Topic: Am I in over my head?

[starion88esir]

So I bought the 76 CB750. It needs work, more so than I was told, but hey, I expected that. But I'm having other issues with my bike:

I'm only 5'7, 140lbs and this thing is a #$%* to move! I don't know if it's due to the slight brake grab or what?

I'm to small and to weak to get this thing on the center stand.

I can't comfortably sit on the bike. Now for me, comfortably means I can get my feet flat on the ground so in the event of anything I'm not tip toe-ing it; which is the current state. My original plan was to lower the bike by lacing up some 16" rims to the stock hubs front and rear (I also like the look of smaller rims) as well as installing shorter shocks in the rear  and if necessary sliding the triple tree down a little. Wehn I was out looking at the bike today it looked as if the rear wheel might not work at 16" due to the rear brake. 

My GL1000 is heavier and a good bit easier to move.  Even the ride height was more comfortable.

Should I just turn around and sell this one and look for a smaller bike again (had zero luck before) or just give up and go back to settling (and that's exactly what it is) for a sportbike?

Thanks for letting me rant. -Chris

[mlinder]

Lower seat, lower suspension. You'll be fine.
If you don't have the centerstand grab bar, getting it on the centerstand can be a total #$%*.
I stopped trying. Takes two people without it.

[kghost]

I've never laced a 16 incher to the rear hub but lots of other people here have.

Another direction and less work is 11" shocks instead of the 13". Then push the forks up in the triple trees in the front.

The GL100 (I have two) has a lower center of gravity and appears less top heavy. Its heavier most definitely but the couple inches left and right of straight up makes it seem easier.

Getting the bike on the center stand is all technique and has little to do with overall strength.

I'd keep learning and moding till you like it.

[nickjtc]

That's not a rant Chris, just sensible questions.

If you found the GL1000 easier to move around than this one there might well be something sticking. If you can get the bike on the centrestand you can tell immediately if the front brake is binding (which is a common issue with early Honda disc brakes).

As far as getting the bike on the centrestand, that is down to technique more than anything. I have worked with students who are slighter than you who, once they got the knack, had no problem putting a bike on the stand. Remember that the technique is all about leverage: face the bike, put the ball of your right foot on the centrestand tang, hold things in a staight line by putting your left hand on the left handlebar grip, grab the frame under the side of the seat with your right hand, put all your weight on your right foot as you lever the bike backwards. You should not have to lift the whole weight of the bike!

With experience/confidence it should not be necessary to have both feet flat on the ground. If this is a case of gaining that confidence then I would shelve the 750 and get a smaller bike until you have built up that confidence. Remember that if you make significant changes to the bike to lower it you will compromise ride quality and ground clearnace....... if you have been riding a GL100 with no problem then you are well on your way to CB750 nirvana!

[upperlake04]

Don't overlook the option of footgear with thicker soles. Here's a pair of Californian (oops, forgot MrB lives there ) West Virginian riding boots

[gerhed]

I'd toss the center stand.
Cafe'd seat thickness could be as little as an inch.
Just drop the shocks a notch or two -
You should be fine.
The bike does weigh 500 pounds, though.
If the brake is grabbing--a definite killer to move.

gerhed

[Uncle Ernie]

Make sure you have enough air in the tires.  I had a bike I had to whack the front brake with a 2x4 before starting out for the day.
Those things are pigs.  I have a hard time getting my etherial diminutive itty-bitty 400 up on the stand without the grab handle (I forgot to put it back on before intalling the turn signals- too late now!).  As you hang around longer, you'll notice that the really intelligent and good looking folks have the 400s. Maybe it's not too late for you?

[TwoTired]

I'm only 5'7, 140lbs and this thing is a #$%* to move! I don't know if it's due to the slight brake grab or what?

Disk brakes can easily add horendous drag of not in proper working order.  They can be rebuilt.

I'm to small and to weak to get this thing on the center stand.

You are probably doing it wrong.  But, there are a couple things that will make it easier.
1) roll the rear tire onto a 1 inch thick (or more) board before the practice atempt.
2) Although the bike will move rearward during the maneuver due to the mechanics of the centerstand, you do NOT need to provide any of your energy for rearward movement of the bike.
3) balance bike upright, lower centerstand to make ground contact on both feet.  Right foot with hard soles on center stand lever, right hand on frame or grab bar on bike where you can keep your back straight up and hopefully your right arm straight, too.  Use your right leg to push down on the center stand lever and lift your shoulders up with the bike while your right arm is straight down holding the bike frame or grab bar.  If you have arm strength to add lift to the bike use it.  But, your right leg muscles are really all that is needed.  The bike will come up and move back onto the centerstand.  And, you'll wonder why you thought it was so difficult.

I can't comfortably sit on the bike. Now for me, comfortably means I can get my feet flat on the ground so in the event of anything I'm not tip toe-ing it; which is the current state. My original plan was to lower the bike by lacing up some 16" rims to the stock hubs front and rear (I also like the look of smaller rims) as well as installing shorter shocks in the rear  and if necessary sliding the triple tree down a little. Wehn I was out looking at the bike today it looked as if the rear wheel might not work at 16" due to the rear brake. 

