Author Topic: 1970 cb750 K0 Build "Audrey" (Read 9500 times)

Imjustanumber11 · « **on:** July 21, 2010, 03:20:58 PM »

So one day at work i was sitting at the computer with a fresh tax return in my pocket and the desire for a motorcycle. I was Looking at picking up a 550 or 500. Thats when carl came in, a semi regular customer of ours at the shoe store. He asked me what i was doing and told him i was looking at buying a motorcycle and told him what i stated above. Thats when carl told me that he had a cb750. He then asked me how much i had to spend. Me being a college student and working a part time job my tax return wasnt but 500 dollars, so i told him 500 dollars. He said That he would take 500 dollars for his cb750 and that it would take a week or two till he could get to it and clean it up for me. This is how i got "audrey" My first motorcycle, In fact i didnt even have my license yet nor had i even ridden a motorcycle in my life. This is how she looked when i got her. A pretty good find i must say a running 1970 cb750 k0 with 30,000 miles on the clock.

The day I brought her home, windjammer, King and queen and all.
A day later wind jammer removed.

To my suprise this thing was clean no rust anywhere even the original crinkle tank was clean as a whistle inside. Unfortunatly the P.O. let his girlfriend ride it and she destroyed the left side cover..ouch.
I Know what your thinking a cb750 k0 for a first bike.. bad idea
But a year later i still have it with one wreck under my belt.. the back of a rav4 thanks to the back wheel locking up on me. But luckly we both rode away with a couple bruises. Me torn acl her bent fork, and bent for ears/broken bucket.
Now to the project.
Its going to be a slow one as im a full time student studying industrial design.
Im inlove with the cafe look but after a year of poking around i cant do it to my lovely k0.
So i opted for the best thing i could i bought a parts bike a k2 that was all kinds of chopped up but with good side covers and body panels
Im going to repaint and get a new left side cover and paintmy stock k0 parts back to the original candy blue green. and well take the parts bike and paint them whatever other color i desire having.
And well kind of make this my transformer K0
That with a couple hours worth of work i can put into whatever state i would like her to be.
This is gonna take a while for me guys so be patient but im sure it will be something both the restores will love and the cafe guys will love.

scunny · « **Reply #1 on:** July 21, 2010, 03:25:20 PM »

good idea on the parts bike.

Imjustanumber11 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 21, 2010, 03:40:18 PM »

Thanks, it was hard for me to pay 500 bucks for it though as i paid that much for my nice running K0. But i understand that i pretty much stole that one.

Roach Carver · « **Reply #3 on:** July 22, 2010, 09:10:17 AM »

Quote from: Imjustanumber11 on July 21, 2010, 03:40:18 PM

Thanks, it was hard for me to pay 500 bucks for it though as i paid that much for my nice running K0. But i understand that i pretty much stole that one.

dont take this the wrong way.... I want to punch you. If this is a true story then you are one lucky SOB. congrats.

rickmoore24 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 22, 2010, 10:52:28 AM »

Seriously, $500 for a solid K0?? Man you scored, deal of the week status.

zzpete · « **Reply #5 on:** July 22, 2010, 10:56:06 AM »

Nice score. I'm looking for one those myself. You want to make a quick $500? Congratulations!

Johnie · « **Reply #6 on:** July 22, 2010, 12:04:40 PM »

Yah, how can you sleep at night man?

You did steal it. First thing is dump that ugly seat. But now the other part. If you want the original seat for that it should have a "duckbill" lip to the back of it. They are not available from Honda anymore, but you can get some repos on eBay and stuff. Or you can get the top of the line duckbill seat from www.yamiya.com. They are in Japan and have a lot of nice KO stuff. Yamiya is well liked on this board as far as quality and shipping. Or...you can buy a 1971 CB750K1 seat which will fit on the KO. They are still available from Honda for around $300. Or get a K1 seat on ebay. Just some ideas for you if you plan to keep it stock. Below is a pic of the KO seat. Click the pic to enlarge it...Good luck with your project. Very nice looking KO there.

fastbroshi · « **Reply #7 on:** July 22, 2010, 02:42:34 PM »

Not only is it a K0, a very nice K0 at that. Good score.

