Author Topic: 1978 CB750 Super Sport  (Read 4493 times)

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PhilaStandard

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1978 CB750 Super Sport
« on: September 10, 2007, 12:46:15 pm »
I just got a 78 I just bought a 78’ SS with the intentions of restoring it to at least respectability. I’ve never owned or even know how to ride a motorcycle. I turn the key and I get nothing. I try the kick start and even more nothing ( The engine does turn over)!!
It seems electrical in nature. I have a Haynes and Clymes Manual. In the mean time is there anything I can do.

Offline UnCrash

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #1 on: September 10, 2007, 01:28:39 pm »
If your battery has no juice, then it will never kick over.

That's the first thing I would check.
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Offline OldSchool_IsCool

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #2 on: September 10, 2007, 01:41:24 pm »
Welcome to the insanity, Phil!

The spark on these bikes is delivered by the coils.  If there is no electricity flowing from the battery to the coils, no spark!  As Crash stats, the battery is the first thing to check.  Wiring and points after that.

On a broader subject, you state that not only are you a new mechanic, you are also a new rider.  PLEASE take both aspects of ownership seriously!  Go slowly, double check everything.  Take a motorcycle safety course.  If you know an old M/C mechanic, try to get him/her over to take a look at your bike, even if it costs you a few beers!  They will catch those subtle yet deadly things that a new owner/mechanic/rider will miss. 

I speak from experience, because my 550K was the first bike I owned, rode and repaired.  Luckily the things I've missed haven't killed me... YET!
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Offline mikedialect

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #3 on: September 10, 2007, 03:35:59 pm »
The 78F and pain a joy and a pain all in one. Good luck and make sure to read, read, read before you ride. Lots of things to go over before you hit the road.
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eldar

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2007, 03:39:57 pm »
Do a search for "shop manuals" . There are places to download the 78F manual. Get it and use that to help you out.

Your first steps are this:
Check your battery and fuses. Make sure all 3 fuses are good and the battery is fully charged.

Check the points and condensers and set your timing and point gap.
Set your cam chain adjustment according to the manual. Before doing this however remove the adjustment housing and clean it out. There is a powerful spring in here so be careful.
Set your valves and then try it.
This is just a base to start from. You will need to probably clean the carbs and all that too.

Offline OldSchool_IsCool

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #5 on: September 10, 2007, 05:02:17 pm »

hmmm... lets back up just a bit and not assume too much.  You say "turn the key and nothing"  when the key is in the ON or "P" position you SHOULD get nothing but headlights, oil light and possible neutral and running lights.  That is, until you press the start button on the right grip.  Check also the red KILL switch (also right grip, I believe) it too should be in the "ON" position.  Both the key and the kill switch need to be ON before kick start will allow the engine to fire up.  Full choke may also be needed to richen the fuel mix up to allow her to start.

What is the history on the bike?  Has it been sitting long? 
Can I have a motorcycle when I get old enough?
If you take care of it.
What do you have to do?
Lot’s of things. You’ve been watching me.
Will you show me all of them?
Sure.
Is it hard?
Not if you have the right attitudes. It’s having the right attitudes that’s hard.

drag0n

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #6 on: September 11, 2007, 12:58:43 am »

hmmm... lets back up just a bit and not assume too much.  You say "turn the key and nothing"  when the key is in the ON or "P" position you SHOULD get nothing but headlights, oil light and possible neutral and running lights.  That is, until you press the start button on the right grip.  Check also the red KILL switch (also right grip, I believe) it too should be in the "ON" position.  Both the key and the kill switch need to be ON before kick start will allow the engine to fire up.  Full choke may also be needed to richen the fuel mix up to allow her to start.

What is the history on the bike?  Has it been sitting long? 

