Topic: New owner of a 1974 CB750 K...first post

[Kouros]

Okay gang, My name is Kouros and this is the first of thousands of posts to come as I am determined to put together and awesome motorcycle together and I'll need all the help I can get.

Background:
In 1976, at the age of 16, I owned a '74 CB750 stock. I enjoyed the bike for couple years before I lost interest as I bought a car. So it's been a couple of years that I've been contemplating to restore or restomod a CB750. However, I have no knowledge or mechanical skills when it comes to motorcycles.....but I have one advantage...read on....

I also had a passion for 1965 Shelby Cobra 427SC since childhood. Since they are/were mostly in museums or super expensive and old, the only option was to build a replica with much better parts than originally used (can you say front-leaf-springs).....The only problem was I had no mechanical skills and about the only tool I had was a flat-head screw driver. I had never even changed oil or a flat tire...ever. So in course of a couple years, thanks to the Internet, and another excellent form such as this one, my son (16) and I managed to learn and put together our dream together....A car that was built in our garage and pull hard from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds while looking good. See the build site at www.doublestripes.com
So you may ask, why I'm giving you my background story? Well it's because I am at the exact situation where I was with the start of building the Cobra.....I need much help and I'm fast learner.



My Goal:
My goal is to come up with a bored engine that puts out great power, debating about the style since my wife is showing interest on going for rides and I may have to have the original seat (other options?)...which somewhat dictates the style. We will be taking the whole bike apart and starting fresh with just a frame and work our way from there. I do like the cafe style, but my back may not hold up handlebars that low.

Question for now:
-What's a reputable place on Internet to get NOS OEM parts from beside ebay? BTW Carpy is close  by.
-How do I jack the motorcycle up to work on in? Right now I have hydraulic bike jack but the 4 into 1 is below the frame! What do you for CB750s? I know I can remove the exhaust right now...but I'm thinking for the future.
-Can you recommend a place to rebuild the engine in SoCal? Someone who knows the 750 Fours inside out.

Finally here is what we have to work with and I picked it up yesterday from Sacramento. It sits in the garage as you see it in the pic below.



Well, that's it for now and I'm looking forward to riding with some of you local folks...BTW any one in Orange County?

Cheers,

Kouros (Rookie for now)

EDIT:
Huh!....Just notice the new members forum for introductions....Oh well I'll copy some of this there too.

[bender01]

Put a side oiler in that bike!!! Show that 350 boss hog? The real deal.Just kidding. No really put a BB aluminum ZL-1 in it and show the world!! Yes.

[SohcCBs]

836cc is as big as you can go without major modification to the cylinder block and more.

[BobbyR]

First of all, welcome to the site. My neighbor built a Cobra like yours and he is a very experienced builder and he almost gave up twice so - Bravo!

You can get a surprising number of parts from a Honda dealer who will work with you - some won't since they only want to sell dress up parts to make the Shadow look like a Harley. I find that new Honda parts are sometimes cheaper or not crazy expensive compared to ebay prices.

There is a member MREICK who does head porting and other engine work. He is in MA. I have personally looked at his shop and his work and it is first rate. We also have Hondaman who builds performance ignitions for these bikes.

Other members have resources for 836 cc upgrades, cranks, cams, rods etc, if that is your intention.

Good luck with your build.

[kghost]

Welcome.

Don't neglect the FAQ section...particularly when it comes to parts suppliers.

Theres a great list in there.

[Jinxracing]

Hey there Kouros, welcome aboard!

Digiacomoracing and I live in Dana Point...not sure where in O.C. you are, but you're welcome to stop by our shop if you're in the neighborhood. Sundays are usually best.

Jim
(jinxracing)

[rhinoracer]

Welcome to the forum, I hope you find it as useful and entertaining as I have and that with time you too will contribute with your gained experience.

I too was a big AC Cobra fan although they've always been out of reach for me, met Mr. Shelby himself in Monterey some seven years ago.

I'm not in OC but close enough that we can go for a ride once I'm done with my project which by the way was rougher than yours 3 years ago and it's coming together slowly bit by bit.

Like Bobby said, there's still lots of OEM parts available from dealers so don't get fooled by e-bay replicas or pricing.

[JoeK]

I'm new to the forum too, this is my second post, but I live in OC. Several guys that come to my monthly meet in Huntington Beach have CB750s. A lot of the dealers have parts lists online, and a lot of the parts seem to be still available. Check out our meet on the Second Sunday of the month: www.VintageBikeOC.com (shameless plug)

[Kouros]

Thanks guys! I appreciate all the responses.

Jim, I'll come by soon. yes I'd like to visit your shop if possible. Pls send me a Personal message or an email to kouros at double stripes dot com .

Now, how 'bout a way to jack up the bike? Do I have to remove the exhaust to do it? Any tricks I can use (see above)?

Thanks in advance.

-Kouros

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Kouros and Jinx,

I'm in Aliso Viejo.  Just bought a '77 CB750K, and I'm a novice wrench.  I'll have to check out Jinx since he's so close.  Where exactly are you, Jinx?

[Kouros]

I looked a bit more under the bile and noticed that not only the exhaust (4 in 1) sits much lower than the frame, but eveb the bottom of the engine case is lower than the frame. Plus, I don't have the center stand on this bike and seems like the side jack stand gets in the way too.

Any suggestions as to how I can work on this motorcycle? Any pictures tips or tricks you may have that helps?


-Kouros