Topic: My First Bike

[dna_level_c7]

Hi Guys and Gals,

I recently inherited a 1977 Honda CB 750K. She was my late father's and has been sitting for a while. I cleaned her up, put some fresh gas in and put in a new battery. She started right up!

I did download a few saftey checklists and filled the tires to the correct presure. The brakes look good and everything works besides the horn doesn't work and the blinkers don't flash. But I believe that shouldn't be too hard to fix. I'll just do some more digging through the posts here!

I have been reading a lot of posts and did some research the past few weeks and I have fallen in love! I have never rode a motorcycle before but I have a few friends that ride and I figured I would give it a shot. I took a few days in the parking lot teaching myself the basics of braking and throttle control. I think the hardest thing for me was finding the "friction zone" and not stalling the bike coming from a dead stop.

Tonight I finally decided to hit a few of the back roads and get a little more comfortable with the bike and it felt awesome. I am taking my time learning but I wanted to post something considering I have been reading the posts here for weeks and FINALLY decided to take the bike out! I think the people here are great and everyone seems so helpful! I guess it's true what they say about Hondas!

[Old75_ratafe]

(getting the feeling you don't have your license or insurance)  If I may make a suggestion a lot of states have courses really cheap for first time riders and at the end you actually get the license I know here in MI its a 2-1/2 day training course they provide the bikes and everything, you just need helmet, gloves, jacket or thick long sleeve shirt and $35.  The one I went to the instructors all rode different types of bikes and were very experienced I learned quite a bit.  They were also volunteer so they were really upbeat and helpful they were there on their time to help new (and old) riders.  We even had a few older guys who never had a licence but had been riding a long time and even they learned a thing or two.

[Logan80]

I absolutely agree with Old75, taking the MSF Course (motorcycle safety foundation) was one of the best things I did. I learned a LOT about control and how to deal with unforeseen events while riding. Well worth the money.

[drones76]

I absolutely agree with Old75, taking the MSF Course (motorcycle safety foundation) was one of the best things I did. I learned a LOT about control and how to deal with unforeseen events while riding. Well worth the money.

+1

First bike at 45 and I would not think of getting on the road until completing the class.  Good Luck with the bike.

[Gaither]

Right on with the MSF. Good advice. Time and money well spent. Perhaps should be required for a license.

I quit riding in '60 and started again April, '09. I owned the 550 over 3 weeks before I could get the Safety Course done - didn't ride it until then. Rusty! I learned a lot.

Something else that helped me a lot is David L Hough's book, "Proficient Motorcycling" He really covers all aspects of riding - based upon many years of riding. It is interesting, well written and can make for safer riding.

May we all ride safely with a wide grin!

[dna_level_c7]

Hi,

You are correct about the license and insurance comment. 

I haven't been going farther than the parking lot across the street and side streets until lately. I went to apply for my learning permit today and failed by 1 question so I have to retake the test Tuesday. I haven't looked into insurance but I will call my insurance company tomorrow to see if they offer motorcycle insurance.

I am also taking the advice on the MSF course when there is an opening and I just ordered a copy of "proficient motorcycling". I learned the basics pretty fast considering I taught myself in a couple days with the help of the internet and a empty parking lot across the street. I actually went riding with a buddy of mines earlier this week and he didn't believe that I just started riding a few days earlier.

I really appreciate the advice and I will post an update when I get my learner's permit and find out about the insurance!

[bollingball]

You may want to change the oil and don't ask what kind

[Alan F.]

Congrats on everything and all.  You may want to change more than just the oil if the bike sat for any length of time.  Can you post some pictures? Also what area are you located?
Alan F.

[madmtnmotors]

+10 on the "Proficient Motorcycling". Haven't finished reading clear through mine yet but I expect to read it enough times to dog ear the pages! Welcome to the club, sounds like you've been bitten.

[Queeg]

You may want to change the oil and don't ask what kind

i like Mazola peanut  or sunflower!!

