Topic: Greetings from Denver

[fastway]

Just got a 75 400f on Saturday.  Haven't had a bike in years, but looking forward to living in the past.  Bike is in great condition with 4200 miles.  I need to go through it before adding to the miles.  Suggestions on where to start?

Steve

[mrbreeze]

Show pictures!!!

[78 k550]

nice score. May I be the first to say you suck. j/k
How did you score it?
Bunch of us in the area.
Also google denver rusted nuts.

Paul

[volkswagendan]

how long was it sitting?
if its been more than a year i'd clean the points, change the plugs, clean the carbs, and check the tank for rust.
thats where i'd start.   but you might want to get some suggestions from someone with more stars under their name.
oh, and welcome.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Greetings from the Springs.

Start off by getting a Honda brand shop manual. Not Clymers, etc - Honda. Either buy one or download one from the site. Next, go through the tune up section, buy a new battery if it isn't already new and a Battery Tender for our cold winters, change the oil and filter, flush out the brake fluid with fresh, change the fork oil, lube and adjust the chain, check the condition of the tires and air them up, clean or replace the air filter if it isn't new. Top off the gas tank and add Sta Bil if you're not riding during the winter. Moisture condensation can sure ruin a nice tank and they are difficult and expensive to find. Old Bike Ride 7 comes up in the spring. Be ready to ride. We rode through snow on OBR 6.   

[HondaMan]

Where do you live, Fastway? I'm in Lakewood.

[volkswagendan]

see... the dudes with five stars ARE the guys to listen to. 

[fastway]

Wow.....thanks for the welcome.  Looking forward to meeting and riding.  For those Colorado folks, I live in Littleton.

I got the bike from a guy who had it for 3 years (only put 2k on the bike).  He purchased it from the original owner, who only put about 2k on the bike.  Evidently, the original owner about laid it down, which puckered him up.....so it sat in his garage for 30 years.  Yep, hard to believe but it's true.  Now I've stayed off a bike for a few weeks after a few near catastrophes, but 30 years!  Anyway, the bikes in great condition but like any old bike, it can be made even better.  Thanks for the advice.  See you soon.

Steve

[fastway]

Most of the side covers that I'm seeing on CL and Ebay aren't any better than the ones on my bike or the seller is way too proud on price.  Does anyone know of a good supplier?  Mine aren't bad but with a foot of snow on the ground, I figure it's a good time to clean up the bike.

Steve

[plutoloco]

Hello, I just signed on today as well. I recently bought a 1975 Honda 750F. Looking to get out and ride in the spring after I attempt to fix some minor cosmetic problems. Im living in West Denver, near Sloans Lake, looking forward to meeting you all one day!

[78 k550]

first concert at Red Rocks was
Fastway & Ratt.

Paul

[HondaMan]

Hello, I just signed on today as well. I recently bought a 1975 Honda 750F. Looking to get out and ride in the spring after I attempt to fix some minor cosmetic problems. Im living in West Denver, near Sloans Lake, looking forward to meeting you all one day!

Hi, Pluto!
Post a picture? You're not far from me. Merry Christmas! Too bad we're having Christmas weather, dang...

[fastway]

first concert at Red Rocks was
Fastway & Ratt.

Paul

78 k550,

That must have been one hell of a show!  I can't think of a better combo.

Steve

[HondaMan]

Just got a 75 400f on Saturday.  Haven't had a bike in years, but looking forward to living in the past.  Bike is in great condition with 4200 miles.  I need to go through it before adding to the miles.  Suggestions on where to start?

Steve

One thing that does come to mind, if the bike's been sitting for years & years: pull the plugs and put a tablespoon of Liquid Wrench in each cylinder, slowly turn the engine over once or twice, put the plugs back in, let it sit ofr a few weeks like that. Even if it's not locked up, the rings are probably stuck a bit, and will generate small leaks when you start riding it again. These leaks can sometimes become burns along the unsealed faces, if the conditions are just right when you start riding again. Then, after running 50-100 miles or so next Spring, change the oil again to remove the Liquid Wrench, which will have drained into the crankcase by then. It thins out the rest of the oil, not a real desirable thing.

This was a standard startup routine in our shop for bikes (and tractors, mowers, etc.) that had been stored for more than 2 years, usually improperly, but still turned over. It prevented a lot of 'early' rebuilds for scratched rings and bores.

[plutoloco]

Hello, I just signed on today as well. I recently bought a 1975 Honda 750F. Looking to get out and ride in the spring after I attempt to fix some minor cosmetic problems. Im living in West Denver, near Sloans Lake, looking forward to meeting you all one day!

Hi, Pluto!
Post a picture? You're not far from me. Merry Christmas! Too bad we're having Christmas weather, dang...

I finally got a pic up for ya. I have the seat all apart at this point to get recovered.
 Where exactly are you at? I am new to riding as well as repair, so I imagine I'll be looking your way for some tips on quite a few things.