Author Topic: A newbie Hello- Now with Pictures!!! (Read 5560 times)

golden_child · « **on:** April 03, 2006, 09:23:01 AM »

Just wanted to say Hello. I'm new to motorcycles and have riden very little so please excuse my ignorance. I just picked up a 1972 CB750 (K?) w/ 23000miles. It looks to be in good shape but I did not get the chance to start it. Stupid me was too excited and caught up in the moment of purchasing my first bike. From what I was told the oil was changed every spring and stored in the winter, Which I have to believe. The chrome is still in good condition and the seat has no sign of wear. I don't see any leaks or anything that looks suspisious. the chain and tires are new. Brakes are good. All the lights work, well i'll find that out when I get the battery in. Trust me it doesn't look like a 34 year old bike. I hope I made a good desision. I guess I won't know till I start it up. Which by the way the electric start is broken. According to the person I purchased it from the elec. starter died 2 years ago and he just never got it fixed, reason being, he prefered to kick start anyway. That would be another reason I didn't have an opportunity to start the bike. So. I've purchased the correct battery and would like to kick start it but I have never had to kick start a bike. Any help?

I have a Clymers manual coming in the mail, I hope I can refer to that in the future. Also, I've noticed that being 5ft 6in I have to stretch just a little harder to get my feet to the ground. Is there anyway to lower the suspension in the front and rear?

I know in hind-sight have made some newbie mistakes purchasing this bike but as soon as I saw it I wanted it. But isn't that what always gets you in trouble? Well, the bike is mine now and there is no turning around.

Here is a link to a few pictures of the bike.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-Honda-CB-750-Honda-CB750K-CB750_W0QQitemZ4622555300QQcategoryZ80647QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

So any help on kick starting? and Lowering?

thanks--
golden_child

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 03, 2006, 09:51:26 AM »

Welcome to the site..

That bike of yours looks VERY similar to the one I have.
Good taste !

As far as loweing that bike of yours, their are a few different rouets you can take.
For the front, you can push the triple-trees down past the fork tubes. This can lower your bike about a 1'' or 2''. People do this when they run clip-on handlebars to , well, have something to attach the clip-on's too..You can also internally lower the front suspension, get custom shorter tubes, etc..
The rear is allot easier. I myself am running 10'' Harley-Davidson shocks. The easiest thing you could do is get yourself a pair of "short shocks". The guys at ]HTTP://WWW.CRC2ONLINECATALOG.COM have some for cheap..They drop your rear about 2'', due to the stock units being around 13'', and the short ones are 11''. If you want to go lower, you can add a 1 or 2'' lowering block to the short shocks and then you will really be scrappin

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #2 on:** April 03, 2006, 10:21:01 AM »

Many of our members cut down the seat. This can give you up to 2" less seat height (which is the issue here, rather than lowering the bike)

I'm sure they will post pictures for you and explain how/where to get it done.

golden_child · « **Reply #3 on:** April 03, 2006, 11:06:39 AM »

Thanks guys

Any help is great. If not for forums like this I would be completely lost.

golden_child · « **Reply #4 on:** April 03, 2006, 11:13:25 AM »

Oh, Can someone inform me on how to kick start this bike or know where i can find a how-to? I've never had kick start a bike before.

I hate asking newbie questions.

my78k · « **Reply #5 on:** April 03, 2006, 11:29:08 AM »

Put it in the new battery. Open the petcock (fuel switch). Make sure it's in neutral (I don't think you need to hold in clutch....atleast I don't have to on my 78 750 as long as it's in neutral). Pull up the choke....give it a bit of gas and start kicking...

Dennis

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 03, 2006, 11:41:45 AM »

As you do it a few times, kicking over the bike will become much easier.
I have learned with mine, I dont even bother trying to kick-start it when it is cold (takes too many kicks). I use the starter button, then after than it kicks ovre on the first try..

If I can be of anymore help, let me know...

supersport_CB400F · « **Reply #7 on:** April 03, 2006, 12:11:06 PM »

Put your foot on the thing and push down

......you are taking the piss out of us for sure, if you cant work that one out!

