Topic: Honda CB750 more JDM strangeness and the search for a CB mechanic

[kyle750]

I am currently searching for people  here in Thailand who specialize in restoring CB750s.  One person in Bangkok has restored 6 CB750s and from looking at the photos of his completed restorations he has done a very good job.  I will try to post photos later of some of his completed restorations.

He posted a video of a JDM bike (photo attached is a screenshot from the video) with what looks like a red indicator light in the steering stem bolt?  I can see the JDM speed warning light in the top tree but not sure what this light is?  My JDM bike does not have it?

[newday777]

The steering stem nut light is from K3 and later. Your K2, and earlier, is correct on the center of gauges.
K3 and up didn't have any metal between the gauges like yours has, to mount the speed light on, so Honda moved it to the stem nut.

[newday777]

Someone added the stem nut light to that K0/K1(it shouldn't be on it)

[bryanj]

Along with a different speedo and electronic box the light comes on at a set speed to show you are exceeding a set limit

[kyle750]

Someone added the stem nut light to that K0/K1(it shouldn't be on it)

Thanks mate.  So he has 2 over speed indicator lights on this bike. Overkill.  I have no desire to see a blinking red light when my bike exceeds the designated speed. I would consider a blinking red light as an unncessary and dangerous distraction while riding and if the over speed light on my CB750 is found to be working?  it will be tested to see if working correctly and then immediately disabled.   

[kyle750]

Photos from a person in Bangkok who restores CB750s.  All of these photos are CB750s that he has restored. He also sells CB750s.  I am hoping he is not too busy and might consider working with me to restore my CB750. I believe most of the parts needed for my bike have been ordered and are starting to pileup here.  As always your thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

[kyle750]

I will be posting separate photos of a blue, silver, gold, and red that he has restored

Is the Honda emblem below the head light and in between the forks original?

[kyle750]

Blue - this CB750 looks to be his personal bike.  First thing I noticed was the dual disc brakes and deeper wheels (I believe the wheels are Excel rims).

[kyle750]

K70 tires arrived from Bangkok today.  Very happy with the vintage look of the tires    They look right!

[kyle750]

Here is the Gold CB750 he restored

[MauiK3]

He seems to like K0 livery with K1 upgrades
Here, the badge below the headlight was not standard as far as I know.
Nice to see he likes Lotus root exhaust

[seanbarney41]

I follow lots of Japanese cb750 guys on Instagram.  A lot of guys have that Honda badge below the headlight.  I don't know if it is a correct JDM thing or just a popular addition.  In the U.S., those Honda badges only came on the K7-K8, and have mostly disappeared even from those.  They do  a very nice job of covering the ugly(imo)brake line junction/pressure switch.
In general, Japanese guys enjoy adding lots of extra bling to their cb750's.  Most of it is pretty tasteful and easy to return to stock...lots of guys using K0 sidecovers on K1 and later bikes.

[Stev-o]

Is the Honda emblem below the head light and in between the forks original?

No, it is from a later model CB750.  There are some other minor mods that he has done too, the bikes look very nice!

How far are you from him?

[Don R]

Once I added the Honda emblem to a CB400F, I thought it covered an otherwise unattractive spot. I'm not sure what it came off of, but I'm thinking cb650.

[kyle750]

  They do  a very nice job of covering the ugly(imo)brake line junction/pressure switch.

Once I added the Honda emblem to a CB400F, I thought it covered an otherwise unattractive spot.

I agree that seeing the brake line junction is unattractive and the addition of the emblem is a big improvement to an ugly spot.

[kyle750]

I'm very impressed with the restoration of his engines - bright, shiney, and look Amazing.  IMO the CB750 engine is the centerpiece and main attraction of the bike so it should stand out!

To each his own but I find too much bling can be distracting. Finned covers, engine guard/crash bars, pressure gauge in the oil tank cover, lower running light, and orange reflective button in the throttle grip.  IMO it's like plastic surgery on an ageing Hollywood Star -  too much is never a good thing and you have to know when to stop.

[kyle750]

Here is his Silver CB750.  It is my understanding that the silver was JDM only and quite rare.  I wonder if the bike was originally silver? He really likes the K0 duckbill seat!

Beautiful Bike 

[BenelliSEI]

 “Finned covers, engine guard/crash bars, pressure gauge in the oil tank cover, lower running light, and orange reflective button in the throttle grip.  IMO it's like plastic surgery on an ageing Hollywood Star -  too much is never a good thing and you have to know when to stop”

That gauge in the tank is for oil temp.

[kyle750]

That gauge in the tank is for oil temp.

Thanks for letting me know.  Is it helpful to know the temperature of the oil?

[CycleRanger]

Here is his Silver CB750.  It is my understanding that the silver was JDM only and quite rare.  I wonder if the bike was originally silver? He really likes the K0 duckbill seat!

Beautiful Bike 

Yes, Honda did make some silver CB750's for Japan, although I don't remember what years. I believe they may have had some limited availability in the EU as well but don't quote me on that.

This guy with all the pretty bikes sounds like a good person to know to help you restore your bike. 

[kyle750]

Where is he getting all these wonderful exhaust pipes.  Yamiya?

[BenelliSEI]

Those HM300 pipes, with all the extra disclaimers and instructions, are NOS Honda parts. They were also available as replacements for several years. Every so often, they do come up and trade for silly money. I have a set on my K1.

[MauiK3]

Yamiya sells tank and body sets in many colors, including silver. They seem to have figured out the paint schemes very well. All high quality stuff. They also sell very good "no number" early K0 style Lotus root exhaust, also very good stuff.
On their web site they sell whole bikes, lots of pictures to lust after, only for sale in Japan. SOHC porn.

[kyle750]

Here is the CB750 he is currently working on and says it is 50% completed.  Is this bike a K1?

[kyle750]

As a side note I saw this Honda 1976 CB750 for sale on Ebay in the USA for $4800 which I think is a very good price? for what looks like a complete bike?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/286276490998