Author Topic: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions  (Read 2847 times)

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Offline bryant

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Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« on: March 13, 2011, 05:17:49 PM »
Hey guys, I don't post much on here...I've done quite a bit of reading over the years and found lots of helpful tips tricks. Just wanted a couple peoples advice on building my engine.

My question is, since I'm on a tight budget and would like to get this thing running by this summer...I was wondering if these parts would be enough for a get around town in the week and take out in the country on the weekends kind of bike. Not going to be flogging it every day but don't want to have to baby it either.

I'm thinking of getting my parts through cycle x and going with these parts:

849 bore "kit" $250
370 lift/290 duration cam $200
cam chain roller $25
cam chain $40
cylinder studs $80
clutch plates $50
athena gasket set $70

Work I'd like to do (or have done)
port heads
undercut (with lapping compound as described by hondaman) transmission gears or should I send them off??
"slot" cam gear for +/-3 degree timing
hondamans clutch hub modification
drill cam towers? (still need to read more on this)
lap valve seats
polish valves

If anyone has advice on anything I absolutely need that I didn't mention please let me know, I know that I'll have to check my valve guides and rod bearings to make sure they're in spec.

Thanks!
Bryant

Offline Goofaroo

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2011, 05:38:08 PM »
Since you are concerned about your budget and asking for advice, here is my 2 cents.

For the cost of the engine parts you are wanting to buy you could find a pretty nice Honda CH150 Elite. You may even get lucky and find one with a trunk. It would be perfect for running around town but powerful enough for the occasional romp through the countryside. It will get twice the fuel mileage of the bored and ported CB and your maintenance costs will be practically non existent. Kenda makes a nice line of scooter tires that can be had for about $50 per set and you can easily install them at home. A battery might cost as much as $40 if you splurge on a nice one. The engines in those bikes are pretty bulletproof and 1 quart of oil will suffice when it's time to change the oil. Insurance and tag will cost about as much annually as a night on the town.

Offline bryant

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #2 on: March 13, 2011, 05:42:55 PM »
Oh wow...thanks so much for the advice...seriously? I see you live in Oklahoma, and I've been unfortunate enough to have driven through there. So I'm going to chalk that up to boredom and give you the benefit of the doubt that you're not actually a douche.

Offline Goofaroo

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2011, 05:51:44 PM »
Quote
My question is, since I'm on a tight budget and would like to get this thing running by this summer...I was wondering if these parts would be enough for a get around town in the week and take out in the country on the weekends kind of bike. Not going to be flogging it every day but don't want to have to baby it either.

Since my attempt at humor seems to have offended you, I will provide a simple and obvious answer to your question:   
You don't need a big bore kit and all the other crap to get around town on your 750. In fact, a CH150 would serve you very nicely. What were you expecting us to say? Did you think that the bike couldn't possibly get around town under it's own power unless it was bored and ported?  You sir, are a douche.

Offline bryant

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #4 on: March 13, 2011, 05:57:08 PM »
Whatever man, not going to sit here and go back and forth.

If anyone has any real input, I'd appreciate it.

Offline cobra2411

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #5 on: March 13, 2011, 06:16:44 PM »
I think what he was trying to say is that a stock 750 does a good job at going around town. If money is an issue there are more fuel efficient forms of travel.

I would port the head rather then get an 836 kit if cost is an issue.

Offline Goofaroo

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #6 on: March 13, 2011, 06:20:22 PM »
Don't come here asking for opinions and then get pissy when people give you a reply you don't like. That being said, I will make an attempt at answering your question with the little information that you provided.
First of all, it sounds like it's too late but did you really need to take the motor apart to begin with? In most cases a simple 3,000 mile service and a carb rebuild will get these motors back up and running.
Second, your expense is not going to be in the engine, it will be in all of the other things that these bikes need to brought back up to spec. You can spend a fortune on the engine and your bike will still be a rolling pile of #$%* if you don't address the rest of the bike. Almost without fail you will need cables, tires & tubes, steering head and wheel bearings, fork springs and seals, new shocks, and on and on. I'll take a guess that you aren't building up this engine to put in the bike without doing some other upgrades. You'll probably need to get the tank boiled out, the seat cover is most likely shot, and if you plan to paint it then you'll spend a few dollars there. I could go on and on telling you about all the orders you'll be placing on the internet for rubber pieces of all sizes and shapes. We haven't even talked about new bars, new brake shoes, rebuild kits for the caliper and master cylinder.
In other words, your engine is not going to be your big expense and it will be easy and quick compared to the rest of the work you have ahead of you.