Imjustanumber11 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 23, 2010, 12:25:34 PM »

Thanks guys, I know i stole this bad boy. I didnt know i stole it until i got on here and started reading and watching what people pay for them on ebay. Dont worry though im very greatful for my bike and know it is truly something special. I have changed the seat out with a k1, i Just couldnt bring myself to spend that much on the duckbill but some day i will. Ive done a few mods to it since i got it a year ago. I put a 4 into 2 exhaust on it, and have been cleaning up the original 4 into 4. I also put new forks on it that are 2 inches shorter than stock as im only 5'10" and 145lbs and it was a bit tall for me. But i really do love the straight line look it gave the bike also. Other than general maintence a new ignition, new fork ears and bucket that i converted to h4 i havent done all that much to it.

This is a picture of it and my suzuki gt185 side by side in my garage. I picked up the suzuki with 1075 original miles from the original owner for $600 bucks. Ive been restoring it as a rider/project for my girlfriend while i am also working on mine.

OHH and I forgot to mention but the guy i bought the K0 from was the original owner also. Now you guys are going to really hate me.

RM81 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 23, 2010, 12:49:25 PM »

Imjustanumber11 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 24, 2010, 03:28:17 PM »

Heres a better most current picture of the bike, 2 inch lower forks, Tas fork ears halogene headlight conversion and bucket with yellow h4 bulb, now stock seat.

Im trying to get a new left side cover for it hopefully in the next couple weeks. Then its time to put the old parts bike tank on and start prepping the tank,side covers, and Bucket for paint. Im going to get them painted the stock blue green that it once was and then im going to put it all back on and take the k2 side covers, tank, bucket and chopped back fender with lucas tail light and prep and get them painted a charcole color.. or any thoughts?
I really like the color of doug_id's bike.

definetely some insperation from his bike, Its a very beautiful build.
Ive also been looking at the firstone champion delux tires anyone have expierence with these? im currently running bridgestone spitfires and am satisfied but just not excited about the look of them.

Roach Carver · « **Reply #11 on:** July 24, 2010, 04:16:23 PM »

i hope you are saving all the original parts you are removing. you could probably put it back to original, sell it and have enough to build 2 of the bikes you are using for inspiration. none of my business though so carry on.

Imjustanumber11 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 24, 2010, 04:52:19 PM »

Quote from: Roach Carver on July 24, 2010, 04:16:23 PM

i hope you are saving all the original parts you are removing. you could probably put it back to original, sell it and have enough to build 2 of the bikes you are using for inspiration. none of my business though so carry on.

Dont worry, Im actually kind of doing a double build with this bike since im in college full time, work part time, and have rent and insurances to pay.
I am saving everything i take off the bike. because im taking it all off to clean and restore but the great part about my parts bike is the motor is toast super toast not worthy of a rebuild and the frame has no title. But the tank, side covers, and rear fender are in great shape. so im going to fix and restore all my stock k0 parts while my bike is fitted up with the k1 parts. Then once ive got the k0 parts all done and in good condition off come all the k1 parts and back on the k0 parts go, all done in original color. Then im going to take the k1 parts and get them all painted silver or charcol along with a Cafe style seat That im forming out of that big ol' king queen seat. so that if i feel the need i can switch my bike to a cafe style or ride it in stock original state. basically a transformer. Until one day i can find a good running k1-k6 and put the cafe parts on and have both without having to switch them out. But currently i cant afford more than 2 bikes insurance on top of my car.
I dont plan on ever getting rid of my K0 like most other k0 owners out there, #$%* if i could get it into my bedroom id sleep with the thing.

