Topic: Super newbie with a '71 cb750

[cheftuskey121]

Hey guys, I'm new to bikes, new to cb750s, and new to wrenching, and don't have too many tools (other than what my dad used on his motorcross bikes years ago. This can't go well right?
I am from savannah, GA, and just recently picked up a 1971 honda cb750 in atlanta. it was sitting in a barn since 1980. 10,000 on the speedo. the engine turns over and it feels like it has good compression when I kick it, but I don't know how to actually check yet or have many tools. looks to be in pretty good condition with minimal rust and some off-stock mods that I do not like. that exhaust has got to go, as well as the handlebars. I don't want to restore it but I want to rebuild with the stock look, to do this old bike justice. something about it just seems so cool to me.

 I've been lurking on the forum here for about a month now and have been through countless build projects and FAQs and how to's. I bought Hondaman's My CB750 book, and have the big honda manual pdf file from the FAQ section here. (contains multiple manuals in it). it would be nice to have a physical one to look at so I've been thinking about getting the Haynes and/or Clymer's manual too.

You can read all day but when I finally got it (much bigger in person as I am only 5'6") and got it into my garage my brain melted. being the newest of newbies I don't know where to start. I'm sure this isn't even the forum for that. I'll be searching. there is no battery so thats a no-brainer, then new plugs as these havent even been used since 1980. then clean out the gas tank with has some old gas/varnish in it. then carbs and I suppose try and crank it

enough of me writing a novel on my first post, don't want to bore anyone. I'll be doing research and hopefully will start a build thread. thanks
-Justin

[dhall57]

Welcome to the sohc4 forum. Plenty of info here to help you with your bike. Im not to far from you in NC.

[Stev-o]

Welcome Justin, fine looking bike you have there, except for those ape hangers!

Spends like you've done some research, cleaning the tank is def first.  Get some basic tools, metric wrench and socket set, screwdrivers and an impact wrench. I recommend Craftsman.  Sears sells a good battery for $50. 

You could then attempt start up.  But I would bet your carbs need cleaning.  Other guys may disagree, but I do not recommend this for a newbie. Forum member Digger will clean and rebuild them for $75 plus parts.

Good luck

[cheftuskey121]

Thanks guys, it is very exciting and nerve wracking for me. The ape hangers literally make me giggle when I look at them in person. I will say that a year and a half ago I knew nothing about building electric guitars and through reading, trial and error I have learned how to build, stain/paint and finish, put together, solder, and setup electric guitars. in the last 12 months I have built 14! so that is the kind of head-strong attitude I am going in with this. not stubborn (I will ask a LOT of probably simple/irritating questions) but determined to learn. I am loading up online shopping carts with tools and such, gotta start somwhere right. I will get in contact with Digger, I don't want to bugger anything up
-Justin

[754]

Are you selling them pipes! ·?...welcome aBOARD..

[cheftuskey121]

Hey 754 I probably am selling them. I want to get the engine going first so ill hear how they sound. Then get them cleaned up. They don't have any rust holes and barely any dents but they are still dirty and look dirty inside (how do I clean that) Then ill decide if I'm selling or not. I really don't like the look of them though and would prefer some more stock looking 4 into 4s.
-Justin

[70CB750]

Welcome!  You got a beauty there, keep us posted.

[MoMo]

I kind of like it the way it is (a throw back street cruiser), even matching grips . Of course, stock is better.  If you do switch back to stock bars you could be having an electric wire mess of the switch wires that run through the bars depending upon how the wires were lengthened.  Welcome...Larry

[Stev-o]

  If you do switch back to stock bars you could be having an electric wire mess of the switch wires that run through the bars depending upon how the wires were lengthened

+1.  I'm dealing with that now with my K2 that came with similar bars.

[cheftuskey121]

Thanks for the tip. Good to keep that in mind about the bars and wiring. I think I'll start a build thread. I also want to get a journal book so I can write down my thoughts as they come. Great place to write down wish list, spending, and completed tasks along with random notations. I forget things easily and have a terrible attention span. Thanks for the welcomes see you around the forum ill be the guy asking dumb questions.
-Justin

[Stev-o]

No no no, don't keep frank fo spending!  Especially if you are married.

[cheftuskey121]

Hey Stev-o I'm not married. Don't have a girl either but I have a moderate budget I'd like to adhere to. I know parts get expensive though so I'm not going in too optimistic of coming out financially unscathed 

[bender01]

Welcome! Im a chef on Hilton Head! I live in Bluffton. Im unemployed in January every year as we close down so id love to lend a hand and get out of the house!

[Jay Ace]

Time to return a welcome-to-the-forum favor.
That bike looks nice for sure! Pipes are not terrible but definitely don't fit that bike, IMO. Bars got to go LOL!
Can't wait to see what you do with it.

[cheftuskey121]

Bender can't wait to get together! Ace I completely agree although sourcing used original pipes at a moderate price is the hardest thing I've ever done. Thinking about short 4-4 drag pipes with glass inserts to tame. Who knows. Really want the stocks badly though