Topic: I’m an Idiot

[BenelliSEI]

Got a call from an old acquaintance yesterday. His cousin is not well, but determined to get rid of his too heavy Harley and get back on his “first bike”. The two of them found a 1974 YamahaTX750 somewhere. “Was in regular use, stored correctly for the past 10 years….. Would I help get it back on the road?”.

They trailered it over today. Last plate renewal was +20 years ago. Tank is rusty and smells like a science experiment gone bad, 1/4 full of old gas. The master cylinder is covered in “moss”. Wiring is cobbled up and crispy. Tires are rotten. Air filter disintegrated. Front brake pad is gooey, fuel lines rock hard. For what he paid, he could have bought a nice, lightweight, modern motorcycle…….. Why do I never learn!

[Mark1976]

   That's a Yamaha.

[BenelliSEI]

   That's a Yamaha.

Oops! Frustrated. Corrected it.

[Stev-o]

   That's a Yamaha.

And not a good one.   Good luck...

[BenelliSEI]

   That's a Yamaha.

And not a good one.   Good luck...

Like I said, I’m an idiot.

[CycleRanger]

Well, by 1974 most of the worst problems were fixed. 

Good luck finding parts.

Too bad Yamaha failed with those, they were pretty good looking bikes.

[Mark1976]

   That's a Yamaha.

And not a good one.   Good luck...

That's a huge understatement...
Whew!!!

[ekpent]

Unfortunately considered by some to be one of the worst models Yamaha ever built. Your just an unlucky friend who gets to work on it.  Like I say to my wife a lot " how do I get myself involved in these things" 
   Too bad he didn't score a nice 650 twin instead.

[BenelliSEI]

Unfortunately considered by some to be one of the worst models Yamaha ever built. Your just an unlucky friend who gets to work on it.  Like I say to my wife a lot " how do I get myself involved in these things" 
   Too bad he didn't score a nice 650 twin instead.

One day I’ll learn how to say “No”.

[RAFster122s]

Go shopping for parts you will likely need to get it back in shape. If you can source them...if you cannot, then that's your out.
Total up the consumables tires, battery, oil, tank lining, carb gaskets, brake hoses and lines, caliper rebuild kits, steering bearings, etc...
It will not be a small number

Some bikes no longer have a source for new air filters!

[BenelliSEI]

Go shopping for parts you will likely need to get it back in shape. If you can source them...if you cannot, then that's your out.
Total up the consumables tires, battery, oil, tank lining, carb gaskets, brake hoses and lines, caliper rebuild kits, steering bearings, etc...
It will not be a small number

Some bikes no longer have a source for new air filters!

Stuffed a battery in it and the starter clutch is gone. One muffler was zip tied on so I quickly made a bracket. Looked at the other side (which has a bracket) and suddenly realized it’s bolted to a bracket for the chain guard, on the swing arm! It has a healthy spark so pulled the drain plugs and flushed the float bowls…… closed up and switched on the fuel(clean, remote tank). Coming out of everywhere. Tried to kick start and it is a beast. One back fire and I quit. Ed is 140 lbs. and not well. Will have to see if there are parts for a starter clutch……. And yes the air filter is rotten. It’s a metal frame and screens, so “rebuildable”. Frankly, this thing is not worth the hassle.

[grcamna2]

John,I believe there's a forum for the TX750's. I think it's challenging with the starter and balance chains.

 I purchased a blue 74' Yam. TX500A with the two-piece cylinder head with 16,000 miles and I got the OEM service manual and did all the necessary maintenance to it;it ran very well and I put on over 8000 miles,rode to FL. and back,etc.

Many folks like to treat old Japanese motorcycles like crap and over time they break;some models can put-up with abuse very stoutly. The TX750 isn't able to take the punishment without plenty of maintenance.

[MauiK3]

Wait, I think I missed something, that candy b/g GL 1000 is yours?
And yes, some bikes are cursed to a life of hell.

[MauiK3]

And you are a saint for trying to help with a “ran when parked” mess

[grcamna2]

And you are a saint for trying to help with a “ran when parked” mess

Yes Sir 

[jaytee-nz]

I restored a TX750 many years ago and these bikes definitely do have some issues, one of them being the starter clutch. I replaced mine with a Kawasaki Z (KZ to you) 550 one from memory. It was a straight fit. If you go to the TX forum (which is pretty crappy) you should find an old post of mine that will confirm the Kawasaki model.
You do need patience with these things but once running they are nice to ride.

[BenelliSEI]

Wait, I think I missed something, that candy b/g GL 1000 is yours?
And yes, some bikes are cursed to a life of hell.

The GL1000 belongs to my shop mate Gary. We spent a winter restoring it a few years ago, including a starter clutch! He keeps it at my farm, so I do ride it occasionally. Lovely machine.

[denward17]

Whoo Hooo! another winter project....   

Good Luck John.

[HondaMan]

Maybe some help?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/115650277970?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=115650277970&targetid=1645685074488&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9028776&poi=&campaignid=20379420840&mkgroupid=153074405882&rlsatarget=pla-1645685074488&abcId=9316476&merchantid=101673795&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2bnt9dW8gAMVDQKtBh2BWwpHEAQYASABEgIxO_D_BwE

[MauiK3]

Two beautiful bikes!

[grcamna2]

Maybe some help?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/115650277970?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=115650277970&targetid=1645685074488&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9028776&poi=&campaignid=20379420840&mkgroupid=153074405882&rlsatarget=pla-1645685074488&abcId=9316476&merchantid=101673795&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2bnt9dW8gAMVDQKtBh2BWwpHEAQYASABEgIxO_D_BwE

I wouldn't do the 'unknown Ebay engine'.  Better off working with what he has,then purchase separate/used parts on Ebay if needed.

[BenelliSEI]

The “cousins” came by today. They will order a starter clutch and I will pull and inspect/clean the carbs. We agreed that if I can get it running, they will do the rest….

This is the last time I do work for “others” and neglect my projects….. Hopefully!

[grcamna2]

Ohh    I understand.

[jgger]

The “cousins” came by today. They will order a starter clutch and I will pull and inspect/clean the carbs. We agreed that if I can get it running, they will do the rest….

This is the last time I do work for “others” and neglect my projects….. Hopefully!

Suuuuuuuuuur it is! 🙈🙉🙊  Done there, been that!

[craz1]

Most of the time when you are working on someones bike they are to cheap to replace what is needed which usually is pretty much everything. So I have learned to say pretty much no. The TX750 would have been NOOOOO!. Anything can be done with time and money. I have been fortunate to rebuild 3 Z1900;s 2 73's and a 75 for a friend who is not afraid to buy and correct what's needed including paying me a pretty good amount for the labor. I do quite a bit of things for friends at no cost,

So my hats off to you for digging into the TX750. I recently restored a 82 XJ750 which I picked up on a whim and it was a challenge for some parts.