Topic: My first restoration project; '77 CB750K

[jawntybull]

Ok, I've been riding around in luxury too long on my nice start-every-time-don't have-to-touch-it Bandit 1250 and DR650. Time to take on a challenge - so I've bought a CB750K in good cosmetic condition, but with an engine that needs work.

I started documenting my project on netrider.net.au under the projects section too, but it seems this forum is for restoration enthusiasts?!?

[CafeDawg]

Wow she does look nice, must be the Aussie air.  Welcome and good luck.  What are the plans for the engine, what's it need?
Respect
CD

[Bankerdanny]

That sure doesn't look like the right tank to me.

[jawntybull]

Much excitement tonight - riding my new project up the driveway and back!

So far the bike has needed carbie overhaul including machining a new drain screw, front brake overhaul, electrics clean up and general tidying up. She's now running quite nicely although the airbox doesn't fit (tubes too small, I think they belong to older carbies) and she needs fork overhaul, cables, tune up, oil change and valve clearances. I have lots of parts on order and will see how far I get tomorrow.

[jawntybull]

She runs beautifully! Took her out today for a few short runs after:

- modifying the airbox to suit (the airbox I had was from a previous model and didn't fit
- new connector tubes on the carbies
- front and rear brake overhauls
- timing and setting the points gaps
- new cables, throttle and clutch
- fuel tank clean out and fitting fuel filter

There's probably more but I can't remember!

[jawntybull]

A view from behind...

[MrGardman]

Great looking bike. I think you got a good one for your first project.

[jawntybull]

Thanks MrGardman; yep I reckon I've landed on my feet with this one. I'll get club registration as its much cheaper than full registration, and I already have 2 other bikes to pay for. I've joined C&EMCC (Classic and Enthusiasts Motorcycle Club) and the club treasurer and inspector came over today to inspect the bike. Very nice of him as it's a Sunday afternoon. Anyway the bike came up clear so I'll have my plates tomorrow - three weekends from when I picked up the bike.

Some short test runs today showed me the brakes are ok; from what I can gather from this forum the single caliper front is working ok. The pads have plenty on them, and I pulled up in 15m from a speed of 60kmh; not sure if this is the best I can do though. The tyres are hard; checked the sidewalls today and they're from 1997 - 14 year-old tyres - so they'll get changed out this week.

The clutch started to slip a bit today too when under power - maybe I've done too good a job tuning the engine  . I recently changed the oil but used Silkolene 10W40 which should not be causing the problem. I've adjusted the clutch at the lower housing (cable was already adjusted correctly, so this time I adjusted the screw and locknut on the clutch basket lever); will see how it rides tomorrow