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

[kyle750]

I am quessing that there are probably more motorcycle mechanics  in Thailand per capita than anywhere in the world.  There is a shop on nearly every street corner.

According to a 2023 census,  about 87% of households in Thailand owned at least one motorcycle, which is the highest motorcycle ownership rate in the world.

[newday777]

WARNING: when setting the bike up on the centre stand be VERY careful not to push your right knee into the LHS side cover! Easy to do and you will crack it. Believe me, I know…….

Been there done that too

[kyle750]

WARNING: when setting the bike up on the centre stand be VERY careful not to push your right knee into the LHS side cover! Easy to do and you will crack it. Believe me, I know…….

Been there done that too

Ouch and Ouch!! Thanks for the warning - very much appreciated.   It would be shame to be afraid to use the side stand because the bike might fall over and then try to put the bike up on the center stand and then proceed to immediately drop or damage the bike.

[Stev-o]

I try my best to hire the right person with the right skills and experience to do the job right!

Have you ridden the bike yet?   I know you are going to put together a checklist, but getting the bike running/riding safely should be job #1.  [engine running properly, brakes, tires, etc].

[carnivorous chicken]

I have enormous admiration for people with the mechanical skills to fix things as I do not have the ability.

You might surprise yourself. It pays to be able to work on these bikes yourself; not only in saving money but in not having to wonder if the guy you hired knows what he is doing. These bikes are 50 years old, and most working mechanics are only familiar with newer stuff. In shops in the USA, a lot of places won't work on bikes that are more than ten years old. I am guessing there aren't that many CB750s in Thailand, and thus there aren't a ton of people with experience (although I bet you have a better chance of finding folks in Bangkok or other big cities). Starting with FB groups is probably a smart bet. If you cold get someone to show you the tune-up procedures the first time through, it takes away the mystery.

Routine maintenance (the 3000-mile tune-up) is all pretty easy to learn: adjusting valves, points and timing, checking plugs, syncing carbs, oil and filter change, checking over the bike, lubing the chain, etc. Plenty of help here. After you do it a few times it becomes routine, and you know it's done right because you've done it yourself.

[kyle750]

I try my best to hire the right person with the right skills and experience to do the job right!

Have you ridden the bike yet?   I know you are going to put together a checklist, but getting the bike running/riding safely should be job #1.  [engine running properly, brakes, tires, etc].

The engine is running with all 4 cylinders firing (I believe they were all working as I just did a quick pressure check from each pipe with my hand).    I drove the bike but only for a very short distance in 1st gear. Front brake is not working.  Surprised that the tires are in good shape and usable (but will most likely be replaced).  Front forks are leaking oil. Bike needs a lot of work just to get it on the road. The seller had a very low price on the bike so my expectations were very low.  I was actually shocked when the bike started (cold start) and the engine ran and sounded good (to my untrained and inexperienced ear) 

[willbird]

I try my best to hire the right person with the right skills and experience to do the job right!

Have you ridden the bike yet?   I know you are going to put together a checklist, but getting the bike running/riding safely should be job #1.  [engine running properly, brakes, tires, etc].

The engine is running with all 4 cylinders firing (I believe they were all working as I just did a quick pressure check from each pipe with my hand).    I drove the bike but only for a very short distance in 1st gear. Front brake is not working.  Surprised that the tires are in good shape and usable (but will most likely be replaced).  Front forks are leaking oil. Bike needs a lot of work just to get it on the road. The seller had a very low price on the bike so my expectations were very low.  I was actually shocked when the bike started (cold start) and the engine ran and sounded good (to my untrained and inexperienced ear)

That is a good sign, the cb750K3 that I have I traded some SBC engine parts to a co worker for it. They had had it a few years and never tried to start it. I filled the tank with oil, added some gas and a battery, and it fired right up. They were still there from dropping it off and were amazed.

