Author Topic: Newbie  (Read 1612 times)

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Offline JayDubya

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Newbie
« on: March 15, 2011, 07:40:57 AM »
Hello first post.  I apologize if I'm the new guy that's asking the same question the last 50 new guys asked.

Last night I acquired a CB750 that's been in my wife's family since new.  I know very little about it so far.  I was told it's a 75 and that seems to check out.  The speedo has increments of 10,20,30,etc and I guess the color would then be Flake Apricot Red.  Although, the color seems more orange to me so the 1974 color Flake Sunrise Orange seems like a more accurate description.  Where can I locate the serial number to be certain?

Also, as you can see it's decked out with lots of funky 70's touring gear.  The fairing has a radio, the saddle bags are flimsy plastic with the right side being cracked.  The topcase is high quality, thick and heavy fiberglass I'd guess. 

I've got old Vespa motorscooters that I've restored so I'm switching to the darkside now, you damn bloody rockers!

I'm going to remove, and probably sell, the touring accessories, get some new tires, clean the carbs, new plugs, new battery, fresh gas and hope it fires up.  It's been sitting for 9 years.  After that I'll keep it original, but maybe make a few cosmetic changes towards the cafe racer look.

Any suggestions or advice?

Thanks!


Offline MoMo

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #1 on: March 15, 2011, 07:46:09 AM »
The serial number is on the steering neck, which you probably cannot see with all that 70's touring stuff on, which pretty much has no resale value-at least not around Philly. The color is the flake orange.  Your plan of attack is a good one(make sure carbs and tank are clean, which means remove all jets from the carbs) and download the manual from this site.   Welcome....Larry

Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #2 on: March 15, 2011, 07:53:52 AM »
Sounds like a solid plan of action.

Locating and signing up for an owners group was a smart call too. I have done this for the last 3 bikes I have owned, a strong community and well run forum makes living with an older and/or rarer bike much easier.

As individual problems pop up I recommend using the search box at the top of the page before you post a new topic. This board has been arounds for several years and it is very likely that the question you have has already been asked an answered before. So using the search will get you what you need riight away instead of having to wait for a reply.
"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline JayDubya

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #3 on: March 15, 2011, 07:55:37 AM »
Thanks for the information and affirmations so far.

I can't wait to get this thing on the road. 

Offline flybox1

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #4 on: March 15, 2011, 08:05:35 AM »
its pretty straight forward removing the fairing, bags and mounts.
get(download) the shop manual and a clymer book for your bike.
familiarize yourself with the 3000mi tuneup/maintenance and all the steps that are involved.
the search function on the forum typically brings up pages of information of those who have worked thru what you are about to go thru. read A LOT.
take your time.
do one thing at a time.
do it right the first time.
...your bike will thank you with years of service if you do :)

welcome to the addiction..and to the family.  ;D
« Last Edit: March 15, 2011, 08:17:00 AM by flybox1 »
'78 750K (F3 engine) PD42b's, Modified airbox w/K&N  filter, 40/110 jets, 1 needle shim, IMS@ 1 turn out. Kerker + Cone 18" QuietCore

Past Bikes
1974 550K0 (stock), 1973 CB350F (stock), 1983 Yamaha XS400K (POS)
77/78 cool 2 member #3
"Knowledge without mileage equals bullsh!t" - Henry Rollins

"This is my CB. There are many like it, but this one is mineā€¦"

Offline Ryan6838

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #5 on: March 15, 2011, 08:35:26 AM »
No chop it up to make robdrbd cry  ;D Jk robdrobd

I like the look of a stock bike with a few cafe touches, reminds me of what someone of the era would to to there new bike to make it there own and a little sportier but able to go bake to stock at any time. Some shorter bars, tail light  http://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1036, smaller turn signals,exhaust and a sea http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-CB750-CB750K-CB750F-supersport-cafe-racer-seat-/400190611182?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d2d381eee. gives you a sweet little bike that's back to stock whenever you please.
1978 cb750k

bollingball

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #6 on: March 15, 2011, 08:37:36 AM »
If you do take that stuff off ther are people who like it. Clean it up real good and it will get you some money to put back into the restore.

Offline JayDubya

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #7 on: March 15, 2011, 08:42:07 AM »
If you do take that stuff off ther are people who like it. Clean it up real good and it will get you some money to put back into the restore.

That's the plan...

The taillight and seat posted above are exactly what I'm looking for.  Thank you.

Offline MoMo

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #8 on: March 15, 2011, 08:46:46 AM »
If you do take that stuff off ther are people who like it. Clean it up real good and it will get you some money to put back into the restore.

