Author Topic: CB750K4 - new updates 04.18.24 All issues resolved and ready to ride (Read 59282 times)

andy750 · « **Reply #100 on:** September 20, 2010, 04:25:38 am »

Yes the VStrom is mine. Its ok on dirt roads but nothing special. Very big and high center of gravity but a great all-round bike and Ive really enjoyed it - had it for only a year and 8000 trouble-free miles.

On the roads you saw in the photo (Maine) the CB750 was rock solid on gravel and dirt roads. Cant see a reason not to take a classic bike on dirt roads. Isnt that what motorbikes are for? Travel and adventure? This particular bike is not made for sitting in a show to look pretty

Here is my idea for this bike...the CB750 has a reliable engine (rebuilt top end 10,000 miles ago) and most things can be fixed easily at the roadside if need be (aside from engine work that is). Its not computer controlled and has basic electrics so less to go wrong. With some basic upgrades to suspension, steering head bearings, swingarm, tires - (all done) - the CB750 should be able to tour the world (like Ted Simons Triumph in 1976).

This summer I wanted to see how the bike would perform on dirt roads/fire roads etc...nothing too crazy but to simulate third world road conditions (like in Boston

) and I have to say Ive been surprised by how good it is on the roads Ive tested so far. The bike already has 40,000 miles on it from touring the last 9 years and has reached 15 countries in that time so I know it can tour. But the next long distance trip plans to push it even more hence the preparation you see here. Its not for everyone and thats ok but taking something like the V Strom is too easy and the CB750 is more of a challenge and as you point out...classic.

As always opinions welcome and appreciated.

cheers
Andy

andy750 · « **Reply #101 on:** September 20, 2010, 04:30:05 am »

Got my new larger im2300 pelican case for the back...mock mounted:

How it compares to the massive 45l VStrom topcase

Andy

andy750 · « **Reply #102 on:** October 02, 2010, 01:24:33 pm »

These were taken today...

Before -

and after -

Case is the Hardigg im2300. Waterproof and lockable. Will likely test out its waterproofness next weekend on a ride to the Adirondacks. Will also be testing out the Garmin 60CSx with the GPS mount on the handlebars.

cheers
Andy

andy750 · « **Reply #103 on:** October 11, 2010, 05:01:50 am »

Take the bike on a Fall ride to the Adirondacks, NY...performs flawlessly at speed, on back roads, on super-twisties, on dirt roads..

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=78150.msg871863#msg871863

the rack not so much...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=61474.msg871711#msg871711

Now to change the tires..

Andy

andy750 · « **Reply #104 on:** October 22, 2010, 07:11:37 am »

I tired to change the rear tire last weekend but couldnt break the bead on the rear tire...so got the Motion Pro bead breaker and will test that out soon...

In the meantime I have been playing around with fitting a K8 tank to the K4 frame...

Thanks to a fellow local SOHC rider I got a free K8 tank...it fits on the K4 frame no problems but...the rubber holding the tank at the back is different between the K4 and K8 -So need to find one of these for the K8? Also I am needing a K8 tank lock (or something to lock the gas tank flap) Anyone have a good idea of how to lock it...or just keep it closed....

The K8 tank sits further back than the stock tank so the K4 seat wont fit now. I had a spare K1 seat so drilled some holes in the base and attached the hinges and through trial and error the back hinge fits ok but I ran out of room for the front hinge. Seat lock to be installed as well so that will add to the stability. However the underside of the pan now rests on the metal bracket holding the rear fender so may need to add some rubber there to prevent the pan rubbing.

Here are some pics so far...

Reason for doing this...stock K4 tank - 3.5 gallons, K8 tank = 5 gallons. And since this bike is being converted into a long range tourer then makes sense to me...function over form

I have spare sidecovers which will be getting painted black...

cheers
Andy

andy750 · « **Reply #105 on:** June 14, 2013, 06:31:53 am »

Its been a while since I thought about doing this but...just got this in today....very pleased with the outcome

Now just to modify a seat to make it fit the K8 tank on K4 frame.

cheers
Andy

Stev-o · « **Reply #106 on:** June 14, 2013, 06:53:38 am »

I've always liked the K7-8 tanks and great color combo too.

andy750 · « **Reply #107 on:** June 14, 2013, 06:59:59 am »

And now the kicker...I had the tank out of the box for 2 min and was so excited to take photos that I placed it on the unstable trash can...and as I was snapping away it promptly fell off and scraped up one side. Luckily most of it rubbed off but I put a small chip in the paint

You can see it on the line...I feel so stupid!! Need to figure out how to fix it.....

Thinking of sending it back and asking him to touch it up...but at $35 shipping its a tough pill to swallow

Roach Carver · « **Reply #108 on:** June 14, 2013, 07:18:11 am »

That looks nice. If it were me I would shed a tear and move on. May scrape it worse on your ride.? Or maybe this will appease the gods and be the last scratch you get on it.

knowsnothing · « **Reply #109 on:** June 14, 2013, 08:13:25 am »

That sucks, sorry Andy. Just consider it the tanks first love scratch, with many more to follow.

andy750 · « **Reply #110 on:** September 02, 2013, 06:47:22 pm »

Got my spare K tank back from Jim the painter...think it came out pretty well and now matches the K8 tank

Now just need to try them both out!

cheers
Andy

Stev-o · « **Reply #111 on:** September 02, 2013, 06:53:58 pm »

Looks great. You have badges? I just a tank painted too, but didn't want to put the ratty old badges on, so bought new for $66.

andy750 · « **Reply #112 on:** September 02, 2013, 07:15:33 pm »

Thanks! I put my ratty old badges on after taking these photos which are good enough for me for now. Just eager to get the tank on the bike - have new petcock and new tank trim (repro).

cheers
Andy

andy750 · « **Reply #113 on:** September 07, 2013, 07:01:54 pm »

Got the K6 tank on the K4 today but not sure about the fuel line routing. On the carbs on the bike there is no hole for the fuel line on the left hand side. However my spare set of carbs has holes on both sides (I guess a later modification).