Offline Steve F

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #7 on: March 13, 2011, 06:22:17 PM »
I have 2 '76 750F's, and am wondering why you would be boring it out so large?  I'm thinking that 1 over on the bore would be fine or more than enough and, keep the stock cam (unless it's FUBAR).  You start boring it out too large, you can encounter carburating problems.  
Everything else I guess is fine, but to keep the bike rideable in the city, while having the occasional romp in the country, I would recommend keeping it civil.  These bikes are great in their relative stock form, just not intended to take on the modern bikes in ANY kind of contest.

Offline bryant

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #8 on: March 13, 2011, 06:28:11 PM »
Thanks guys, thats more like it. The reason I'm looking for a little more power is, we'll I'm bored with it in stock trim. Guess I could (should have mentioned that) and I plan on installing an electronic ignition, higher voltage coils.blah.blah you know. Also gonna replace the wheel bearings, put bronze bushings in the swing arm and timken neck bearings. Its running now and I've done all the basic service stuff...cam chain tension, valve gaps, cleaned carbs, gapped points. New tires, tanks clean...just like to get some more power out of it.

Offline bryant

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #9 on: March 13, 2011, 06:30:37 PM »


Picutre for those interested. I've already posted more in the past hour than I have in the past 3 years haha..gonna go have a beer fellas.

Offline Goofaroo

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #10 on: March 13, 2011, 06:56:27 PM »
If you are bored with it now, it won't take long for you to get bored again with the modest gains in power that you will achieve if you perform the modifications you have mentioned. You will also just exaggerate the shortcomings your bike has in the braking and handling department. Your 750 is what it is and it sounds to me like if you are jonesing for significantly more power you should invest in a more modern bike. That doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money-  good sport bikes can be found for less than $3000 and will run off and hide from your 750 even if you spend a bunch of money on it.

Offline bryant

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #11 on: March 13, 2011, 07:04:29 PM »
Well that might be true, never really thought about it like that. I have been wanting an SV650...which is no powerhouse. But should be fun in the twisty stuff. Just think this bike should produce a bit more power to justify weighing 500 lbs.

Might just freshen up the engine and keep it as something to put around on.

Offline Goofaroo

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #12 on: March 13, 2011, 07:09:42 PM »
How long have you owned the 750?

Offline Roach

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #13 on: March 13, 2011, 07:09:54 PM »
if you lean yourself out over the bike a bit more get some rearsets you might feel like you are going faster.. then you really are..

by modding these motors you may be able to push out another 10hp maybe more but..but at the end of the day its still a 30+ year old bike. and stopping is an issue
1978 CB550K Cafe Racer

Offline DYSKORD

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #14 on: March 13, 2011, 07:17:42 PM »
I am running a 76cb750f now w/ 1mm overbore, carbs set up with 120 mains, cyclex ignition, braided brake lines, and new shocks. It is plenty fast, for now. My advice would be a cyclex git kit for now, ignition exhaust and cam. Rock it for awhile and see if there is still more to be desired. Its more fun that way and leaves room for improvements/upgrades. I would even recommend running it stock for awhile so you have something to compare your improvements to. This helps me justify the expenses. The stock 76cb750f will move!

Offline bryant

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #15 on: March 13, 2011, 07:21:04 PM »
How long have you owned the 750?


This one, not long. I've had a couple others. First one was a 76F that someone had hardtailed the frame and never bothered to put it back together. Pictures on here somewhere of it. Then had a 77F stocker...then an 80 XS650 now this. Maybe you're right and I need another more modern bike to fulfil my need for a little more fun. I'll always like these bikes regardless of performance,  just wanted to like it a little more...

Offline Goofaroo

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #16 on: March 13, 2011, 07:25:56 PM »
I would think that his 750 would have more than enough power to keep it interesting. Maybe it isn't running at it's potential.

Offline cobra2411

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #17 on: March 13, 2011, 09:26:38 PM »
Um... That seat... Sorry... If it were mine I would have tossed it immediately...

My 750 is pretty quick. It's no modern super bike, but it's fast enough for me. I think everyone's fear here is that you're not going to come close to fulfilling your desires within your budget.

Making power is one thing but then there's suspension and braking to think about to be safe in today's world.

Make sure it's running 100% and if that's not fun enough then get something that is.

DOHC bikes are cheap and run pretty hard if you still like the overall style. They're not as easy to work on or as reliable but they're cheap.

Offline BeSeeingYou

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #18 on: March 13, 2011, 09:56:13 PM »
Um... That seat... Sorry... If it were mine I would have tossed it immediately...


Ohh...you beat me to it.  Just getting rid of that seat is good for about 10Hp...or at least the illusion of more power.  ;D


Offline bryant

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #19 on: March 13, 2011, 10:06:14 PM »

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #20 on: March 13, 2011, 10:10:10 PM »
The single biggest gain to be had in these old bikes is in the head. Get some port work done and maybe some new valves and springs, up the jets and watch it eat bikes with just the 836 kit....

