Topic: CB750K4 - new updates 11 Oct 2024 bike not charging - need help!

[andy750]

Bike history:

Bought off Ebay in April 2001 for $800. Fly and drive from Boone, NC to Boston, MA - 2 days, 900 miles.

Trips on this bike so far:
2001 - Boston - Mexico (16,000 miles, 2 months)
2003 - European Trip (6000 miles, 3 weeks)
2004 - Easy Rider Trip LAX to New Orelans (to Boston) (www.easyridertrip.de) (5500 miles, 16 days)
2008 - Vermont and NY state/Adirondacks  -2-up trip, 1600 miles, 7 days.
2008 - Boston to Mid-Ohio Vintage bike meet, 850 miles, 4 days
2010 - Boston to Winter Harbor, ME/New Brunswick - 800 miles,3 days
2010 - Boston to Adirondacks, NY (Fall Ride) - 770 miles,3 days
2013  -Tail of the Dragon Tour -2500 miles, 7 days
2019 - Scottish Highland Games, Loon, NH
2019 - Camping trip to Chatham, NY
2019 - Boston to Winter Harbor, ME/New Brunswick - 1000 miles,3 days

Mileage to date:
10/10/10 - 72, 500 miles
03/23/14 - 83,152 miles and counting...
03/04/20 - 90,000 miles at last! Slowed down in the last few years 
11/10/24 - 94,000 miles

2008

Last year I had a top end rebuild done by Mike and bike ran great afterwards...however since I didnt install HD studs engine started the classic head gasket leak....see pic....so out came the engine again in Dec 2007 and taken over to Mikes....now engine is back in bike (see pics) and this morning was the first test ride to work....very smooth power delivery (changed the HM300s over to the HM341s - so much quieter - the HM300s are now on the hooligan cafe bike  ).

Work done to the bike over the winter:

1. New H4 headlight - this was loooong overdue and makes a huge difference. Ebay seller -$15

2. New front and rear shorty K1/K2 indicator stems (Yamiya). Gives it that thinner profile.

3. Replacement rear shocks as old ones were too soft (2-up) -these are F2 shocks but I think they are just as bad! So they will be coming off soon enough...I know, I know..old shocks are old shocks 

4. New K&N air filter (from Z1 enterprises - forget $ but best price I could find). 

5. New Dyna wires and caps from Z1 enterprises ($16)

6. And waiting for new tank trim (thanks MarkB!) and Iridium plugs (thanks Whaleman!). Debating whether to change to Napoleon bar end mirrors 

7. Chromed valve cover - Ebay.

Engine getting removed....









and how it looks today...pics taken before riding to work...

''









This will be my daily rider. Bike has 66,000 miles on it. 40,000+ in last 6.5 yrs, in 11+ countries. Hopefully this will be the last time I pull the engine for a few years. This time re-assembly took a morning and an hour in the evening. Having new rubber engine-carb boots and airbox-carb boots installed last year made getting carbs on/off take literally less than 2 mins. Everything else slotted into place.

cheers
Andy

[lazyguy400F]

It looks great, all new and shiny...look forward to seeing and hearing it next weekend!

[wigglethattoe]

hey andy,

just wondering where you got those bar end mirrors...? thanks

p.s. The bike looks great, nice pics.

[pddpimp]

Ah a man after my own heart (not in that way Andy). A nice cruiser to go along with a matching paint little racer.

Let me know if you have any leads on a decent factory exhaust, such as the one on this bike.

Have a good one.

[andy750]

hey andy,

just wondering where you got those bar end mirrors...? thanks

I got them off Ebay - I tired to find the seller/auction but it was last year. I think if you search for bar end mirrors you will find them. They are ok but they do stick out as you can see.

Good luck,
Andy

[wigglethattoe]

Thanks.

[andy750]

Ah a man after my own heart (not in that way Andy). A nice cruiser to go along with a matching paint little racer.

Let me know if you have any leads on a decent factory exhaust, such as the one on this bike.

Have a good one.

I know what you mean pddpimp  I wanted to balance all these great cafe projects with a little stock reminder. That and I think its a great cruising bike. And you are right its good to have both a racer and a cruiser - pics of the K2 below...its getting the polished bare tank look...just need to Glisten PC it and paint side covers black....waiting for the warmer weather....dont worry keeping the orange tank orange  Its good to have spares 

As for stock exhaust - I have a spare one hanging in my gargage...but....every pipe is full of holes so really needs to be thrown out. I do have two spare pipes though (#3 & #4) in good condition - HM300s so if you find the other side we should talk 






Test rode the K4 yesterday and now know it needs some new rear shocks...I have one more set of old shocks to try - VHT stock shocks....not sure what the VHT on the shocks means but Ill try them before buying new......after looking at whats in my price range and all the options I think Im going to go with the Progressive shocks from Z1. It was a choice between YSS Bravo ($220) v Hagon ($290) v Progressive (~$250). I had looked at the MDI shocks ($100) but they sound very stiff and already having a set of stiff shocks on the K2 I dont want another set. I need some proper dampening!

cheers
Andy

[ekim98]

Dam andy, you sure do nice work. 2 very good looking bikes. 