A motorcycle is such a personal vehicle, one wonders why you would purchase a bike on which you weren't comfortable upon?
You can cut down the seat or replace with one that has less cushion material.
Your can use shorter shocks.
Perhaps a 16 Inch wheel can be laced to your hub.
These will lower your body to the ground and help with your foot to ground contact.
These things will also put bits of bike lower to the ground during leanover in corners.  Some think sparks are cool.
And, unless you shorten the centerstand, too, it will be more of a lift to get it up.

Should I just turn around and sell this one and look for a smaller bike again (had zero luck before) or just give up and go back to settling (and that's exactly what it is) for a sportbike?

The local Honda dealer once told me that a lot of new CB550s were sold to people of smaller stature because they weren't comfortable on the bigger 750.  And, with a 140 lb rider, the 550 would be considerably more agile and nearly as fast as the 750 with a 200 lb. rider.

Cheers,

[Jonesy]

A few things to keep in mind when talking lowering a Cb750 and equipping it with a 16" Rear tire.

Go for the short shocks. The lowering kits made for the stock shocks are not of very good quality these days. If you absolutely must go this route, try to find an older kit. Also, keep in mind there is a depression in the chain guard to clear the shock, and a lowering kit will angle the shock backwards more, causing it to rub on the chainguard.

A 16" tire will work just fine on a CB750. However, that fat tire will likely rub on the chainguard (did on my uncle's bike). You will likely have to "massage" a dished spot into the guard so it will clear the tire.

Mike bike was setup like this when I got it. The chainguard problems were remedied with an aftermarket guard. It worked fine, but sat lower on the swingarm and I got tired of hearing the chain slap it whenever I let off the throttle.

[Chris Schneiter]

You'll get used to the height, and will find ways to do and not do things. My first year, I fell over twice as I stood on the peg to get over the bike...haven't since....my favorite was the time I went to back off a curb, and got half way there and realized that I was waaay off the ground! Had to get my riding buddy to come over and act as training wheels! Can't touch both feet at lights, but I could swear that the bike seems lower now than it was!
I think Honda thought all Americans were John Wayne....not shrimps like us!

[ProTeal55]

An easy solution to the chainguard issue is removing it completely.
I just use a high quality chain wax to avoid a mess (worked well thus far).

11'' short shocks and pushin the tubes thru the top tree is the best way to slam these bikes.
Both my bikes have had this done to them with no issues what so ever..

[mlinder]

It is quite unsafe to be on a bike that you cannot touch the ground on both sides with.
But yeah, getting it lower should be fine.

Or take TT's excellent advice. It's quite valid, as well.

[Bob Wessner]

I only use the center stand on the 750 in the garage and being lazy (why grunt at all) I use TT's #1, a 6-8" length of 2x6 with one end slightly beveled.

[medic09]

You and I are the same size and weight, and have the same bike.

I found it really comfortable only after putting on shorter shocks when the old ones were shot anyway, and a cut down seat.  I still don't get both feet flat at stops, but they hit the ground.  Actually, jokes aside, a slightly thicker boot sole can make a big convenience difference.  I just bought a pair of Ariat work boots, without even thinking about the difference in reaching the ground.  The boot didn't seem much different to me.  On the ride home I noticed the difference at every stop.

The first time I went to put the bike up on the centerstand, it took me, my wife, and daughter to get it up there.  Once I learned the technique as already elucidated above, I had little trouble most of the time.  Some trial and error and practice will help you get it right.

I have a Yamaha that's way smaller/lighter.  The kid I bought it from was bigger than me, yet broke something on the bike struggling to get it on the center stand.  It was all a question of *how*.

Good luck!  Enjoy the bike.

[starion88esir]

Thanks to everyone for all the advice!

I have some big sole boots but there's no way I could ever shift with them. I'd definately need forward controls to ride with them.

Short shocks and 16's will be the route I persue to lower it. Hopefully it won't bring it to close to the ground, and if it does, well, I guess it would be time for custom pipes and a shortened center stand.

Has anyone had any problems putting thier bike on a motorcycle/atv lift? The type that slides under the frame not the type that lifts the whole bike. I know my GL1000 oil pan hangs below the frame , but I don't see any real hang-ups on a 750 except maybe the 4-1.

[Roach Carver]

On the front 16. I thought about this for a bike I was building but when it came down to it I was afraid I would not have clearance between the tire and the caliper. the rear is not a problem though.

[Gordon]

Same height and weight as you and my 750K1 is my daily rider.  I have slightly shorter shocks, by about 1".  One thing that many people don't think about when trying to get your feet on the ground is seat width, rather than height.  A seat that's an inch narrower where your thighs rest will make a much bigger difference than lowering the bike by 1 inch. 

When I first got my bike, it's seat was very firm from age, and it didn't compress at all under my legs, and I had to stand on the balls of my feet.  But when I put a seat on that was in better condition and much softer, I could easily get my heels down flat.   

[starion88esir]

On the front 16. I thought about this for a bike I was building but when it came down to it I was afraid I would not have clearance between the tire and the caliper. the rear is not a problem though.

Was it an F with the rear disc brake?

Gordon - thanks for the tip. I'll definately consider that once I start looking for a new seat. My current seat is like a damn comfy brick. As ugly and firm as it is, it gives just enough to feel good.

[Roach Carver]

Was it an F with the rear disc brake?

73 k model, but the clearance issue in the front should be the same or at least similar