Author Topic: A newbie Hello- Now with Pictures!!! (Read 4996 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!!!

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Author Topic: A newbie Hello- Now with Pictures!!! (Read 4996 times)

supersport_CB400F

hondav4