Topic: 1974 CB750K4 Restoration Project (a work in progress)

[Riley001]

I've been sitting on this for almost year, now it's time to get things moving.

The low down:

My wife bought me a '74 CB750 for x-mas last year.  I've always wanted a bike (this is my 1st) and it so happens that the bike is the same age as me.

I have had some experience working on snowmobiles so basic mechanics are in my skill set.

That being said this is a much larger project than anything I have undertaken before.

The status:

I have completely broken down the bike, to clarify it is in little baggies with tags all over my basement.  I've had the frame, swing arm and everything else that was black sanded and powder coated. (which looks fantastic) pictures to follow.  I will be breaking into the engine in the next few weeks which I'll be looking for a lot of help to do and am currently rebuilding the forks.  I've broken them down and will replace the seals and would like to know if it is worth upgrading to progressive springs? Keeping in mind I have never ridden the bike before.

So that's where I'm at.  I will post some pictures of the state of things shortly.  All comments and help will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Russ
 

[andy750]

Its always worth upgrading to progressive springs. I got a quote from Hyperpro yesterday and they are $139 for the fornt fork springs. I know that Progressive might do them cheaper but Hyperpro is one of the best in the business.

cheers
Andy

[Riley001]

Andy thanks for the advice.  I'll order a set of springs along with the seals.

So as promised here are some pictures to get things started.  This was taken outside of the barn where the bike was found.



This is what it looked like when I got it home, in this pic I've started to remove things already. Ie. Front Light.



I pulled the seat, which will need to be recovered.



More to come soon.

[andy750]

Its interesting as the seat is not from a CB750K4 -looks more like a 650 seat but I cant be sure. How did it fit to the rails? Good fit?

Overall bike looks good - what are your plans for the exhaust? I notice a fairly large hole in one of the lower pipes.

Good luck
Andy

[Riley001]

The exhaust was shot and I had to trash most of it.  All 4 pipes had large holes in them and were rusted badly.  I'd like to go with a 4 to 4 set like on the original bikes.  I'm having trouble finding a set for a decent price.  As for the seat, i hadn't notice that it wasn't original, I was planning on having it recovered but might try and find an original one to go with the bike...

[andy750]

Check out Rays (myhondas) K4 in October bike of the month - correct seat:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=77086.0

Rays bike is also a good source for seeing what is correct for the K4

good luck
Andy

[Riley001]

Andy, thanks for the link.  That is definitely a different seat than the one I have.

Progress this weekend was slow, I've ordered progressive springs for the forks and new seals and am waiting on them to arrive.

I noticed that there are some burrs inside the forks where the seals will be installed.  I've taken a couple of pictures which aren't the greatest but you can see them all the same.





Will these be an issue, if so whats the best way to remove them without damaging anything?

thanks in advance,

-Russ

[Legin]

Gently flatten any high spots with emery tape or sharp knife but dont try to remove the damage as the hole will be over size or oval and thats bad. Should be fine.

[Riley001]

So a long, long time ago in a life far for this one I had started a restoration on a CB750K4.  Well, it's actually going to get finished now.  I will start to post pics of the build shortly.  In the meantime I am looking for a 4 to 4 exhaust, OEM or otherwise.

[Riley001]

I started polishing the fork legs today, have to run out and get some 320 and 600 grit paper to work on some of the larger scratches.  The  http://www.caswellplating.com buffing Kit I purchased is great.  Wish I had a proper bench polisher...