Topic: first ride CB750K3

[smashedmelon]

I have found some great advice that has helped me along the way. thanks to everyone for their previous posts Ive been sifting through the posts and its helped me immensely. Also, thanks as well for answering my few annoying newbie questions. Its my first road bike and I'm learning as I go.
Ive been tinkering with this bike for a few weeks now. It wasnt running and hadnt been for ten yrs when I purchased it, had rust in the tank and carb float bowls were all gummed up. It did turn over after a few kicks, but sounded horrible - sputtering and cutting off. So I tackled the fuel - I replaced floats/needles cleaned carbs, de-rusted tank, rebuilt petcock, replaced fuel lines. - I changed the oil, air filter - electrical - replaced battery, replaced flasher relay and exorcised the beeper... all with the help of everyone on here. So now that its running and blinking, Im thinking of taking it for a first test run tonight!!!!

Wondering about safety now that Im actually going to ride the thing. I was thinking about taking the bike to a shop for a safety check ( they call it a pre-purchase inpection) but cant afford the $150 that they want right now. And I want to ride now!!!

any advice on what I need to look at to ensure my first ride doesnt end in disaster?

thanks
Mark

[Bob Wessner]

Congrats, I'm sure you feel like you have accomplished something.. you have.  ;)What about the brake system, tires, chain/sprockets?

[smashedmelon]

I guess I should look at some of the posts re. the chain, sprocket. - thanks
The prev. owner claims that the brakes were completely re-done with new fluid, cables, pads etc. I looked them all over - looks good - the only thing I'm wondering about is the fluid...what colour should it be? Or should I just go ahead and change it since its been so long?

Also the tires look good - lots of tread  and no cracks - but does rubber deteriorate with time? I dont see any cracks but Ive heard stories about old rubber looking good and then suddenly forming cracks and blowing out all without warning.

[my78k]

my 2 cents on this is whatever the cost it is less expensive than the funeral or medical bills (he says with tongue firmly planted in cheek!) 

As always it depends on your plans...first off the brake I would change for sure!  The tires...well that's another story. My initial thought is 10 years would definitely warrant new ones whether there is cracks or not. Also depends on your plans like I said before...if you are talking a quick blast around the block that is one thing but a trip on the highway....well that's another!

I took mine out as soon as it was running around my neighbourhood with major cracking of the tires but at speeds of less than 50kms I was willing to risk it only because I was on a bit of a fact finding mission (wanting to know whether it was worth investing in new tires for example).

I would say if you are talking about putting this thing on the road then definitely tires and brake fluid and would seriously consider new chain and sprockets (again depending on wear and condition) and brake lines (that rubber is just as important as the rubber you are riding on).

Dennis

[greenjeans]

If those tire are 10yrs old they might be a suspect....take it around the block a couple of times (slowly) and check 'em
You can find tires online , probably get 2 tires, tubes & rim strips delivered for around 100$.... one less thing to worry about.

Couldn't hurt to bleed the brake with fresh fluid either... cheap piece of mind.  If you get adventurous, brake master cylinder rebuild kits are usually about 20 bucks & a seal for the caliper is about 10 bucks.....  Always good to kknow that you will stop when you squeeze the brake lever

[smashedmelon]

thanks again for the advice, I'll taker'er easy and bank on gettin those new tires.
Any recommendations on tires that have a classic tread pattern?