Topic: CB750K4 what did I get myself into?

[BrockCB750]

Haha! I hit a wall... I was getting a bit overwhelmed with my parts list and trying to figure out what to do next. I needed to just brain dump and organize my thoughts and thought I would do it here.

I want to attack it in chunks now. Current goal is to get the frame on wheels and rolling. Surprising amount of choices and work need to get done to even get there.

[Mark1976]

   No really,  I hear ya, completely understand. One thing at a time and what can I afford,  or spend and not be overwhelmed.  Get your frame squared away, painting, fenders and the cosmetics, you'll be surprised by what you'll spend. I really like Buchanan's,  but let me tell ya,  wheels, quality wheels are pricey, look at the alternatives. Pulling the engine together so that it'll look and perform to yours or anybody's satisfaction isn't cheap, especially when you start paying others to do things you not able to perform yourself. I always have to remind myself, "there are no short cuts." Unfortunately the only way to not waste your financial resources is to spend it wisely the first time. Doing things twice is just plain expensive. Take your time, ask plenty of questions, in the long run you'll save time and money. Really great thread so far...

[BenelliSEI]

The best solution for nice (inexpensive) wheels is to buy a truing stand and build your own. My son sand blasted and powder coated a rusty set of rims black (you can do any colour). Spent less than $100 on a set of aftermarket spokes and cleaned/ polished the original hubs. Using my stand, he built a lovely set of rims for a couple of hundred dollars, and learned a new skill! He then mounted and balanced (on the same stand) new tires, saving even more. Watch a few videos and go for it!

[Mark1976]

The best solution for nice (inexpensive) wheels is to buy a truing stand and build your own. My son sand blasted and powder coated a rusty set of rims black (you can do any colour). Spent less than $100 on a set of aftermarket spokes and cleaned/ polished the original hubs. Using my stand, he built a lovely set of rims for a couple of hundred dollars, and learned a new skill! He then mounted and balanced (on the same stand) new tires, saving even more. Watch a few videos and go for it!

Really great advice, The rim and spoke sets (from China)on ebay are by all means a cost effective option, and in today's world the vast majority of people wouldn't know the difference between a re pop wheel set or a set from Buchanan's. I've been building wheels since I was 12, my last set of carbon wheels for my bike (triathlon) cost more than any motorcycle wheels I've ever built, it's not difficult by any means but it's not everyone's cup of tea either. Yet when your done you've learned a skill that very few people would ever attempt to do these days, but that's the purpose of the project in the first place. Doing what few do today, learning by doing....

[BrockCB750]

Waiting to cut/paint the frame is advice I am going to take. Thank you!

I think today I will disassemble the swingarm and the rest of the triple tree and look at what I need to buy to get those rebuilt.

[BrockCB750]

The best solution for nice (inexpensive) wheels is to buy a truing stand and build your own. My son sand blasted and powder coated a rusty set of rims black (you can do any colour). Spent less than $100 on a set of aftermarket spokes and cleaned/ polished the original hubs. Using my stand, he built a lovely set of rims for a couple of hundred dollars, and learned a new skill! He then mounted and balanced (on the same stand) new tires, saving even more. Watch a few videos and go for it!

Really great advice, The rim and spoke sets (from China)on ebay are by all means a cost effective option, and in today's world the vast majority of people wouldn't know the difference between a re pop wheel set or a set from Buchanan's. I've been building wheels since I was 12, my last set of carbon wheels for my bike (triathlon) cost more than any motorcycle wheels I've ever built, it's not difficult by any means but it's not everyone's cup of tea either. Yet when your done you've learned a skill that very few people would ever attempt to do these days, but that's the purpose of the project in the first place. Doing what few do today, learning by doing....

My understanding those Chinese "Rising Sun" wheels and spokes you can get at 4 into 1 (particularly the wheels) were very low quality and not DOT approved. I have read some threads here about some QC issues. QC issues don't bother me, I can send them back. I am concerned about them being dangerous. So I figured another place I didn't want to go cheap was a good set of rims and spokes.

[denward17]

If I recall, I got a front rim and all spokes from vintagecb750.  It was a DID rim, whatever that means, but seems to be pretty good quality, wasn't warped or anything and easy to true up.

[BrockCB750]

If I recall, I got a front rim and all spokes from vintagecb750.  It was a DID rim, whatever that means, but seems to be pretty good quality, wasn't warped or anything and easy to true up.

https://www.vintagecb750.com/products/3/suspension-wheel/132/rims-spokes-wheel-seals-tire-valve-stems

Those look very reasonable. Says they are the same company that made the original OEM rims. I am guessing they are steel instead of alloy but for my purposes I don't care much. I also liked the idea of black rims but for this price I could live with chrome. Thanks!

Also just got back in from the garage. These were a huge pain in the ass to get appart. That rust locked them in good. Also you know how I know my bike sat for 40+ years? haha

[Mark1976]

The best solution for nice (inexpensive) wheels is to buy a truing stand and build your own. My son sand blasted and powder coated a rusty set of rims black (you can do any colour). Spent less than $100 on a set of aftermarket spokes and cleaned/ polished the original hubs. Using my stand, he built a lovely set of rims for a couple of hundred dollars, and learned a new skill! He then mounted and balanced (on the same stand) new tires, saving even more. Watch a few videos and go for it!