[ferroussphinx]

o yes congrats on the bike and sorry for your loss chap  sad day indeed


now the important thing is that you hurry it up  with the paperwork   plenty  enough cagers out there who

like to  make an example  out of us devils who ride satans wheels .    i give a big bugger off to those arseholes 

a person should be able to share the road you know    glad always glad to have  a beginner in with me i too am a beginner
stay in touch

[dna_level_c7]

Well I passed the exam so I have my temps now! 

I also finally decided to hop on the highway a few times after I got off work at around 4 in the morning... I know I'm not supposed to ride at night but there was NO ONE out and I didn't feel like taking the long way home. Now I have to find some insurance, unfortunately my insurance company doesn't do motorcycle insurance. I'll make some calls tomorrow, it's be pretty rainy lately anyways.

[Kframe]

I know it's very tempting to 'head out on the highway', but seriously, there's a reason permit riders are not allowed to ride at night, on the highway, with a passenger or without a helmet (here in MN).   
Take it easy, ride like everyone is trying to kill you, and wear some gear.

Statistically the first few months of riding are the most dangerous for a new rider. 
Good luck and be safe!

-K

[1974CB750rider]

I took the course when I was 14 and just had a motorscooter license. My parents made me take it and I thought it was the dumbest thing ever but now that I'm grown up and a lot wiser I'm thinkful they made me do it. On the plus side it makes your insurance cheaper to. Good luck with the bike and ride safe. One more thing watch out for all the cagers who are off in the zone and not paying any attention to what is going on around them. Most motorcycle wrecks not all of course are not the fault of the rider on the bike.

[BeSeeingYou]

Good advice on the safety classes and all but I also have to say kudos to you for having the courage to just go out and do it.  The first time I ever rode a bike was when I went to the dealer and bought one and drove it home.  Just be careful and not overconfident till you get some time under your belt.  Anyone can ride a bike straight down the road in nice summer weather.  Experience will help you when your tire slips on gravel or wet pavement, you have to do some quick avoidance maneuvering, or a tire blows on the highway. So take yer classes, keep your speed down for now, and have fun. I was in Montana on a 3000 mile trip two months after I got the bike so it's all out there waiting.....

[Kframe]

+1 to srust, when I got my first bike I did the same as the OP, got 'er running and headed out to learn how to ride. No permit, no insurance for the first couple weeks.
I wore full gear, still do, and I took it easy.
Then I got legal and have been riding ever since.
Still, big consequences if you're stopped by cops without a license or insurance,  and can F up your life for years if you wreck without insurance. 
-K

[cobra2411]

Congrats!

I recently got bitten by the bug. One of the things that I love is the smells. I've found two good but small restaurants by using my nose....

My insurance company also didn't do motorcycle policies so I got my insurance though progressive for $75 a year.

[Skonnie Boy]

Plenty of people have chimed in with good, safe and sound advice, as they should.  

Assuming you've followed said advice, you should also find a straight, deserted road and twist the throttle just enough to make you yell louder than the wind.

[dna_level_c7]

Thanks for all the great tips and responses everyone!

I got my temps and I also just printed out my temporary insurance card from Progressive ($80). It has been rainy and cold the last week but the weather finally broke here in Cleveland to a breezy 72F. I’ve been reading a ton of posts here and I am really itching to ride today.

I still need to get the blinker to flash and horn to work but all else is good. I will figure it out tonight or this weekend.

I’m going to wait until it gets too cold to ride before I do anything major. I really want to rewire everything and do some serious cleaning (carbs and all). I am inspired looking at all the restoration projects here and I’m leaning toward that route this winter. The only thing I want to add is a RAM GPS mount and wire in a 12 cigarette socket for my cell phone charger only because I’m a city kid!

I will get some pics up soon. 

[cobra2411]

Get the blinkers and horn to work asap. I rode my bike a few times without them and had several "pucker" moments because people didn't know where I was going. Check for power at the black wire where the flasher relay is. If you've got good voltage (within ~1v of battery) then change the flasher relay. That's all mine was and it was like $3.

