Topic: Another New guy from MA

[smack doogle]

Okay, my intro.  I'm active duty Navy stationed onboard the USS Constitution.  I've been here since last Jan.   I've been looking into building a cafe/street racer for about two years now but those pesky deployments to the middle east kept getting in the way.  Now that I'm on shore duty here till 2010 I have some free time on my hands.  Well, yesterday I found a  1973 CB750 for $40 so I jumped on it.  She's in rough shape, but it's not in pieces.  Plus it came with a carb rebuild kit so that made me happy.  The bike is for my wife and she's helping with the rebuild process.  I don't want this to be a trailer queen but a reliable everyday rider that looks nice.  Money is an issue and this is my first rebuild so I'm in no hurry and I understand I must have patience.  Now to the questions.
1.  I want to rebuild the carbs myself.  How can you tell if the carbs are worth rebuilding as opposed to just buying a new/good used set?
2.  I want to rebuild the engine myself even though I've never done it, I do have the ability to read and learn.  If I get over my head with the engine though, how much can I plan to pay a shop to do it? (of course depending on how much I screw it up first)
3.  I want the frame/swingarm red along with the spokes.  Everything else (rim, tank, panels, etc.) black.  Since I'm cheap/poor.  Can I sand/prime/paint these items or should I save and have most of them powder coated?
4.  Like I stated above, this is my wifes bike and she is helping, but in the event the bike turns out really nice and I want to keep it for myself how do I get my wife out of the picture .....Seriously
-enough qeustions for now.  I'll be here lurking and educating myself about the delicious DOHC.  Thanks in for all the info.
I'll post pictures soon.

[smack doogle]

A few pics.

[smack doogle]

and some more, notice the beutiful rust colors worked into the chrome....wait.....that's just rust.
the chain looks good though

[smack doogle]

and some from the front

[333]

Welcome.  Good job on providing pics.  It's usually the first thing we ask for.  Now for some answers;

1.  You can't tell if they're good until you get them apart.  The ability to disassemble and clean is the answer.
2.  The key here is to get the factory manuals. I believe a free downlo0ad is in FAQ section.  A shop probably won't touch an old bike, but definitly not one disassembled.
3.  Powdercoat.
4.  I used to know a guy.....

Good luck.

[andy750]

Welcome and some great shots. One thing I notice is your oil filter is round and unfinned....unlike the 1973 one...the one you have is more like the 1969 K0 oil filter and if this is true you have a rare part on your hands....second thing is where are you in Mass?

There are a few of us around, including the expert SOHC engine builder, Mike Rieck in the Framingham area. Also there are around 5-6 of us who get together in the Boston area about once a month and chat about SOHC etc....a couple of these guys know carbs like the back of their hands and can help you out. Im in Roslindale, MA so let me know if there is anything i can do to help.

cheers
Andy

[steven400/4]

welcome

[seaweb11]

Nice looking starting point

Clean it and ride it

[azuredesign]

Hey Man,

I was right after you to get that bike from Christian, good grab! I'm close in Needham, and you are lucky to be in an area that has a small, but strong group of sohc guys, including Andy. Are you living near Hanscom? We're all within 10miles of you.

Congrats and welcome,
Ben

[smack doogle]

Thanks for the great welcome.  Yeah,  good thing I get up early in the mornings so I could grab this.  I'm usually very unlucky when it comes to craigslist and Christian is a great guy to go in order of emails recieved.  Not everyone will do that.     So far about all I've done is strapped it to the rafters and got it off the ground.  I've also downloaded the free manual on the forum here and breezed through some stuff.  Looks like fun.
-Andy750 - after I looked in the manual I started looking at the bike (flashlight in hand) and I noticed the filter also.  I'm still learning about the 750 and what changed year to year so this filter here has peaked my interest.  I live on Hanscom AFB (Bedford, Lexington area) I'd like to tag along with you guys on your monthly meetings if for nothing else to learn something.  Once I get it all apart I'll be throwing questions up here like there is no tomorrow, that I can promise.
-Azuredesign- lucky is all I can say. I'm likeing the fact that there are people close by who know these bikes so well. 
Once again thanks for the warm welcome.  I'll be on here everyday for at least the next 10 days (I'm on christmas leave) so I'll be studying. 
Jack

[andy750]

Hey Jack, good buy and as Ben (Azuredesign) mentioned we are here to help! Next SOHC beer night will be after the holidays sometime around the 2nd week of January (TBA). If you miss one there is always next month! Looking forward to meeting with you.

cheers
Andy

[azuredesign]

Hey Jack, good buy and as Ben (Azuredesign) mentioned we are here to help! Next SOHC beer night will be after the holidays sometime around the 2nd week of January (TBA). If you miss one there is always next month! Looking forward to meeting with you.

cheers
Andy

+1 (I've always wanted to do that)

[smack doogle]

I'll be there, thanks for the invite.  As far as progress..........I got the horn off!