BB, does that touring stuff really sell down in NC.  I cannot sell any of that stuff around Philly unless I give it away.  Right now I have a Vetter with bracket for a cb400f, front and rear crash bars for a cb750, and a touring trunk that I've never gotten a call on any of it when I post on CL...Larry

bollingball

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #9 on: March 15, 2011, 08:57:52 AM »
I guess it depends on if you can find an old fart with memories it does happen. Can you send a pic of the 750 stuff what year bike was it on?

Offline Really?

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #10 on: March 15, 2011, 09:11:05 AM »
I couldn't sell what came on momma's bike.  I was happy someone came by and picked it up.
I don't have a motorcycle, sold it ('85 Yamaha Venture Royale).  Haven't had a CB750 for over 40 years.

The Wife's Bike - 750K5
The Kid's Bike - 750K3

bollingball

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #11 on: March 15, 2011, 09:45:32 AM »
Good to know maybe I can get by with just shipping.

Offline octagon

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #12 on: March 15, 2011, 10:51:05 AM »
welcome,
some advice from here on the forum that helped me a lot - go through the wiring harness and clean and lube every contact. sort of a hassle, but you'll end up doing it anyway sooner or later.
especially check any contacts near the battery box and those coming off the alternator, and in your case check the way the fairing was wired into the harness.
 
 

Offline ekpent

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #13 on: March 15, 2011, 11:51:21 AM »
You are probably going to need some things when the fairing and bags etc come off.You will probably need the headlight ring and bulb or possibly the whole bucket also as they have to splice the wires in there for the fairing and it has its own light. Front turn signals will be missing,take old ones off fairing and reuse where you can. Can't tell if the rear grab rail/turn signals are there still but be ready to find.Usually the fork ears and speedo-tach chrome is pretty bad because of the inability to wash wax that area.Patch the wiring splices with some silicone.Get that stuff off then the real work begins  :D  Neat project though welcome and enjoy.

Offline Really?

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #14 on: March 15, 2011, 12:00:54 PM »
I found nice repro turn signals from partsnmore for a good price.  The only drawback, which is easily overcome, is that the wires are not the same colors as the stock wiring harness.  Like I said though, easily overcome.
I don't have a motorcycle, sold it ('85 Yamaha Venture Royale).  Haven't had a CB750 for over 40 years.

The Wife's Bike - 750K5
The Kid's Bike - 750K3

Offline JayDubya

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #15 on: March 16, 2011, 07:37:17 AM »
I got to work last night removing all of the touring gear.  What do you know?  There was a motorcycle under there.

Serial number is CB750 2518339 with the date 9/74 as well, I'd guess that's date of manufacture?  Serial number puts the bike as a 1975, which is what I was told.  But according to the guide on this site the Flake Sunrise Orange wasn't a color option for '75.  I'd guess this is a transition period bike?

Also, I think I'm in for an electrical nightmare as the front fairing light / radio and the rear saddlebag lights were all hacked into the electrical system.  It's a rats nest in there fellas.  I hate electrical problems, Vespas are notorious for them so I've worked through a few. 


Offline JayDubya

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #16 on: March 16, 2011, 07:42:24 AM »
Also, sorry...

Is this a CB750K or a CB750F

What's the difference and how do I tell?

Offline MoMo

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #17 on: March 16, 2011, 07:44:16 AM »
Starting to look like a real sohc ::).  That seat is kind of ugly but sure looks comfy.  Download the manual from this site  and go the the schematic, with your experience you should be able to get through it with minimal difficulty....Larry

It is a K, F model had 4 into 1 and a longer tank with seat sort of molded into the tail piece.

bollingball

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #18 on: March 16, 2011, 07:49:09 AM »
Download the manual it will tell you most everything. The book will be the same for both with the differences listed at least that is how it was for my K8

Offline Ryan6838

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #19 on: March 16, 2011, 11:19:24 AM »
You have aftermarket exhaust like most bikes, but easiest way to tell a f is rear disk.
1978 cb750k

Offline ekpent

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #20 on: March 16, 2011, 08:26:48 PM »
Looking better. The parts I mentioned earlier look like they may be gone. If and when you start shopping for a rear grab bar so you can properly mount the rear turn blinkers remember there are two models. The 72-74 bar uses the smaller "dimpled" blinkers which I like best and would be correct for the Flake Orange. The 75-76 uses the larger stem blinker which is also larger and has a rounded smooth back.The two do not mix.Seal those wires well where they were spliced after you get it all working again.Those turn signals on the fairing should be saved as they used OEM usually.Looks like they save the headlight bucket that,s good but you need the ring assembly and bulb probably.  Probably want to consider changing those fork seals,when you drain the old oil look for water or gray soup or oil on the forks from leaking.Lotta extra weight up there.   Keep up the good work,you will have a nice bike. Got any better pics??

Offline Ryan6838

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Re: Newbie
« Reply #21 on: March 16, 2011, 08:31:40 PM »
If your running a cafe style seat you can always ,mount universal signals in the fender mount holes.
1978 cb750k