Really great advice, The rim and spoke sets (from China)on ebay are by all means a cost effective option, and in today's world the vast majority of people wouldn't know the difference between a re pop wheel set or a set from Buchanan's. I've been building wheels since I was 12, my last set of carbon wheels for my bike (triathlon) cost more than any motorcycle wheels I've ever built, it's not difficult by any means but it's not everyone's cup of tea either. Yet when your done you've learned a skill that very few people would ever attempt to do these days, but that's the purpose of the project in the first place. Doing what few do today, learning by doing....

My understanding those Chinese "Rising Sun" wheels and spokes you can get at 4 into 1 (particularly the wheels) were very low quality and not DOT approved. I have read some threads here about some QC issues. QC issues don't bother me, I can send them back. I am concerned about them being dangerous. So I figured another place I didn't want to go cheap was a good set of rims and spokes.

   Those rims are fine, I've done 2 different pair now, one set on a 76 cb550f I rode for an entire summer before selling it. They're not an Akront or a Borrani or Excels, but at their price point, they're a good alternative. And if your gonna build them yourself,  its a good cost effective place to start.

[BrockCB750]

Nice, I think this is the first instance where I have seen someone who bought a pair and went back and got another. I will do a little more research.

[BrockCB750]

Okay looked at the service manuals and it says to remove the clips and the fork tubes come out.

I am pulling on the fork tubes and they are not sliding out. What am I missing?

[BenelliSEI]

If I recall, I got a front rim and all spokes from vintagecb750.  It was a DID rim, whatever that means, but seems to be pretty good quality, wasn't warped or anything and easy to true up.

I’ve also used them on several bikes. Excellent quality and look great. If you want black rims, have a local powder coater sand blast them smooth and coat them what ever colour you want. Unless the rims are really rotten, they’ll look good.

[70CB750]

What Cal says.  Also lookup your bike on CMSNL for diagrams, very helpful.

[BrockCB750]

Looks like I missed the allen head here. No other fasteners of any kind left... These allen heads are seized in there pretty good. Going to let them soak in PB Blaster for awhile.

[RAFster122s]

If you have an impact gun or impact (screw)driver (hammer style) they are good about breaking free the reluctant fastener.

[BrockCB750]

Yeah have the impact driver, no impact bits for this screw head though. Might try it with a non-impact bit. I will try a little heat later today first. Everything on this bike needs PB Blaster and/or heat and/or impact and/or hammer. haha

Thanks for pointing me to the fastener I was missing.

[RAFster122s]

You realize if you have the right size hex you can cut a section off toake your own bit, then a socket to fit the hex shaft. Typically the screw bit holder pops off to reveal a 1/2 inch drive ...then just pop your socket on and bit in place...

Cheater black pipes can also be used on hex wrenches, but I like impact better as the shock often overcomes any corrosion or bond from dried fluid.

[BrockCB750]

Yep, all those options are on the table. I am in no rush so the plan is to soak, heat and escalate from there.

The fork tubes definitely need to be replaced the rust pitting is deep enough.

I ordered the cheap aluminum 4into1 sun rims as well as tires. They were so inexpensive and with a few people having success I figured they were worth a shot at that price.

Those were the first new parts I have ordered. A lot more coming. The goal this month is to get a rolling frame.

[BenelliSEI]

Get the right bit and an impact gun….. I also suggest you put the spring and cap back on before you hit it. If the inside starts to spin it can make you crazy.

I’ve had a few I actually had to drill the head off, to remove. Fingers crossed.

[newday777]

Yup 6" long 6mm Allen socket driver and a hand impact driver or air impact driver is the way to remove the Allen bolts(be sure you have the springs and top folk tube caps in place to keep pressure on the dampner inside that the Allen bolt screws into)

[BrockCB750]

Well, I don't have the correct tools for the job.

Maybe... maybe this is an excuse to get an air impact... haha.

[Mark1976]

   An air impact is nice, its what we've used for years, but the new battery powered ones are a way better investment. I rarely have to run the air compressor now, which is much better on the power bill. Once in a blue moon do I use air tools, the battery powered ones are just easier.

[seanbarney41]

   An air impact is nice, its what we've used for years, but the new battery powered ones are a way better investment. I rarely have to run the air compressor now, which is much better on the power bill. Once in a blue moon do I use air tools, the battery powered ones are just easier.

for whatever reason, I have found that electric impacts have too much toque and not enough speed, so if you try the electric first, it will usually spin the whole damper rod whether the spring is still installed or not.  Once that damper rod spins, you WILL have to find a mechanical means of holding it.  A small pneumatic impact zaps those allens out every time...but you gotta try it first!

[Kelly E]

Just drill off the heads of the bolts holding the tubes and slides together. The rest of the bolt will come out with your fingers after you pull it apart. They are grade 10.9 not the standard grade 8.8 bolts when you replace them. I can't remember the thread count.

[70CB750]

Just drill off the heads of the bolts holding the tubes and slides together. The rest of the bolt will come out with your fingers after you pull it apart. They are grade 10.9 not the standard grade 8.8 bolts when you replace them. I can't remember the thread count.

The thread should be M8x1.25.