Topic: First Restoration 78' 750F

[survivor1911]

So this is my first bike restoration

Next to my high school there is a small shop and I saw this old gal wasting away to nothing for a while so I told myself, man I gotta save her. So I did, I got the bike with whats on it,  the pod air filters and the tach/spedo assembly, owners manual and title for $200
It is a 1978 Honda CB750F Super Sport that has been sitting for about 10 years, 9 under a canopy and 1 out in the elements where I found her. She seems to be in decent condition, mostly surface rust with faded and chipped paint. Tach and spedo were not on the bike, the guy had them inside the shop so no one would steal them, tach reads just about 20,000 (the shop owner said he thought it had 35,000 so it was a pleasant surprise when I saw under 20)
So first thing is to get the thing running, doesn't seem like it will need to much to do that, got some new oil in it already and gonna start work on it soon, looking to put no more that 3000 in to it and have it done in about 2 years, not in a big hurry.
The pic at night by the dumpster was the night before I took 'er home.

Any advice would be well appreciated!

[calj737]

If the bike has been outdoors for that length of time, especially with pod filters, you may well find the engine is seized up due to rust forming on the piston rings. Try the kick starter, not the electric start. Bike in NEUTRAL, does the kick starter rotate the motor? If so, that will save you some headaches.

If not, remove the spark plugs, mix up a batch of 50% Auto Trans Fluid and 50% Acetone. Drizzle a few ounces down the plug hole of each cylinder and let it soak. Refill every day or so. Try the kick starter again. When she begins rotating, drain the oil completely, and the filter, and refill with oil. Since you will be refreshing the bike, rotate the crank every few days to keep it happy.

Of course, if it rotates now, you can disregard all that... 

[DaveBarbier]

Nice bike, after Cal's recommendation I'd just say to get a shop manual. Either download one that's in the downloads section here and print it up, or buy one. Did it come with the tank? If so, that's got to be cleaned out. I'd focus on the 3k mile service and maybe inspect the electrical connections. I'd probably remove the ground points, clean them and reinstall too. Inspect tires, brakes and suspension thoroughly.

Hope it turns out to be a quick process!

[kap384@telus.net]

Keep us updated!

[survivor1911]

The engine was not seized thankfully, If there is rust inside I assume its fairly minimal because all access to the inside was well covered and sealed (though all seals held they will be replaced) and there was almost a full reservoir of oil which I changed with new stuff to keep her happy (I have the original pod air filters but the guy took them off so no one would take them, so they can be cleaned and the throttle on the carb wont move but the choke will). I kick it over every so often to keep everything moving. I checked plugs and they are good but the ignition is not complete at the moment so I cant check for a spark quite yet. And the bike came as seen, no tank, covers or seat and stuff.

List of priorities

1. Complete ignition system (Wiring seems all there, gotta clean contacts and get a key ignition)
2. Get a spark
3. Replace all cables (choke,brake,clutch)
4. Replace brake/clutch levers
5. Start her up

[survivor1911]

Just got a new battery for it, filled and charged up, hooked it up, nothing working right now so next step is to properly rewire everything.
Starting to gather parts, ignition, cables and getting her in condition to run.

[calj737]

Check the MAIN fuse under the left side panel. Don't rely on a visual inspection. Use a meter and check for 12v on both sides of the fuse.

[survivor1911]

Could someone maybe also toss a full wiring schematic my way? Ive got all the wiring pulled apart and separated (lights, horn, bar switch connections and all), but having trouble finding what goes where.

[calj737]

http://www.cmsnl.com/classic-honda-fansite/honda_wiring_diagrams/CB750F(78).jpg

Color to color for the most part.