Topic: 1973 CB750 Resto Project

[Dieselbegood]

Hello all, first time poster, just wanted to say thank you to the members of this forum for the inspiration and great info! My first bike was an '84 Ironhead Sportster (ducking for cover)...that I've ridden the hell out of for years. Still is my daily beater!




I've been helping a buddy restore a '78 cb750 basket case and I knew I had to have one  . So...I just picked up a '73 cb750, almost bone stock, with roughly 40,000 miles, plan on making this ol girl strong like bull once again! Here's some pics I snagged when I picked her up.

http://i698.photobucket.com/albums/vv346/ryanmartin86/cb750/Photo0722.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f183/rd400guy2002/cb750/100_1456-1.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f183/rd400guy2002/cb750/100_1471.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f183/rd400guy2002/cb750/100_1470.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f183/rd400guy2002/cb750/100_1473.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f183/rd400guy2002/cb750/100_1472.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f183/rd400guy2002/cb750/100_1479-1.jpg

http://s698.photobucket.com/albums/vv346/ryanmartin86/cb750/?action=view&current=Video0037.mp4

[Dieselbegood]

I thought it was a pretty good deal, all the wiring is factory and un-molested. Everything works, upgraded halogen headlight, charging system is working, even the annoying turn signal buzzer still works. Has a dyna-s ignition, and the owner kept the points and a whole box of extra parts! Ran fairly well when I picked it up, but it had to be idled around 1500 to keep it running. The gas tank had a little rust in it so I've been electrocuting it to get the rust out, and its been working fairly well. The paint is kinda crappy and the side panels are cracked, so I'll have to look around for some alternatives...Cleaned out the float bowls, and they had very little varnish, adjusted the tappet clearance, set idle air screw to factory setting, adjusted the clutch cable....can't think of much else I've done so far!

Things I need to do: 

Run/compression test the motor
Sync carbs, possibly re-build them
Check/bleed the front brake, check rear brake adjustment
New tires
Check drive chain tension
LOF

Upgrades in mind:

Media blast/powder coat wheels, new spokes
Different air filter setup
New bars (clip-ons eventually, clubmans for now)
New swingarm bushings, need to read up on this!
New tapered head stock bearings
Possibly run a dual front brake setup
Yoshi 4-1 exhaust & re-jet
Front steering stabilizer
Fresh paint
Rear-sets
Lowered gauges
LED turn signals
Fabricated stop lamp...

At the moment I don't really have a direction for the project....I want to keep it comfortable for long rides (400 miles+), sporty for around town, and possibly take it to the track a couple times per year to keep me on my toes! I may keep the stock seat for the time being but the rear fender needs to go....NOW. I'll probably keep the OH SH!T bar for the lil lady and in case I need to strap some stuff down to the bike, but I was thinking of making a tail light bracket that bolted to the two end frame tabs. I haven't really found a fitting tail light though, any suggestions? The license plate needs to mount horizontally in our state, so I can't get one of those side mount/brake light setups.

I contacted the guy who is making Yoshi-style exhausts for these, but I'm not not sure about losing the center stand...anyone who has one feel free to comment on their thoughts. From the videos they sound wicked (I'm used to ridiculous loud exhaust so I don't hear very well anymore  ). Any tips or pointers on tuning with this exhaust? I'm also looking to replace the stock airbox but I'm not very keen on the pod filters. Velocity stacks look awesome but I want something that filters a little better....K&N pod filters seem to be one of the better options.

I'm all ears to any ideas for upgrading this bike to make it handle/operate like new.

Thanks - Ryan

PS: If anyone needs a good VW TDI mechanic in the Chicago burbs, look no further!

[putnaja1]

I think it looks awesome!  I even like the color.  I never did care for the slash style mufflers though, but it really looks great- an good starting point for sure!

[Dieselbegood]

Thanks for the words of encouragement! I don't really like the slash mufflers either but they're kinda unique. They're 1/4, 2/3 's and I haven't really seen them on many other bikes. They have a really nice low growl to them.....but nonetheless they have to go. The tank has a few dents and scratches so it definitely will need some re-working. The side covers are just shot so I'll either replace 'em or go with some aluminum racing side covers.

I've been looking at a couple of these bikes for inspiration:
http://www.bikeexif.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/cb750_cafe_racer.jpg
http://honaha.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/anaconda_cb750_1.jpg
http://motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/classic_bikes/1975-cb750.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1MwqlCPmQ8I/S3y2YWuq01I/AAAAAAAABUU/Z8fAyS6GFRs/s640/blue-cb750cafe.jpg
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=63166.0

I really like the original paint scheme and I'd like to keep it if possible...I liked the blue/black, gold/black, and orange/black....

[Dieselbegood]

It was hot as hades last night, but I was able to take the stock handlebars off, what a PITA. The clutch side wiring didn't want to come out of the bars so I sprayed lube in there and probably went at it for over an hour fighting it all the way....here's how it sits now.



Clubmans and accessories came in yesterday, still figuring out how I'd like them mounted. Seems like most people have em mounted close to level with the frame, but it feels a little more comfortable pointed down slightly, any suggestions?




Does anyone know someone who can drill out the wiring openings and drill a location hole for the controls? Being a recent college grad living at home I definitely don't have the right equipment/workspace/funds to do a lot of fabrication, so I'd rather just have someone do it right the first time  .

