Author Topic: New (for me) '77 CB750  (Read 1220 times)

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Offline SantaFeHonda

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New (for me) '77 CB750
« on: August 23, 2024, 12:29:29 PM »
I just took possession of a beautiful 1977 CB750. It came from Washington state (elevation 7 ft.) and now is in Santa Fe NM (elevation 7000 ft.). What adjustments will be needed to maintain best performance?   

Offline denward17

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #1 on: August 23, 2024, 02:13:54 PM »
Welcome to the forum SanteFe, can't really help with the question but others will be here shortly.

Offline newday777

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #2 on: August 23, 2024, 02:28:13 PM »
Welcome aboard the forum SantaFeHonda

Determining that will take a lot more information.
Smaller main jets, but that will depend on what exhaust, if stock motor or built motor with??? And it will be determined by the plugs burning color. Carb condition(how clean they are and what jets are in it, Keihin brass in it still? What notch the needle is set at) and so on. There isn't a magic formula.
Back in the 70s when I toured across the country from NH (100' ASL)on my K6 I carried 4 set of jets with me to change out and do plug chops as I gained altitude to get it dialed in.
Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 2 K4, 2 K6, 1 K8
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and have missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A

Offline newday777

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #3 on: August 23, 2024, 02:29:56 PM »
Plug colors to read how the carbs are carbing.......
Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 2 K4, 2 K6, 1 K8
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and have missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A

Offline rotortiller

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #4 on: August 23, 2024, 02:34:41 PM »
It will likely be fine, like lawnmowers and cars they shipped those bikes everywhere with the same jetting. If it throttles fine with no flat spots do not worry about it.

Online beemerbum

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #5 on: August 23, 2024, 05:16:55 PM »
Send pictures. There is a select group here who fully appreciate the '77 and '78 CB 750's as the ultimate expression of the SOHC 750

Online scottly

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2024, 07:06:30 PM »
Contrary to popular belief, there is no amount of re-jetting that will compensate for the reduced atmospheric pressure as you go up in altitude; you lose 3-4% horsepower for every 1000 feet above sea level. Since a carburetor meters fuel based on the mass of the air flowing through it, and the air has less mass as you go up, it can compensate somewhat, so it can allow the engine to operate over a wide range of elevations without changes. I've ridden from sea level in CA to 11,000' in CO and back again, and never bothered with jet changes, and my riding companions didn't either. ;)
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
Helmets save brains. Always wear one and ride like everyone is trying to kill you....

Offline SantaFeHonda

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #7 on: August 24, 2024, 04:36:16 PM »
I'll ride for a week or two and check the plugs. Until then, thanks everyone, and this is a photo.

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #8 on: August 24, 2024, 04:52:11 PM »
The β€˜77/β€˜78 SOHC cb750K are hugely underrated. Great value and great ride. Enjoy!

Online scottly

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #9 on: August 24, 2024, 06:42:34 PM »
There are a few things that are not from a K7 on your bike: the exhaust, the gas tank, and the carbs are from an earlier bike. Some would consider them an improvement. ;D
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
Helmets save brains. Always wear one and ride like everyone is trying to kill you....

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #10 on: August 24, 2024, 07:02:58 PM »
There are a few things that are not from a K7 on your bike: the exhaust, the gas tank, and the carbs are from an earlier bike. Some would consider them an improvement. ;D

Front end looks like K6.

Online scottly

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #11 on: August 24, 2024, 07:19:45 PM »
I noticed the fork lowers looked shorter than a K7, but not sure if there were any differences between K3-K6? A pic of the other side would show if it has the K7 smooth brake caliper or the earlier finned caliper. Either way, it makes little difference, except to the purist types.
SanteFe, I don't mean to pick your bike apart, I think it's a good looking bike and an improvement over a stock K7. ;D
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
Helmets save brains. Always wear one and ride like everyone is trying to kill you....

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #12 on: August 24, 2024, 08:35:21 PM »
I like it too!  Nice mix.

Offline M 750K6

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #13 on: August 25, 2024, 12:22:20 AM »
My K6 was first sold and registered in 1977. Wonder if yours is the same? What is your engine / chassis no.?

Offline rotortiller

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #14 on: August 25, 2024, 05:26:48 AM »
Look at the rear foot pegs and rear exhaust support, hidden oil tank cap kinda tells the story. K7, it's been Franken'd lol.  Nicely done and looks good.

Offline MauiK3

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #15 on: August 25, 2024, 07:42:08 AM »
Looks great
Might have some Yamiya parts on it to get the look.
1973 CB 750 K3
10/72 build Z1 Kawasaki

Offline SantaFeHonda

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #16 on: August 26, 2024, 09:16:49 AM »
I started looking closer after reading the posts. This is what I found. The engine # is CB750E-2434845.  The # on the pipes is HMCB750SLHM 431. The carbs are marked KEI HIN. Also, here's aphoto from the other side showing the front brake. I'm not much of a mechanic or a purist, but I do like to ride, and this thing hums.
« Last Edit: August 26, 2024, 09:21:14 AM by SantaFeHonda »

Online scottly

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #17 on: August 26, 2024, 09:38:26 AM »
The front caliper is from a '73-'76, which uses a 38mm piston, compared to the K7 which uses a 42.8mm piston. The brake pads are also different between the two versions.
The engine looks to be a K6.
What is the frame # on the side of the steering head?
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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #18 on: August 26, 2024, 09:51:16 AM »
This is what a K7 exhaust pipe looks like:
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
Helmets save brains. Always wear one and ride like everyone is trying to kill you....