Mick
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Offline gregimotis

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #21 on: March 13, 2011, 10:18:55 PM »
I have owned an SV650 and that bike is rockin' good fun.  Buy one.

SV's are quick (enough) off the line, they are really fast side to side, they are cheap, and (IMHOP) look fantastic.  I clocked mine at 128 confirmed by the V-max beside me.
The most common gripe against the SV is that it's uncomfortable.  People who say that are weaklings and future goldwing owners.
« Last Edit: March 13, 2011, 10:24:48 PM by gregimotis »
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Offline Ryan6838

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #22 on: March 13, 2011, 10:46:11 PM »
If it was me id put seat and headlight at the top of the list then start motor. Have hondaman do the swing arm, i did the buy the 50 dollar bronze bushings and they are way out of spec. Ill be sending mine off to hondaman for his work and the lifetime warranty. Have you looked at his ignition box to. Not a bad deal, i plan on running it with dyna coils. tice to use it and keep stock points if it does fail. His book has alot of info on keeping it reliable.  My 78k next year will hopefully get a ported head, up size on pistons 836 at most, cam, ported carbs, dyna/hondaman ignition, k&n in air box and custom 4-2 exhaust.  But till i can aford the motor stuff ill be happy with a good tune on the carbs, k&n filter, 4-2 exhaust and soon to be hondaman ignition. Got to have a solid runner with riding season starting.  ;D
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Offline daytonajoker

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Exhaust Valves
« Reply #23 on: March 14, 2011, 04:25:48 AM »
I've got 2 slightly bent exhaust valves.....OEM are about $75/valve....anyone know of a less expensive source in the US? ....I found 4 new OEM intakes on e-bay for $85 (for all 4)

Offline cobrajunkie

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Re: Exhaust Valves
« Reply #24 on: March 14, 2011, 05:07:55 AM »
I've got 2 slightly bent exhaust valves.....OEM are about $75/valve....anyone know of a less expensive source in the US? ....I found 4 new OEM intakes on e-bay for $85 (for all 4)


I think you meant to start a new topic.  This topic is reserved to ridicule those questioning big bore kits. 

Offline Doctor_D

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #25 on: March 14, 2011, 07:10:29 AM »
by modding these motors you may be able to push out another 10hp maybe

A modestly tuned 850 motor, with the poster's suggested cam and proper stage 2 headwork, makes almost 20 more rwhp and 10+ lb/ft of torque than a stocker.  Trust me, I've been present for the dyno runs. I've ridden it too, full bagger, faired, touring bike.  Still incredibly streetable and pulls like a freight train.

For what its worth, my 836 makes 30+ more rwhp than a stocker, and will make more with some additional fine-tuning. Dyno sheet and details are on the Hi Po page in a sticky.
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Offline cobra2411

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #26 on: March 14, 2011, 07:29:22 AM »
Yeah. It is gross...

 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=84261.0

Corbin has a great looking seat - http://www.corbin.com/honda/h7507578f.shtml

If I have enough money after I get my suspension work and rims done I'm going to pick one up.

Offline bryant

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #27 on: March 14, 2011, 10:15:58 AM »
Thanks Doctor D....may have restored my faith.

Offline Roach

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #28 on: March 14, 2011, 11:25:41 AM »
by modding these motors you may be able to push out another 10hp maybe

A modestly tuned 850 motor, with the poster's suggested cam and proper stage 2 headwork, makes almost 20 more rwhp and 10+ lb/ft of torque than a stocker.  Trust me, I've been present for the dyno runs. I've ridden it too, full bagger, faired, touring bike.  Still incredibly streetable and pulls like a freight train.

For what its worth, my 836 makes 30+ more rwhp than a stocker, and will make more with some additional fine-tuning. Dyno sheet and details are on the Hi Po page in a sticky.

you may not have noticed i said "maybe more" not "10hp maybe"
1978 CB550K Cafe Racer

Offline Roach

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #29 on: March 14, 2011, 11:28:16 AM »
plus he was talking about doin gthis on a budget... we still don't know if he is talking a big budget or not... if its a small one then thingsa are getting pricey fast
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Offline d3buttz

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Re: Budget '76 CB750F Build questions
« Reply #30 on: March 14, 2011, 05:23:20 PM »
plus he was talking about doin gthis on a budget... we still don't know if he is talking a big budget or not... if its a small one then thingsa are getting pricey fast

ha! ;D
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80508.0

1975 cb750f
1975 cb550k
1972 cb350k
1974 tl125
1996 Nissan pathfinder
1972 Datsun 240z
2002 Nissan sentra se-r spec-v