6adan · « **Reply #8 on:** April 03, 2006, 12:20:43 PM »

Don't worry about getting caught up in the moment about buying it. I did that 36 years ago in Japan when I first saw a poster of a 750. I sold just about everything I had to buy one and I had never even seen a real one at the time.Had to order it in Japan and it took 3 Mo. to get it.Still have it and still ride it.Dannie

hondav4 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 03, 2006, 12:24:57 PM »

keep your knee slighty bent dont kick with ur leg straight u might hurt ur knee.

golden_child · « **Reply #10 on:** April 03, 2006, 06:20:32 PM »

So I think I am going to go with the seat modification. But The seat I have is an original from 1971. I really don't want to shave it down. Can anyone tell me where to get a seat it where I can buy a cafe style seat. I am eventually going to that route anyway, so I guess i might as well start. I like the style of ANDY750's. Where can I find something in that style?

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 04, 2006, 06:29:18 AM »

http://HTTP://WWW.CB750CAFE.COM
That's Carpys site. He has pretty much everything you need to get your bike
goin in the direction of a Cafe. He has a few different seat options to pick from.

Their are also tons of other sites to check out, price shop , etc...

golden_child · « **Reply #12 on:** April 04, 2006, 12:54:34 PM »

Well I just ordered up some short shocks. Thanks ProTeal55.

I want to do the seat but I may wait to do the tank and seat at the same time. Truthfully I just want to get riding. The weather here has been good and I'm itching. The battery goes in tonight. Damn rain spoiled all my fun last night. So I'll try again.

Does any one have a before and after pic of the short shocks before and after? Also should I expect to scrape on the bottom?

Thanks again fore the info guys.

Quote from: ProTeal55 on April 03, 2006, 09:51:26 AM

Welcome to the site..

That bike of yours looks VERY similar to the one I have.
Good taste !

As far as loweing that bike of yours, their are a few different rouets you can take.
For the front, you can push the triple-trees down past the fork tubes. This can lower your bike about a 1'' or 2''. People do this when they run clip-on handlebars to , well, have something to attach the clip-on's too..You can also internally lower the front suspension, get custom shorter tubes, etc..
The rear is allot easier. I myself am running 10'' Harley-Davidson shocks. The easiest thing you could do is get yourself a pair of "short shocks". The guys at ]HTTP://WWW.CRC2ONLINECATALOG.COM have some for cheap..They drop your rear about 2'', due to the stock units being around 13'', and the short ones are 11''. If you want to go lower, you can add a 1 or 2'' lowering block to the short shocks and then you will really be scrappin

golden_child · « **Reply #13 on:** April 04, 2006, 12:58:23 PM »

Thanks for carpy's link. I was actually looking on his site before you posted.I was also looking at it before I bought a bike. He's got some good stuff. I was looking at this guys stuff as well.

http://www.benjiescaferacer.com

I may actually get a seat and tank from him when I get a little more cash.

Quote from: ProTeal55 on April 04, 2006, 06:29:18 AM

http://HTTP://WWW.CB750CAFE.COM
That's Carpys site. He has pretty much everything you need to get your bike
goin in the direction of a Cafe. He has a few different seat options to pick from.

Their are also tons of other sites to check out, price shop , etc...

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 04, 2006, 01:41:32 PM »

That guy Benji makes some killer bikes himself, as does Carpy.

Quote from: golden_child on April 04, 2006, 12:54:34 PM

Well I just ordered up some short shocks. Thanks ProTeal55.
Does any one have a before and after pic of the short shocks before and after? Also should I expect to scrape on the bottom?

Not a prob man, us 72 owners have to stick togther.
As far as bottoming-out issues goes with the short shocks, I wouldn't worry about it too much. I have had minimal tire to inner fender contact in the year or so I have had my short shocks on my scoot. I never ride a passenger, and I would guess that if you did you might have more of a chance to rub.

Keep us posted on your progress....

Sam Green Racing · « **Reply #15 on:** April 04, 2006, 03:22:50 PM »

Just a thought, your exhaust looks a tad on the low side.
If you lower the bike, you may have issues with the pipe/silecer grounding on right hand bends.
The lower seat may be your best bet.
Good luck.

Sam.

golden_child · « **Reply #16 on:** April 04, 2006, 04:39:07 PM »

That sux. I hope they don't rub I already ordered the rear shocks. Well if the exhaust does rub, I'll have a set of short shocks to sell in the market place,

Thanks for the info.

Quote from: samcr750 on April 04, 2006, 03:22:50 PM

Just a thought, your exhaust looks a tad on the low side.
If you lower the bike, you may have issues with the pipe/silecer grounding on right hand bends.
The lower seat may be your best bet.
Good luck.