Offline SantaFeHonda

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #19 on: August 26, 2024, 10:04:30 AM »
The best I can tell the frame # is CB750K-2710043

Offline rocket johnny

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #20 on: August 26, 2024, 10:07:13 AM »
if it looks good  ( and i think it does )   runs and rides good ,,   ride the hell out of it and have fun ! 

Offline HondaMan

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #21 on: August 26, 2024, 10:15:03 AM »
That's a well-done blend of the K6 and K7! You have the better parts of both bikes as far as maintenance is concerned (and easier tuning if needed).

I like at 6000 feet, In Colorado. I can say this for the area where you live: the gasolines have been adjusted in their burn rates for the altitude where you live, within 2500 feet or so. This usually means you won't have to be concerned with 'tuning for altitude' unless you're looking for every last HP. Largely, you won't need to do anything. If the sparkplugs tend to get dark and foul, use less octane: originally the K7 Owner's Manual told you to use Premium grade, but today's fuels burn much too slowly for that to work now. So, for dark plugs, go toward Regular grade instead. Also add a couple of ounces of oil (any oil will do) to the gas tank at fillups, because our gas is now very 'dry' compared to the 1970s, so it ends to wear the top-end parts like valves guides and piston rings faster than normal.

For example: for around-town and freeway use, I run Regular grade. If I'm heading out onto the interstate for 100+ mile ride, I'll use Midgrade. If I head downhill toward Missouri or places South (TX, etc.) at low altitudes, I'll use Premium every-other tank, Midgrade the other. This keeps the sparkplugs cleaner longer and cools the engine and pipes better by burning the fuel more.
See SOHC4shop@gmail.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

The demons are repulsed when a man does good. Use that.
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.
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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

Online scottly

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #22 on: August 26, 2024, 10:18:28 AM »
The best I can tell the frame # is CB750K-2710043
That's a K7 frame.
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
Helmets save brains. Always wear one and ride like everyone is trying to kill you....

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #23 on: August 26, 2024, 12:10:50 PM »
The best I can tell the frame # is CB750K-2710043
That's a K7 frame.

yeah, and a K6 engine.  I think I see K7 17" back wheel, but what swingarm was used and is the sprocket carrier been swapped?...curious about the 10mm chain alignment difference between K6 and K7
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline rotortiller

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #24 on: August 26, 2024, 12:20:13 PM »
Quote
curious about the 10mm chain alignment difference between K6 and K7

Being that it has been Franken'd a bit it would be wise to see if it's been converted properly at the arse end and make adjustments if needed. Minor 5hit to deal with especially since the sucker certainly looks so very nice.
« Last Edit: August 27, 2024, 05:53:55 AM by rotortiller »

Online scottly

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #25 on: August 26, 2024, 12:20:42 PM »
Also, the K7 used a 630 chain vs 530 for the K6. There are front sprockets with 10mm offset for fitting an early engine in a late frame.
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
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Offline SantaFeHonda

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #26 on: August 26, 2024, 04:13:16 PM »
rotortiller, What would I be looking for?

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #27 on: August 26, 2024, 06:24:39 PM »
rotortiller, What would I be looking for?

With the 17” you likely have the correct rear hub (where the sprocket is mounted). Stand behind the bike and sight down the chain. Do the two sprockets and chain line up and is that line parallel to your direction of travel? Your bike looks very sanitary. I suspect it’s done right.

Online scottly

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #28 on: August 26, 2024, 08:18:38 PM »
The K7 sprocket carrier mounts the rear sprocket 10mm outboard, to match the 10mm offset in the front. A pre-K7 carrier can be installed on the K7 rear wheel to correct the alignment, or an offset front sprocket can be installed on the early engine with the K7 rear sprocket carrier. Six of one, half a dozen of the other. ;)

If the alignment is off, there may be more wear on one side of the rear sprocket than the other.

To check if the chain is 530 or 630, measure the center-to-center distance of the pins in the chain: a 530 chain has the pins 5/8" apart, while a 630 chain has 6/8", or 3/4" apart.
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
Helmets save brains. Always wear one and ride like everyone is trying to kill you....

Offline SantaFeHonda

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #29 on: August 26, 2024, 08:41:12 PM »
rotortiller, What should I look for?

Offline rotortiller

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #30 on: August 27, 2024, 03:00:14 AM »
I would look to make sure the chain is not canted. It should be running 90 degrees to the axle and 90 degrees to the sprocket shaft on the engine. Your eyeball will see if it's off, best to take the chain guard and engine sprocket cover off when sighting on the center stand. The engine cover may need some fiddle farting to get out of position after the screws are removed. First pic is the K7 sprocket attachment by center bolt, second pic is how to view for a correct straight chain run.
« Last Edit: August 27, 2024, 05:57:06 AM by rotortiller »

Offline Stev-o

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Re: New (for me) '77 CB750
« Reply #31 on: August 27, 2024, 07:50:55 AM »
if it looks good  ( and i think it does )   runs and rides good ,,   ride the hell out of it and have fun ! 

+1. Ride it!

I've been to Santa Fe several times, what a great City!  Interesting history [was part of Mexico back in the early 1800's] and great architecture [adobe].  Ski Santa Fe is a nice but small resort, taught my daughter how to snowboard there. 
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........