Ok this should maybe be under the moron post but it took me an entire summer of head scratching to figure out this particular combobu in my defense  Like Phila  I was working blind as i'd never had a bike or even ridden one for that matter let aside worked on one

PhilaStandard

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #7 on: September 11, 2007, 06:11:11 am »
Thanks for the info. I will now admit that I am a Moron!!!  I read yesterday that you had to pull in the clutch handle and then press the start button. I did so after I got home and the Starter did engage. I could tell that there was no combustion I.E. NO SPARK. Good thing I decided not to buy that starter for $200. After about two unsuccessful attempts at starting her up. The battery crapped out. So I'm getting a new battery this afternoon. It seems like the plugs aren't getting any juice. Could it be as simple as a fuse. Or maybe Ignition coils, points & condensers......?????

My Haines and Clymer manual are coming in today. How much will they Help??

Offline OldSchool_IsCool

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #8 on: September 11, 2007, 06:31:32 am »
It may be as simple as not having all the switches in the correct positions.  Make sure the key is in either ON or P (most clockwise position or 2nd most clockwise position).  Check also that the kill switch is in the ON position.  Your kill switch likely has 2 off and one on positions.  It's purpose is to cut power to the coils to kill your engine in an emergency, that's why it only takes a sneeze to move it to OFF.  Pull in your clutch or make sure you are in neutral (green light on your instrumant panel).

If you are getting the starter to turn, then it's not the fuse as both the starter relay and the coils are feed via the main fuse.

What is the history on the battery?  If it's relatively new, then spend your $$ on a "battery tender".  A tender is basically a charger that can sense a full battery and turn itself off.  You will want to add a tender to your workshop anyway, so start with that investment and charge your current battery in case it still has life.

The Haynes and Claymers will be good for general maintenance issues.  Where they tend to come up short is in carboration and technical specs on serious rebuilds.  That's where the Honda shop manual, specific to your year and your model will be invaluable.
Can I have a motorcycle when I get old enough?
If you take care of it.
What do you have to do?
Lot’s of things. You’ve been watching me.
Will you show me all of them?
Sure.
Is it hard?
Not if you have the right attitudes. It’s having the right attitudes that’s hard.

Offline Helo229

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #9 on: September 11, 2007, 07:07:21 am »
Being as you've never ridden before, might I recommend taking an MSF course. I'm new to biking myself, and I would definitely recommend the coursework/riding sessions.

How ironic that for my first bike I happened on a '76 750F  ;D

Like everyone here said - Turn key, kill switch > run, choke open, fuel petcock > run.

If you're not getting any spark when turning the engine over you might want to check your plugs and wires, on my 750 they had pulled apart. I can't see both coils going out, so be sure to check a plug from each.

Pick yourself up a cheap multitester so you can check for continuity. Remove your left access panel to get to the fuses.
You already said it cranked so we'll skip the starter solenoid.
To check the fuses (and make sure they work), remove each fuse and place the end of each probe to each end of fuses. You should either see a light/hear a buzzer depending on your multitester.
Next, with the fuses removed, test and make sure there is no continuity between each fuse holder with the fuse removed. (I know, fairly stupid to test, but you never know what previous owner might have done)
Lastly, install each fuse and place the probes for your tester on the fuse HOLDER, not the fuse itself. This will make sure all of your contacts are clean.

Next, check your rectifier, it's the multi-tiered stack of square black plates. Disconnect it's harness, place one probe to the red wire, then the other to each yellow wire in turn, then switch the probe connected to the red wire to the black wire and check each yellow lead again. Depending on how it feeds back some connections may not show continuity, which is fine. (as a side note, this is no garuntee that the rectifier is good, it may fail at higher temperatures when you're out on the road)

Finally, on the connector you removed from the regulator, check to ensure continuity between the three yellow wires. This will should show whether the stator coil needs replacing.

All this being said, I'm very new to motorcycles, but do have a fair ammount of experience working on newer vehicles. Testing electrics has never been my strong point, as I really don't have the patience for it, but these simple layman's tests are what helped me troubleshoot my bike. It would be nice if they printed something simple like this in my Clymer's, instead it was a series of complicated tests for Ohms, volts, cycles, etc. Hopefully some of this will be able to help you.