Imjustanumber11 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 24, 2010, 04:58:16 PM »

Quote from: Imjustanumber11 on July 24, 2010, 04:52:19 PM

Quote from: Roach Carver on July 24, 2010, 04:16:23 PM
i hope you are saving all the original parts you are removing. you could probably put it back to original, sell it and have enough to build 2 of the bikes you are using for inspiration. none of my business though so carry on.
Dont worry, Im actually kind of doing a double build with this bike since im in college full time, work part time, and have rent and insurances to pay.
I am saving everything i take off the bike. because im taking it all off to clean and restore but the great part about my parts bike is the motor is toast super toast not worthy of a rebuild and the frame has no title. But the tank, side covers, and rear fender are in great shape. so im going to fix and restore all my stock k0 parts while my bike is fitted up with the k1 parts. Then once ive got the k0 parts all done and in good condition off come all the k1 parts and back on the k0 parts go, all done in original color. Then im going to take the k1 parts and get them all painted silver or charcol along with a Cafe style seat That im forming out of that big ol' king queen seat. so that if i feel the need i can switch my bike to a cafe style or ride it in stock original state. basically a transformer. Until one day i can find a good running k1-k6 and put the cafe parts on and have both without having to switch them out. But currently i cant afford more than 2 bikes insurance on top of my car.
I dont plan on ever getting rid of my K0 like most other k0 owners out there, #$%* if i could get it into my bedroom id sleep with the thing.

Im doing this so that i will always have my bike to ride as it is the thing that makes me happiest.

Roach Carver · « **Reply #14 on:** July 24, 2010, 05:00:27 PM »

I feel your pain about being a poor college student. finished 4 years ago. hang in there.

Imjustanumber11 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 25, 2010, 10:24:30 AM »

Quote from: Roach Carver on July 24, 2010, 05:00:27 PM

I feel your pain about being a poor college student. finished 4 years ago. hang in there.

Thanks man im working on it. Ive got 3 years left. Luckily my degree offers me alot of cool plastic and metal fabrication classes. Which also includes a powder coating booth and all the space you could need about 10,000 square feet worth of woodworking, metal fab, and plastics lab to get stuff done in.

Imjustanumber11 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 25, 2010, 02:18:12 PM »

Well guys some good news, and some more i hate you's. Last night i road the k0 to a section of downtown and parked the bike. As i got off an older gentleman was standing beside me looking at the bike. And we said that he had a 73 cb750 that he parked several years ago because it almost killed him and upgraded to a goldwing. Like any of us would i asked him if he was interested in selling in and guess what he was. Also another original owner bike although with high mileage 55k. SO a third cb750 will soon be making room for itself in my garage. Picked this one up for a song also $500 bucks. i MUST be the luckyist #$%* around.

Has koni shocks, kerker 4 into 1 and it runs

Monster · « **Reply #17 on:** July 25, 2010, 06:10:41 PM »

Nice find.... I hate you.

Monster

scooter1 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 25, 2010, 06:28:08 PM »

go and buy a lotto ticket

zzpete · « **Reply #19 on:** July 25, 2010, 06:30:27 PM »

Yes folks....their still out there. So keep looking. You never know!

Johnie · « **Reply #20 on:** July 25, 2010, 06:34:54 PM »

Gosh you make me ill.

People coming up to you practically giving you their, bikes. Man, you must be living good. What church do you pray in there???

Imjustanumber11 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 26, 2010, 11:37:49 AM »

You just have to talk to people guys! I think i may be at an advantage as im a talker and when guys double my age see some young guy riding a cb750 like theirs i guess i just remind them of their youth. We start talking about how sweet they are and then i just ask them if their interested in selling. Pretty simple and very polite, if they say no i say i completely understand as i wouldn't sell mine either. But i do have some cb god hanging over my shoulders!
Remember there is no harm in asking!

Imjustanumber11 · « **Reply #22 on:** July 26, 2010, 11:45:53 AM »

Also heres a pick of the parts bike i got. Pretty cruddy looking but no rust anywhere on the thing and alot of cool 70s aftermarket cb parts

Roach Carver · « **Reply #23 on:** July 26, 2010, 02:20:08 PM »

whatever you do, dont paint that tank. Its very rare.

Imjustanumber11 · « **Reply #24 on:** July 26, 2010, 02:24:57 PM »

Quote from: Roach Carver on July 26, 2010, 02:20:08 PM

whatever you do, dont paint that tank. Its very rare.

which one? the flake sunrise orange tank?

