Topic: getting a free bike

[mooperdee]

A guy I know from work is giving me a '72 CB750.

He says it was running, but was disassembled to have the engine gaskets replaced.  It's been in storage for at least a year, maybe more in that "apart" state.  I'm open for any advice people can give me on things to look for, etc. while I'm trying to get it together and running.  I understand it's still all stock...I think that's a good thing

Has anybody else done something like this 'on the cheap'?

[brockj]

I received a 72 CB500 this fall for free, was able to get it running just by doing some work, though the bike was together, just sitting for a while.  You will end up putting money into no matter what, you just need to decide how much is too much.  The problem (at least for me) is determining that.  Also, don't forget the time it will take and how much you have.  But most importantly, HAVE FUN!

[mooperdee]

Yeah, I'm going to assume that I'll need tires just because it's been sitting.  Beyond that, the previous owner rode it to where it is now so maybe it's not too bad.  I guess I'll know what I'm in for when I see it.  My motto is: "If it's free, it's for me" so I couldn't turn it down.

[cadler]

One thing to look for is part organization.
Hopefully everything is not just thrown in a box.
If everything is separated and labeled, i'd give it a shot.

Also make friends with someone who has experience rebuilding engines..

[brockj]

My motto is: "If it's free, it's for me" so I couldn't turn it down.

I was that way...now I am engaged to be married in June, my how the mighty have fallen...(At least I thought I was pretty damned mighty  )

[mooperdee]

Also make friends with someone who has experience rebuilding engines..

I just so happen to work for Northrop Grumman at the site for depot maintenance for the Hunter UAV.  The thing is powered by 2 Moto Guzzi V-twins.  The engine shop here rebuilds motorcycle engines all day...literally.  I know the lead tech pretty well.  I'm sure I can talk him into helping some, but I'm hoping it doesn't come to a rebuild.

[Raul CB750K1]

There is nothing wrong with a rebuild. Actually, it doesn't have to be expensive as long as you don't have to replace anything but gaskets and seals, and even if you have to spend money, you will learn a lot in the process and will give you peace of mind once the bike is finished.

[hondachopproject]

My advice, go for it!
Just plan on possibly having to buy new parts....cables, tires, etc.
You will have times that you question why you are doing this, but you will in the end know more about your bike than most guys with more expensive new ones. Plus it feels good to say "I built mine"
Again go for it, take your time and as said earlier HAVE FUN!
Lee
74cb550
76cb550
80cx500
80cb900custom

[amattel]

If you've got it apart anyway, I would rebuild whatever you can afford to as it really sucks to get it all together just to discover it could have used some freshening up.

Having it apart already has saved you some work!

Just my 2 cents.

Adam

[Geeto67]

Get a good shop manual (honda preferrably) and go through the engine. Since it is all apart anyway just friggin do it and quit waisting time. nobody just takes an engine apart for a set of gaskets and just leaves it, dollars to doughnuts there is something else wrong with that engine that caused the project to be abandoned, so might as well go through it and actually have something reliable instead of having to tear it apart when you find out something else is wrong.

Honda cb750 motors are plentiful in good condition and usually cheap, go find a good running motor (like on ebay) drop it in and start riding while you rebuild the original motor. at least then you will have something.

Also fill out your bio so we know where you are. if there is another member close to you maybe he can come over and help. If you were close to me I would.

[Gibson]

put her back together i'd look everything over good first though seem's odd to have been taken apart for gasket's and not put back together. but then again some can't finnish a project.