Topic: New Forum Member - Looking at a CB750 - need guidance

[newday777]

Taillight with yellow lens in the side

I was thinking about the different shape and now see the clear lense on the bottom, the yellow reflectors probably is a JDM taillight??

[jlh3rd]

Taillight with yellow lens in the side

I didn't know K3's came with painted headlight buckets and ears, maybe it's a non-US thing.
Welcome aboard!
If you go with this bike, Yamiya in Japan is your closest source of parts, great company.
Get Hondaman's book (on Amazon), a must read, it will save you much headache and money.
If you do this project you will also need a few JIS screwdrivers. The fasteners that look like Phillips head screws actually use a Japan version known as JIS, they are easy to get.

https://www.amazon.com/CB750-book-Hardcover-Mark-Paris/dp/B06Y4LP2WW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=A232QL2HWPEC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QMPq_m8i4r_nHy8HDRLGLg.3CqOG5xVoDmQfQ1vTPmXgsm4SZEVs27urzitRQt6R8E&dib_tag=se&keywords=Mark+Paris+Honda+book&qid=1732200636&sprefix=mark+paris+honda+book%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/VESSEL-GRIPTM-Screwdriver-JISDRIVE-No-550APH4PBU/dp/B0C2JY39MG/ref=sr_1_6?crid=M7HUUR1XKCAL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-hniuCatdxcUBO3-F1OuXPy7jH08atSZl8Lr4fhPvoAIm34zuJYGelkcf91Swc3ZNhJWd6vHd_jFZvmhBrljFN9MQ2ZaGtTq3LvHlaVZ0S37RlyzOGz6toOeP4d0kPGY-Ff_wJHlqpkUxoQRcGwkb3IB1Rm8NLy1YR3Oosmsk8MWVP9_RUCYaZvUp8Aq6SXyqPuWhzNM3uvTNzxAkK5m6O-fKInu5p6gIcgkWONMtbuMqNH-i035US5tkSP4QAvCYFnd1CcKMvZkffbfXDRP6kmBWVubG0FqKkgE1Mdokdk.8AE7_5eNrB9T0ZA4ardf1CXRq0zItbgOSGJ6PEDFEyQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=JIS+tool&qid=1732200688&sprefix=jis+tool%2Caps%2C226&sr=8-6

um....that's a unique taillight lens also....maybe not a K3 ?

I mentioned that earlier....since you have what appears to be a JDM. I don't know of any sources for that tail light
Don't break it.

[kyle750]

Stamping on the exhaust pipes

[jlh3rd]

curious what the frame # and engine #'s are...

[kyle750]

curious what the frame # and engine #'s are...

Both the frame and engine number are later than a K1.  In Thailand it is customary not to disclose vehicle identification numbers. Although I'm not exactly sure why I was told that scammers can use the numbers??

[Don R]

Kyle,

If you don't mind sharing, what is the name of the company from Thailand that you found the mirrors at?

As I live in Thailand and shipping is only $3 via EMS seller offered me a good discount. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265777328077

Please let me know if these are real as I really don't know if they are making fakes with fake stamping??

The Honda replacement mirrors have that stamping, original ones have that stamp and a patent stamp also.

[jlh3rd]

got it....I guess....we post #'s all the time on here,  although some don't list the last 2 or 3 #'s...

you have a JDM so I was curious how those #'s lined up. There's no parts book for your bike it appears.

[jlh3rd]

Kyle,

If you don't mind sharing, what is the name of the company from Thailand that you found the mirrors at?

As I live in Thailand and shipping is only $3 via EMS seller offered me a good discount. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265777328077

Please let me know if these are real as I really don't know if they are making fakes with fake stamping??

The Honda replacement mirrors have that stamping, original ones have that stamp and a patent stamp also.

patent stamp?....picture ?...would that be the "HM"

[kyle750]

Kyle,

If you don't mind sharing, what is the name of the company from Thailand that you found the mirrors at?

As I live in Thailand and shipping is only $3 via EMS seller offered me a good discount. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265777328077

Please let me know if these are real as I really don't know if they are making fakes with fake stamping??

The Honda replacement mirrors have that stamping, original ones have that stamp and a patent stamp also.

Thank You.  Shipping in Thailand is Super Fast.  I should have the mirrors delivered in the next few days.  A good starter project for someone with no skills - anyone can install mirrors. Right?

[kyle750]

There is a small clamp in between the 2 pipes on each side.  Is this correct?

[newday777]

There is a small clamp in between the 2 pipes on each side.  Is this correct?

Yes

[kyle750]

There is a small clamp in between the 2 pipes on each side.  Is this correct?

Yes

Thank You!  I thought it looked like some kind of repair or fix.  Good to know it is OK

[carnivorous chicken]

gauges with red speed warning light

I forgot to add: light should come on at 80KPH if I remember correctly -- someone correct me if I'm wrong. I had a JDM 350F 25 years ago or so and that's what I remember, although the gauges had been switched to MPH, so around 50mph.