One thing I reccomend to check or DO is just drain all the oil and replace with new...we really have no idea how much oil is actually in there if they have sat for an extended time. The K3 once I had ran it more the oil tank ended up WAY overfull and made a big mess. Small expense to drain oil from tank and pan, refill with fresh, and heat cycle it a few times and then do oil and filter both.

[Stev-o]

I try my best to hire the right person with the right skills and experience to do the job right!

Have you ridden the bike yet?   I know you are going to put together a checklist, but getting the bike running/riding safely should be job #1.  [engine running properly, brakes, tires, etc].

The engine is running with all 4 cylinders firing (I believe they were all working as I just did a quick pressure check from each pipe with my hand).    I drove the bike but only for a very short distance in 1st gear. Front brake is not working.  Surprised that the tires are in good shape and usable (but will most likely be replaced).  Front forks are leaking oil. Bike needs a lot of work just to get it on the road. The seller had a very low price on the bike so my expectations were very low.  I was actually shocked when the bike started (cold start) and the engine ran and sounded good (to my untrained and inexperienced ear) 

That does not surprise me that it started, it's a Honda! 

I suggest starting a new thread in the "Project Shop" section, that way we can give you info on what and how to get the repairs done properly and [more] affordably.
For instance, many of us replace the front master brake cylinder rather than rebuilding it.  Paying a mechanic a few hours labor to rebuild it will me much more expensive that the cost of an aftermarket part.

[kyle750]

  Paying a mechanic a few hours labor to rebuild it will me much more expensive that the cost of an aftermarket part.

I agree there is a time vs cost  factor in every decision.   Labor is incredibly cheap here in Thailand.  Many mechanics in local shops earn about 700 baht a day or $20 USD - not per hour but per day!

[willbird]

I try my best to hire the right person with the right skills and experience to do the job right!

Have you ridden the bike yet?   I know you are going to put together a checklist, but getting the bike running/riding safely should be job #1.  [engine running properly, brakes, tires, etc].

The engine is running with all 4 cylinders firing (I believe they were all working as I just did a quick pressure check from each pipe with my hand).    I drove the bike but only for a very short distance in 1st gear. Front brake is not working.  Surprised that the tires are in good shape and usable (but will most likely be replaced).  Front forks are leaking oil. Bike needs a lot of work just to get it on the road. The seller had a very low price on the bike so my expectations were very low.  I was actually shocked when the bike started (cold start) and the engine ran and sounded good (to my untrained and inexperienced ear) 

That does not surprise me that it started, it's a Honda! 

I suggest starting a new thread in the "Project Shop" section, that way we can give you info on what and how to get the repairs done properly and [more] affordably.
For instance, many of us replace the front master brake cylinder rather than rebuilding it.  Paying a mechanic a few hours labor to rebuild it will me much more expensive that the cost of an aftermarket part.

I bought a rebuild kit, cheap one, but the piston was a few .001" too big to fit my OEM master, so I just bought a complete aftermarket one. My focus is function not keeping things strictly stock. Nothing says we have to throw away the OEM parts either just because we dropped working parts onto the bike tio use it.

[drodg33]

I am loving this string of posts.  I assume you bought the 750.  I have owned a 2014 Honda CB1100EX that was a beautiful bike.  I sold it but now have a 72 CB500, 73 CB350 four and a CB450 twin.  Very nice bikes and I love them.  They have soul that quite frankly my CB1100EX did not have.  Enjoy riding but also making the bike better.  I find that with classic machines it is part of the ownership  of them. 

[kyle750]

Just to give you guys an idea of Bike Life in Thailand.  My Honda CRF250L is 100% made in Thailand and parts are readily available and kept in stock at most larger bike shops. If anything needs to be ordered it usually arrives in 2 - 3 days from Honda in Bangkok.   I have the same mechanic who has been working on my bike for the last 12 years.  Like most mechanic shops normally you have to log in at the front desk, wait for a free mechanic, and then sit in a lounge area for hours for the work to be completed.  Not me

I never log in at the front desk and instead drive my bike right into my mechanic's bay.  He stops work on whatever bike he is working on and immediately starts to work on my bike.  Any parts needed are brought over from parts supply and I am out of there in 30 minutes.  I pay normal parts prices, labor is free to install,  and I tip him VERY WELL. 