PhilaStandard

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #10 on: September 11, 2007, 07:23:21 am »
I will try to do all of that when I get home. There seems to be No spark at all though. The wires and plugs look good. Some one was saying points and condensers were the problem.

Offline Helo229

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #11 on: September 11, 2007, 07:40:52 am »
Your points and condensers control the timing of your engine and when each coil fires, so they very well may be at fault. What I posted above is just a quick check-up of your electrical and recharging systems, which I would definitely recommend checking before your first ride. Trust me, first time I got it started and running I did what you're no doubt looking to do - take a ride. Unless you check all that first though, you'll end up like me pushing 600lbs homeward a few miles.  ;)

Offline firecracker

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #12 on: September 11, 2007, 09:09:58 am »
I HIGHLY recommend taking the MSF course.  Took it before I even picked up my bike.  The actual "on bike" experience is invaluable.

Welcome!
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Offline OldSchool_IsCool

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #13 on: September 11, 2007, 09:29:26 am »
Phil,

That's 3 votes for a safety course, and I'm sure you will get MORE votes for it too.  Here is their website.

http://msf-usa.org/

Do it, Man!!  The life you save may be your own!

By the way, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses are usually $25-ish and are 3 half day courses.  There are a lot of Hardly dealerships that charge several hundred $$ for the same thing, but thats because they are so used to gouging their customers! :D
« Last Edit: September 11, 2007, 09:53:07 am by OldSchool_IsCool »
Can I have a motorcycle when I get old enough?
If you take care of it.
What do you have to do?
Lot’s of things. You’ve been watching me.
Will you show me all of them?
Sure.
Is it hard?
Not if you have the right attitudes. It’s having the right attitudes that’s hard.

Offline my78k

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #14 on: September 11, 2007, 09:37:37 am »
You say there "seems" to be no spark at all...do you know there is no spark? or are you assuming that since it isn't trying to fire that there is no spark?

Check the plugs for spark by removing one and with the HT lead attached hold it near the frame (basically touching it or one of the exhaust headers) and crank it over while looking at the plug end and looking for spark.

I am not saying that it isn't the case but most of my problems with mine have been fuel related (dirty carbs) rather than ignition related.

Aslo, double check your petcock is in the on position (or preferably the reserve position if it is getting low). May want to drop the float bowls too and see the condition of the gas in there and the bowls themselves...

Dennis

Offline mikedialect

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #15 on: September 11, 2007, 07:29:28 pm »
I HIGHLY recommend taking the MSF course.  Took it before I even picked up my bike.  The actual "on bike" experience is invaluable.

Welcome!


Oh yes, if you've NEVER rode before, go learn on a bike that weighs 1/3 of that 750. Tip their bike over- not yours. You're going to do it. Get it out of the way without damaging your new beauty. It's money well spent. I took the class and the whole time I was calculating how much money I wasted, but I still picked up some valuable info.  Some things I was forced to do over and over again I improved on.
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PhilaStandard

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #16 on: September 12, 2007, 07:28:22 am »
I just did what one guy suggested and checked the spark against the frame. There was a small arcing but it looked weak should it have been stronger. I got a battery charger and charged the old battery I also have a new battery that I'll be chargin tonight. What should I check next?

There is some spark but no combustion.....................???????

Anybody have any ideas?????

On another note I had no Idea that bike was going to be so heavy.

Offline Helo229

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #17 on: September 12, 2007, 07:37:45 am »
Check to make sure each sparkplug cable is going from the right coil to the right cylinder and the timing. I'm sure there's a post on here somewhere you can search for which will explain it.

If the timing is lined up as are the cables, I would check to make sure that you have compression and the carbs are functioning.

