Author Topic: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8  (Read 32109 times)

0 Members and 5 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline 754

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 29,058
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #50 on: June 24, 2015, 10:23:58 am »
Wow...nice..
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline Zorro

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 106
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #51 on: June 24, 2015, 10:42:04 am »
Definitely a slight improvement over the original condition. :)
The bike is going to be pure eye candy. Well done.


I hope so...I'm basically replacing every part but the frame and motor.  Getting pricey but it's too late to cut corners now.

Depending on you plan for finishes, you may want to clear powdercoat that valve cover.  Modern powdercoating does not yellow, and will save you from the chore of periodic polishing to keep that cover shiny. 

This is good to know!  I'll have to look in to that.

Offline Zorro

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 106
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #52 on: June 25, 2015, 11:11:00 am »
I posted this in Wanted: Bike Parts but I'll post here as well....

So I found these super sweet headlight mounts from MotoLanna:
http://www.motolanna.com/ourshop/prod_3346000-Headlight-Brackets-35mm-Billet-CNC-Alloy.html

Great price for Billet CNC Alloy.
Now, the bad part...
Shipping is from Thailand and it cost $32 to ship them and it might take 45 days!!!

Does anyone have any experience with this seller?

JokerMachine makes similar, but at 2.5 times the cost! 

Does anyone have any other leads for this part?  Thanks in advance.

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,721
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #53 on: June 25, 2015, 12:04:39 pm »
I fitted my CB750 (with a GL1000 front) with the die cast 37mm headlight mounts from Motolanna.  Fit and finish was excellent.  I think that the billet ones look even better. 
http://www.motolanna.com/ourshop/prod_2062517-Headlight-Brackets-37mm-Die-Cast-Alloy.html

I would buy from them again.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Zorro

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 106
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #54 on: June 25, 2015, 12:14:39 pm »
I fitted my CB750 (with a GL1000 front) with the die cast 37mm headlight mounts from Motolanna.  Fit and finish was excellent.  I think that the billet ones look even better. 
http://www.motolanna.com/ourshop/prod_2062517-Headlight-Brackets-37mm-Die-Cast-Alloy.html

I would buy from them again.

How long did it take to get them?  do you remember what you paid in shipping?

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,721
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #55 on: June 25, 2015, 01:37:52 pm »
I fitted my CB750 (with a GL1000 front) with the die cast 37mm headlight mounts from Motolanna.  Fit and finish was excellent.  I think that the billet ones look even better. 
http://www.motolanna.com/ourshop/prod_2062517-Headlight-Brackets-37mm-Die-Cast-Alloy.html

I would buy from them again.

How long did it take to get them?  do you remember what you paid in shipping?

I paid for the lowest tier of shipping ($13) and got them in a couple of weeks.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Zorro

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 106
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #56 on: June 26, 2015, 04:45:38 pm »
I ended up ordering from motolanna.  Fingers crossed!

Offline Zorro

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 106
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #57 on: June 29, 2015, 06:40:17 am »
We have a roller!

Offline Zorro

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 106
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #58 on: July 03, 2015, 08:02:51 pm »
Lots of parts came in the mail recently and a little bit of work too.  Pictures to come soon.

Offline Zorro

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 106
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #59 on: July 04, 2015, 07:52:18 am »
CognitoMoto is pretty nice to deal with.  Not because I ordered the wrong hoop and they exchanged it for a new hoop.  Because they have some fancy packaging!  Reminds me of when my wife buys a purse and they put it in a nice bag.  Lol.

Electronics tray with fancy packaging






Correct 1inch hoop with LED light option





Offline Zorro

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 106
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #60 on: July 04, 2015, 07:55:35 am »
Originally, I wanted standard turn signals on front and back.  Then i bought the cognitomoto hoop with light bar.  To keep with that theme, I bought headlight with integrated signals.





This will fit in to the standard bucket.

Offline Zorro

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 106
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #61 on: July 04, 2015, 07:56:35 am »
Just a bag of engine bolts...

