Topic: 1979 CB750K Rebuild

[saabastian]

Been interested in acquiring a cafe project for some time, but i wasn't looking to spend 1500+ on a bike. I looked around for quite a while on ebay, craigslist, random bike sites, to no avail. Finally found a gem on CL, a 79 CB750 10th Anniv. Ed. for 500 plus the price of a Dakota Digital Speedo/Tacho. I contacted him and we agreed upon a price of 450 for the whole shebang. When it came time to complete the transaction and bring her home, we ran into some title issues, and I got the bike and gauge for 350 flat. Needless to say I'm elated! Got the bike home last night and have been like a 5 year old at Christmas ever since. I am admittedly, quite new to building/repairing motorcycles and will certainly be wearing this forum's search bar out. I look forward to this great experience, and with that said, some pictures

[img width= height=]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y296/Geome9/CB750%20Rebuild/DSC_0002.jpg[/img]

[img width= height=]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y296/Geome9/CB750%20Rebuild/DSC_0006.jpg[/img]

[img width= height=]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y296/Geome9/CB750%20Rebuild/DSC_0005.jpg[/img]

[img width= height=]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y296/Geome9/CB750%20Rebuild/DSC_0004.jpg[/img]

[img width= height=]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y296/Geome9/CB750%20Rebuild/DSC_0003.jpg[/img]

[img width= height=]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y296/Geome9/CB750%20Rebuild/DSC_0001.jpg[/img]

As you can see, I have a few garbage bags and a box containing a complete motorcycle. It's expected to be quite the task as almost all parts/wiring will need to be completely replaced. The engine will need heavy work, which I'm a bit intimidated as to whether or not I will do it myself. At this junction I've stripped down the frame, removing the swingarm, rear shocks, forks, center stand, handlebars and triple tree. Today will be the day to finish the frame, although I'm torn on what type of seat I still want, and how I want to approach that. I also need to get the forks tore apart to get them remachined. Anyway, that's about it. More pictures in the near future!

[saabastian]

So I was promoted at work today, and this bike project has been on my mind day and night for some time now. With my fortune seemingly with me, I told myself I would try and tackle the engine. With Clymer manual in hand I was able to get the cam cover off... and that was about it. The ignition cover has 2 stripped screws and no matter how much I tried/drilled, I just could not get them out. I decided to, instead, try and remove the camshafts from the housing... until it came time to loosen the chain tension. This is when the bolt that does that, snapped right off. On the bright side, the cams looked to be in much better condition than I expected. Same with the ignition. I have broken down and started shopping for the lowest bidder, as far as engine work is concerned. Below, you can see how, relatively, clean the camshafts look, as well as the ignition. You'll also see those damn screws/bolt which will haunt me in my sleep tonight.

[img width= height=]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y296/Geome9/CB750%20Rebuild/DSC_0018.jpg[/img]

[img width= height=]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y296/Geome9/CB750%20Rebuild/DSC_0016.jpg[/img]

[img width= height=]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y296/Geome9/CB750%20Rebuild/DSC_0017.jpg[/img]

On top of that, the engine had an accident while I was away. Didn't even care to use the litter box.

[img width= height=]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y296/Geome9/CB750%20Rebuild/DSC_0012.jpg[/img]

And, of course, I got snaps of the camshafts/ignition while I had the casings off.

[img width= height=]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y296/Geome9/CB750%20Rebuild/DSC_0014.jpg[/img]

[img width= height=]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y296/Geome9/CB750%20Rebuild/DSC_0013.jpg[/img]

Other than that, not much progress. The frame is all stripped down and I need to decide which seat to get so I can chop the rear, and I still need to send the forks out. For now, it's still a mess of old parts in my basement.

[Stev-o]

Welcome. Congrats on the new bike and promotion!

Not sure if you realize it, bike your bike is a DOHC (double cam). 1979 was the first year Honda made them.
  This site is dedicated to SOHC (single cam), so not sure how much help we can give you?  With that said, all bikes are welcome, there is a thread "other bikes" that is dedicated to them.

Good Luck.

[saabastian]

Thank you!

I understand this is an SOHC forum, but I have found such a wealth of knowledge here (which has been generally applicable to both engines), that I figured I would share with the people whom have helped me. If a moderator sees this they can feel free to move it.

[Stev-o]

Just so you know, I in no way meant to offend you or stop you from posting. Just wanted to be sure you knew what you had.
The 79 10 year Ann model is a nice bike. I believe Honda switched to the DOHC to try and keep up with Kawasaki, whose bikes were faster. Love those Z1's!

Anyways, good luck with your build, I will be watching.