:Edit:
P.S. - Did you see about getting yourself into an MSF course yet? If you haven't, check out this site:

www.ride2die.com

Not to scare you, but realize the consequences of riding without knowledge. These old bikes are big, heavy, difficult to steer/balance (compared to newer sportbikes), and still have all the power it takes for you to make a single mistake and not walk away.
« Last Edit: September 12, 2007, 07:40:56 am by Helo229 »

PhilaStandard

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #18 on: September 12, 2007, 08:08:20 am »
I think it may be the Carbs there is dark gunky stuff on a small pipe coming out of the bottmom of one. Though it is old the electrical system is not dysfunctional.

Offline my78k

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #19 on: September 12, 2007, 08:56:57 am »
Believe it or not but the electrics on these bikes are actually very reliable all things considered...sure stuff can go south but not as much as one would think.

My guess is that spark isn't your issue and fuel is the problem. These bikes are known for carb problems if they have been sitting for any length of time. I would pull the carbs and make sure they are clean (Not reasonably clean but rather spotless!) The idle jets are so small that they get plugged up very easily!

Dennis

As for the MSF course I agree that it is necessary but first let's get this thing running!!!

PhilaStandard

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #20 on: September 13, 2007, 04:59:01 am »
I got it too start but I had the throttle open all the way and when I let it go the engine crapped out. My guess it the jets on the carbs is clogged. I bought some carb cleaner. But I don't know the first thing about taking off the carbs. Can I find a rebuild kit anywhere, can i use older CB750 carbs from different bikes. Or is a  thorough cleaning the way to go...........??


Offline OldSchool_IsCool

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #21 on: September 13, 2007, 06:15:05 am »
not knowing the history of your bike (how long it has sat, was there gas in it, etc) then yes, a carb cleaning is a good thing to do.  Kits are probably available at around $15-$20 per carb. 

I'm hoping someone who is more familiar with your particular model and year will step up with details and gotchas before you start in on the removal.
Can I have a motorcycle when I get old enough?
If you take care of it.
What do you have to do?
Lot’s of things. You’ve been watching me.
Will you show me all of them?
Sure.
Is it hard?
Not if you have the right attitudes. It’s having the right attitudes that’s hard.

Offline my78k

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #22 on: September 13, 2007, 06:22:30 am »
To be honest I haven't done a full carb rebuild...I merely pulled the carbs off and popped the bowls off and pulled the idle jets and cleaned it out best I could for the time being mainly because I wasn't sure if the bike was saveable and it made a huge difference! As long as the bowl gaskets are in decent shape you could probably do the same for the timebeing just to see what kind of difference it makes. Admittedly it won't be perfect but it won't cost you more than 4 or 5 bucks for a can of carb cleaner...You should absolutely do a full overhaul at some point but if you are at all tight for money or aren't sure if the bike is going to be a keeper it may help in the interim

Dennis

Offline mikedialect

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #23 on: September 13, 2007, 09:20:53 am »
those 78f carb kits were hard to track down..

they have them here: http://www.motorradbay.de/main/honda.php?kat=honda&best_nr=&modell=cb750%20f

My carbs have been pretty damn good since I got the bike and after I synched & tuned them I haven't had to mess with them since. Taking the carbs out and cleaning them is way easier than it sounds. Just be sure to keep all of the parts in order. There are a ton of good web pages detailing what it takes to clean them if you need a visual aid. The clymer manual actually has a good diagram for the F carbs. It's about the only thing that book has been good for so far...well and interesting bathroom reading.
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Offline Wheelhorse77

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #24 on: September 13, 2007, 10:31:59 am »
I HIGHLY recommend taking the MSF course.  Took it before I even picked up my bike.  The actual "on bike" experience is invaluable.

Welcome!


Oh yes, if you've NEVER rode before, go learn on a bike that weighs 1/3 of that 750. Tip their bike over- not yours. You're going to do it. Get it out of the way without damaging your new beauty. It's money well spent. I took the class and the whole time I was calculating how much money I wasted, but I still picked up some valuable info.  Some things I was forced to do over and over again I improved on.

