Topic: Found an early 750 in a field, what have I found??

[Texwing]

Hi, I was out in a pasture among junk and found, outdoors on its side, in tall grass, an early 750, complete, frame no. cb750-1029xxx, which appears to be early early but not sandcast.  Tank rusted thru, original pipes still on but rotted  thru, but all side panels and parts and pieces complete. Chrome seems  ok, no dents, front fender straight cut on bottom edge, engine serial number cb750e-1029xxx, Seat pretty much rotted to pieces, engine looked pretty good, no visible damage anywhere-other than laying outside in the dirt and weather  for a while.  Instruments appear correct, about 17000 miles showing. 
   So here is the question, is this bike due to its early number of some interest or value, either as a restoration candidate or for parts, despite the fact its pretty rough?  Your thoughts appreciated.

[Wheelhorse77]

Buy mine... and don't waste your time with a field rat.

[paxtonpony]

Well, sounds like a very expensive project.  If it's free it might make a good parts bike.  Outside of that you're going to break the bank trying to get it restored.  I've seen some serious dogs restored on this site so anything is possible but I really wouldn't expect to break even.

[736cc]

Something like that I couldn't resist bringing home

[mark]

Something like that I couldn't resist bringing home

+1

[Andoo]

you can end up buying spare parts one at a time off e-bay or get a whole bike now and have parts waiting for you when you break something.

[CrisPDuk]

Something like that I couldn't resist bringing home

Here I am, reading about a bike that most sane folk would deem beyond salvation, and the first person I thought of was you

[drag0n]

well it could go either way you may have found some treasure or just as easily it could be a cleverly diguised turd lets weigh the pros and cons


pros                                              cons

its free ( i hope)                              it may be stolen
its a 750                                        scrap tank,pipes, and seat
those parts are easy                         will need new cables and
its cool and shiny                              fuel lines immediately as well
750's known for longevity                    as an ignition switch  and a
part it out for $$$                              battery ,oil, a gas cup to
maybe theres a reward for it                even begin the starup stuff
 If it does miraculously starup                also from there oil, relubing
 and run great ,you've got a hell             cleaning and new tires
 of a good story

now all that said i'd like to say that just because this thing is a junkyard dog dont write it off  sometimes theyve still got a hell of a roar to be heard  mine sat for 18 years exposed and it sure likes to haul ass now!   you saw that movie "Christine " right?  you may be Arney  just lay a little TLC on it (or even a LOT) it may love you back til the end of time

[Dragman836]

Here is what I found in a field (indirectly) . What I found in the field  (moped)I traded for this 78 ss w/ a siezed piston which I fixed. Even if your find is not useable it is part-outable

[KB02]

Something like that I couldn't resist bringing home

+1

+2

A couple of things:
Does the engine turn over?
We need a picture.   

If the engine turns, then it sounds like it might be a good start to a project. No guarantees you'll end up with a runner, but if it's stuck, the odds are not on your side (Granted I am rebuilding a "stuck motor" as we speak). If the engine turns out to be rebuildable, but the frame is scrap, at least you have a great engine to throw another bike (or go-Kart... yada, yada...)

Judging by the engine and frame numbers, you are most likely dealing with a 1970 K0. Worse come to worse, tear it to pieces and have the engine parts glass bead blasted and sell them.

By Your description, I'd say it'd cost way more than I would be willing to spend to restore it, BUT, it does sound a like a good project beginning.

My 2 cents...

[rrgv550]

Should him check the engine fins for any crack or broke pieces. You did not mention the carbs,  the engine is laying around for some time, could be some corrotion inside? same with the sparks plugs. How about any missing bolts, I mean not only form the covers, but the engine.
I am new and hope this help.
Rico

[333]

I've seen some serious dogs restored on this site so anything is possible but I really wouldn't expect to break even.

Anyone restoring these bikes and looking to "break even" is seriously disturbed.  To paraphrase a saying about boats,"an old motorcycle is a hole surrounded by rust, that you constantly pour money into".

[736cc]

http://Anyone restoring these bikes and looking to "break even" is seriously disturbed.  To paraphrase a saying about boats,"an old motorcycle is a hole surrounded by rust, that you constantly pour money into".[/

Sometimes its not such a bad idea if you do it yourself. You gotta luv it, and you gotta do it right. Then its worth it.

 BEFORE:



  AFTER:

[eldar]

If you love the bikes, then you can do it. You cant do it with the intention of selling it. You will lose almost every time. But if you have a vision of the bike and you like what you see, go for it. A labor of love has no material value.

[paxtonpony]

Man, I hate it when people like 736cc posts pics of rags to riches bikes.  It's so inspiring.  The type of post that got me burried in this awful Suzuki project that's sapping my bank account.  Someone please ban him from this board for life.







