Author Topic: Hi from SoCal! His '78 CB750 & hers '74 CB550  (Read 677 times)

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Offline Pyroviking

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Hi from SoCal! His '78 CB750 & hers '74 CB550
« on: October 01, 2015, 04:27:27 AM »
Hi!

After being away from bikes for about 10 years (EX500->CBR929RR->CBR954RR), I decided a year or so ago that I wanted a British cafe racer and started shopping for a built vintage Triumph Bonneville. That got my girlfriend looking at bikes, and she kinda fell in love with the vintage Hondas. So, earlier this week, I came across a CB550 in nice condition and picked it up for her. Since she's never ridden, I rode it home, and that was it for me. I fell in love with it, too. Less than 24 hours later (yesterday), I found and purchased a CB750 instead of a Triumph to complete the his/hers set.

Buying all the safety gear next week for riding classes at the end of the month. This is really exciting. I'm looking forward to a lot of wrenching and riding. Cheers, Andy.


Offline calj737

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Re: Hi from SoCal! His '78 CB750 & hers '74 CB550
« Reply #1 on: October 01, 2015, 04:40:42 AM »
That will make a really nice pairing! If you love your girl, replace that POS front tire promptly! Yours looks to be in stellar shape-
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline TomsK8resto

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Re: Hi from SoCal! His '78 CB750 & hers '74 CB550
« Reply #2 on: October 01, 2015, 08:07:42 AM »
Welcome from Tucson!  Nice bikes.  It seems you have hit the jackpot.  A girlfriend who likes to ride bikes, finding two good examples of vintage Hondas, and finding this forum.    Doesn't get much  better than that.  I wish my '78 CB750K was as clean as yours......

Tom
'69 CB750 long gone
'76 CB750F gone
'78 CB750K in progress.....
'09 H-D Roadglide

Offline 70CB750

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Re: Hi from SoCal! His '78 CB750 & hers '74 CB550
« Reply #3 on: October 01, 2015, 08:31:15 AM »
Welcome!
Prokop
_______________
Pure Gas - find ethanol free gas station near you

I love it when parts come together.

Dorothy - my CB750
CB750K3F - The Red
Sidecar


CB900C

2006 KLR650

Offline Gene

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Re: Hi from SoCal! His '78 CB750 & hers '74 CB550
« Reply #4 on: October 01, 2015, 10:52:47 AM »
Welcome from So Cal!  Beautiful bikes.  And yes - what Cal said.  Also a front fender or fork brace.  That 750 looks clean - both do, but the 550's been modded up a bit.  Have fun!
*1973 CB750K3 (Bow)

Offline MoMo

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Re: Hi from SoCal! His '78 CB750 & hers '74 CB550
« Reply #5 on: October 01, 2015, 10:58:37 AM »
Welcome from PA.  Nice pair!  As mentioned, front tire and fender would be in order...Larry

Offline Pyroviking

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Re: Hi from SoCal! His '78 CB750 & hers '74 CB550
« Reply #6 on: October 01, 2015, 11:58:56 AM »
Thank you, all!

Yes, the 550 is currently modded a bit, but I made sure to get all of the original parts the seller had as part of the purchase, which include the fender, lights and some brackets. The aftermarket exhaust isn't my favorite, but I'm sure with that if I'm patient, the right deal on a stock setup will turn up. I hadn't considered the front tire, but you're all right, it needs to go. Could I trouble any of you for some guidance on the replacement?

The 750 is an 18k mile barn find restoration that has been sitting since 1983. The safety/mechanical/electrical components are all either new or refurbished, but what makes the bike really special to me is that everything cosmetic is original; super clean, yet complete with years of blemishes and patina that make her truly beautiful.

Cheers,
Andy

Offline calj737

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Re: Hi from SoCal! His '78 CB750 & hers '74 CB550
« Reply #7 on: October 01, 2015, 12:02:33 PM »
how is the rear of the 550? Check the date code on it too. Many like Avons, BT45, Pirellis and Contis. Hard to go wrong with a decent set of modern street tires. Just avoid the vintage "aesthetic crap" with square profiles  ;)
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline mrbreeze

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Re: Hi from SoCal! His '78 CB750 & hers '74 CB550
« Reply #8 on: October 01, 2015, 06:01:46 PM »
Triumphs have a cool factor.........as a second bike! Gotta have that inline four first and foremost. Welcome to SOHC. You're gonna love it here!!
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: Hi from SoCal! His '78 CB750 & hers '74 CB550
« Reply #9 on: October 01, 2015, 06:10:18 PM »
Welcome from Texas.  I had a 750 just like that (you'll hear this many times in the future). 

I also like Bridgestone tires, have them on my K4. And on sale.....

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6013/i/bridgestone-battlax-bt-45-sport-touring-rear-tire
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline VonDusky

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Re: Hi from SoCal! His '78 CB750 & hers '74 CB550
« Reply #10 on: December 01, 2015, 09:34:40 AM »
Welcome! I'm new here, too, and it looks like you super scored! Congrats! Looking forward to see what you do to them.