Topic: Life After the SOHC 4 Build

[RRRToolSolutions]

Guys, this is not really SOHC related, but I am an active VJMC member and there is not one single bike model that I don't like and admire - some a lot more than others, but I find working on a variety of brands/bikes keeps it interesting. Besides, when growing up, I had every brand at one time or another so there has never been a brand loyalty issue with me. The dogs turned out to be those that received the most abuse and least care - those that were treated with respect gave it back.

I thought I'd post what happens when a Honda SOHC 4 owner gets done with his CB750 Four. I get bored and since I enjoy the work/research/learning/building/collecting part of this hobby 10 times more than riding - Here is an update for those who asked me what I'm up to.

First up is the 1967 Black Bomber - its been done since Dec 7, but I'm still waiting on the seat. It's getting it's 3rd foam/cover. The first ones were not acceptable - this time I got one of the most noted Kawasaki seat restorers to do one of the Bomber seats - it's taken 4 months, but it shipped to me this morning.

Second is the 1970 Kawasaki H1/Mach III. I've had this bike for several years, put 100 miles on it after purchase, broke the crank in two - and now decided to finish it's restoration. I hope to have it completed in early April as I'm looking for a nice left exhaust and Sudco packed the wrong seal in my kit. The left crank seal is not yet installed.

Third is a new aquisition made in mid-Feb. I had been wanting a Z1/KZ900 for years, so when one popped-up on EBay within a day's drive, with a low reserve, and did not sell - I contacted the seller and made a deal. The bike was much like many out there - 90% original, 4/1 pipe, wrong chain, sprockets, missing pieces, modified battery box, lots of dirt/grime, poorly done carb cleaning and set-up, patched wiring, and valve adjustments a mile off. Those things found, replaced, adjusted, cleaned, polished, and tuned - it's super sweet and still well under what I consider to be a decent price for a stock KZ900.

What's next? I have this little Suzi TC125 4 speed, dual-range that's been begging for it's turn. It fits - it's unusual, it's a 7,000 mile 1-owner, I've got $100 in it, and yes - it runs!

Regards,
Gordon

[LMAERO_396]

beautiful work!  Love the Black Bomber for it's looks and the KZ900 would be really fun to ride!

[narcoticrex]

  at the black bomber - awesome

[tom8Toe]

Nice Black Bomber... My heart aches every time I see one especially one in that nice of condition. You see, I had one in the Seattle area back in the early to mid '90s but someone decided to take it without permission and never returned it. Unfortunately, I never saw it again.

Kudos..
Chris

[Kevin D]

I went by Rosenau's Honda in Dearborn Heights last week. There is a Black Bomber there with 16 miles showing. Salesman said it belongs to the owner and runs well. But it doesn't look half as nice as yours Ilbikes.

[Sweep]

I'm re-reading Zen and the Art and it makes me want a bomber or superhawk or something simpler than what I have now.

[RRRToolSolutions]

Sweep, I caution anyone wanting to restore a Black Bomber - the parts are getting near impossible to find. It will take you months and months of looking for parts and there are a few things you are not likely to find -

1) seat hinges - those are bonded rubber and fall apart. There hasn't been a new set available anywhere since those came with the seat.
2) Fork tube holders
3) Fork trims
4) Exhaust - "not obtainable"
5) Handlebars
6) Seat foam - no one makes it, the original stuff is like sand - it's falling apart from age so even an NOS seat is useless.
7) Rims - you won't find a new 1.85x18 40 spoke anywhere. There are plenty of 36 hole, but no 40's anywhere.
Air cleaners and inner covers - these are so unique and long-gone. People are even resorting to cutting/glueing their own from foam to fit the stock frame.

Ok, now that you feel better and have wind in your sail - go get you one. Just don't start with anything that looks like this -

 

[JLeather]

Hey man, do you know anything about Benellis?  I've got a line on a cheap 1973 Benelli 175 enduro motorcycle.  Never registered, only has 307 original miles on it.  Basically one season of trails and then it was put away and forgotten about.  Chrome is great except for the rear rim, tank is perfect, seat is perfect, etc.  How hard are Benellis to find parts for?  I need at the very least a taillight lense, a carb kit, and footpeg rubbers.  Are the 70's Benellis getting more desireable (ie is a resto of this worth it)?

[Sweep]

Gordon,

I wouldn't restore it per se but make it a really nice rider, just rebuild the motor, paint and refurbish parts.  Either way it's moot right now because I'm waiting for my kid(s) to get a bit older before I do another one of these.

Sean

[53kemper]

Just picked up a Black Bomber.  Read your posts but all the pics are x'd out.  Any good advice before I take on this project?

Thanks

Jess