Author Topic: Middle age meltdown (Read 3105 times)

Dewey473 · « **on:** June 28, 2005, 10:45:52 AM »

I did it...it's done. Last weekend I bought a 1974 CB750 with 4136 verified miles. I paid alot,but I got something I have wanted for 25 years. In high school,I had a Honda 50 (ca110) that cost me $320. Later I had a cb160. In college I had a Norton Commando,a 1959,I believe. And now,this! I stumbled upon this site,and instantly feel the presence of "kindred spirits". Now,questions:

Many of the nuts/bolts have a dollop of yellow paint on them. Is this a factory,fabrication marking?
The original owner replaced the original 4-into-4 pipes with loud,4-into-2 pipes. Can the originals be found;and if so where,and how much will I be expected to pay?
What mechanical parts of this gem need keen inspection prior to riding?
The bike sat for many years,and came from an estate find. The carbs were rebuilt,as well as the brakes prior to sale.

So,new friends,any thoughts or advice will be willingly and happily accepted.

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #1 on:** June 28, 2005, 11:42:48 AM »

The yellow spots of paint you describe might well be the original inspection indicators that were done during original assembly. If so, that's rare. The original 4-into-4 pipes are available though CMSL and others, over 500 Euros at CMSL and I don't think that includes the heat shields. If I were you, I would make sure all things related to safety are gone over and in proper working order.

TwoTired · « **Reply #2 on:** June 28, 2005, 12:18:35 PM »

Anything that contains a fluid on the bike, needs examination. Any fluid over 3-5 years old should be changed. You mentioned carbs and brakes, so perhaps fuel and brake fluid are covered. But, what of fork oil, engine oil, and any grease fittings? I think I would re-lube any cable I found on the bike, too. Check hoses for age cracks and replace if necessary. You probably know to check/ renew aged tires/tubes.

I would probably look at a few of the bullet connectors in the bike's wiring and perhaps measure the voltage drop across them to characterize general condition. These contact surfaces can oxidize and become resistive. You can lose a bunch of power in the hundreds of connectors and switch contacts throughout the bike. The wasted power, over-works your alternator, dims your headlight and other lighting, diminishes charge on the battery (shortening it's life), and can reduce the spark voltage potential in your ignition.
Also, clean and polish the oxidation (even if transparent) on your fuse box clips where they contact the fuse. These can heat to the point where the plastic and/or the fuse melts.

Mark M · « **Reply #3 on:** June 28, 2005, 12:23:18 PM »

How about some pictures?

Dewey473 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 28, 2005, 12:40:39 PM »

I will post pics soon...as soon as my sister returns my camera. The color is "Boss Maroon Metallic"...not my favorite for that year,but it looks really good. No fading. One tank badge was 'touched up' poorly (by my anal standards),so am looking to replace it. The only rust is some pitting on the rear shock springs,and I think it will clean up.
Thanks to all...keep the suggestions coming,and I will publish my travails/successes as they happen.

Jonesy · « **Reply #5 on:** June 28, 2005, 12:52:27 PM »

The yellow paint drops were also used as a warranty measure. If you brought the bike in complaining of a problem and the paint dabs were disturbed, they had evidence that you "worked on it" and possibly voided the warranty.

Original 4-into-4 HMC 341 pipes are still available. Full NOS sets can run anywhere from $800-$1000, depending on where you look.

I second what TwoTired said about lubing cables, checking over all rubber components (especially the front brake hoses!), etc..

Raul CB750K1 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 28, 2005, 01:35:29 PM »

I'm afraid to ask.... What the heck does "anal standards" mean?....

Raul

Mark M · « **Reply #7 on:** June 28, 2005, 01:47:43 PM »

You've done it now......just you waite and see.

Sounds of maniacle laughter passing away to the distance..........

Dewey473 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 28, 2005, 01:52:33 PM »

Uh,Raul...I think it means 'metric'. (Actually it means I am finnicky,but usually only with my toy's).

eldar · « **Reply #9 on:** June 28, 2005, 01:59:27 PM »

Toy? TOY!

These are not toys! These are part of rolling history worthy of their place next to the Wright flyer! WHen man landed on the moon, it should have been on these bikes!!! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Ok now that would be anal

seaweb11 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 28, 2005, 02:41:47 PM »

To answer your question about paint on some bolts, below is a quote from the book "Honda 750" by Mark Haycock.