[willhwhitt]

  What year is the bike and how do you know if it is a k1 k2 k3........ I have a '76 cb750 don't know if it is k or not. And I want to paint the chrome fenders anyone know how to do that? By the good looking bikes,How did you get the privilege of riding in so many country?

[andy750]

  What year is the bike and how do you know if it is a k1 k2 k3........ I have a '76 cb750 don't know if it is k or not. And I want to paint the chrome fenders anyone know how to do that? By the good looking bikes,How did you get the privilege of riding in so many country?

You can tell what year it is from the VIN plate on the steering neck and also check the year of the engine serial number - go HERE (http://hondachopper.com/timeline.html)
to do that.

I got to ride the K4 in so many countries because Im lucky I guess  ....I bought the bike off Ebay in 2001 - it was in North Carolina and I was in Boston, MA - flew down there and rode it 900 miles home. Then in Sept 2001, 3 weeks after 9/11 I took it across country to San Francisco on my way to Mexico (2 countries so far). Got back to Boston in Dec 2001. I was inbetween jobs at the time. I was moving back to the UK for a while so shipped the bike from NJ to England and rode it to Scotland (4 countries now)....then I decided after 2+ yrs in the UK to return to Boston. I took 3 weeks vacation in 2003 and toured Europe - (Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Lichenstein, Czech republic, Belgium, France) (now 13 countries). Shipped the bike back to NJ (yes I know very crazy  ). In 2004 organized a SOHC ride - the Easy Rider trip (see www.easyridertrip.de). 16 days riding from LAX to New Orleans to Boston.

You dont have to have a lot of time but it helps. The Easy Rider trip was 16 days and only 5500 miles but it was a lot of fun. And total trip for 16 days only cost $700. Of course it cost $550 to ship the bike to LA from Boston but this was the biggest expense.

All this was done on the stock K4 you see in the first photo -a few things changed along the way of course 

Thanks for the compliments,

cheers
Andy

[bwaller]

That's a good looking bike Andy. It's nice to see an every day rain or shine 750 rider.

Maybe this year we can hook up if you make it to Loudon.

[willhwhitt]

  What year is the bike and how do you know if it is a k1 k2 k3........ I have a '76 cb750 don't know if it is k or not. And I want to paint the chrome fenders anyone know how to do that? By the good looking bikes,How did you get the privilege of riding in so many country?

You can tell what year it is from the VIN plate on the steering neck and also check the year of the engine serial number - go HERE (http://hondachopper.com/timeline.html)
to do that.

I got to ride the K4 in so many countries because Im lucky I guess  ....I bought the bike off Ebay in 2001 - it was in North Carolina and I was in Boston, MA - flew down there and rode it 900 miles home. Then in Sept 2001, 3 weeks after 9/11 I took it across country to San Francisco on my way to Mexico (2 countries so far). Got back to Boston in Dec 2001. I was inbetween jobs at the time. I was moving back to the UK for a while so shipped the bike from NJ to England and rode it to Scotland (4 countries now)....then I decided after 2+ yrs in the UK to return to Boston. I took 3 weeks vacation in 2003 and toured Europe - (Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Lichenstein, Czech republic, Belgium, France) (now 13 countries). Shipped the bike back to NJ (yes I know very crazy  ). In 2004 organized a SOHC ride - the Easy Rider trip (see www.easyridertrip.de). 16 days riding from LAX to New Orleans to Boston.

You dont have to have a lot of time but it helps. The Easy Rider trip was 16 days and only 5500 miles but it was a lot of fun. And total trip for 16 days only cost $700. Of course it cost $550 to ship the bike to LA from Boston but this was the biggest expense.

All this was done on the stock K4 you see in the first photo -a few things changed along the way of course 

Thanks for the compliments,

cheers
Andy

   Oh I know what year mine is,I was talking about yours. Maybe one day I can take my 750 to europe and ride for a few weeks. and how about those pics?

[ofreen]

[Shipped the bike back to NJ (yes I know very crazy  ).

Doesn't seem crazy at all to me.  The memories you must have associated with that bike would be priceless. 

The bike looks great.

[andy750]

That's a good looking bike Andy. It's nice to see an every day rain or shine 750 rider.

Maybe this year we can hook up if you make it to Loudon.

Ill be going to Loudon/Laconia this year for sure so yes we reallly should try and meet up this year - I am very eager to see your bike!

Greg - thanks!

cheers
Andy

[andy750]

   Oh I know what year mine is,I was talking about yours. Maybe one day I can take my 750 to europe and ride for a few weeks. and how about those pics?

Here are a few shots from the Alps....













cheers
Andy

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Andy,

You've become quite the mechanic in the last few years. Congrats on a job well done. You're not going to need that MReick guy at this rate very much longer  . That chrome valve cover sure makes the engine look good. Have you checked into the Red Wing (?) shocks that are showing up on EBay??