[kyle750]

Ah . . .  one day (hopefully soon) I will be able to see the light blinking red at 80kph

[kyle750]

 . . .  and then I will probably quickly disengage the light as I don't want to be distracted by a blinking red meatball when driving down a highway at high speed . . .

I once rented a truck with a speed regulator that limited the speed to 60mph. IMO not a good idea and actually dangerous as there are times (especially when passing other vehicles) that a faster speed is justified and even essential to being a safer driver.

[bryanj]

Try the UK all trucks over 7.5 ton are limited to 56mph and busses/coaches 60mph

[MauiK3]

Nice bike, if you want a little more unrestrictive exhaust get a "no number" set from Yamiya. They are like a K0 set, and they play a symphony. :-))

[kyle750]

Nice bike, if you want a little more unrestrictive exhaust get a "no number" set from Yamiya. They are like a K0 set, and they play a symphony. :-))

I would love to hear the different sounds the different pipes make. This CB750 sounds incredible.  My Honda CRF250L exhaust sounds like a wet fart.

[Stev-o]

Congrats on getting a very desirable bike.   

[69cb750]

Curious what the frame # and engine #'s are...

The jdm k1 bikes are randomly mixed in the general k1 vin range.
CB750 K1    77,157      July 1970 – Sep 1971    CB750-1044650 to CB750-1121806   Same range as frame

Both the frame and engine number are later than a K1.

The jdm k2 bikes are randomly mixed in the general k2 vin range.
CB750 K2    63,500       Oct 1971 – Aug 1972    CB750-2000001 to CB750-2063500   Engine = frame + 7700 approx

[kyle750]

An important question I would like to ask the CB community.  As I am just starting this project the direction I go with parts is very important to the overall look of the bike.  The chrome on the bike is showing it's age but it does not look terrible. I can use new NOS Honda mirrors (bright and shiny) or I can go with vintage mirrors from a 1971 K1.  This set matches the condition of the bike better??

Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[Stev-o]

I can buy new NOS Honda mirrors (bright and shiny) or I can go with vintage mirrors from a 1971 K1.  This set matches the condition of the bike better??

Ultimately, you will have to decide what type of look you are going for with this bike.  Do you want a "patina bike" or one with shiny new bits [that have replaced the rusty ones]. I see rust on the used mirrors.

Personally, I would go with the new mirrors since I would be polishing up the rest of the bike. However, on my CB450 [patina bike] I dont polish it to maintain that original look.

[newday777]

An important question I would like to ask the CB community.  As I am just starting this project the direction I go with parts is very important to the overall look of the bike.  The chrome on the bike is showing it's age but it does not look terrible. I can buy new NOS Honda mirrors (bright and shiny) or I can go with vintage mirrors from a 1971 K1.  This set matches the condition of the bike better??

Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Used mirrors are often loose in the head cramps and thus rattle as you ride. That's on top of the rust...err ......patina....

[M 750K6]

I had this dilemma with my 750. Mine had a serious mechanical problem (head) requiring engine out. The engine looked tired and there was surface corrosion on various frame parts. But it had good exhausts, tank and side cover paint was good. It ran and I got miles on it, but it leaked oil, handled and braked like a tired bike and was generally not very happy.

I decided I needed to get it roadworthy, so I could get in some miles to know whether I liked, loved or hated the bike before doing anything too expensive. I set a budget of £1,500. This enabled me to buy a used head, get the bike running and do everything cosmetically that would otherwise deteriorate, leaving the rest to later.

I had the bores measured and honed, a sheared exhaust stud removed, the frame and frame parts were blasted, primed and powder-coated, everything else I did myself, including engine paint, a 'new' (good condition ebay find) rear hub laced on the existing rim, new steering bearings, new front brake system below the m/c and a thorough tune / service of everything I could think of. Probably 2-300 hours work.

Look closely and my left side cover has a 2" split, wear and tear patina on the mudguards, some pitting on the outside of the guages, and a split in a seat seam. But the bike actually looks really sharp and tidy and is running (and stopping) really great. I love it. It's  a keeper and I will carry on to do odd projects on it, to deal with the remaining items, as time and money permit, while riding the bike. Seat has been replaced, new rear brake switch and throttle cables most recently.

This approach reduced the risk I would rack up bills then want to sell. It softened the financial blow and meant I could get the bike back on the road inside 3 months (nearer 2). That last point could be important. I never felt I got to a point it was overwhelming, nor did I lose interest, as I could see the end in sight and was keen to get some proper miles on it. I now have a much better understanding of the how the bike is put together and there's a definite bond with it. It also looks good and I'm proud of it.

Hope that helps.

[kyle750]

Many thanks for the input and replies.  Very much appreciated and very helpful. Thank You Gentlemen! The mirrors should be arriving soon.  Seeing how the new chrome looks should give me a good idea of the direction I will be taking with the bike.  I also ordered NOS front fork boot covers from Japan so they might take a little longer to get here.  I think I'm off to a good start but with a  . . . .  very long way to go!

No Hurry as I want to enjoy the Journey with the Bike.  The final destination is unimportant!