As for the horn; I'm quite the horny rider... I beep at everything. I don't have a 3,000lb cage around me so I'm going to do my best to let people know that I'm coming. If I see someone that's in a drive or side road, etc, I'll beep at least three short beeps at them. The number 1 statement heard from car/motorcycle crashes is "I didn't see him". I don't care if they get annoyed... If they're cursing at me they know I'm there...

As for the carbs, if the bike stumbles when warmed up I would fix them now. If it runs ok then you can wait. Accidents are a culmination of several innocent forces, kinda like a perfect storm. You want to eliminate as many as you can. Hence fixing the blinkers, horn and making sure the bike runs ok.

Good luck and have fun. My CB is my first street bike and my first bike in 20 years and I'm totally hooked.

Oh two other things. 1. Spend some time riding in circles and figure eights in a parking lot as slow as you can, the 750's are top heavy so you want to get used to it. 2. Remember to cross steer. To turn, press the handle bar in the direction of the turn. If you want to go to the left, press on the left side of the bars. The bike will instantly start to lean and turn left. You can then "catch" the lean at any angle you want. It's night and day vs trying to throw your weight around to get the bike to lean. Again, start in a parking lot or an area away from other traffic and try it out. Start at slow speeds, like 10-20mph and you can increase once you get comfortable. With a top heavy 500lb bike it's the only way to flick it around...

[Old75_ratafe]

Excelent advice you sound just like my instructors did two years ago and I know it helped me A LOT.  The push left to go left sounds confusing and counter intuitive but once your on the bike and going it makes sense and comes second nature.

[dna_level_c7]

So far I logged over 100 miles on her and 15+ in the parking lot. I feel a lot better in traffic but I am having trouble maneuvering at slow (<10mph) speeds like parking and maneuvering out of the garage.

U-turns are also VERY hard for me. I'm a pretty big guy 6'4" 280lbs so I don't think the bike is too big I just need some more practice.

Congrats!

I recently got bitten by the bug. One of the things that I love is the smells. I've found two good but small restaurants by using my nose....

My insurance company also didn't do motorcycle policies so I got my insurance though progressive for $75 a year.

Cobra - I didn't notice the smells thing until tonight! AWESOME!!!!

I will take another look at the blinkers Saturday. I tried a new flasher and wired it everyway possible with no success. The bike doesn't stumble or hesitate so I feel comfortable with the carbs until the snow hits. I just got in the house so I'm going to look through some posts until I get sleepy...

[Old75_ratafe]

Dude I'm like 5'8" and 240 and I have the same slow manuvering issue these bikes are heavy and top heavy to boot it takes awhile.

[cobra2411]

I'm 6'2" 275-280 so I know about the low speed handling, which is part of why I took the cafe bars off. They are very top heavy bikes and they take some getting used to. Remember to counterbalance your weight when you're making slow speed turns.

The smell thing didn't register for me at first either... The first couple hundred miles there are so many new things going on that a lot gets tuned out. Gradually you'll start to notice more and things will come more naturally.

As for the turn signals you should have three wires, black, gray and green. The green is a ground and isn't really used (it was on the stock setup). You should have power on the black wire. The gray wire runs up to the handle bar switch and from there grounds through the lights depending on which way the switch is. If you've got power at the black wire I would do a continuity test between the gray and green wire. Just remember to check for voltage first or you could fry your meter. If you don't have a meter any cheap meter will do. Anyway the circuit should be open when the switch is in the center. As you move it left and right it should compete the circuit and you should have continuity between the gray and green wires. If you don't the next thing that I would do is pull the headlight and you'll find the gray, light blue and orange wires coming from the handle bars. Check again from the gray wire to those wires as you move the switch. Left will be the orange wire and right is the light blue. If you don't get continuity then you've got a bad switch. If the switch is ok then check your lights, wires and grounds...

You can find diagrams here: http://www.oregonmotorcycleparts.com/diagrams.html

[Old75_ratafe]

Actually whats been hitting me lately is not the smells, but how clear everything is.  Probably the adrenalin kicking in but when I'm ridding my vision is crystal clear and I'm wide awake.