Author Topic: 1975 Honda CB750 K5's - A friendly competition (Read 4045 times)

koakai29 · « **on:** May 20, 2013, 10:44:27 AM »

Hello, my name is Brandon - And I'm a newb.. (insert onomatopoeia here) I've been lurking for awhile, even posted a few questions lately and exchanged emails with some really experienced builders.

I'm a recently disabled vet (OIF/OEF) and I've been struggling for inspiration to fully recover. About 6 months ago, a buddy and I bought 2 - 1975 CB750K5's, they were sitting since 1998. We are having a friendly competition restoring them. He is going for the classic cafe look, I'm leaning towards brat style (cafe would just kill my back).

I've snapped a few digital pictures since the day we started, now I figured it was about time to start posting some of those pictures, before too much has changed.

Who knows, it might even inspire someone else like me, to take the leap and start their own rebuild.

70CB750 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 20, 2013, 10:50:13 AM »

Welcome and thank you for your service!

K5 Keith · « **Reply #2 on:** May 20, 2013, 11:31:23 AM »

Welcome! I think your challenge for each other is awesome and I look forward to seeing what you both put together.

mono · « **Reply #3 on:** May 20, 2013, 12:13:52 PM »

cool idea! that's a great way to stay motivated and on-task! look forward to your progress

koakai29 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 20, 2013, 02:10:45 PM »

So when we bought them, I let him take first pick, he chose the one with the blue tank. That night we both went home after work and started tearing them down, even though we were both tired and had to work again, bright and early the next morning.

I guess I'm off to an early lead, he discovered one of the piston chambers was open and exposed to the elements since 1998, bad news and lots of corrosion. It's OK because he plans to use a big bore kit and open it up some.

My goal was to put the least amount of money and get mine back on the road. The more I tear it down, the more I keep changing my mind and deciding to do a thorough job, replacing a lot more than I expected. But, it will be worth it in the end, right!

My first step was to strip the bike down, repaint the frame, cut some tabs I don't need off and maybe add something, like that hoop for starters..

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #5 on:** May 20, 2013, 06:28:38 PM »

Awesome project and motivation for it. Kick-ass!!

Stev-o · « **Reply #6 on:** May 20, 2013, 06:36:19 PM »

Welcome. Looks like youre off to a good start.

Frankensteins Bride · « **Reply #7 on:** May 20, 2013, 07:24:24 PM »

Nice! Looking forward to watching your friendly competition!

WhyNot2 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 21, 2013, 05:25:13 AM »

Me too, as I have a 75 Honda 750 K5 too.

And am retarded.....uhhhhhh....retired military.

And Doubly Thank You for your Service.

Looking forward to the build off.

ekpent · « **Reply #9 on:** May 21, 2013, 07:05:30 AM »

Not being a preach but on your budget build if the engine was turning over and not froze and all the plugs were still in etc. I would have tried starting it before tearing it down to to try and get an assessment on its condition. That's assuming your not doing a rebuild ? Be fun to watch the horse race here,hope all goes well for you guys.

Vinhead1957 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 21, 2013, 12:55:58 PM »

I wouldn't be in a rush! Coming along very nicely. I too want minimal investment. Just a weekend rider. A bit of riding down memory lane. Started it Oct 2012 with a road worthy goal of May 1st. Now I made my goal but now I want phase 2! Better rims and get into the engine more. It is running very well, but it is an off season project. I also have another everyday rider. What I did in April, though, was pickup a basket case model. I wish I had done that sooner. It gives me the luxury of many spare parts including an engine. I am selling off some parts to fund phase 2. I am working on the rear rim/hub and that will be ready soon. It is a great hobby pastime!

dummy · « **Reply #11 on:** May 21, 2013, 07:17:40 PM »

I am the genius who challenged the man with mad skills to a build off. I have always wanted a cb750 but had trouble finding one on the cheap until Brandon sourced these two from a local who has had them buried under a few bikes for the last 15 years. We both wanted to spend as little as possible but are both coming to the realization that our tastes are way to refined for something cheap and ratty. Hopefully there will be no winner, (unless I win), but two good bikes in two different styles. We have been trading parts, tools, and skills to try and get these going. I'm attempting to build mine in a 12'x15' shed next to a bunch of stuff in storage, my tools, and the 71 Bridgestone TMX. I cant firgure out how to post pitures on this thread so if you are curious Im throwing some in my gallery.

70CB750 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 22, 2013, 03:38:19 AM »

You can upload pictures after 5 posts.

Tews19 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 22, 2013, 09:32:28 PM »

Welcome from one Vet to another Vet! Sending PM

Garystratos201 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 23, 2013, 05:56:23 AM »

Welcome to the crazy house and thank you for your service.......Gary

Bankerdanny · « **Reply #15 on:** May 23, 2013, 09:31:32 AM »

Welcome.

When you get to ride your buddy's bike you will probably be surprised at how comfortable the riding position is.

I found that the stretched out riding position from the Ace bars on my Royal Enfield was actually quite comfortable once you got over about 40 mph. It was my wrists that gave me problems for a while until I got used to it.

dummy · « **Reply #16 on:** May 23, 2013, 10:38:23 AM »

Quote from: Bankerdanny on May 23, 2013, 09:31:32 AM

Welcome.

When you get to ride your buddy's bike you will probably be surprised at how comfortable the riding position is.

I found that the stretched out riding position from the Ace bars on my Royal Enfield was actually quite comfortable once you got over about 40 mph. It was my wrists that gave me problems for a while until I got used to it.
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I Would Love To Get My Hands On A Royal Enfield. I'm Not Sure I Will Ever Be Able To Save Enough Money To buy A Good Original.

Bankerdanny · « **Reply #17 on:** May 23, 2013, 12:36:37 PM »

I had an India made 500ES. Separate 4-speed transmission, drum front brake. Basically unchanged from the '52 British made Bullet 500 other than electric start. Not quite as good as the Brit built originals, but really a fun fun bike that I would recommend to anyone.

Personally I would love a late 60's Enfield 750 Interceptor, but like you I just don't have the budget for one.

dummy · « **Reply #18 on:** May 23, 2013, 10:55:17 PM »

Quote from: Bankerdanny on May 23, 2013, 12:36:37 PM

I had an India made 500ES. Separate 4-speed transmission, drum front brake. Basically unchanged from the '52 British made Bullet 500 other than electric start. Not quite as good as the Brit built originals, but really a fun fun bike that I would recommend to anyone.

Personally I would love a late 60's Enfield 750 Interceptor, but like you I just don't have the budget for one.

That is still a beautiful bike I would love to own.

Yo Brandon you getting any thing done lately. I just got my rearsets and brake res mounted, the rotor has been marked and center punched waiting for a good drilling, and I made a template for the rear caliper bracket. Its almost time to start spending some actual money on this thing.

dummy · « **Reply #19 on:** June 01, 2013, 07:36:09 PM »

Got one of the rotors drilled took FOREVER and went through 4 bits. The second hole at the 1 oclock area looks wonky but it must be the angle.

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Author Topic: 1975 Honda CB750 K5's - A friendly competition (Read 4045 times)