Topic: My 77 CB750K Project Update

[mrjack55]

It's been a few weeks since I got the heap, and I've gone just about nowhere with it. Oh what fun this motorcycle stuff is. To be honest I love it, but man do I hate it too.
So I'm waiting for a decent stock seat to replace that awful 2 up touring seat the previous owner had on it. Got a good bead on 2 on Feebay.  I'm also waiting on shorter shocks. I bought a pair off of Feebay (once again) and, well 30+ year old NOS Redwing lowering shocks just don't cut it anymore. As seen here.




As soon as I sat on the bike...foomp...right to the rear tire. Took them off and sent them back for a refund. Today I ordered a set of Hagon 12.2 in shocks that are sprung to hold the weight of this 500lb beast and my skinny pale self.

So as of right now, this is how she sits. Taunting me...foul temptress!




In the pics you can see the rusted and cracked seat pan I plan on using to fab up a Cafe seat...one day.

[bikebitzofvt]

Jack~
That's a nice, clean looking canvas to go to town on.   

Good luck with the build  - have you given more thought to the F tank swap?  It might influence your seat purchase. 

BTW - Is that a harbor freight lift?  If so, how do you like it?

Keep the shiny side up!
Tom

[mrjack55]

Jack~
That's a nice, clean looking canvas to go to town on.   

Good luck with the build  - have you given more thought to the F tank swap?  It might influence your seat purchase. 

BTW - Is that a harbor freight lift?  If so, how do you like it?

Keep the shiny side up!
Tom

Thanks Tom.  The funny thing, I had my heart set on a K5 a K6 or even a CB550.  But, the deal was to good on this K7. 

Yeah, I'm going to do a tank swap with an F tank sooner or later.  I have that beater seat pan to use, so I'll have a solution to the tank and seat clearance issue.  I want the stock seat so I can get her on the road and enjoy her a bit this summer.  I'm going for antique tags, so it needs to look as stock as possible.  PA is a stickler for this kind of stuff when you apply for antique tags.

Yes, that is a Harbor Freight lift table.  It's a nice table easy to set up and use.  My only complaint thus far is the crappy front wheel vice.  It's not very strong, so stability is an issue if you don't strap her down well.  They do make a MUCH better front wheel chock that can bolt onto the table.  I'll be taking one of those home with me on my next tool run to the local HF.

[mrjack55]

Took the fuel tank off today and found these welds.  Looks like someone in the past didn't want to take the motor out to work on the head.  To be honest, I'm surprised they welded it back together.  Thanks for that PO.

[mrjack55]

Finally installed the new shocks and the new seat.  The seat is NOS that was never mounted to bike.  What a difference!

[jumpnkill]

That paint looks awesome!  I see a big hole behind the carbs...what are your plans for filters and jetting?  Back to stock?  Rebuilding the carbs?  That exhaust is hard to find in good shape and it's supposed to be a really good system so keep that looking good too!

[mrjack55]

That paint looks awesome!  I see a big hole behind the carbs...what are your plans for filters and jetting?  Back to stock?  Rebuilding the carbs?  That exhaust is hard to find in good shape and it's supposed to be a really good system so keep that looking good too!

Thanks.  The paint was done by a PO, not sure which one.  It's not a bad color and it looks nice on the bike, but it photos better than it really looks.  Same with the exhaust.  There are pin holes in all of the pipes, and someone butchered their insides trying to take out the baffles.  It still runs pretty damn well all thing considered.
I took out the air box to clean it up, and replace the filter.  One day I might go the pods and bigger jets with a 4 to1...maybe.

[MasterChief750]

forget pods go stock box. much less headache and you bike will love you for it.

[mrjack55]

forget pods go stock box. much less headache and you bike will love you for it.

Well, I've been reading all of the threads regarding pods, and I now understand what you are saying.  Yeah, they look cool, but all show and no go isn't my goal.  I still haven't made up my mind on which direction I want to take this build.  Right now I seem to heading in a back to stock direction.  Maybe I'll build a nice little sleeper.  I was going to clean up the airbox anyway.