Roach Carver · « **Reply #25 on:** July 26, 2010, 02:29:20 PM »

the one with "el toro" on it.

putnaja1 · « **Reply #26 on:** July 26, 2010, 04:16:24 PM »

That orange CB750 is awesome! Every time I try to find one like this, I find some dude selling for top dollar! They'll say "It's not running, but I sell to you for 5000.00. They go for 20k on eBay!" hahaha no kidding- great find man!

Imjustanumber11 · « **Reply #27 on:** July 26, 2010, 05:28:34 PM »

Today i managed to spend a little time in the shop even though its 95 degrees outside.
I figured i would share this as it hangs in the garage right now and it makes me laugh everytime i glance at it.

you cant get much more 70's than that.
Now to some more serious stuff. I took the king queen seat that came on the k0 and decided i was going to start cutting it down for a cafe style seat.

I roughly drew the shape onto the foam that i wanted then began to chop away with a the good ol' steak knife. After about 20 minutes and sweat dripping down my face i got it down to this.

It needs a bit of sanding that ill get to once it cools off. Then ill try my hand at upholstery, Any suggestions words of wisdom on this?

Roach Carver · « **Reply #28 on:** July 27, 2010, 06:26:34 AM »

Here is my advise. to finish smoothing use a grinder with the sandpaper wheel. also I would take the front down a bit also but thats just my preference. just looks high to me. as far as upholstry... I would not do it myself. I have seen too many on here that were do it yourself jobs and they usually (always) look like do it yourself jobs. that is a complicated shape you have there and will require probably 3 pieces of material sewn together. I had one done for 100 bucks and it looks great. save your money and find a good shop and take it there. my 2 cents.

rickmoore24 · « **Reply #29 on:** July 27, 2010, 07:42:08 AM »

Yes, take the front down as much as you can. My seat is a similar shape with a lot of foam up front. I didn't lower my bike, so that with a tall saddle has me tippy toeing. But if you're not inseam challenged like myself (31) then keep more foam as it's much more comfortable on rides! As long as it goes with the aesthetics you're looking for. Good luck!

Rick

Imjustanumber11 · « **Reply #30 on:** October 28, 2010, 11:45:03 AM »

Well guys its been awhile since i posted due to working 2 jobs and going to school full time getting on here and posting doesn't quite fit my time frame. But i did have time work on the bikes a bit. The flake sunrise orange 750 is now done! And i managed to get the seat i was working on covered by myself and i think i did a pretty darn good job from what ive seen most first timers do, but i do go to school for industrial design and asthectics and i am a perfectionist when it comes to these types of things. Now for some new photos!
First a picture of the k3, All ive done is new oil filter, new oil, new spark plugs, new battery, clubman bars, a good carb clean, and a cleaned the pod filters. ive put 500 miles on it since and its a fantastic bike!

Yes im a jerk and only $675 in on this bike!
Now for the seat i made on the k0, The seat is now on the k3 but i don't have any photos of it right now,Not bad for $12 and some time i would say!
[URL=http://img41.imageshack.us/i/photo8sf.jpg/]

The k0 is now somewhat apart but is coming along slowly.. ive got all winter and most of spring.
Since i last posted i also picked up a cb360 with a title for $150 bucks that now runs and rides. Yes thats 5 bikes heres my sweet little line up! Not bad for being a 22 year old broke college student!

Hopefully in the next couple of weeks i can get some more posts on the k0..hopefully!

DanielB · « **Reply #31 on:** October 28, 2010, 03:10:23 PM »

I'm jealous!

Nice job!