I guess it depends on the individual. I tried to get into the course but it would fill up in less than a day for the entire summer. It was a joke to get into and it is suppose to be very beneficial. I've ridden dirt bikes in the past so I guess that can account for some learning, I've ridden dirt bikes since about 85 and 2006 went and got the permit portion and rode with an experienced rider using my bike. The next riding season I went to the DMV and went through the cones and all of the exercises on the 750.

I believe that it's people who don't learn how to handle their bikes are the ones that are way more likely to be involved in an accident.

http://www.ridelikeapro.com/

This DVD showed the best advice I have seen. 110 lb women cranking a full dresser, scraping the pegs, through the cones. Like the motorman says, if a woman can handle an 800 lb bike, why can't a manly man get it to perform?

Inadequate training and practice. You want to learn to ride your bike like the dork between your legs.

Oh ya, everyone is out to run you over...keep a sharp eye.

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Offline mikedialect

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #25 on: September 13, 2007, 09:25:51 pm »
I HIGHLY recommend taking the MSF course.  Took it before I even picked up my bike.  The actual "on bike" experience is invaluable.

Welcome!


Oh yes, if you've NEVER rode before, go learn on a bike that weighs 1/3 of that 750. Tip their bike over- not yours. You're going to do it. Get it out of the way without damaging your new beauty. It's money well spent. I took the class and the whole time I was calculating how much money I wasted, but I still picked up some valuable info.  Some things I was forced to do over and over again I improved on.

I guess it depends on the individual. I tried to get into the course but it would fill up in less than a day for the entire summer. It was a joke to get into and it is suppose to be very beneficial. I've ridden dirt bikes in the past so I guess that can account for some learning, I've ridden dirt bikes since about 85 and 2006 went and got the permit portion and rode with an experienced rider using my bike. The next riding season I went to the DMV and went through the cones and all of the exercises on the 750.

I believe that it's people who don't learn how to handle their bikes are the ones that are way more likely to be involved in an accident.

http://www.ridelikeapro.com/

This DVD showed the best advice I have seen. 110 lb women cranking a full dresser, scraping the pegs, through the cones. Like the motorman says, if a woman can handle an 800 lb bike, why can't a manly man get it to perform?

Inadequate training and practice. You want to learn to ride your bike like the dork between your legs.

Oh ya, everyone is out to run you over...keep a sharp eye.



I took it because my uncle said that even though I can ride I should still do it. He was a big influence on me growing up, so I took his advice. He raced for years, yadda yadda. Like I said, it felt like a waste of money the whole time, but I still learned some things. I mean when was the last time you spen two hours practicing u-turns? So, it's a goo investment either way. You get an insurance break, hang out with people who make way more money than you do and already own bikes I will never be able to afford even before they knew how to ride. For a complete novice it's a no brainer, though. I saw people who could barely move on the things completing figure 8 u-tuns inside a small box at the end of the course, so take it for what it's worth.
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Offline Wheelhorse77

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #26 on: October 11, 2007, 08:56:54 am »

I took it because my uncle said that even though I can ride I should still do it. He was a big influence on me growing up, so I took his advice. He raced for years, yadda yadda. Like I said, it felt like a waste of money the whole time, but I still learned some things. I mean when was the last time you spen two hours practicing u-turns? So, it's a goo investment either way. You get an insurance break, hang out with people who make way more money than you do and already own bikes I will never be able to afford even before they knew how to ride. For a complete novice it's a no brainer, though. I saw people who could barely move on the things completing figure 8 u-tuns inside a small box at the end of the course, so take it for what it's worth.

Ya, and then they go and buy a 1200 cc or greater bike only to go and hurt themselves. My point is this, learn to ride the bike you will have between your legs in a controlled environment, as did I, not a tiny 250CC motorcycle they give you at the MSF course.