Either that or I'll give TinTop's Anti-Pod a try.  The word on the street regarding his set up sounds pretty positive.

Thanks for the heads up.  It's always good to know someone's got your back around here.

 

[bikebitzofvt]

That NOS seat is gorgeous!  Nice find!

I agree - jetting for pod filters is a real bear, it can be done but it's a lot of work to get it right.  The stock air box works really well, no issues if you get caught in the rain, either!

[mrjack55]

That NOS seat is gorgeous!  Nice find!

I agree - jetting for pod filters is a real bear, it can be done but it's a lot of work to get it right.  The stock air box works really well, no issues if you get caught in the rain, either!

Thanks man.  I was stoked not only to find the seat on eBay, but win it to boot.  The week earlier there was a brand new repro seat that I lost out on.  So there was no way I was letting this beauty slip away. 

I'm going to stick with the stock air box with a K&N filter inside.  All I really need to do is clean up the air box and maybe give it a good paint job.  I don't think Mother's Back to Black is going to do much on this one.  I'll post more pics as I go along. 

[MasterChief750]

peanut oil works wonders on old plastics. liberally wipe it on then let it sit. come back after a bit and wipe off excess

[mrjack55]

peanut oil works wonders on old plastics. liberally wipe it on then let it sit. come back after a bit and wipe off excess

Peanut oil? No kidding?  Thanks for the tip, I'll have to give it a try.

[mrjack55]

5/18/11
I've posted bits and pieces in the tech forum, but I haven't updated my build thread.  So here we go, and please forgive me if you have already seen these in the other forum.
I pulled off the steering stem to replace the bearings.






Here it is part way buttoned up.


I also got to work on the air box clean up.  I opted for the Rustoleum Trim and Bumper black paint.  I also replaced the carb boots with oem boots and cleaned up the original clamps.
Before


And the afters




Next up on the work list is the fork assembly.  I will need to do some buff and polish on the fork tubes as they have some rust and pitting, and headlight ears as well. I also will be replacing the fork seals and dust covers.  I thought about finding a set of 76 or earlier ears and swapping the dust covers with gaiters, but talked myself out of it.





All of the work thus far has been educational and fun.  I've busted a few knuckles, and smacked my hand with a large hammer once, which I love.  Here is a shot of the "parts wall".  Most of it will go back on, and a lot of it won't. 


Stayed tuned for more fun and excitement.

[mrjack55]

7/31/11
Ok, it's been a long time since I have updated this thread.  Here it goes.
The steering bearings have been replace and the triple trees cleaned and painted.
While the forks were off I broke them down gave them a good cleaning an replace the seals.
I temporarily refit the forks, placed my Norman Hyde M bars on top and snapped a shot.
You can also see the freshly painted air intake box has been installed.
 

Then I took the front wheel off and had a new Avon Road Rider tire mounted and balanced.
I have always like the look of gaiters, and wanted them for this bike.  So, I got a set when I ordered new cables, fork seals, and other little items.  After I found a great set of K6 ears for sale on the forum (Thanks mrbreeze) the pieces started to come together.


This weekend was a productive one.  I managed to get the front wheel back on, as well as get the headlight bucket in place.  I installed a single piece SS break line that came from Slingshot Cycle, and continued to replace and clean what I could.  I spent around $150 on SS and chrome nuts and bolts at the local Sears Hardware.  I found that the controls hit the tank on both side, so I did the best that I could to move things around.  The K7 tank is one big fat sucker.  Right now the paint is drying on the gauge support bracket, and I took some chrome polish to the tack and speedo.  They'll be next to go back on once everything is dry.
Here is how she sits right now.

That should do it for now.  I'll update this as soon as I get back in the garage again.

