Topic: Some simple starter questions....

[GrandRapids750K3]

So I'm by no means an expert... or even a novice actually. But I have always loved all kinds of bikes and after having to sell my first bike many years ago I finally found a 750K3 in my price range (which was crazy low). Anyways, I was having some problems keeping the bike running while idling at stop signs. Being not at all mechanical the only way I was able to fix this problem was to up the idle. So my question is... What speed is a good idle at? 500 rpm, 1000 rpm, 1500rpm??? Right now my idle is set at about 1200-1500. Is that to high? Will I do any significant damage with a high idle? Thanks for the help....

[Lavis500]

Allow me to say welcome to the forum!  It's okay if you aren't terribly informed - we all have to start somewhere.

Sounds to me like the first thing you need to do is get a manual.  This forum is LOADED with information, and I know there's a thread with nothing but links to free shop manuals.  Make sure you get the proper manual for your machine, and if you could get the owner's manal, that would be beneficial, too.  They will include many necessary specifications, including what the proper idle should be.  It will also outline routine maintenance with explicit instructions.

I know it's supposed to be 1000 RPMs for my 500, but I don't know about your 750.  Find your manual, and I'm sure you'll find out!

[cobra2411]

It's supposed to be 1000 but it depends on a few things. Mine's set at 1200-1500...

[nancy]

I run my 750 at about 1250-1300.

[GrandRapids750K3]

Thanks everyone, it makes me feel much better knowing my idle is at least in the ball park....and I'm already tracking down some manuals for some light night time reading...

[ekpent]

Welcome fellow Michigander. If its a new to you bike get the manual and do a full tune-up on it so you can start out knowing for starters that everything is set within specs.Never trust the PO.Show us some pics of your new machine-We all love the pics.

[GrandRapids750K3]

Where is the best place to put pictures on this blog??? Once I know where I will make sure to get some up....

[Lavis500]

I personally opened up a photobucket account.  It gives you the code to insert pictures:  [ img ]YOUR PICTURE HYPERLINK HERE[ /img ]

You could go with any of a number of things.  I here picasa is one of the best.  It's all personal preference.

[GrandRapids750K3]

Got some pictures up in the gallary... but it wouldn't let me up load the good ones.... Better then nothing I guess....

[GrandRapids750K3]

Finally got some pictures up. Had a problem with the Gallery so I also created a shutterfly account...

[Stev-o]

Easy w/Photobucket!

[GrandRapids750K3]

Yea... That's what I keep hearing... Guess I should have done a photo bucket account instead of shutterfly...

[ekpent]

I looked at that bike when it was for sale recently in Grant,Mi.but passed on it even though he dropped the price a lot. A flipper from Shelbyville area bought it after me. Is it fireing OK on the number 3 cylinder now. Noticed it wasn't when I looked at it,the exhaust pipe was cold or cooler than the rest after running. Give it a check.Also be aware that the carbs on it are not the stock Kehin but some Mikuni's from another machine.Another item of note on yours is that the back wheel which has a 17" aluminum rim probably came from a cb750 Automatic and the headlight bucket and front turn signals are not stock 73.Motor looked tight as far as head gaskets etc.Good Luck on it and enjoy.  Eric    http://centralmich.craigslist.org/mcy/1939441524.html 

[Old75_ratafe]

Wow other people from Michigan on here to bad you guys are so far I'd say lets hit the road together.  I found a (kinda) easy way for me was I was ending up saving my high quality pics to my facebook account to show my out of state family and what I did on here is just saved them from there and it resized them all perfectly for the forum and I didn't have to link them or make another account somewhere.

[GrandRapids750K3]

Thanks EKPENT. Good things to know about the bike. I guess I'm not too suprised to hear that the bike has been pieced together, it looks like the seat came off a different bike as well. I guess I'm a little disapointed after looking at it now, but all I wanted was a bike to ride, and that is what I got. As far as the 3rd not firing I will have to figure something out. I was planning on giving it as much of a tune up as I know how to do (which is limited). Really just hoping I can get some good riding time on it without spending a ton of money on it...

[ekpent]

Don't feel down with it. These bikes have little changes made on them all the time over the years and with all the cheap parts out there still available very easy to change back or change to your taste.Your engine looks to have fairly low mileage and when I looked at it seemed to be nice and oil tight.The PO in Grant said it came from the family of the original owner so has not been passed around to much. Supposedly sat dormant for a long time.If your sitting on the bike check the second pipe in from the right side I think to see if it is getting as hot as the rest.Rag dipped in water and touch the pipe up by the head will give you the "sizzle" test They will still run on 3 cylinders but 4 is better  Could just be a bad spark plug for starters.Maybe post a pic and question about the carbs so somebody smart can give you a little more info on what they may have originally come off from.May help in tuning etc.if needed.May be better than stock.You will do fine as there is a lot of good there to work with.

[Lavis500]

If your sitting on the bike check the second pipe in from the right side I think to see if it is getting as hot as the rest.Rag dipped in water and touch the pipe up by the head will give you the "sizzle" test They will still run on 3 cylinders but 4 is better   Could just be a bad spark plug for starters.

Could also just be a spark plug cap.  As the bike is used, resistance in these caps slowly creeps up.  Pull the cap off of the plug and off of the wire, and then check the resistance with a multimeter.  That's another one of those specs you want your manual for.    I think factory spec was 7K ohms and "unserviceable" is considered 9k, but I don't know for sure.  The advantage to this is that it's both easy and free to check, and replacement only cost about $2.50 per cap.

[GrandRapids750K3]

Thanks guys, The bike is definitely going to get some looking at and poking at... especially when I have all winter to stare at it. Still love the bike, and I already have some parts ordered to slowly bring it back to it's once proud self. Should I be concerned about the back tire being different? It really doesn't matter to me because I think it looks fine. Just want to make sure everything is safe. Thanks again for the tips and this site and been amazing....

[Stev-o]

GR - don't feel bad about your bike not being a "virgin"! I'm sure you knew your bike was not perfect when bought it, or the price would have been $3500.
Check the rear wheel to give you piece of mind, I bet it's ok.
A lot of guys put a smaller wheel on the back to lower it, especially if they're short.


You've got a great bike, enjoy it!

[GrandRapids750K3]

I'm really enjoying it... two hour rides every night... You never know when Michigan will turn on you.... Also looking forward to working on it all winter and having it ready for next summer. So nice to ride again.

[ekpent]

The 17" aluminum rim on the back came from a cb750 Auto probably,if you see a front one pop up some time you should try and get it so you have a matched pair,nice little upgrade.Make sure that you de-rust that gas tank well also and clean the petcock or you will have annoying issues up the road.  So many little things-so little time