1981 CB750K - Ruby - 90K km's

[seestheday]

Thought I should start a build thread for my high mileage girl.

No name yet, plan on putting in some time this winter fixing up all nagging problems.

Pics to come soon.

Current plan:
- Finish cleaning up & organizing the garage so I have a decent workspace.  Built some big shelves already and got rid of a lot of crap.  Bought a heater, so my garage won't be brutally cold to work in.

- get fresh compression numbers and various tests
- itemize all issues
- figure out where all oil and air leaks are
- formulate a plan of attack

Figure I'll need to pull the engine at some point to address all of the oil leak issues.  Might buy myself an engine stand to make it easier to work on.

Things off the top of my head I need to fix: oil leaks, busted gaskets,

Depending on time I might finally start to do cosmetic work including a paint job, new lights, etc.

I should have all the tools I need, but don't have access to any welding or machining stuff.

Edit: pics :-)

Here is the bike at the start


Pic of the cleaned out garage


Work area - would love to get an engine stand - not sure if I need to beef up that pine table to hold the weight

[seestheday]

Just got a call from the honda dealership here in Waterloo.  The starter clutch springs have come in and I'll pick them up on the way home from work.

That should fix the can of marbles sound I've been starting to get intermittently when I start it up.

[Piute]

    I think you should ask Santa for a camera,

[easyrider12]

The "Carpe diem" project.   Hey sees, good to see another canuck here in build mode.   I guess i'm still in the tear down phase, but hope to get something done during the winter.  Tomorrow may be the last chance for a ride here in NB, i'll probably be working under a tarp between snowstorms from here on out  ha!   good luck EH! and post some pics.  I may have to follow your lead on the oil leaks, my valve cover and oil pan are starting to leak slightly.

[Lucky 1]

Good plan to get your workspace squared away.

I see many on these forums still working down on the floor.

Now send us a photo of the work benches in your clean workspace.

BTW....Those are starter clutch springs,  not "clutch springs" right?

[seestheday]

The springs that go in the starter.  They were like $2.50 each or something like that.

Honestly I'm still cleaning the garage.  Will send pics shortly.

[seestheday]

Yep, I've been trying to extend the riding season as long as possible.  Took the bike to work yesterday, but it got below zero today so I took the car.  I'm not foolish enough to ride when there is the potential for ice on the road.  

[fasteddie55ca]

I have a brand new nos right side ( rear brake) pipes for a cb750 k  these pipes are discontued from honda
i bought them for my bike years ago when i had a cb 750 k and never used them, and they will not fit my 1981 750 custom. I think i payed 200.00 for them maybe 18 years ago. if you know any one that might be interested in making there bike look new again , have them send me a email
thanks

[rrgunslinger]

seestheday wrote

Yep, I've been trying to extend the riding season as long as possible.  Took the bike to work yesterday, but it got below zero today so I took the car.  I'm not foolish enough to ride when there is the potential for ice on the road.  

Just saying...

[seestheday]

Haha, I have thought about getting tires like that.  Too bad studs are illegal in Ontario.

If I was going to do some ice riding I'd want a nice light dirt bike though...

[alfa750]

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[shinyribs]

Studs are illegal in Ontario?!?! Thats a shocker. I figured they be a big deal up there actually.

Glad to see another bike in the build thread!

Go Canada!

Sorry about the pic. I googled ''canada ride'' and got this. It was too good to pass up. No offense I hope. I got a chuckle outta it

[seestheday]

Lol at that pic.  Yep studs are illegal on the road.  They tear up roads.  I think there are some northern communities where they are allowed at certain times of the year, but in general they are banned from the road.

[easyrider12]

I would have replied no offense taken "southern man", but i'm not one for stirring things up lol

[free2ride]

seestheday wrote

Too bad studs are illegal in Ontario.

don't tell my wife that she'll kick me out

[shinyribs]

Thats too funny!  haha....

[TOOLS1]

Hey Sees I got a deal for you. How about I fix your bike, and you clean out the Toolshed?
TOOLS

[seestheday]

Decided to call her Ruby.  Name came to me a few days ago and its grown on me since then.  I'll update the title to match.

[seestheday]

Gave her a wash and started to pull her apart today.

Here are the compression test numbers:
Cold
115
110
128
134

Warm
120
110
114
138

Noticed that the #4 plug was oil fouled

Wet
125
122
130
155

Spec is 170 +/- 14 psi

Definitely looks like I have some problems that I should address.  Don't have access to tools for a leakdown test.

[seestheday]

Also, pulled the hose apart while taking off the carbs and liquid came out along with some sludge.  Pretty sure that is a breather tube and it shouldn't be wet.  Uncovering more problems as I open this up, which is expecyed I guess.  Pic of the hose I disconnected below.