still on the road. The other 10% made it home and are in their garages.
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline 754

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #40 on: August 07, 2020, 06:59:51 PM »
Actually if you do travel on American hiways, you will see quite a lot of old Harleys still travelling...
 I don't see that many of ours to be honest.. they do get to events. But they did not all ride there..
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 ofreen

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #41 on: August 08, 2020, 02:29:18 PM »
Anyone who thinks Harley's aren't out there doing big miles aren't out there themselves.  Some days it seems like it is mostly Harleys and V-Stroms out on the road.  ;D
Greg
'75 CB750F

"I would rather have questions I cannot answer than answers I cannot question." - Dr. Wei-Hock Soon

Offline 754

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #42 on: August 08, 2020, 03:52:42 PM »
Says the man who works in the middle of the interstate.
 Ever count the bikes for an hour..?
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

Online RAFster122s

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #43 on: August 08, 2020, 04:16:29 PM »
Harleys have gotten a lot more reliable than they were in the bad days of AMC ownership. It was just a joke..weak attempt at humor.  Here I see lots of sports bikes, harleys and adventure bikes. Harley ownership zoomed several years ago during the heyday of American Chopper, Orange County Choppers, Sons of Anarchy...
For many a Harley was a sign of having achieved success in life and lots of people scrambled on board when they were able to afford one. Some stayed and many have not.
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline ofreen

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Re: How reliable are these machines?
« Reply #44 on: August 08, 2020, 04:47:23 PM »
Says the man who works in the middle of the interstate.
 Ever count the bikes for an hour..?

I am not out at the interstate port much, and I ride on them as little as possible.  ;)
Greg
'75 CB750F

"I would rather have questions I cannot answer than answers I cannot question." - Dr. Wei-Hock Soon