Author Topic: Finished the transformation of a k2  (Read 1908 times)

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Offline NickW

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Finished the transformation of a k2
« on: May 02, 2021, 11:18:46 AM »
Recently I bought a nice rough gem as I like to call them. A fairly original cb750 k2 from 1975, with a Marshall exhaust and some bad white paint, and some small things as the blinkers etc.
The bike had one owner till last month, when it came for sale I was a tad too late to buy it. Then a shady dealer bought it and put it up for sale after 1 week, so I had to jump on it right away. The first owner had it sitting for years, then had the top end completely rebuilt and only drove 180kms after that and it stood for another year. So the brakes were jammed, they needed some massaging to get going again and the battery was dead, but other than that it fired right up.

As we started out with the bike:




Now, just over a week later I think the progress is already noticeable..
Replaced the gas tank and side covers with original old ones, I prefer some patina on the bike over new paint. For my other k2 I bought a better seat, so the old one from that one came to good use on this bike, and had to replace a lot of the chrome parts (front and rear fender, handle bars, kickstarter, etc) and had to polish a lot of chrome as well.


Did take it out for a small test ride today, turned out the steering bearings are completely gutted so those will need replacing. And it wasn't running properly on all 4, figured out it was one of the spark plugs which turned out to be broken. So tomorrow I'll get a new one for that as well, then it should run properly on all 4 again.



I have some small rubbers I have to buy to make the rear turn signals fit, and have an original exhaust set currently at the welder so those will go on as soon as they are repaired. That will probably take a week or 2. I'll post some updates when it is done.
« Last Edit: May 21, 2021, 04:25:13 AM by NickW »
'75 Cb750 k2
'76 GL1000 Ltd
'78 Cb550f
'79 Cb400f
'79 Cbx1000

Offline MauiK3

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Re: Fixing a '75 k2
« Reply #1 on: May 02, 2021, 02:43:43 PM »
Looks good.
75K2?
Where?
1973 CB 750 K3
10/72 build Z1 Kawasaki

Offline NickW

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Re: Fixing a '75 k2
« Reply #2 on: May 02, 2021, 02:56:14 PM »
Thank you! I'm from the Netherlands, we had the k2 till 1976 when the k6 arrived. K3 4 and 5 were never officially available here, only as grey import.

Fun fact is that even though the frame and body parts were k2, the engine did get the upgrades.
My other 75 k2 has a k5 engine and still has all the original Honda paperwork showing the engine number being the original engine for the bike.
'75 Cb750 k2
'76 GL1000 Ltd
'78 Cb550f
'79 Cb400f
'79 Cbx1000

Offline PeWe

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Re: Fixing a '75 k2
« Reply #3 on: May 03, 2021, 03:39:11 AM »
That bike look good.
You had K2 1975 as here in Sweden.
The 4-1 look really heavy. If you will continue with 4-1, Delkevic sell a slimmer version in stainless steel for not that much.

I should go for the slimmer pipe but taste differs.
https://delkevic.co.uk/s/Honda/CB750K/1975

Slimmer
https://delkevic.co.uk/Honda/CB750K/1975/honda-cb750k-sohc-1969-1976-full-4-1-stainless-steel-exhaust-classic-straight.html?search=
« Last Edit: May 03, 2021, 03:40:51 AM by PeWe »
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline NickW

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Re: Fixing a '75 k2
« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2021, 05:59:20 AM »
That bike look good.
You had K2 1975 as here in Sweden.
The 4-1 look really heavy. If you will continue with 4-1, Delkevic sell a slimmer version in stainless steel for not that much.

