Howdy, I just bought my first Honda, which is a 78 750a Hondamatic two weeks ago. There was an add on Craigslist that said he had title and was parting it out. Turns out he started to strip it about 10 years ago to with intent to make a bober out of it, but never got anywhere with that project. I would hate to see an oldie get torn apart for pieces so I bought it- looked to be in great shape-no rust anywhere, just some faded paint on the tank. I got it back together, but the #2 intake boot, points cover and front turn signals were missing from the boxes and bags of parts. I changed oil & filter, flushed out the front brake, replaced fuel and vacuum lines, cleaned tank- which was in good shape, took float bowls off to clean carbs, but carbs were immaculate, cleaned up and unstuck the parking brake assembly. I bought a piece of vinyl hose at the hardware store to use as the #2 boot. I put some oil in the cylinders and cranked it over quite a few times with the kick starter. Pulled the battery from computer UPS and it fit perfectly. Gassed it up and hit the started and it fired right up. After a 5 min warm I took it for 5 min spin and it rode fantastic. I am now waiting for a set of intake boots that I bought on EBay. Not sure what I'll do with it, but am waiting to take it for a longer spin once I get the right boot on it. Hope an old timer like me (61) can handle it. It sure is a lot heavier than my other bikes- 64 Puch 250, 68 Puch 250, 68 Galera 124, 78 Kawasaki KZ400-D. Thanks for all the wonderful info and tips that are posted on this site. I live in northen Illinois about 40 miles NW of Chicago