Topic: '71 750 - New member in NH

[ChuckGNH]

Hi all.  I've got a '71 to work on - only 15 K on the speedometer.  I'm looking forward to working on it.  Not sure how much I'll have to do, but I can see there's plenty of help here!  Looks like I've got 6 months to get her ready for spring, in our climate.  What should I expect to do? I mean, should I be looking at rebuilding the engine - or basically cleaning everything up and replacing what's obvious?

[dhall57]

Hey Chuck and welcome. Congratulations on getting your 71 750. Of course what needs to be done to it depends on many factors. Is it road worthy the way it sits right now and only needing minor things or is strictly a project bike that's going to take alot of time and money before you can get it out on the road. Need alot more info on what shape the bike is in and also need pictures, plenty of pictures

[Bob Wessner]

Welcome. I agree,  how much work "depends." It might be less than you think. Yup, post pics when you get a chance.

[ChuckGNH]

Thanks for the quick replies! I'll get some photos on fast as I can.  You don't want to see the ones with me riding the bike after we put it on the trailer to get it home! It hasn't been registered since 2002 - came from a friend who's ex left it at her house. Dirty? Yup! Just for a "look" today I took the gas tank off, battery out, and looked at air filter.  Don't know how brown and stiff a filter would get in 10 years, but this one was OLD, but really not filthy. 

Hey, I'm really encouraged that you guys would reply so quick.  This is super.  I'm hoping to do as much as I can, and take my time.  I'll get back in the next few.

[ChuckGNH]

Okay, people, here are my first photos of the project..............how much can you glean from these photos?  Ask away, I'm really happy to be getting feedback on this new piece of machinery (to me).  Want to be riding in Vt. with my lady-friend next spring! That would be my delight of 31 years, the fabulous Aimee!

[ChuckGNH]

Let's try this again.............I didn't size my files right.  The detail was great , and too much for the forum.  Here we go?

[ChuckGNH]

And here's the rest.  Thanks for your time, buddies.

chuck

[dhall57]

You've got some work to do Chuck, but it looks like its a good solid bike for a project. Looks like alot of old oil on front of engine. Could be cause for concern. Give it a good cleaning and than start accessing what shape the overall  bike is in and what needs the most attention first.  Do you know if bike was running when it was parked in 2002? Is the engine free, if it is go ahead and change oil and filter, plugs, air filter, battery and if inside of tank is in good shape put some fresh gas in and see by chance if she will start up, it might surprise you. This forum is great and someone is always willing to help you. Keep us up to date on your winter project.
Good luck, dhall

[ChuckGNH]

Hi dhall, and others.  I don't know if the bike was running when it was garaged, but expect it was from the 2002 plate.  It's definitely be sitting that long.  Engine does turn over freely.  I did notice the oil - from reading about how easy it was/is to overfill, I'm hoping that's one possibility? Other than that, are we looking at gasket(s) or more serious potentially? I'm not even too afraid of a rebuild, but I'm sure I'd need some mechanical help on that.  I do see some corrosion and flaking in the tank.  I noted the recommendation of "Kreem" in a forum.  Is there a way to also remove flaking from the tank interior? My posts will certainly become more specific as I get into specific items. Thanks again.

Chuck

[ChuckGNH]

Here's my first "duhhhhh" posting....................I found a site referencing serial numbers.  My '71 just became a '73! Well, I'm okay with a stupid mistake or two - just means I'm a little smarter every day.  Well, in theory anyway.  Good thing I haven't bought any parts yet.  Engine serial is 2216019.  It was a little hard to read, but I was impressed that the aluminum (am I correct in that?) cleaned up pretty nice.  The oxidation doesn't seem as bad as I thought. So, I guess I'll change what needs to be changed in my profile, and keep getting educated about this bike.

Chuck

[ChuckGNH]

I seem to be doing something wrong for my avatar.  Wanted to use one of my bike pics in the above post - is it file size (not that large)? Have to say I'm really enjoying the wealth of info that SOHC has to offer. How the heck am I going to get through the NE winter without riding?  Rebuilding, I guess - while I keep at rebuilding my bleeping house, too.

Chuck

[andy750]

Hi Chuck

Well done on the bike and you do indeed have a 73. You can tell that its not a 71 by the front brake guard at the front. However....you do have a nice K0.K1 ducktail seat which if in good condition is worth a few $$s. If I were you Id do a full tune up first:

Download a free shop manual from the SOHC website...

1. New battery
2. Remove carbs and remove carb bowls (very easy) and see what state they are in. Most likely they will need a good cleaning
3. Check valve clearances in engine
4. Check if any rust in tank -if not you are in good shape.
5. New airfilter
6. Probably new tires at some point no matter how good your +8 year old tires look.
7. Shocks are probably shot so consider new ones for 2-up riding.
8. Front fork fluid - change it for sure!
9. Front brake probably needs bled and front brake piston checked for pitting. Cheap enough for a new piston seal.
10. Cables? Throttle and clutch - buy Honda - much better quality and longer lasting.


Thats the basics for now

Good vendors - Z1Enterprises, David Silver Spares, servicehonda.com and of course a bunch of others in the FAQ.

I have a few spares and Im in Boston, MA. Riding in Vt is always a pleasure on a CB750

cheers
Andy

[ChuckGNH]

Okay..........I'm more psyched about this by the day! Whereabouts in Boston are ya?  We used to live in Chelsea (I know, tough history, but my family goes back to the 1860's there) and Reading, too.  When you say spares, what do you mean specifically?  Thanks for the list, especially.  That's what I'm looking for, and it reads well.  I'll go through the punchlist - for one, my tank isn't great at all, but spent some time reading about the best products to deal with that.  There's much flaking and rust evident - but I'm figuring on tackling one item at a time, and enjoying the process and end result.  I used to summer in Chelsea, but grew up in Vt., and looking forward to taking this gem on the road after some serious labor.  Thanks for your input, Andy. 

Chuck G.

[Stev-o]

Welcome Chuck.

Andy has given you great advice, let me add one thing before you start: clean, clean, clean! Get all that 20+ year old grime off of it. Gunk foamy engine cleaner does a great job and is simple, buy a couple cans at your local auto parts store.

Good Luck.

[andy750]

Whereabouts in Boston are ya?  ....When you say spares, what do you mean specifically?

I am in Roslindale. Well I used to have more spares but have slimmed down a lot in the last few years...I have some spare engine covers, HM300 exhaust (2 pipes only), K1 seat, crash bars, rear shocks (Progressives with Heavy duty spring),  back rest, handlebars, front brake disk and stuff like that. But as Stev-O says best to clean everything first!   

good luck
Andy