Sam.

mrbreeze · « **Reply #17 on:** April 04, 2006, 07:47:24 PM »

My issues with short shocks are side stand(had to cut a bit off of the bottom) and ground clearance where the 4to1 header go under the motor.Just don't go barreling into a speed bump.If this is a road bike,you shouldn't have a problem.I have been on some fairly rough paved roads and haven't scraped. Speed bumps and potholes are probably best avoided.I also would not chop into that seat(it looks to nice!) Get another one thats cheap to cut down.

oldbiker · « **Reply #18 on:** April 05, 2006, 02:47:04 AM »

Hi, contact the member who goes by the name of 'Smithrelo' She is a lady rider who has gone through all the problems you are having. She is very approachable and I'm sure she will be glad to help you.

golden_child · « **Reply #19 on:** April 07, 2006, 06:42:29 AM »

Well here is a pic of the Bike in it's current state. Unaltered since purchase.

Short shocks came yesterday and lower seat is coming next week. I'll post a pic after those are on.

Thanks for the help and ideas.

crazypj · « **Reply #20 on:** April 07, 2006, 10:09:48 AM »

Quote from: _biffta_ on April 03, 2006, 12:11:06 PM

Put your foot on the thing and push down ......you are taking the piss out of us for sure, if you cant work that one out!

Probably not taking the piss, I've come across this before. Maybe its an american thang?

Unless rider has had a dirt bike they virtually never see a kickstart. Had a kid last week who had never used one so we taught him with a RM125, still didnt have the technique to start DR400 though ( remember the letters in MCN when Honda first brought in bikes without kickstarts? didnt the Wing have a kickstart lever under the left tank panel (at least the early ones, dont remember when that went away) Ah, the 'long swinging kick through, the 'good old days' ( now thats taking the piss)

PJ

dusterdude · « **Reply #21 on:** April 07, 2006, 10:52:01 AM »

there hasnt been a street bike sold over here with a kicker since the early 80`s.so the young`uns aint got a clue what that there lever is for.

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #22 on:** April 07, 2006, 11:38:52 AM »

Quote from: golden_child on April 07, 2006, 06:42:29 AM

Well here is a pic of the Bike in it's current state. Unaltered since purchase.

Short shocks came yesterday and lower seat is coming next week. I'll post a pic after those are on.
Thanks for the help and ideas.

Bike looks so much like mine it's scarry. Could their be a long lost brother to my CB ?
Sounds like you got a good plan for your scoot, which is half the battle.
Make sure to post pics as you make progress...

Remember, Black spraypaint fixes allot of issues..

crazypj · « **Reply #23 on:** April 07, 2006, 06:10:18 PM »

Quote from: dusterdude on April 07, 2006, 10:52:01 AM

there hasnt been a street bike sold over here with a kicker since the early 80`s.so the young`uns aint got a clue what that there lever is for.

Thanks duster, now I really feel old
PJ

mrbreeze · « **Reply #24 on:** April 07, 2006, 09:55:25 PM »

You wanna talk about kickers....hell,get ahold of an old beezer 441.That sucker would launch you if you were'nt careful.The Honda SOHC 4...hell a 5 year old could probably kick it with no prob!!!

scunny · « **Reply #25 on:** April 08, 2006, 03:47:44 AM »

kick start, slowly put weight on lever till you find pressure, lift leg back to top of travel, jump up while holding handle bars and give a good push down on said kickstart with foot, 4's don't bite.

crazypj · « **Reply #26 on:** April 08, 2006, 10:02:01 AM »

Quote from: mrbreeze on April 07, 2006, 09:55:25 PM

You wanna talk about kickers....hell,get ahold of an old beezer 441.That sucker would launch you if you were'nt careful.The Honda SOHC 4...hell a 5 year old could probably kick it with no prob!!!

Dont know if you ever heard of Panther? 650 single, half lift cam ( exhaust stays open until piston is more than half way up cylinder) Almost managed to kickstart it when I was 14. still have dodgy knee where it tried to remove my kneecap

Could kickstart my Maico 490 left foot though(left side kicker, knee not so screwed up)
PJ

golden_child · « **Reply #27 on:** April 09, 2006, 05:37:38 PM »

WoooHoooo!!!!

I changed the oil and got her started I kicked twice and she growled and started up. she seems to be running strong. Everything seems to be working fine But the horn isn't working. Any Ideas on why or to trace it? Also I forgot to replace the spring seat ring when I put the oil filter back on. I didn't notice till I was cleaning up and it got stuck in the funnel. Was I pissed when I saw that. Do you think it'll cause a problem? Oh and I also noticed that the right rear blinker has a single filament light instead of a dual. Would that cause it to be blinking slow?