Took apart the speedo last night because the face is warped. Poked myself about 700 times but finally got it separated with a paint can opener.





Anyone know where to get new face plates besides Yamiya, which are super expensive?

I also found a power and ground wire just dangling around by the flasher relay. Does anyone know if the flasher relay is supposed to have a holder (like the 78's), and can anyone pinpoint what these extra 2 wires are used for? I was thinking some sort of accessory but not really sure, they're factory connectors.

[knowsnothing]

Hey man looking good, welcome to good guy side  .

First - about your gauge face - I remember reading a post on here about a member using and iron and some wax paper to flatten it back out.  I will see if i can find it.  I also remember it saying *try it at your own risk*

Second - those wires probably don't go to anything.  I have been told due to the fact these bikes were sold in many countries, with different laws, there may be extra stuff hanging out that really does go nowhere.  To be sure, download the Shop Manual (which can be found on this website as well) and take a look at the wiring diagrams.  If anything is out of place, it will tell you. 

Keep up the good work!

[Dieselbegood]

Thanks for the tip for the gauge face, I'd rather salvage it and put a decal over it then spend the big bucks on new faces. I saw some threads about it, but I'll have to keep digging.

Took apart the front end last night....








Top of the forks look pretty rusty, but the business end looks perfect. Haven't put a straight edge along the tubes yet but they look great. Anyone have tips for cleaning em up? I really wanna do the inverted GSXR forks but don't have the time/funds at the moment. Does anyone know how to use fork boots without using the stock headlight bracket? I want to get rid of it and get something cleaner/lower so I can put the gauges at a lower angle.

Probably going to disassemble the wheels soon, get new tires, spokes, get the rims powdercoated, and do some painting/polishing/powdercoating of the hubs. I need to get a wire wheel for the bench, would save a ton of time cleaning parts up! Front fender has some dings in the front lip so I'm probably going to hack it off, and use it as a template to chop the front fender.

[Dieselbegood]

Well.....its been sitting for about 3 months in the exact same condition, no changes. Haven't had the time to give her much attention, but I'm hoping that will change soon. I've been riding the Sporty all summer until it finally quit on me last week and I ended up pushing her in the rain for 5 miles. One of the few times she's ever let me down, nevertheless its almost winter, time to get some projects done! (and maybe sell the Sporty)

List of priorities is as follows:

1) Figure out if I can get the forks restored or just put them back together for the time being. Anyone have some ideas? I'm not looking to spend an arm and a leg. I also want to get rid of the reflector-style headlight brackets that go over the forks, and replace them with the clamp-style. Also looking for different style fork gaiters.  

2) New tires/tubes, get the wheels powdercoated + new spokes.

3) Get a fresh coat of paint on the tank and get new side covers from Frankenstuff. I could use some suggestions for good painters around the Chicagoland area. Looking to either paint it the original gold with the original decals, or go with the deep blue/black stripes. Also need to electrify/coat the inside of the tank to get rid of some of the rust.

4) Looking to re-fresh the rear swingarm bushing + get an updated bearing kit for the front tree.

5) May chop the front fender and remove the rear fender/light in favor for something sleeker.

If anyone has some suggestions, I could definitely use the help!

[Retro Rocket]

Member Farnkenbike makes some of the best replacement covers around, they are reinforced around the tabs for longer life and are not as brittle as the original ones...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=74022.450
scroll down the page about half way.


Mick

[Dieselbegood]

Thanks Mick! I got one of his points covers when I first bought the bike, had tons of people around the area asking me about it, hopefully it gave him some business. Guy makes some great products, I'll definitely be going back to him for the covers. I'll have to ask him if he makes flush covers, as I'd prefer those over the stockers with the cutouts for the emblems (which seem hard to find). I thought someone could pinstripe the logos just the same.

[theofam]

I share your desire to own motorcycles starting with an "H!"  I'm guilty of owning a Fat Boy, but I really enjoy my new love affair with the Honda 4s. 

I picked up a '78 750 last week that doesn't have the headlight ears.  Do you want to sell yours?  If so, please send me a PM.

You can get headlight clamps for $10 - http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=431.

[Dieselbegood]

Ha! Yea H for headache! I'll probably end up selling my headlight ears, just looking for a good replacement. I was looking more for the style below, and I know I've seen 'em cheaper elsewhere...

http://www.cb750partsdepot.com/GB-Cafe-Headlight-Bracket-Set-09-0016.htm

[Dieselbegood]

Wow, 6 months later and still little has been done! Not really happy about it, but life has been crazy busy and I'm finally starting to get going on this project! Got my ribbed side covers courtesy of Frankenbike, which are incredible! Getting new spokes/tires/wheels+hubs powder coated (or painted), then moving onto the front end. My options are:

*Get new front fork tubes
*Clean the rust and paint the old tubes
*Use the stock headlight bracket, paint it to cover the rusty fork tubes.

Anyone have any advice on that?

Need to order the new front stem bearing kit, and get some stuff painted. Also need to clean the gas tank out again and seal it with something. I saw some guys using POR-15 but didn't know if it was a good idea or not. Any advice is appreciated as always.

-Ryan