Topic: To fix or to part out, that is the question

[cyclezirk]

I recently got a 73 CB750 in trade for wiring a guy's garage.  It runs rough and has 62K miles on it.  I have been waiting for years (I mean 5+ years) for a motorcycle.  I don't know anything about motors, nada, zip, zilch.  The repair guy is too much money and he thinks I should part it out on ebay and buy a better bike.  But here's the thing...I like the look of this bike; the chrome fenders and spoked wheels, the classic lines, etc.  I want to ride a motorcycle again (I used to have a 81 CM400T in college), I want to ride everyday to work.  I am a teacher now, but I used to be an electrician so it isn't like I have never held a wrench before.  So here's my question...can a guy, or rather should a guy with zero auto skills attempt to tune, service, reline the tank, fix brake caliper, build and sync carbs by himself?  Or, should he part out on ebay and get something newer with less miles?

[750goes]

Keep the bike.. you shouldn't have any problems with rewiring if required , and sorting out mechanical faults is relatively simple.

I'm no mechanic, and don't profess to be, but its a great pleasure to get to know your bike, and perorm some minor and major miracles in bringing one of these beauties back to riding condition...

if the bike starts and idles, with no great engine or transmission noises you are in for some great riding..

[R. Hykawy]

Go for it, get yourself a manual/tools and do alot of reading/searching old posts for answers to your questions. If you cannot find the answers simply post here and shortly you will get your answers.
Good Luck

[Jim Shea]

Do you have a pic of the bike? Is it mostly original? 4 pipes etc??
It sounds like you would be able to do the basic mechanical things that are needed. I am a mechanical moron and even I can do the fundamental things that are needed. (especially with help from the guys on the forum)
A modern bike has advantages, but tend to lack character!

[JonnyHonda]

Go for it, do the resto, you'll always be able to ask questions here, I bought my 76 CB750 F1 as a sanity project some years ago, It's great to go to the shed and just tinker for a few hours and leave other stresses behind you.

I may even get it finished one day and actually ride it.

BTW I just bought an CB750F2, once you start it's addictive

[cyclezirk]

I will put some pics up today.  I thought about it and I think I am gonna go for it.  I rode it yesterday for about an hour, and for about 20 minutes at the end it ran pretty good (it was a blast).  It doesn't have the 4 pipe exhaust though, it had a 2into1 on it when I got it.  Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't the 4 pipe exhaust have a reputation of rusting out?  I like the look better but I won't be able to ride it a minimum of a half hour (or however long it takes to make sure all the moisture is out) each time I hop on.

[JonnyHonda]

Listen, dont' worry if you lived in the UK, everything rusts, rots, fades and seizes.

[stingray]

So here's my question...can a guy, or rather should a guy with zero auto skills attempt to tune, service, reline the tank, fix brake caliper, build and sync carbs by himself? 

In a word..........yes.
Hey, go as far as you can.  If it gets to complicated, ask for help.  If the help doesn't suit you, and you don't want to go any further, then part it out or sell the whole bike if you like.
I don't know much about this model of yours, but maybe others here can tell you if it is sought after bike.
Anyway you decide, good luck dude.

[cyclezirk]

Do you have a pic of the bike? Is it mostly original? 4 pipes etc??
It sounds like you would be able to do the basic mechanical things that are needed. I am a mechanical moron and even I can do the fundamental things that are needed. (especially with help from the guys on the forum)
A modern bike has advantages, but tend to lack character!

I took it for another spin today.  My number 1 pipe was barely warm, the others were nice and hot.  That thing flies pretty good for only having 3 legs.   
What do you call the rubber sleeve that holds the tank in place under the seat?

[Bob Wessner]

What do you call the rubber sleeve that holds the tank in place under the seat?

Honda calls it a rear tank cushion.

[cyclezirk]

What do you call the rubber sleeve that holds the tank in place under the seat?

Honda calls it a rear tank cushion.

Thank you.  Now I have to find one.

[Bob Wessner]

Thank you.  Now I have to find one.

I regularly see them new on eBay so I suspect you can just order one through your dealer or ServiceHonda, etc.

[jtb]

Service Honda has an $8.00 minimum shipping charge, but their prices are typically 20-30% less than other dealers.  Go to Partsfish at http://www.powersportspro.com/partsfish/login.asp and register.  Once you have done this, pick your bike and look up the fische for the part you need.  Put your cursor over the "add to cart" button, and you will see the honda part number on the bar below.  Note the price, then go to http://www.servicehonda.com and look up the part number and check their price. 
John

[Jim Shea]

That's far too nice to part out. i am glad you are going to 'restore' it. Good luck.
Jim.

[byidesign]

Glad you are going to restore the bike, I have a cb650 that just turned 140,000 that I've owned
  since new, and I regret parting with a few others over the years{should have built a shed,
    and pickled them } Ohh the mistakes of youth.............
     You will have a LOT of fun with it when it's done!

[CB750F2]

From what I can see in your pic the bike is complete, it runs and it looks good so go for it and get it running as it should. Good luck. Pat from Australia

[Ted Nomura]

Listen, dont' worry if you lived in the UK, everything rusts, rots, fades and seizes.

Actually the mufflers don't have to rust out if it was properly maintained. I know a friend in UK that still have the original CB750 with original pipes because he made sure that the drain hole at the bottom of each muffler is always clear and most important, you shouldn't run the engine for a short time, which causes condensation inside the muffler. I didn't realize this tip during my youth when my original Z1 pipes rusted from inside. My second set is now over 25 years old and still rust free.

[Ted Nomura]

I will put some pics up today.  I thought about it and I think I am gonna go for it.  I rode it yesterday for about an hour, and for about 20 minutes at the end it ran pretty good (it was a blast).  It doesn't have the 4 pipe exhaust though, it had a 2into1 on it when I got it.  Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't the 4 pipe exhaust have a reputation of rusting out?  I like the look better but I won't be able to ride it a minimum of a half hour (or however long it takes to make sure all the moisture is out) each time I hop on.

I'd say keep it and restore it. From the picture I see, it's pretty close to stock except for the pipes. The seat is missing the chrome strip and the side covers looks like the 1971 CB750K1 type, with right side emblem missing. You can find parts for CB750 pretty easily although stock HM341 pipes can go higher than $500 a set. Side cover emblem is far easier to get, either check ebay (be careful of misidentified items) or check www.CMSNL.com

[eldar]

You should still be able to get the rear cushion for the tank at your honda shop. I still can for my K8. If the original mufflers are in shape, great, if not, dont beat yourself about it. Whack em off and get some new slip ons and get them welded. Sure there is a seam but do you want to ride? or be a stickler about looks? You can get slip-ons for about $50 each. much less than a new exhaust.