Topic: Parts Availability for '78 CB750K

[jfurgeson]

I recently acquired a 1978 CB750 (K8) and have enjoyed and benefitted from lurking around the forum for a while.  With only a moderate amount of searching and reading the threads I was able to get the old girl running (somewhat).  I've ridden motorcycles for a long time and I'm getting the bug to wrench/rebuild them too, hence the CB750, which I'm growing fond of little by little (at least a healthy love/hate relationship).

My intentions are to someday take her all the way down and bring her back up in cafe style, but being rather new at the wrenching thing I wanted to cut my teeth on getting it running (and safe).  I'm learning alot and having fun and again I appreciate being a part of this forum.

Here's my inaugural question:  Did I get the wrong year?

I'm having a hard time finding alot of parts with the correct fitment for the K8 either used, OEM, or aftermarket.  It seems like parts for k0-k6 are abundant, but for K7 and K8 (more so K8) not so much.  I've scoured the the threads and found good parts resources, but have been getting stymied on the '78 parts.  For example, I need a brake lever...somehow, I can't find one to fit.  I even bought what was advertised as a set of levers for the 1978 CB750 K on eBay, only to find out they only fit earlier models.  The guy was good enough to accept a return though.


So should I stick it out and push through and make it happen, or should I consider cutting bait on this one and find an earlier model?  Let me know what y'all think. Any newbie encouragement would also would be greatly appreciated. (the wiring's a mess and the charging system doesn't work.)

Thank you

[cookindaddy]

I have been having great fun with mine and I enjoy the search for parts. They are still out there but you have to remember that it is a 31 year old machine.

I might even have a brake lever for you. Send me a PM. George

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

10 Loading... SKU: 53175-393-771
LEVER, R. HANDLEBAR (Honda Code 0631044) 1 $20.72 
10  SKU: 53175-431-670
LEVER, R. HANDLEBAR (Honda Code 0637868) 1 $20.72

There are a number of places to look up and purchase parts. Some good, some not so good. Some at MSRP and some at 20-30% below MSRP. Some show actual Honda availability (available or discontinued) and some just show info but not availability. I don't know where you're looking but I'll list a few for you. I usually go to BikeBandit.com to determine availability. Usually works. If it allows you to enter a quantity then they can get it from Honda. Only downside is Bike Bandit does not give you Honda parts numbers. Keep in mind that most of these parts from everyone have to be picked from a Honda warehouse and are not stocked. If I then determine it is available I go to ServiceHonda.com and order online for a 20-30% discount. Another site I use is http://www.motogrid.com/pages/parts/viewbybrand/7/default.aspx. I also use this for reference only and still order from Service Honda. Play with the sites a little and get the hang of it.

In the case of your brake lever, I could not find it on Bike Bandit?? Just didn't exist. The info above is from Motogrid.

You would find that every model is going to have discontinued parts. I search EBay daily. I do my research from the sites above to be sure I know what I'm buying. I search for NOS (New Old Stock) items and I expect to see a part number before I buy it. Rarely do I buy a used part. Too many unknown factors.

[jfurgeson]

As a quick follow up: does a master cylinder rebuild kit exist for a '78 cb750?  Why can't I find one?

[jfurgeson]

Hey Griff,

I appreciate your comments.  I have done business with both Bike Bandit and Service Honda, both seem to be reputable places, I'm just surprised at the lack of availability of parts for my bike.  I actually tried to order a new brake line, which servicehonda let me do, but got an email saying it was discontinued.  I'm thinking, a brake line? Really? Anyway, again I appreciate you posting your process.  I'm just wondering if I should go with a '75 or a '76.

[SKTP]

As a quick follow up: does a master cylinder rebuild kit exist for a '78 cb750?  Why can't I find one?

Yes, I found one ages ago somewhere...

Here's my K8:



I do agree that part are slightly more scarce, but not too terrible. That being said, I am looking for a 76F to tear down and rebuild (but I'm still considering another 77-78'). Honestly, the main difference in my opinion is rake + fork length = way different ride. I was really impressed with the feel of a 76 the first time I rode one...this is my first bike ever and I love it!

[cookindaddy]

Very nice!

[BobbyR]

As a quick follow up: does a master cylinder rebuild kit exist for a '78 cb750?  Why can't I find one?

I bought all the  parts to rebuild the MC from Honda. You may have a crappy dealer that does not want to be bothered.