[kyle750]

As a quick followup.  But Thailand is not perfect.  At the opposite end of the efficiency spectrum I just finishing renewing my Thailand Motorcycle license (valid for 5 years).  The process to renew is ridiculous. As a foreigner I had to take extra steps like obtaining a residency certificate from Immigration and a medical certificate from a Doctor.  I had to watch silly driver training videos, take tests with answers that made no sense, and fill out multiple  forms with copies from my passport and visa. Make an appointment at the motor transportation office and come back at a later date.

I spent a total of 10 hours on a stupid driver license renewal (not a new driver's license but just a renewal). The whole process is a bureaucratic nightmare and total waste of time.    In the USA a driver license renewal is a simple walk in, quick eye check in a monitor at the counter, and it takes 30 minutes and you are done and walk out with a renewed license.

OK my rant about government bureaucracy is over . . . 

Late Edit:  My German Friend showed me his German Driver's license and it is valid for Life - Lifetime - No Renewal Ever! Maybe I will move to Germany!

[kyle750]

I have enormous admiration for people with the mechanical skills to fix things as I do not have the ability.

You might surprise yourself. It pays to be able to work on these bikes yourself; not only in saving money but in not having to wonder if the guy you hired knows what he is doing. These bikes are 50 years old, and most working mechanics are only familiar with newer stuff. In shops in the USA, a lot of places won't work on bikes that are more than ten years old. I am guessing there aren't that many CB750s in Thailand, and thus there aren't a ton of people with experience (although I bet you have a better chance of finding folks in Bangkok or other big cities). Starting with FB groups is probably a smart bet. If you cold get someone to show you the tune-up procedures the first time through, it takes away the mystery.

Routine maintenance (the 3000-mile tune-up) is all pretty easy to learn: adjusting valves, points and timing, checking plugs, syncing carbs, oil and filter change, checking over the bike, lubing the chain, etc. Plenty of help here. After you do it a few times it becomes routine, and you know it's done right because you've done it yourself.

This is an excellent reply and I like to learn and understand as much as possible but please remember . . .

 . . .  I can't even figure out how to use the center stand . . . and I don't know what a brake disc pad looks like . . .

Many of you guys are extremely skilled and knowledgeable about repairing these bikes.  I greatly appreciate the confidence you have in me but rebuilding 4 - 50 year old carburetors is not in my skills set. 

[carnivorous chicken]

I greatly appreciate the confidence you have in me but rebuilding 4 - 50 year old carburetors is not in my skills set.

Carb cleaning is surprisingly easy especially if you don't have to take the rack apart. It's just a question of being thorough. The fact that it's older actually means a lot of it is simpler -- see above.

[kyle750]

getting the bike running/riding safely should be job #1.  [engine running properly, brakes, tires, etc].

You are Right!  We started working on the front brake this morning.  A few quick observations.  Throttle is a 2 cable push/pull system with throttle adjustment to the underside.  Looking at the gap from the grip the throttle tube looks to be metal underneath.

The brake fluid has turned to a disgusting jelly.  I've seen this before with a bike that has been sitting for a long time.  Moisture gets in the cylinder and the fluid turns to gel.  We will be cleaning it out today and then take a look at the caliper and piston.

I believe there is a possibility we can get the brake working.  I will not bore you guys with daily updates and photos of the progress but instead focus on the work that is needed to get the bike running /riding safely. The SOHC Forum is a wonderful and supportive Community and I feel very fortunate to have found you.  Thank You Gentlemen!

[bryanj]

Throttle tubes always plastic from Honda but go gray with age.
You should have pumped out the caliper piston before stripping but i guarantee you will need new seal, scrupulously clean out seal groove plus the tiny hole in master, yes there are TWO  holes but one you cant see.
Remove swinging caliper bracket and clean plus grease the pivot, then with decent hoses the brake will work

[M 750K6]

+1 to cleaning up the pivot for the little caliper swing arm, plus a replacement o-ring. This sorted binding brakes on mine, even though I'd replaced the caliper (cylinder bore was heavily pitted).