See here - no hole on left hand side

Another anomally...my aftermarket K0 seat does not fit with the K6 tank (or my older K4 tank) but fits just fine with the K2 tank! Go figure! For now using the K2 seat with the K6 tank and all is good.

Here is the tank on the bike -sidecovers are original paint

and old faded K4 tank

versus newly painted K6 tank

Very happy with the outcome. Jim the Painter is in Chattanooga TN if anyone is interested. He is also an expert boat builder (old tall ships).

cheers
Andy

Stev-o · « **Reply #114 on:** September 07, 2013, 07:28:53 pm »

Nothin like pretty new paint, I just had a tank painted too.

That is odd that the tanks are different sizes?

andy750 · « **Reply #115 on:** September 08, 2013, 10:49:11 am »

Quote from: Stev-o on September 07, 2013, 07:28:53 pm

That is odd that the tanks are different sizes?

It may be the way they fit at the front I dont know but definitely there was a difference.

andy750 · « **Reply #116 on:** September 21, 2013, 04:38:01 pm »

Today was supposed to be sunny all day and temps in mid-70s so it was definitely great weather for a ride. The Scottish Highland Games were being held at Loon Mtn, NH so I headed there. I also wanted to ride Rt 107 again as I had some great memories of it from years gone by (sadly times have changed and not for the better uneven road surface which wasnt so fun to ride).

After a brief work visit I set off at 9.40am from Waltham and headed North on I-93. CB750K4 was running great (and less buzzy after tightening up all the loose bolts!). I stopped into to see Anders since I was passing and he was working on his rear suspension on the FZ. Following this headed up Rt 107 to 106 (Meredith). Missed a turning and ended up on Tan Road - very aptly named since it was Tan

Stopped for lunch at 1pm at the little deli at Squam Lake then headed up to Lincoln on Rt 175 (fun road especially since I was following a crazy girl driving her old Honda CRX - she was flying!) then Rt 3N to Lincoln.

Roads were quiet

Arrived at Loon at 2pm and heard the glorious sounds of the pipe bands

. Not enough time to hang around so I headed back through Lincoln and over to Rt 118S which is also called the Sawyer Highway - very curvy but a crappy surface (common theme in NH)

Some great views though

This was also the road to Warren

And arriving in the tiny town of Warren I found this!!

Apparently this rocket hurled New Hampshire native Alan Shepard into space and was brought here in 1971. (more info here - http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/863)

Saw some great foliage

and was being chased by dark clouds (but it never came to anything)

Rt 31S is a good road to ride down with some cool little towns along the way but a lot of it is frost heaves ;(

Got back in good time at 6.30pm! Just as the sun set for another day (matching my gas tank

).

Bike ran great!
Total mileage = 364 miles.

Note:
NH would be a great state to ride in if they sorted out their crappy roads. Vermont and Maine have much better roads so its not all due to the winter weather. Could be a much better biking destination if they did this (think Blue Ridge Parkway). The Kangamangus is in a terrible state and this is one of the Scenic Roads of America!

cheers
Andy

ttr400 · « **Reply #117 on:** September 23, 2013, 02:03:48 pm »

Nice. Looking good Andy.

Kevin

andy750 · « **Reply #118 on:** September 23, 2013, 03:36:30 pm »

Thanks Kevin how are you doing?

Next thing for me is to fit a Krauser frame on the rear to carry Pelican side cases. Need some pucks at the back of the bags to secure them onto the frame. Btw I was thinking about you the other day - got any front fork pre-load adjusters left for the 750? Looking for some.

All the best
Andy

ttr400 · « **Reply #119 on:** September 23, 2013, 11:34:40 pm »

Going flat out at the moment. but getting there. The CB400F travel bike is around a week from being finished. just waiting on a few things.

Sold out on the 750 pre-load adjusters, but i am busy with a new batch now. I will keep you a set.

Kevin

andy750 · « **Reply #120 on:** September 24, 2013, 05:00:41 am »

Thanks Kevin appreciate it. Just let me know where to send the money!

cheers
Andy

Pecantree · « **Reply #121 on:** January 07, 2014, 10:00:18 am »

Hey Andy:

Been following this for a while, am wanting to trick out my bike for long tours.
Feel same way you do about taking the 750, they were designed for it.
More fun than a brand new one.
Curious how far you've come on racks for your bike
Thanks and stay warm.
Steve

andy750 · « **Reply #122 on:** January 07, 2014, 11:30:38 am »

I have a set of krauser racks for the K4 but have not yet done anything with them as far as seeing if they fit (they should) or attaching bags (Pelican cases) to them. When it gets a bit warmer Ill venture into the garage and get started. Planned finish date is end of Spring so watch this space

thanks for the feedback!
cheers
Andy

Juan1 · « **Reply #123 on:** January 10, 2014, 02:16:03 pm »

Any chance we'll get to see pics of the orange K8 tank installed in the near future?

Pecantree · « **Reply #124 on:** January 10, 2014, 02:19:26 pm »

Quote from: Juan1 on January 10, 2014, 02:16:03 pm

Any chance we'll get to see pics of the orange K8 tank installed in the near future?

+1

News:

Author Topic: CB750K4 - new updates 04.18.24 All issues resolved and ready to ride (Read 59282 times)