1979 CB 750 -LTD

[Justin.davis]

I just picked up a 1979 CB 750- Limited edition
Ive read a bit about what the LTD is and what is different about it. so far what I gathered is that it is special because it has two horns, special red and gold paint, and has special mag rims.

this one has a four into 1 kerker exhaust. with 40k on the clock. sounds good when its running.

It needs carb work, it runs well on choke but dumps gas out of carb number 1. I had a 1891 CB 750 K in the past that had the exact same issue and I cleaned the carbs real well, sealed the carb boots with RTV and it worked like a Gem.

but this one is a different story. It came with no headlight, all the indicators in a box, and is missing one side cover.

however, I go to connect the rear and front turn signals and I can get the lights to come one, but they wont blink. I can hear the flasher solenoid click once, but not on and off. Also, the read wire harness houses the tail light and turn signal wires to connect to, but there are only two connecting ports for the Dark green wire, which ive gathered is probably ground, so how do i connect the ground for both turn signals and the rear light?

so I was wondering if you guys could help with a few questions I have, there are a few

1. What exactly is so special a out the Limited edition?
2. is it worth more because it is a matching numbers and original paint LTD?
3. could someone post a picture of the front and read indicators and how the mount? the ones I received in a box don't seem to fit properly anyway i attempt to mount them.
4. Is there a recommended replacement headlight I could use? or is original the only way to go?
5.  can someone post a picture of the correct way the rear signals and tail light/ break light are wired?
6. can someone post how the front turn signals are wired? ( im aware that the front signals are also running lights.)
7. what is the recommended jetting for the 4 into 1 kerker exhaust, or is stock jetting okay for this setup?
8. lastly, is it true that only 5000 of these were produced in the US?

Im in the stage right now of cleaning the carbs properly, and giving the bike a good cleaning.

thanks in advcance for any input.

[LukeM]

Welcome to our little forum. Good to see you!

The CB750L is a limited edition release to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the CB750. There were 5000 made. They have a burgundy color for the tank and side covers. The side covers have striping and a plastic emblem. Dual horns, a different speedo (went to 140 mph, if memory serves) and had the Comstar-type wheels.  I had one for a few months. Value might be a little more than a 750K, but after 35 years, they're pretty close dollars-wise.

Looks like you're on top of the carb issues.  Previous ownership helps, doesn't it?  Count on dismantling/cleaning at least twice.

Your best bet on the turn signal issue is to find some good pictures of the stock mounting. You can also check the microfiche pages on bikebandit.com or similar sites, to see how they were rigged.

You can use any headlight you want on these bikes. Find a nice stock housing, or something aftermarket, fab up some brackets, and wire it up. Depends on how you want the bike to be: stone stock, slightly modded, ratted out, cafe'd.  Sky's the limit.

You can get the Factory Service Manual from the homepage of the forum. There should also be a wiring diagram in there for the brake and rear lights.

I'd start with the factory jets and mixture setting.  You can always adjust from there. If the Kerker is a less restrictive, the engine will move more air, and need more fuel to maintain the correct fuel/air ratio. Don't go overboard, though.

I hope this helps. Keep us in the loop on your progress.  We'll help if we can.
Luke M

[Justin.davis]

Thanks for the overview.

Went through and it looks like all I need to have a completed bike is the left side cover, the air box (this one is cracked), the rear section bar that is chromed that goes behind the seat and is connected to the chrome bars the rear turn signals are mounted too, and a headlight. Anyone here have a ltd left side cover in any condition and an extra air box and that bar that is chromed that I can buy?

[sgtslag]

Justin, the OEM air box is necessary to make the CV carbs work properly; without it, you will need to replace the carbs -- no PODS on these carbs will ever work properly...  In other words, find a way to seal the crack on the OEM air box.

I had a regular '79 K model.  Loved it.  Toured two-up on it, when it was 30 years young, on a 1,900+ mile trip.  Bike ran flawlessly, through a lot of rain.

The engine oil (API SF), back in 1979, was crap, compared to modern oils; these air-cooled engines also ran at the oil's thermal lmit -- 250 F, which helped it break down faster...  I'd suggest adding SeaFoam to the crankcase, 1 oz. per quart of oil, or ~4 oz. of SeaFoam.  Then let it idle, on the center stand, for five minutes, shifting into each gear, letting the rear wheel spin freely.  Then shut it down, change oil and filter (using a modern, SM+ rated oil, no friction modifiers present), and it will run better.  The SeaFoam will dissolve varnish, and carbon sludge within the engine, and the transmission, most of which will be caught by the filter, with the remainder suspended in the oil (if carbon sludge is present, your old oil will come out coal-black).  You will never need to repeat this process, as modern oils won't leave such sludge behind.

Like I said, they're great bikes.  Hope you get a lot of smile-age out of it.  Cheers!

[Justin.davis]

got the air box sealed up pretty well.

Had the carbs apart today. everything inside looks okay except for the floats and float pins
Previously, on a past CB750 adventure, when I took out the float pins, they came out incredibly easy. these ones, were the complete opposite. had to force the out with a pick. checked them out, and it looked like someone had mangled them with a pair of pliers. I tried cleaning them up but it wast working all that well. ANyone have any ideas for de-burring the float pins? Or am I going to have to order new floats and float pins, and while Im at it I figure dId get new needles too.

The reason I know this is the issue, it when I put the carbs back on the bike and hooked up the gas and turned the gas on, all but one carb was just pooring out of the bottom of the bowls.

I thought I had this Carb thing licked, looks like every monster has its quirks.

[Justin.davis]

ALSO, im not having much luck finding the float, needle, pin, and the seats. you guys have a special place you like ordering from?

[Maz]

Hey, Justin.

I've recently joined this forum and spotted your post. I've got a '79 Limited Edition too. Can I help you out with any close-up photo's etc?
I do have a spare side cover too but I'll have to go check which side it is and I've got some spare front blinker/winker/indicator (delete as appropriate for your country!) mounts.

I'm in the UK, but if I can help at all........