I spent my working life in a non-tech office environment. In the last 4 years I have become quite handy in the garage, rebuilding my CB750K6 top end and strip down to bare frame, with all that entails.

All you need is patience and most importantly, the desire to learn and do it. Walk away for a cuppa when it feels overwhelming.  Surprising how much easier things are after a short break.

I now enjoy working on my bikes as much as riding them. Another dimension to my hobby.

[willbird]

+1 to cleaning up the pivot for the little caliper swing arm, plus a replacement o-ring. This sorted binding brakes on mine, even though I'd replaced the caliper (cylinder bore was heavily pitted).

I spent my working life in a non-tech office environment. In the last 4 years I have become quite handy in the garage, rebuilding my CB750K6 top end and strip down to bare frame, with all that entails.

All you need is patience and most importantly, the desire to learn and do it. Walk away for a cuppa when it feels overwhelming.  Surprising how much easier things are after a short break.

I now enjoy working on my bikes as much as riding them. Another dimension to my hobby.

Also did the gunk out of the Caliper O ring groove, the groove is made to a size to intentionally make the seal "creep" in a way that causes it to retract the piston when the pressure is released. A surprising amount of "stuff" can fill the groove enough that the O ring can no longer move.

[MauiK3]

Don't get any brake fluid on the paint. Flush the master cylinder well, several times.

[Stev-o]

Just to give you guys an idea of Bike Life in Thailand.

Very interested in this as Thailand is on my list of places to visit. Love the cuisine!  What area do you live?

My niece and nephew have been, they went to the infamous Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan Island.

Phuket intrigues me and may be on the itinerary...

[PeWe]

Taillight with yellow lens in the side

Yamiya750.com sell them. I bought one to my K6 when I restored it.
The bike did not have it before.
Europe import.

[kyle750]

Just listed for sale here in Thailand is a 1977 Honda CB550. I really like this bike and it looks to be in great shape (much nicer than my bike).    There are a lot of CBs here in Thailand but not too many 750s.  The price on this CB550 is higher than what I just paid for my CB750 (but my bike needs a lot of work)

[kyle750]

We have decided to wait for the new Honda Front Fork boot covers and seals to arrive from Japan.  Then we can remove the wheel and front fender and take care of the front brake and forks at the same time. 

Previous owner removed the old rubber fork covers and left the upper tension rings in place secured by zip ties. Lower C-clips are in place. We will place plastic over the tubes when sliding the new seals down to prevent any damage to the new seals.   Ready to Go!


Late Edit:  When working on the bike we are playing Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, and Guns N Roses at full blast.  My Bike = My Music

[kyle750]

Very interested in this as Thailand is on my list of places to visit. Love the cuisine!  What area do you live?

My niece and nephew have been, they went to the infamous Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan Island.

Phuket intrigues me and may be on the itinerary...

I love living in Thailand. Unique culture (sabai sabai which roughly translates to happy happy), the food is incredible, and the people are wonderful.  One thing I've noticed about the Thai people is they have a spirit of fun (sanook) in everything they do. Very easy going, non confrontational, eager to help. There are so many fantastic places to visit - Bangkok for thrilling big city adventures, Chiang Mai for Thai culture, Phuket for beautiful beaches.  If you get the chance to visit Thailand - Go!  You will love it. 

As a quick bike update.  2 more people came to see the bike today to inspect and offer advice.  One very nice guy was very short and probably 1/2 my weight and he popped the bike up on the center stand in 1 second. I sat and watched in total amazement.    He patiently showed me his technique and I quickly got the hang of it.  Now it is easy.

Once again the Honda CB750 fired right up.  What a Beast. The sound of the engine and roar of the pipes is like a fire breathing dragon. What a Machine!