Imjustanumber11 · « **Reply #32 on:** December 04, 2010, 12:51:36 PM »

So audrey is finally apart and getting ready for paint!! Im going with the stock candy blue green that she originally was coated in that i got from spooky toms and im starting to prep the tanks. I am getting both the wrinkle tank painted and a later k tank painted the same color. I am also doing the same with the side covers. Unfortunately, i am short the k0 left side cover and was wondering where you guys would purchase one from.i found this one on flea bay and it is the right price http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CB-750-K0-LH-Side-Panel-/380288947450?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item588afcd4fa. Does anyone have any experience with these, This isn't going to be a high end restore just a nice example of a k0 that gets ridden so i don't want to spend the 100+ that the originals go for on ebay. The k0 hasn't been getting all my attention though, here is a link to some photos ive taken during the process of my k3 that is now for sale locally.
http://s903.photobucket.com/albums/ac231/imjustanumber11/#!cpZZ2QQtppZZ20

BeSeeingYou · « **Reply #33 on:** December 04, 2010, 01:13:15 PM »

Just read through this thread. It brought a smile to my face. I am sure your luck is all well deserved. I found my mint F1 in a similar manner so like you say, "you just gotta talk to people".

Zaipai · « **Reply #34 on:** December 04, 2010, 10:03:42 PM »

I talk to people all the time, no one ever offered me a bike let alone one for such little money. Then again I am happy with what I have. I was looking for a 750 as a project bike, however this 550 I have is as it turns out just perfect for me.

You do have some good luck. I say you did a great job on that seat, wish you were closer I would have you do my seat..

Nice line up you have.

TTYS,
.: Scott :.

Imjustanumber11 · « **Reply #35 on:** April 08, 2011, 10:37:30 AM »

Its been awhile since i posted up for audrey.. She is still coming along slowly but surely. Ive finally collected all my k0 specific body parts that need to be painted the only thing holding the paint back is my tax return, which should be arriving in the next couple weeks. I also picked up a nice set of hm341 pipes for 50 bucks that im gonna run until i can find some decently priced hm300s or the big bucks to get new ones.

I havent had as much time to work on her this winter with school and family taking up most of my time. I wanna do my k0 right and dont want to rush it.. i plan on keeping it forever. Ive decided to keep my k2 so ive got atleast 1 750 to ride.

Ive sold the suzuki gt185 twostroke and picked up a very clean 1972 cb500 with 6800 original miles and original paint with the money from the suzuki. The seat was crusty so i made my aftermarket 750 pan work with it using the original 500 brackets and cleaned her up a bit. This bike took most of my time away from the k0 its so much cheapier to source parts for the 500 and i love the almost immediate satisfaction with a creation. Heres some eye candy.. it would have a build thread but i didnt take any pictures while i was going at it.. i get motorcycle vision and cant stop long enough to take a pic.. i know i know..

Between her and the k3 i have plenty of fun riding but soon enough the k0 will be on the road in all her glory, im aming at mid summer to have her atleast riding on the road.

Imjustanumber11 · « **Reply #36 on:** April 08, 2011, 11:08:40 AM »

Quote from: Zaipai on December 04, 2010, 10:03:42 PM

I talk to people all the time, no one ever offered me a bike let alone one for such little money. Then again I am happy with what I have. I was looking for a 750 as a project bike, however this 550 I have is as it turns out just perfect for me.

You do have some good luck. I say you did a great job on that seat, wish you were closer I would have you do my seat..

Nice line up you have.

TTYS,
.: Scott :.

Thanks man, i work at a redwing shoestore where 90% of my customers are men 40-65 so i talk to alot of people from the age group that has these sitting around and i pay what they want for it, i keep in contact with all the previous owners of my bikes.. its a nice way of thanking them for the bike when you get it going again and clean it up real good. Its nice to bring their memories back to life but i get too attached to sell them sometimes.. Im a 23 year old man in his 60's haha

Quote from: srust58 on December 04, 2010, 01:13:15 PM

Just read through this thread. It brought a smile to my face. I am sure your luck is all well deserved. I found my mint F1 in a similar manner so like you say, "you just gotta talk to people".

Its soo true i had a customer the other day that was looking at an fj40 that was 10k and another guy came up that had one and ended up selling it to him for 500 bucks. i feel like the vehichle finds you not you find it. Ive got motorcycle karma i love every pile of junk i see some of it turns out to be just junk and somtimes its gold but i keep both and love them all the same..

News:

Author Topic: 1970 cb750 K0 Build "Audrey" (Read 9500 times)

Monster