Thanks for all your help I apreciate it.

golden_child · « **Reply #28 on:** May 01, 2006, 06:40:18 AM »

Re post from another thread. Just making sure I'm thanking everyone that has helped so far.

Well, I pushed the front tubes through the triple trees this weekend. It helped lower the front end a good bit. I also lowered the rear end with short shocks. It's feeling a whole lot better now.

Thanks for all the help and info.

Now does anyone know where I can get a kickstand that'll let my bike lean more? Right now it almost stands straight up. I have thought about bending it but would rather try to source a new one.

Cowboy48 · « **Reply #29 on:** May 01, 2006, 02:03:25 PM »

My story is almost the same as yours. I bought a 75 750 on Ebay about a month ago on a whim and then proceded directly to this forum to learn what I had gotten myself into. These guys have been incredibly helpfull in wrenching on my bike. The only downside is that my bike was running great before I started taking it apart

Once I got started I couldn't stop. It's all stuff that needed to be done (shocks, oil, chain, air filter, simple wiring etc..) but the weather has been in the 70's everday since it has been apart. One bit of advice is to pick up a factory manual (or a copy like I did) on Ebay for about $50 including shipping. It is much better than the Clymer or Haynes IMO, although I do own all 3 manuals myself. Check out auction #4635041126. I'll keep track of your progress just for some comparison to my own.

BTW do you go by any other name besides golden_child? That could get a bit awkward

Dan AKA cowboy48

mrbreeze · « **Reply #30 on:** May 01, 2006, 09:06:19 PM »

Hey Golden Child,like I said earlier,you just need to cut off a bit of that side stand and it will lean over more.I don't know about bending it though,it might weaken it.The rear flashers are only one filament.The fronts are double cause they have a running light plus flasher.If they are slow,try cleaning all sockets and bulbs and you can replace the flasher unit itself with a regular automotive one from an auto part store for less than $5.It is located behind the left side cover.Hurry and get your repair manuals and you can probably fix your other misc. stuff....horn,elect.start,etc.......Enjoy man & ride safe.

golden_child · « **Reply #31 on:** May 02, 2006, 07:17:40 AM »

Thanks again guys. I did pick up a Clymers manual and I may have to pick up a hayes as well. It has helped a good amount But input and help from you guys/gals is the most important in my book. There are some things that a book just can't tell you especially when it comes to modifications. I'm trying to learn all this as I go along.

This is my first bike and I am already hooked. In all honesty before buying this bike I have had 1 motorcycle class (2 days worth of training) and that was last summer. I knew this was the year I was going to jump and get a bike. There is no point in having a licence without a bike right?

So I found this bike searching ebay. This was the second on I bid on the first one a 74 CB550 sold for more than I could pay, close to 3500

. Then I saw this 72 CB750 the guy said It ran great. what did I know, right? Well, I won.

I picked it up early April, found out how big it really was and realized My 30" inseam, on a good day was still a tad short. That is when I found you guys and all the new ideas to get my bike were I want it, shorter.

I finally got a licence plate for it last week, after 3 weeks of ownership and 1 drive around the block.

This weekend I put a lower seat on as well as shorty shocks and pushing the tubes through the trees. Man, not to sound all emo, but if hadn't of found help on how to lower it I would be sitting at my window pissed that my bike was to big and that I would never feel comfortable riding it.

So now the bike is lower and as far as I know the bike runs well. Well, at least I hope so after leaving the petcock open to let gas run into the oil (I think that's what happened, I'm still new at this) and then doing another oil change. Well, thanks again. Now I have 30 days to Figure out my horn problem and get it inspected before my 30 day tags run out.

Here are some pictures: Sorry if they a big or small. I'm still trying to figure out the Gallery too.

Original

Short Shocks

Triple Tree

Whoops!! I left the lock on.

Proteal, you pretty muchalready now what this bike looks like

byidesign · « **Reply #32 on:** May 02, 2006, 10:59:18 AM »

Nice looking Ride..........
Enjoy
Bruce

siter81 · « **Reply #33 on:** May 02, 2006, 01:30:08 PM »

Damn that bike looks just like my k5.Check out my aviator picture.

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #34 on:** May 03, 2006, 06:07:32 AM »

Bike looks good, keep up the good work....
Start strippin that thing, change the seat, get some lower bars, etc...
Remember , Low Gloss black spraypaint makes ALMOST anything cool.....

News:

Author Topic: A newbie Hello- Now with Pictures!!! (Read 5560 times)

supersport_CB400F

hondav4

Cowboy48