I should go for the slimmer pipe but taste differs.
https://delkevic.co.uk/s/Honda/CB750K/1975

Slimmer
https://delkevic.co.uk/Honda/CB750K/1975/honda-cb750k-sohc-1969-1976-full-4-1-stainless-steel-exhaust-classic-straight.html?search=

Thank you. I had a Delkevic on a cb400, loved the sound indeed. But with this one I am going back to stock, have an original HM341 4 into 4 which just needed some holes to be filled. Should be done in 2 weeks, so then I can mount them and get rid of the Marshall. This one does sound really good though, but it is a bit big indeed and it is a very low pipe, so when I unloaded the bike off the trailer it already scraped..
'75 Cb750 k2
'76 GL1000 Ltd
'78 Cb550f
'79 Cb400f
'79 Cbx1000

Offline PeWe

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Re: Fixing a '75 k2
« Reply #5 on: May 03, 2021, 06:23:03 AM »
4-4 will look even better on that bike!
Making the bike to look and sound great again!

Strange, removing 4-4 and adding a 4+1 was the first thing I did on my K6 for many years ago.
Stock sucked back then, exhaust, paint and other things.
Now the other way which is understandable.

I have paid some to get it back!
I think the stock had  to be replaced anyway due to use, wear and long time parked.
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline NickW

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Re: Fixing a '75 k2
« Reply #6 on: May 09, 2021, 11:49:45 AM »
It's a small difference but not less important, got the package from CMSNL with the rubbers and some bolts to mount the rear blinkers.


Couldn't resist to but the 2 750's in front of each other. Really can't wait for the 4 into 4 to arrive, then it is pretty much done. I still need to replace the head bearing and the rev counter needs to be rebuilt, but that is planned for next week.
'75 Cb750 k2
'76 GL1000 Ltd
'78 Cb550f
'79 Cb400f
'79 Cbx1000

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: Fixing a '75 k2
« Reply #7 on: May 09, 2021, 11:55:09 AM »
Looking excellent! Nice find.

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Fixing a '75 k2
« Reply #8 on: May 09, 2021, 04:21:43 PM »
Nice twins
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"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)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline NickW

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Re: Transforming a '75 k2
« Reply #9 on: May 18, 2021, 11:35:08 AM »
Thank you!

I got it back today with new tires and a new head steering bearing, now it rides like a charm and feels as it should.
Unfortunately I did get some rain on the way back but that will keep me busy with cleaning again until new parts arrive.


I should get my exhausts back next Friday so that will be a nice perspective for the weekend.
« Last Edit: May 18, 2021, 11:54:04 AM by NickW »
'75 Cb750 k2
'76 GL1000 Ltd
'78 Cb550f
'79 Cb400f
'79 Cbx1000

Offline NickW

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Re: Transforming a '75 k2
« Reply #10 on: May 21, 2021, 04:24:45 AM »
Got the word from the welder; the old exhausts were totally rusted out from the inside. As soon as he tried to weld something the seam would pop open and that would get way too much work to repair those. Ended up buying a new pair of exhausts, and man they look amazing!
The bike is now finished, will probably go for sale in a couple of days after some nice trips.


The twins together, they do look nice together..

'75 Cb750 k2
'76 GL1000 Ltd
'78 Cb550f
'79 Cb400f
'79 Cbx1000

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Finished the transformation of a k2
« Reply #11 on: May 21, 2021, 07:44:31 PM »
I'd nominate it for BOTM but I can't tell which one is which!
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"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)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline StockRider

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Re: Finished the transformation of a k2
« Reply #12 on: May 21, 2021, 08:13:43 PM »
I'd nominate it for BOTM but I can't tell which one is which!

+1, Beautiful bikes. I had to zoom in and look at master cylinders, kick rubber, and the patina on the tank to figure out which was which.
'70 CB750K0 - "Truck" | 4x4 | 4 Cables/4 Carbs/4 Cyls/4 Pipes | PO: "Old J.O.", a.k.a. Dad, Ride Free Brother!

Offline NickW

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Re: Finished the transformation of a k2
« Reply #13 on: May 21, 2021, 11:43:30 PM »
Thank you very much! I would be honored to be nominated haha.
They do look very similar, even I have to double check to see which one is which.

A before and after of the bike.