Offline Zorro

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 106
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #62 on: July 04, 2015, 08:09:23 am »
Now to the good stuff.  About 6 weeks ago, we took the top end to the machine shop at M&M Heads in Delaware, OH...not too far from the house.

Now, as you can probably tell, I'm a noob at this.  Anyway, the did some 'stuff' and I paid them for it.  The honed the cylinders, inspected a bunch of stuff, and I think they put some new valve seals in...if that makes sense.  The said the top end was in pretty good shape.  Anyway, here are some pics...







Pistons...should i clean the tops of these?






Cylinders...




What are the rubber white things inside the fins?




Offline Restoration Fan

  • My wife will never call me
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,966
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #63 on: July 04, 2015, 08:27:37 am »
The rubber white things are commonly referred to as fin inserts or "finserts" around here.  They supposedly help to cut down the wind noise that is created by the wind between the fins (which are themselves there for cooling purposes).
Ron

Stella - Logan's Senior Project    78 750K http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=141761.0

Logan's Reward - CB500 and CB550 Cafes    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,147787.0.html

Offline Zorro

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 106
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #64 on: July 04, 2015, 08:43:18 am »
The rubber white things are commonly referred to as fin inserts or "finserts" around here.  They supposedly help to cut down the wind noise that is created by the wind between the fins (which are themselves there for cooling purposes).


Ahhhh, that makes sense.  Thank you.

Offline Zorro

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 106
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #65 on: July 04, 2015, 08:45:32 am »
I bought a frame kit from 754 and we installed it.  Well done, 754!!!!




Offline Zorro

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 106
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #66 on: July 08, 2015, 06:03:51 am »
Looking for some advice.

While we have the engine out, the top half off and a complete gasket kit purchased, we're thinking about cracking open the bottom half of the engine.  At a minimum, all gaskets will be replaced.  What else needs to be replace while you have it opened?  What else SHOULD be replace while you have it opened?

Offline AintNoEasyWay

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 706
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #67 on: July 08, 2015, 07:30:15 am »
Looking for some advice.

While we have the engine out, the top half off and a complete gasket kit purchased, we're thinking about cracking open the bottom half of the engine.  At a minimum, all gaskets will be replaced.  What else needs to be replace while you have it opened?  What else SHOULD be replace while you have it opened?

Do you have a solid reason to split the crankcase?

If you insist on splitting the cases, check your bearings & replace the primary chain & tensioner. If you get/have Hondaman's book, he shows all the clearances you need to check, very helpful.

Go to youtube & search for Hackaweek videos on his 73 CB750 engine rebuild. They'll be informative.

Also, this is a solid thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/?topic=29364.0
« Last Edit: July 08, 2015, 07:31:57 am by AintNoEasyWay »

Offline Zorro

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 106
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #68 on: July 08, 2015, 10:59:47 am »
Looking for some advice.

While we have the engine out, the top half off and a complete gasket kit purchased, we're thinking about cracking open the bottom half of the engine.  At a minimum, all gaskets will be replaced.  What else needs to be replace while you have it opened?  What else SHOULD be replace while you have it opened?

Do you have a solid reason to split the crankcase?

If you insist on splitting the cases, check your bearings & replace the primary chain & tensioner. If you get/have Hondaman's book, he shows all the clearances you need to check, very helpful.

Go to youtube & search for Hackaweek videos on his 73 CB750 engine rebuild. They'll be informative.

Also, this is a solid thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/?topic=29364.0

I believe Hondaman's book is on the way.  Only reason to split case is to install new gaskets.  While in there, we'd inspect everything that you mentioned.  Good idea?  Bad idea? 

Offline AintNoEasyWay

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 706
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #69 on: July 08, 2015, 11:27:20 am »
Looking for some advice.

While we have the engine out, the top half off and a complete gasket kit purchased, we're thinking about cracking open the bottom half of the engine.  At a minimum, all gaskets will be replaced.  What else needs to be replace while you have it opened?  What else SHOULD be replace while you have it opened?

Do you have a solid reason to split the crankcase?

If you insist on splitting the cases, check your bearings & replace the primary chain & tensioner. If you get/have Hondaman's book, he shows all the clearances you need to check, very helpful.