"During assembly at the factory, all important nuts and bolts were given a touch of yellow paint to indicate that they had been properly tightened. It is rather rare to see this original paint still on a 25 year old bike."

When I rebuilt my 750, I kept all the yellow bolts even though they look a bit rustic along side the new hardware I used.

Paul · « **Reply #11 on:** June 29, 2005, 07:09:41 AM »

'Tis fine having "anal standards" about these bikes now. they need to be looked after properly.
Too many people didn't look after them before and they...rectum $:-\$
...sorry.........i'm bored.

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #12 on:** June 29, 2005, 08:10:59 AM »

Hey, I've got a couple of web cams just like that! Slightly astigmatic, but still functional.

Philly550K1 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 29, 2005, 01:17:01 PM »

So this is what they mean by the internet being a wild and woolly place. Can't even talk about old bikes without it turning into a discussion about anal toys and rectums.... (recta?) Surf safe, kids......

mcpuffett · « **Reply #14 on:** July 02, 2005, 01:10:34 PM »

hi dewey,very nice bike

if i was you and had spent that much

on your bike i would go that little bit extra and get the original pipes then it would be real

mick.

toycollector10 · « **Reply #15 on:** December 05, 2005, 12:09:17 AM »

This is an old thread but it caught my eye...I'm a newbie here...couldn't afford to buy the CB750 at 22, couldn't afford not to buy it at 52..Got me a K0 off eBay after watching for about four years, had to get it crated, shipped to New Zealand, Customs cleared[ and get Ministry of Agriculture to check it, port charges, handling fees, brake declaration, get it Inspected for NZ use, register and warrant, new brakes and bits and peices...I'm broke but I'm smiling..three months down the track and it's still no in my garage....Huge bonus, when the crate was opened my bike was in it, not 200 kgs of pig iron!!

Click the link below to view this puppy......

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/toycollector10/dadsbike/hondaincrate.jpg

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #16 on:** December 05, 2005, 01:47:53 AM »

Welcome, and congratulations! I wish mine looked half as good.

Were there supposed to be more than one pic on that link? That's all I got.

toycollector10 · « **Reply #17 on:** December 05, 2005, 02:47:50 AM »

Hi Bob, didn't want to overdo it with more than one pic...Hope to have a profile up and running soon, just looking for the right avatar I think it is called....Hope to post a couple of before and after pics in a few months...Cheers...

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #18 on:** December 05, 2005, 02:55:47 AM »

Just resize that photo - make a fine avatar!

toycollector10 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 05, 2005, 03:28:07 AM »

Hi Steve, might just do that as it was the first view I had of my bike...Jeez my heart was pumping as I was walking up to that crate I can tell you...Ha Ha....But really, I'm just an old fool....

Einyodeler · « **Reply #20 on:** December 05, 2005, 04:16:49 AM »

Quote from: toycollector10 on December 05, 2005, 12:09:17 AM

get Ministry of Agriculture to check it

Click the link below to view this puppy......

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c130/toycollector10/dadsbike/hondaincrate.jpg

You guys have a shortage of tractors there ?Are you going to be pulling a plow or a furrow with it ?

Looks very sharp , post some more pics of it in the Gallery.

dusterdude · « **Reply #21 on:** December 05, 2005, 06:27:28 AM »

yea,it still has the rare original thumb latch gas cap too!!!!

toycollector10 · « **Reply #22 on:** December 05, 2005, 01:38:31 PM »

In this country the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries check all imports for mud, bugs, spiders, snakes and the like. For this, they only charged me $105, it was a good deal...agreed?? Will post some more pics when I have cleaned the bike up a bit..I dont know if that last post was for me but no, I seem to have some sort of aftermarket lockable gas tank latch..hopefully this a a very rare and now unobtainable part that I can list up on eBay with a $599 start....Cheers

dusterdude · « **Reply #23 on:** December 05, 2005, 01:51:40 PM »

damn,my bad it is lockable.oh well

toycollector10 · « **Reply #24 on:** December 05, 2005, 01:56:15 PM »

Hi dusterdude, can you tell me anything about that tank latch? I'm still waiting for my parts list to arrive in the post so have no reference. I was thinking I would have to replace it with a standard part...Is it a Honda part? Should I leave it on?

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Author Topic: Middle age meltdown (Read 3105 times)

Dewey473

Dewey473

Dewey473

eldar