Topic: My K8 re-conditioning

[denward17]

650 mile update:

Bike is running good, my first 7-8K RPM (3rd gear) experience this morning, pulled strong.

I've been slowly adjusting the idle mixture screws (backing out) trying to get the lean-ness out while just barely on the throttle.  My latest adjustment this morning appears to have helped with tip-in.  That's what I call it anyway; when you are making a turn at an intersection, drop down to either 2nd gear (or 1st) and very slowly ease into the throttle.

Screws are approximately 1 7/8 to 2 turns out.

[BenelliSEI]

Sounds good and nice to hear all your efforts have been rewarded. Congrats on a really good job!

[grcamna2]

Your bike looks Very nice 

[MRieck]

650 mile update:

Bike is running good, my first 7-8K RPM (3rd gear) experience this morning, pulled strong.

I've been slowly adjusting the idle mixture screws (backing out) trying to get the lean-ness out while just barely on the throttle.  My latest adjustment this morning appears to have helped with tip-in.  That's what I call it anyway; when you are making a turn at an intersection, drop down to either 2nd gear (or 1st) and very slowly ease into the throttle.

Screws are approximately 1 7/8 to 2 turns out.

It should pull strong.

[denward17]

I made the mistake of creating and updating a spreadsheet with all the costs I incurred while re-conditioning this bike, boy was I surprised.

I had 2 columns, one directly related to parts and machine services, one for cleaning supplies/a few different tools I needed (ultrasonic cleaner, sand paper, etc.)

Both columns added together was a shocker.....but if I do another bike, at least I have the tools needed and shouldn't need to spend much in that area.

And yes, I have way more in it than what it is worth, but it gave me something to do after retirement and I can't put a cost on how much enjoyment I received from working on it. 

And the best part, I now have a nice bike to ride.

[PeWe]

Same with my 2 CB750's.
I'll never get my money back what spent on restore.

Especially  my blue K6. Only the engine cost like a good bike.
But I have no regrets.
Maybe I can get most back if I sell my brown K2.

Despite it was a part bike. Started with empty cases, my K6 old crank with rods and a frame with tank I found nearby.
Then new parts, old parts from friend, eBay, Yamiya etc.

I have a new CB750 project. 890cc is the plan.

[BenelliSEI]

You have the satisfaction of knowing your machine is done “right” and will reward you going forward. Amortized over several years of making you smile, I’d say it’s priceless! Ultimately it’s probably less than the depreciation of a new car, on day one…..

[Stev-o]

I made the mistake of creating and updating a spreadsheet with all the costs I incurred while re-conditioning this bike

Big mistake!   
Personally, I would never do that, if the wife got a glimpse of it she would flip! 

[denward17]

I made the mistake of creating and updating a spreadsheet with all the costs I incurred while re-conditioning this bike

Big mistake!   
Personally, I would never do that, if the wife got a glimpse of it she would flip!

LOL, I know what you mean....

[denward17]

About 850 miles since completing.....still running great.

The last 2-3 rides, I started noticing that the push button start sometimes would not work, but I would hear a click.

I took off the starter solenoid, took it apart and cleaned the copper contacts. (Forgot to get a picture of that).

After a few tests, it still would on occasion not crank the engine, so I took the start button switch apart.  I wanted to try to repair, but after fusing with it for about an hour, decided to just order a new one.

It was really nasty inside, I then cleaned and was guessing at how the little parts went back in.

I assumed the little copper sliders fitted lengthwise with the small hard fiber separator in between.  I tried multiple times to fit back together, but the springs kept either popping out or moving the fiber separator away from the copper sliders.

Pic of affected part.

[BenelliSEI]

I’ve repaired a few of the early switches but that one defeated me. Like you I just ordered a replacement!

[denward17]

New start button switch was installed today, still having intermittent starting issues.

I have ordered a new starter solenoid, and hopefully that fixes the issue.

[grcamna2]

New start button switch was installed today, still having intermittent starting issues.

I have ordered a new starter solenoid, and hopefully that fixes the issue.

I hope the switch is properly Grounding to complete the connection to the start button.

[denward17]

New start button switch was installed today, still having intermittent starting issues.

I have ordered a new starter solenoid, and hopefully that fixes the issue.

I hope the switch is properly Grounding to complete the connection to the start button.

^The ignition switch or the push button switch?

[grcamna2]

New start button switch was installed today, still having intermittent starting issues.

I have ordered a new starter solenoid, and hopefully that fixes the issue.

I hope the switch is properly Grounding to complete the connection to the start button.

^The ignition switch or the push button switch?

I handlebar switch.

[denward17]

Received the starter solenoid today and got it installed.  I started the bike about 8-10 times and it hit every time.
I guess I can assume this was the cause of my issues.

Went for about a 30 mile ride, beautiful weather in N Carolina today, about 75 degrees.

[newday777]

Received the starter solenoid today and got it installed.  I started the bike about 8-10 times and it hit every time.
I guess I can assume this was the cause of my issues.

Went for about a 30 mile ride, beautiful weather in N Carolina today, about 75 degrees.

Good to hear you got it sorted.
I went out for a few miles today up here in NH. Crisp fall day @ 60°.

[BenelliSEI]

Nice fix! We got out today, crisper here, closer to 50f!

[grcamna2]

Received the starter solenoid today and got it installed.  I started the bike about 8-10 times and it hit every time.
I guess I can assume this was the cause of my issues.

Went for about a 30 mile ride, beautiful weather in N Carolina today, about 75 degrees.

Good to hear you got it sorted.
I went out for a few miles today up here in NH. Crisp fall day @ 60°.

Looking Great Stu 

[RAFster122s]

Gorgeous shot Stu, time to get out and enjoy it now while it is there before the gray clouds and dreary winter set in for the long dull winter. It was that way when I lived in Ohio, what a depressing place it was.

[newday777]

Thanks guys. It's still rideable here hopefully for another month.....

[denward17]

Put a few miles on today, beautiful weather, about 71 degrees F.

970 miles since rebuilding top end, so far, no leaks, no smoke and no oil burning.

Running great!

A guy on a Harley pulled up beside me at a stoplight today, he couldn't believe how clean the bike is, said he was very impressed and loved the older bikes.

[BenelliSEI]

It does look great and runs even better! Well done.

[grcamna2]

It does look great and runs even better! Well done.

Yeah !  The bike is looking real good denward17 

[denward17]

^Thanks Guys.....