J/K, beautiful bike, I never knew that started out as such a turd.  Well done!

[Johnie]

Yes, yes, yes...that is what my KO will look like in 6 months.  I love it.  Great pictures.  How about one of the whole bike...my pictures were so big here.  Very nice...

[Texwing]

OK I went today and dragged it into shorter grass.  I will do pics  next.
I am paying $50 dollars for the field rat.  Engine is very clean, no broken fins, no sign of a crash, frame straight, found some history-it was parked in 1982-an early death, but dont know why.  Gears shift, but engine wont turn over, i did not want to force.  Would appreciate comments on next move to attempt to break engine loose (if it will)-oil in top of cyclinders, ect.  The really interesting thing is that is appears all orginal-no fairing, headers, and so forth, all original parts.  Side covers and emblems intact, but weathered. front fender straight but a little rusty.  Carb screws show no sign of earlier operations.  Chain intact but rusted, does not appear to have died from broken chain/case syndrome.   Serial no. appears to be first year or series, but not sandcast, at 1029xxx. Your thoughts are appreciated.

[Bodain]

Man, I hate it when people like 736cc posts pics of rags to riches bikes.  It's so inspiring.  The type of post that got me burried in this awful Suzuki project that's sapping my bank account.  Someone please ban him from this board for life.

J/K, beautiful bike, I never knew that started out as such a turd.  Well done!

Well thats the far side. If you intention is OEM and 100% original. Expect to pay dearly. Me it is never my intention to do 100% original. I don't find 70's OEM bikes even remotely appealing in their looks. They are just too ugly, but take one of those ugly bikes and cafe it. Now you have something and some spare change in your pocket.

[736cc]

I don't find 70's OEM bikes even remotely appealing in their looks

INFIDEL!

[seaweb11]

My wife used to say "you can't turn Sh#t  into Gold"


She doesn't not say that anymore...it can be done, but it is expensive

[rrgv550]

17k engine is not much on a engine, you try to kick it to see if turn, maybe the pedal is stuck? or was not in neutral? rust chain and sprockets rust? can be the problem? Can these be the problem too not the worse imaginable? I know less than anybody just guessing!
I would start removing everything..starter cover, sprockets..etc. Clean the engine with a rag and air compressor!( bikers best friend!)
remove the carbs, look inside, sparks too...before removing the sparks, clean around where sparks sit with air compressor, put some oil around the sparks let it sit, blow it, them slowly see if they come out easy, don't force may brake. spray oil inside of the piston and wall cylinders let it sit and try to turn slowly, don't need  put back sparks plugs. do not kick it, turn manually, try turn left and right slowly on the shaft. Anybody can ad more or tell if this way is bad!! I'm learning too!
$50.00 that would be my price too. Don't go dreaming to restore to original condition, just think about riding it.
Tex send pics don't be afraid, ask anything!

[GroovieGhoulie]

I don't find 70's OEM bikes even remotely appealing in their looks

INFIDEL!

+2

Stock is where it's at.  Cafe is alright, but it's the stockers that give me a boner.  And by "give me a boner", I do mean "arouse me sexually".  Seriously.  LOVE '70s bikes.

[KB02]

OK I went today and dragged it into shorter grass.  I will do pics  next.
I am paying $50 dollars for the field rat.  Engine is very clean, no broken fins, no sign of a crash, frame straight, found some history-it was parked in 1982-an early death, but dont know why.  Gears shift, but engine wont turn over, i did not want to force.  Would appreciate comments on next move to attempt to break engine loose (if it will)-oil in top of cyclinders, ect.  The really interesting thing is that is appears all orginal-no fairing, headers, and so forth, all original parts.  Side covers and emblems intact, but weathered. front fender straight but a little rusty.  Carb screws show no sign of earlier operations.  Chain intact but rusted, does not appear to have died from broken chain/case syndrome.   Serial no. appears to be first year or series, but not sandcast, at 1029xxx. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Get yourself some good penetrating oil and soak the cylinders. Let it sit for a couple of days and bump it with the kick start. SSoak again, sit some more... repeat as necessary.

[736cc]

Pour atf into the plug holes, let it sit a few days, remove alternator cover (don't turn it over on points side, it'll shear ez) and get a loooong extension on a socket and rock the center nut.
If it doesn't budge, its a parts bike. Or do an engine swap.

[Texwing]

Ok, got it home this morning and am just starting to fool with it.  I am able to move the shift through a few gears, but no other sign of movement. Lots of rust on the chain, no sign of movement on the rear wheel.  I will power wash today and start soaking things with penetrating oil.  I will try to post pics tonight if I can figure it out.  thanks for all the help.