[toytuff]

Looks like you mounted a HF wheel chock to your table. The one supplied with the table works good on the rear wheel hence no strap needed. Just C-clamp it in place.

You can remove just the top part of the chock, back the bike on the lift table and use a small floor jack for front end work.

Bike is looking great by the way! Love what you did with the air box. Might have to be a copy cat. 

Do I see a set of unused gauges on the parts wall? I'm a needin some.

tt

[mrjack55]

Looks like you mounted a HF wheel chock to your table. The one supplied with the table works good on the rear wheel hence no strap needed. Just C-clamp it in place.

You can remove just the top part of the chock, back the bike on the lift table and use a small floor jack for front end work.

Bike is looking great by the way! Love what you did with the air box. Might have to be a copy cat. 

Do I see a set of unused gauges on the parts wall? I'm a needin some.

tt

Yep I mounted the better HF wheel chock on to my lift table.  It works better than the vice that it came with that's for sure.

Feel free to copy anything, that's what the forum is for.

Good eye!  Those are the gauges off my K7, and they will be going back on this week.  Sorry hommie.

[toytuff]

No worries. I'm sending mine in next summer for a complete restro. The only reason I did not send them this year is the fact I'm not sure if they work. 

tt

[hondaface75]

bike looks good! wishin I had gone a more stockish route with my K7. One thing though, I think you have the front tire mounted backwards? I could be wrong but you might want to check that before you get riding in some rain.

[mrjack55]

bike looks good! wishin I had gone a more stockish route with my K7. One thing though, I think you have the front tire mounted backwards? I could be wrong but you might want to check that before you get riding in some rain.

I know, looks strange doesn't it?  Unless Avon screwed up it's going in the direction of the arrow on the sidewall.  It can be mounted as a front tire or a rear, and it has the directional arrow for each printed on it.  I checked it twice, it's right according to Avon.
Not sure why it's mounted this way.  Anyone else know?

[mrjack55]

Tonight I tried to tackle the electrical.  Yuck!  Following the schematic is easy enough, but the last guy in here was not so kind.  Had a few mismatched unmarked wires.


I had a couple sets of signals, form different people and different bikes.  Did what I could to mix and match the best of all, and ended up with a cut finger and a major headache.  So, I just ordered a new set from Lockhart Phillips.  Cheap as can be and really cool looking.  Well I like them, to each his own and all that.

I can't believe that the English dude in SoCal sell "his" turn signals for $100.00.  I know, it's for 4 of them, but they can't be that special.  Not on my budget anyway.

[Doggie]

I just picked up my first '78 CB750K this weekend. I know about CB550's but not 750's. I see people talk about k1,k2,k3,k4. What does all that mean? Please explain?
                                                            Doug

[toytuff]

I am also doing a K 7. Will have some parts leftover so I'll follow your build.

Stock colors were Candy Apple Red and Excell Black. I have been told that these 750 bikes ran better with stock exhaust, air box etc. Sounds like members here agree.

Here is mine to date however many things will be changed this fall. Front forks, headlight, side covers and exhaust.

tt

[mrjack55]

I just picked up my first '78 CB750K this weekend. I know about CB550's but not 750's. I see people talk about k1,k2,k3,k4. What does all that mean? Please explain?
                                                            Doug

Doug,
The K is a model designation.  Honda make the CB750's in K, F and A models.  The F is for the Super Sports, and the A is the Hondamatic.  The bulk of the CB line is the K model.  So, the first production year 69/70ish  is K0, 71= K1, 72=K2 and so on up to your 1978 which is a K8.  I'm not sure, but I think the CB550's carried this same nomenclature.  I know I don't need to ask this, but if anyone has anything to add or if I got anything wrong, please feel free to jump in.

[mrjack55]

August 16, 2011

So It's pretty much road ready!  At least for a few local trips.  Might take to a local vintage bike show on Sunday.

Finished up the headlight, signals, front brake, controls...etc.







I'll get better pics tomorrow.