Topic: Restoring a 1978 CB750 and have several questions...

[acme rider]

Hi All,

New to the site, but very excited to be embarking on this project. I've been riding on the street for about 10 years now, but rode dirt a lot when I was younger. I started riding street on a beat up 94 VFR that turned into a newer VFR and then became interested in sport bikes. It started with a CBR600RR and then eventually into a 1000RR. A couple years ago I became interested in adventure touring so now have a completely built out R1200GS too.

I recently had to tear my GS apart to fix the transmission since the cost was so prohibitive to have it done at the dealer. A friend of mine that recently restored an old Triumph helped me and that process got me interested in doing a restoration. Since I have always loved Hondas and wanted to take on something that wouldn't be too difficult... I decided to pick up a CB750. I found one on Craigslist for $500 and I couldn't pass it up.



I even started a web site that I'll be using to chronicle the whole project from beginning to end at http://www.legacyracer.com

So I started this project with knowing almost nothing about the CB. Since then, I've learned that the bike I have is a "K", but my plan is to restore it as a cafe bike and interested about the differences between the regular CB750 and the Super Sport (F model?). I know the tank and engine are different, as well as some of them had mag wheels with dual front disc brakes. I'm going to stick with the spoked, but my understanding is the Super Sport came with a rear disc brake as well?

What I'm really curious about right now is the frame... I'm assuming they are the same for the regular and the super sport and that most of the parts are interchangeable on this bike? If anyone knows the difference between the two types... that would be great. I've read about a lot of the differences for other model years, but I know that 77-78 represented some changes from previous years so just trying to get a bead on it. I also plan on using Carpy's products and potential help on my project as well.

Anyway... thanks in advance for any help/advice and will be sure to post up whatever I learn with pictures along the way.

Jack

[MCRider]

Welcome: About the frames. Don't assume anything. The frames are different in the details, and that's where the devil lives. The early Fs were like Ks, sometimes. And the 77/78 Ks were different and the 77/78 Fs were different, sometimes. You'll just have to take it a step at atime and learn. The Ks are more plentiful and make fine cafes.

Changes occurred in shocks, chains and sprockets along with their offset, wheels, swingarms, footpeg mounts and positions, forks, steering stems, etc. Some may be interchangeable but not what you want to end up with.

Looks like you've got a lot of good stock parts. Sell them or keep them under wraps.

Others will comment I'm sure.

[acme rider]

That's a great start and exactly the kind of stuff I need to learn. I'm sure there's going to be an element of trial and error which for some crazy reason tends to be part of the fun right? Just trying to get as much of an informed start as possible and this is really useful. I guess if I had to do it all over again, I would have searched for an F and started there... but it's all part of the learning process. I'm perfectly happy starting with this bike as a learning foundation. Thanks for the advice and help!

[MCRider]

That's a great start and exactly the kind of stuff I need to learn. I'm sure there's going to be an element of trial and error which for some crazy reason tends to be part of the fun right? Just trying to get as much of an informed start as possible and this is really useful. I guess if I had to do it all over again, I would have searched for an F and started there... but it's all part of the learning process. I'm perfectly happy starting with this bike as a learning foundation. Thanks for the advice and help!

The later faster F Models had a reputation for self-destructing, valve trains. Not knowing anything at all, you're better off with a K, than the chance you would accidentally get the flawed Fs. A slightly built K is more personal and just as fast. Easily faster.