'75 Cb750 k2
'76 GL1000 Ltd
'78 Cb550f
'79 Cb400f
'79 Cbx1000

Offline PeWe

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Re: Finished the transformation of a k2
« Reply #14 on: May 22, 2021, 12:11:12 AM »
Another saved bike! +++ ;D
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Finished the transformation of a k2
« Reply #15 on: May 30, 2021, 06:56:48 PM »
Anyone want to second my nomination for Bike of the Month?   http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180400.0.html
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"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)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline PeWe

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Re: Finished the transformation of a k2
« Reply #16 on: May 30, 2021, 11:34:31 PM »
I second that bike!
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline Don R

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Re: Finished the transformation of a k2
« Reply #17 on: May 31, 2021, 09:35:52 AM »
 Very nice, it's fun to find one with good bones, just needing a few parts replaced or cleaned up.
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
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Offline NickW

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Re: Finished the transformation of a k2
« Reply #18 on: June 02, 2021, 03:59:57 AM »
Thank you all for the kind words, I am very pleased with the result as well. Now it's time to take it for a spin and enjoy it. My dad really likes this one as well, so it's fun to go out with 2 gold 750's every now and then.
'75 Cb750 k2
'76 GL1000 Ltd
'78 Cb550f
'79 Cb400f
'79 Cbx1000

Offline MauiK3

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Re: Finished the transformation of a k2
« Reply #19 on: June 02, 2021, 09:02:50 AM »
One nice touch is on the side covers, I like the new 750 Four K1 style letters better than the later version with the large background.
1973 CB 750 K3
10/72 build Z1 Kawasaki

Offline HondaMan

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Re: Finished the transformation of a k2
« Reply #20 on: June 12, 2021, 07:20:02 PM »
One nice touch is on the side covers, I like the new 750 Four K1 style letters better than the later version with the large background.

Me, too!
Those are 2 great-looking bikes! It's amazing you could get another K2 seat: they were the best of all of them, IMHO. The scooped-in, bead-lined side cuts for the thighs makes  it 'feel' slimmer when standing over it, yet perfectly supports the backside for 1000-mile days. :)
See SOHC4shop@gmail.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

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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 PeWe

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Re: Finished the transformation of a k2
« Reply #21 on: June 13, 2021, 02:27:38 AM »
OK, K2 seat to look for then ;)
My aftermarket K2 seat not the most comfortable, but not much different than my "squary" profile NOS K6 seat.

I knew K2 seat had a special design how the upper part met the sides. The rounded shape is important for the feeling, not only look.
« Last Edit: June 14, 2021, 01:52:50 AM by PeWe »
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline MauiK3

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Re: Finished the transformation of a k2
« Reply #22 on: June 13, 2021, 08:37:14 AM »
I put a Yamiya cut down K2 style seat on mine. The lowered rider position is better for my shortish legs. My old butt doesn't have 1000 mile days in it any more.
I once rode San Francisco to Seattle in one continuous run. It was fun but I know I could not do it now.
1973 CB 750 K3
10/72 build Z1 Kawasaki

Offline NickW

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Re: Finished the transformation of a k2
« Reply #23 on: June 13, 2021, 02:43:42 PM »
It's amazing you could get another K2 seat:

That was indeed very lucky, I just bought a new seat for the other one because the seat could be in better shape (the chrome of the strap was a bit meh and the cover was getting a bit dry and rough).. I am a bit picky sometimes I know.
But I bought a very nice looking one, almost NOS from Germany before I had the second K2. I wanted to sell my own seat, but before I made the advertisement I ran into the other k2 so that was a bit of luck. If I would have ran in to it a week later I probably would have sold my old seat already.

Sometimes a bit of luck is all you need.
'75 Cb750 k2
'76 GL1000 Ltd
'78 Cb550f
'79 Cb400f
'79 Cbx1000

Offline NickW

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Re: Finished the transformation of a k2
« Reply #24 on: June 18, 2021, 04:22:53 AM »
Completely forgot to add these pictures, some more of the finished bike and one nice pic of the bike in the city centre of Ghent (Belgium)






'75 Cb750 k2
'76 GL1000 Ltd
'78 Cb550f
'79 Cb400f
'79 Cbx1000