Topic: '77 cb750 cafe build.....making a $50 bike look like $million?

[bennecc]

On my previous (first) build, I kept saying I should do a project thread but never did get around to it (taking photos is such a hassle!  ).  As I posted in the member intro section, I picked up a '77 cb750 for $50 at an auction a few days ago. 

My inner monologue went something like this: "wow, that bike is going for $40, i should bid on it" to "wow, i really wanted a sohc4, so happy it only cost me $50" to "wait, i didn't intend on buying a bike today, much less a piece of junk with no front end....how will i get it home? a new project is sooooo much work!" to "this bike is so cool, i can't believe how good of shape it's actually in!". So far the only things I've noticed to be broken or missing are the side covers and the front fender.

[bennecc]

Anyways, I got it home and after some great effort got it up on the center stand!  That night I told my dad on the phone, "I've got some other projects I'm working on, I'll hold off on the bike.  After all, its already old."  Needless to say, I made it all of 1 day before getting out the wrenches.  I wanted to get to the crank/flywheel as the motor was stuck, which meant removing the highway bars, which lead to removing some other thing that I guess is for mounting tank bags, then the exhausts.  Its funny how having a nice shiny bike can almost make you forget how hard a simple thing like removing a screw can be on a project!



I put some acetone and ATF down the plug holes and the motor freed right up after only 3 hours or so!  At this point there is no use fighting it, the build will begin!  Still leaning towards a cafe, but I think I'll button everything back up and see how she's running first.  Can't wait!

Here's a parting shot of (most of) my other project.

[Stev-o]

Looks like a nice project. I just bought a similar bike yesterday, guess I got ripped off since I paid $300!

Good Luck.