I'm new to the street bike scene, but am already completely addicted. I'm like many of the members of sohc4 in that I was into dirt bikes at a very young age. But eventually my interests shifted toward less-physical sports like running with the bulls and base jumping.
Anyway, about two years ago I decided to have a 1/3 life crisis and pick up a street bike. I looked at a few euro rides like Triumphs and Moto Guzzis, but if they weren't quite the right combination of look and performance, they were probably out of my price range. About six months ago my pal/co-worker was also in search of a way to ease the 30-something blues and decided to pick up a 74 CB750. I thought he probably got a crap bike for the $900 he spent. But a few days after he got it he brought it to the office and tossed me the keys. I couldn't believe the smooth and even power coming from a bike built before my parents met. She wasn't perfect in terms of cosmetics, but it quickly became clear why the terms bullet-proof and Honda CB are synonymous.
Following my move from Minneapolis back to Fort Collins my search became heated and after looking at Craigslist every night well past my bedtime I finally found "the one" in south Denver. I knew I wanted it right after the ride. The only issues the bike had at all were the turn signals. Apparently the PO wasn't familiar with flashers. So I picked one up and they're once again completely functional.
Besides fixing the turn signals I drained the oil and changed the oil filter then topped it back up. I adjusted the chain which was sagging about 2.5 inches. I replaced the air filter though I'll probably be installing pod filters. I inspected and cleaned the brakes, and I scrubbed all the grime off the entire bike. I also had to replace the rubber back strap for the gas tank. The clutch cable was really dry so I lubed it up. I'll be replacing all the cables, mainly for cosmetics, over the winter.
When I first got it I was debating whether to restore or customize because the original paint job is still in pretty amazing condition, but I'm an art director/designer at an ad agency and the urge to customize the aesthetic is too strong for me. I'm extremely inspired by Wrench Monkees, Deus Ex Machina and nearly every bike I see on Bike Exif.
The bottom line is that I'm a CB wannabe, but I feel confident I'm in the right place to remedy that situation. Thanks sohc4 members... I feel like I'm in good company.