Go to youtube & search for Hackaweek videos on his 73 CB750 engine rebuild. They'll be informative.

Also, this is a solid thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/?topic=29364.0

I believe Hondaman's book is on the way.  Only reason to split case is to install new gaskets.  While in there, we'd inspect everything that you mentioned.  Good idea?  Bad idea?

Kind of depends on how many miles she's got & whether there are any known issues. Otherwise, I'd just rebuild the top end & get to riding. There are no gaskets in the crankcase to replace, so not sure what you mean there. The crankcases are sealed together by Hondabond, not any gaskets. All other gaskets are easily replaceable without opening the cases: alternator cover gasket, transmission cover gasket, clutch cover gasket, base gasket, head gasket, cam cover gasket...

Offline Restoration Fan

  • My wife will never call me
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,966
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #70 on: July 08, 2015, 12:45:19 pm »
Only reasons to break open the bottom case that I can think of:
1)  You believe cam bearings may be worn and need to be replaced
2)  Cam chain may be stretched
3)  Cam chain tensioner may be bad
4)  Kick start gear spring or other kick starter gear piece is faulty and kick starter won't work.
5)  Gears are worn and/or teeth broken
6)  Foreign debris has made its way into the bottom end

There may be others but if you aren't sure one of those is the case and the milage is low, just rebuild the top end and do the bottom end later.
Ron

Stella - Logan's Senior Project    78 750K http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=141761.0

Logan's Reward - CB500 and CB550 Cafes    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,147787.0.html

Offline Zorro

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 106
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #71 on: July 09, 2015, 09:25:52 am »
Only reasons to break open the bottom case that I can think of:
1)  You believe cam bearings may be worn and need to be replaced
2)  Cam chain may be stretched
3)  Cam chain tensioner may be bad
4)  Kick start gear spring or other kick starter gear piece is faulty and kick starter won't work.
5)  Gears are worn and/or teeth broken
6)  Foreign debris has made its way into the bottom end

There may be others but if you aren't sure one of those is the case and the milage is low, just rebuild the top end and do the bottom end later.


I'm not sure of the mileage.  The top end was in good shape (except for leaky gaskets) so I'm guessing the bottom end would be the same.

we'd take it apart and inspect all the things you mentioned.  I guess we have some decisions to make. 

Thanks for the advice all...much appreciated.

Offline 754

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 29,058
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #72 on: July 09, 2015, 10:08:29 am »
Leave it together for now and get done sooner..
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline s10hornet

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 9
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #73 on: July 09, 2015, 10:58:13 am »
You have got to get the accelerator pump fixed and when you turn the throttle you should see the spray nozzles spray a stream of fuel into the intake. That thing you had in your hand was a mainjet and mainjet mixer tube.

That pressed in idle jet needs cleaning too - Use a .010 steel guitar string.

I have the Carpy exhaust on mine.  tried the stock jets (105) went up to 115 and it runs like a top.

A lot of guys think that a café racer means putting pod filters on the carbs.  Don't do it, keep the stock airbox. 

If you are intent on doing the café conversion there are a couple of things you need to get right.  If you want clubman bars or clip-ons you have to put rear sets also. If you don't it will be miserable trying to ride it.  Also, keep the front fender.  Cut it down if you want but it does provide some rigidity to the front end and it will also keep the crap from the road from flying up at you. 

Don't under any circumstances go hack stuff off of the frame until you know exactly what you want to do with the bike.
do your research on all the parts you want and count the cost.  You can spend a lot of money and still end up with a piece of crap.

One thing you should do is change all the wheel bearings, swing arm bushings and steering stem bearings.  I recommend All Balls.


Offline Zorro

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 106
Re: Zorro's 1978 CB750 K8
« Reply #74 on: July 09, 2015, 11:38:59 am »
Leave it together for now and get done sooner..
LOL.  I hear man. Fortunately I have another bike and other hobbies to keep me busy until this is done.  I'm in no hurry to complete it.  I just want it done right and running like a top and looking fantastic.