Any plans on a ride for this year? We're planning on a Denver to San Fran to Vancouver, BC and return the last half of this August unless my riding partner changes jobs. Do we need to start tentative plans for SOHC4 Ride the Rockies in 2009? PM me so we don't clutter this up or perhaps start another thread to gauge interest. If so what would be the best time of the year for you? I'm self employed and very flexible. I can't decide on a time frame to do the ground up restore on my bike but would probably wait until our return plus that gives me more time and cash to round up a few more parts.

Jerry     

[willhwhitt]

  Lookes like fun. I was telling my wife," One of these days,pow to the Alps." A little honeymooners humor couldn't resist.

[andy750]

I got the K4 inspected on Saturday and was first time riding it after waiting for a +1 week for new exhaust gaskets to come (DONT re-use old exhaust gaskets! I had air leaks!).

But it wasnt until last night - Sunday I had the chance to evaluate the rebuilt bike -and by this time I had changed the rear shocks out for some "VHT/Showa" stock shocks which are so much firmer than what I had - this made a big difference to how the front end handled as well - gone was the shaky loose front end and now felt much more solid. So I took it for a tour round the neighbourhoods making for small rotaries, large rotaries (sometimes spinning around them one-full turn before exiting) and accelerating strongly on the straights - this engine is soooo much stronger than the 50,000 mile stock K2 engine! Nice smooth power delivery and easy to get up to speed. Time will tell if the HD studs prevent the dreaded top end leak...Ill post an update after 1000 miles.

Thanks to Mike Rieck for another winner  No offense Mike but hopefully thats it for a while! (well until the K2  ).

cheers
Andy

[caferacer77]

hey Andy,
it's been a while. Nice to see your bike all together and running well. I still remember when I first picked it up at LAX. Were those pictures taken at Passo dello Stelvio? I have basically a picture taken at the identical spot...(just on a Guzzi...hehe!).
cheers,
Fabrizio

p.s.
we should talk about another trip soon.

[andy750]

Fabrizio!!! I had no idea you were on here! Hey good looking bike in your avatar  Hopefully that is yours!

Yeah the bike has come along way from LAX (how can I ever thank you for that!?) and those first few days of the Easy Rider trip. Still runs more or less the same only better and with a stronger motor  .

Yes you are correct - that is the Passo dello Stelvio and I had to stop to take it all in after riding up it as fast as I could - which isnt so fast due to the hairpin turns all over the place  . it was great having no other traffic around.  Ah it must have been great on a guzzi! I was very jealous of YOUR trip! I also enjoyed your photos!

I do keep thinking about the next trip and seeing you, Mark and Bud again - I was planning on going to the Barbers meet in October to catch up with Bud- how about we all meet there for another Mardis Gras-type trip?? Whats Mark and Ute up to these days? You still see them?

cheers
Andy

P.S. If you are coming to Boston this summer to see your brother let me know - you have a bike waiting for you!

[caferacer77]

Genrally I am on here getting tech info, and then I found your post! the bike is mine, it is the one that I rode on the eazy rider trip, but with some obvious cafe style changes. Now it is going through a complete restauration.... check in the Project Shop forum page in the next few days. I'll post the SLOOOOW progress on the project. I am trying to build a racer out of it for next year at Willow Springs ARMHA races.
Yeah, I might get up to Boston before end of summer.
cheers,
fabrizio

[andy750]

Hey Fabrizio sounds good and I checked out your project thread - some good ideas there and Ill be watching! One thing Ill add though is for head-work give it to Mike Rieck here in Boston. He does amazing work and at a decent price. You`ll be amazed at the difference after hes finished. The K4 runs so much stronger now with the top-end rebuild.

cheers
Andy

[caferacer77]

yeah got in touch with him a few weeks ago, and will definately send the heads to him, but right now I am working from the bottom up....starting with lightening and balancing the crank, and some other work in the bottom end.

fabrizio

[andy750]

After going through 4 or 5 sets of used Ebay shocks that included CB900, CB750F and CB750K stock shocks I finally ponied up the cash for new Progressive rear shocks. Ordered from Z1 Enterprises on Monday and arrived Thursday - impressive service! I got the 412 HD series - 12-2040B (13` length, 105/150 spring). Installed them last night and noticed some chain guard clearance issue that was easily resolved - may have also been a slightly bent sprocket cover on the wheel. Took the bike out for a test ride last night and went to a set of 3 roundabouts (rotaries) to test cornering ability. Wow!!!! What a difference. Even though these are not the best shocks they are a huge improvement on regular stock shocks! This morning I rode the K4 to work leaning into every corner possible. These shocks have improved the overall handling of the bike and now Im ready for mid-Ohio :-)

Further testing 2-up will take place tomorrow on a days outing to Vermont 

cheers
Andy

P.S. I have a set of stock shocks with V.H.T. sticker on them, set of CB750F shocks, set of CB900 shocks for sale if anyone is interested $15/set and I think from memory its $20 USPS shipping.  PM if interested. All shocks are good condition and chrome is good. Just didnt work for me.

[andy750]

Odometer on the bike turned 66,666 miles today.....



+4500 miles since May 2008 on rebuilt engine...no leaks so far and running strong 


In reality odometer is about 1500 miles past this as speedo cable broke on one x-country trip