The teachers said they work for free because they are passionate about what they do, and though there may have been people who make more than me attending the class, I don't think that factors into how one can ride, only the amount of what one can purchase. I didn't make the lottery and couldn't tell you what happened in the class after that. I did however, after learing to ride the 750 on side streets and pulling u turns and practicing figure 8's between the curbs allowed me to do really well on the DMV test using my bike. I really don't believe that by taking the MSF you should get a free bee that allows people to just get their picture taken. It's simply not enough.

I see too many doctors, lawyers, business men in general take the MSF only to go and buy a Road King Classic and lose control of it with in a year or two. Not all, but they stand a greater risk. You could have 30 years under your belt as a rider, but if you don't practice with your bike, your only kidding yourself.

For anyone who does not believe you can slam an 800 lb bike through the cones, watch ride like a pro; I was once ignorant enough to believe it wasn't possible: now I see either you can ride or you can't; no excuse.
77 750F2 ressurected from the dead
ASE Advanced Level Master Tech

Offline Helo229

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #27 on: October 12, 2007, 06:22:30 am »

I took it because my uncle said that even though I can ride I should still do it. He was a big influence on me growing up, so I took his advice. He raced for years, yadda yadda. Like I said, it felt like a waste of money the whole time, but I still learned some things. I mean when was the last time you spen two hours practicing u-turns? So, it's a goo investment either way. You get an insurance break, hang out with people who make way more money than you do and already own bikes I will never be able to afford even before they knew how to ride. For a complete novice it's a no brainer, though. I saw people who could barely move on the things completing figure 8 u-tuns inside a small box at the end of the course, so take it for what it's worth.

Ya, and then they go and buy a 1200 cc or greater bike only to go and hurt themselves. My point is this, learn to ride the bike you will have between your legs in a controlled environment, as did I, not a tiny 250CC motorcycle they give you at the MSF course.

The teachers said they work for free because they are passionate about what they do, and though there may have been people who make more than me attending the class, I don't think that factors into how one can ride, only the amount of what one can purchase. I didn't make the lottery and couldn't tell you what happened in the class after that. I did however, after learing to ride the 750 on side streets and pulling u turns and practicing figure 8's between the curbs allowed me to do really well on the DMV test using my bike. I really don't believe that by taking the MSF you should get a free bee that allows people to just get their picture taken. It's simply not enough.

I see too many doctors, lawyers, business men in general take the MSF only to go and buy a Road King Classic and lose control of it with in a year or two. Not all, but they stand a greater risk. You could have 30 years under your belt as a rider, but if you don't practice with your bike, your only kidding yourself.

For anyone who does not believe you can slam an 800 lb bike through the cones, watch ride like a pro; I was once ignorant enough to believe it wasn't possible: now I see either you can ride or you can't; no excuse.

You don't get a freebie by taking the MSF course. They can and will fail you if you do not pass a written exam and road test. And I'm sure that the video is very good and useful. Tell me though, what makes more sense:

A) Taking the course, riding one of their bikes, then spending the $xxxx.xx on a bike of your own once you have a basic feel for it
-or-
B) Buying a DVD and a motorcycle will costs several thousand dollars, and figuring out how to do what you see on the TV.

I'm sure the DVD is great, I'm sure it's packed with lots of useful information.
But for most people (at least in PA, because it's free) they take the class to see if they're ready for the investment of biking.

And not to mention:
- It's 4 sessions, only 3-5 hours each, so it's not like it's eatting up all your free time
- You can save up to 15-20% on your insurance if you pass it.
- You have the option of learning how to ride on someone else's bike, rather than risk dropping your own
- You also  have the option of riding your own bike if you so wish (up to 500 or 750cc I believe)
- You have actual instructors there to answer your questions, and work with you if you need help
- I doubt you recieve any of the classroom segment on the DVD, including, but not limited to
    - Pre-ride inspection process
    - Options of increasing your visibility to other motorists
    - Selection of proper safety gear
- Provide a safe learning enviroment, which, unless you live within walking/pushing distance of an empty lot, you're going to be on the road with other vehicles before you get to learn/practice anything safely
- Most bikes aren't equiped with a DVD player and TV, and chances of your remembering everything the video is trying to teach you when you go out to practice are nill
- And lastly, they stress throughout the course that bikes are not like cars in the least, and each make, model, and year is going to have a different feel, weight, and balance to it, and in turn, URGE you to become familiar with any bike you get on before riding it in earnest.

