Topic: 1975 CB750,,, unmolested restoration project

[Boatman]

I had a 1972 way back in the early 80's and loved the bike. The past few years I've been playing on Euro-trash,, Bmw's, Husqvarna's and KTM's but have been hankering for a Japanese machine. Originally had a 450 or 550 in mind but ran across this 750. I bought it from the original owner for $1 with a promise that I wouldn't just turn around and sell it. It's got just over 15k on the odo and never been crashed or modified in anyway. All original paperwork including BOS, maintainence records and manual. In the fall of 1987 the owner parked it in his garage and never rode it again. He never forgot about it though and every couple months kicked it over a dozen or so times. The engine kicks over nicely and has what seems to be very good compression. Today I hooked up a battery and much to my surprise all electrics work and the starter turns the engine over just like I remember my 72' turning. The carb slides seem to be stuck (or maybe just the cables) so I didn't try to start it just yet. The paint on the tank needs a good cleaning but I don't seen a dent or dimple anywhere. There is about 3/4 of a tank of fuel and can feel some slight rust on the very top of the tank otherwise it's nice and shiney inside.

I'm trying to decide how far I want to take this but in the meantime I'll tinker with it and get it rideable and see what comes of it.






The whole album...
http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y165/boatrman/750%20Honda/

[Stev-o]

Now that is a good buy! I'd start with a good overall cleaning.

[HalfFastMoto]

You have good taste in bikes, I'm partial to the orange flavor myself   

Good luck with your build, looks like you picked up a great bike to start with!

[sandman]

Great project material! All there, but obviously rough condition- the mufflers are a sorry sight, too bad.
It'll be interesting to see what direction you go with a bike like this, it could be restored or turned into something special and unique. Should be fun to tinker with.

[MoMo]

I think you paid way too much.   .  I have a friend who made a similar gentlemen's moral agreement with a seller.  He paid less than you for a very mint 69 CB750 K0.  Since then the seller has passed and he has upheld his end and will not sell even thought he has been offered 10k.  Good luck with your project, Larry

[CycleRanger]

Magnificent acquisition!  

Nice shop too by the way.

[DanielB]

Nice buy!

[Boatman]

Well I have hesitated bringing the bike into the shop for a couple weeks now because I have other jobs that need to be done first. I think the first order of business will be to give it a good cleaning as already suggested. Is there any sugested products to break down the heavy corrision on the engine???  Had a guy stop by the other day and he said the local Harley dealer had some sort of clear he used on his old Gold Wing. I'm not looking for a miracle product to bring the original finish back, just a cleaner. The next order of business will be to find out if the throttle cables are seized or the carb slides and get the old gas cleaned out of everything.

I got a line on a set of exhaust pipes and need to check them out. They are supposedly "new take offs that have been hanging in garage since removed". I'll make some time this week to check them out but I've chased that dream too many times!!

Definitely going to go the original route.

Thanks for the kudos on the shop. Usually there is no trucks or cars in there and just antique boats (thats what I do for a living), but I have a couple issues to take care of on the truck.

[Stev-o]

I used Gunk Foamy Engine cleaner on mine, worked good. Get a couple cans at your local auto parts store, about $5 ea.
Simple Green also works well and is non toxic and enviro friendly, if that is a concern [I use it on my boat and don't feel bad about hosing it down into the lake].

[Greggo]

Not a bad buy for a buck!

[dhall57]

Looks like a good solid bike with a lot of promise The $1 purchase price should allow you to have some extra cash to throw at the restoration

[Zaipai]

Nice score! Can't wait to see the progress! Original is the way I would go also.

.: Scott :.

[Boatman]

Yesterday I rolled the ole girl outside for a good cleaning (sorry no pics) and she cleaned up pretty nicely. Was really disappointed to find the tank has rust right on top near the stem.     I pulled the points cover and it looks brand new inside so that was a plus. Hopefully this week I'll get a chance to pull the tank and figure out how to free up the carb slides.

[Stev-o]

how to free up the carb slides.

I'd start by blastin' 'em with some PB Blaster.

[MoMo]

Use a heat gun to free the slides, always worked for me, Larry