If you took the course and expected to jump on a 750 after riding a 250, that's your own fault. They warn you in the course, and people who buy 1000cc+ bikes and wreck them within a year aren't getting any of my sympathy.

I don't know why you're so vehement about the course. That's great, you bought the DVD, learned to ride like a pro, and feel the course is a waste. The MSF is a great organization, and they do a great job of introducing people to biking, and I don't care how much you learned from your DVD, there is simply no reason for you to try and talk someone who is new to motorcycling out of taking the course. If I had watched your DVD and found it useful, I would suggest it as well, but I wouldn't knock one or the other, because most people will never get to the god-like level of motorcycling this DVD seems to have given you. It's all about continuously building your skills as a biker, and constantly learning, from any available source, because you never know when you'll call on those skills to save your life. And I apologize if this last paragraph sounds like I'm trolling on you, but seriously, you're telling someone not to take a SAFETY COURSE when they're admittedly new to motorcycles.

Offline joeb

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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #28 on: October 13, 2007, 08:09:48 am »
The things you learn at a MSF course  at  the time seem like a waste of time until you get in a situation when there is no time to think just react and you will be amazed that the money you have spent was not a waste. I would clean the carbs myself the bike will not run right untill yoou clean them out. ;D     

Offline dagersh

  • "A country attempting to tax itself into prosperity is akin to a man standing in a bucket attempting to lift that bucket by its handle. - Winston Churchill"
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Re: 1978 CB750 Super Sport
« Reply #29 on: October 14, 2007, 12:23:32 pm »
I was riding for a good year and a half on a 1200cc Buell before i took my safety course.  I had put a pretty good amount of miles on my bike and had a pretty solid base of experience.  I took the safety course for three reasons - 1. I was still on permits (I know, i know....) 2. I was looking at a nice deduction in Insurance Premiums and most importantly, 3. I wanted to tap the knowledge of the instructors.

I learned a lot of really excellent pointers on everything from pre-ride inspection, how to really get a good feel for the clutch and brakes, body position while in different situations, and most importantly how to ride a motorcycle safely and still enjoy the hell out of it.  It was the best time/money I have ever spent in terms of motorcycling - including the purchase of safety equipment. 

EVERYTIME I AM OUT ON MY BIKES I EMPLOY SOME ASPECT OF THAT COURSE, CONSIOUSLY AND SUBCONSIOUSLY!

A few weeks ago I posted my experience of hitting a deer at about 40mph.  The deer died.  I not only walked away, but was able to ride the bike safely home.  I absolutely believe that using the knowledge and experience of the course allowed me to survive that incident.  My instructor drilled into us that to fall or lay the bike down means you have given up.  I know that cannot apply to all situations, but that thought was going through my mind with the force of a freight train.

All I can tell you is the MSF Course is a must for new riders.  The DVD should also be a must for new riders.  Reading books and articles on how to ride better is a must for us all. Every cell phone talking/coffee drinking/make-up applying/daydreaming-whilst-driving-a-4,000 lb-wrecking-ball soccer-mom and dad a-hole is out to kill us (maybe not conciously, but why discuss semantics)

Remember, knowledge is power, and we need all the power we can get out there.

Gersh
1962 CA95
1966 Black Bomber
1966 CA77 Dream
1967 Superhawk
1970 CB750K0
1972 CL350
1972 CB450/500 Custom
1972 CB500K1
1975 CB550F
1976 CB400F
1975 CB750 Future Restoration
1976 CB750K6
1976 CB750F
1976 GL1000


1968 Suzuki T500 Cobra
1990 BMW K1
2001 'Busa
2003 RC 51
Bunch of Guzzi's

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