CB750K Builds

[StealthCB]

Hey guys, I picked up my first street motorcycle, a cb750, over a week ago, and I am currently tearing it down and checking out everything. The wheels will probably have to go, I'll need new shocks and to rebuild the fork, I'll probably make a seat, buy new controls, lines, battery, chain, rebuild the carbs, and hope that the engine is good. I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I am loving it so far! More to come!

[TOOLS1]

It is so very satisfying to bring them back to life. Keep at it.
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[StealthCB]

Well... it was a rough day, to say the least. Took out a spark plug last night on cylinder 1 and it was an exercise and took forever! Today I took out the cylinder 2 spark plug and it came out like a used spark plug should. I moved on to cylinder 3 and 4 and they both snapped on me, leaving chunks stuck in the threads. I tried an extraction tool and it also snapped... I was pretty livid! So, I have no idea what I will do about that one. So, I moved on to the stator. It was pretty much filled with powder... Just great! I turned the engine over by hand, so that's one positive. I Took the airbox and carbs out next, which was more of the same. They were nasty, rusty and corroded. I never thought the engine would be this much of a mess. I Should have listened and started with a bike that at least ran... Not sure what my plan of attack is yet.

[TOOLS1]

To start with NEVER EVER use an extraction tool/easy out. They hardly ever work, and cause more damage. I often say that the sale, distribution, and use of easy outs should be regulated by the goverment and require licenesing. Your next step is to take the head, or maybe whole bike to a compotent machine shop to have the broken plugs removed.
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[StealthCB]

Well, I have had good luck with using one before, but not this time. I'm not sure where this bike spent its life but it is just so corroded and in areas I didn't think could get all that corroded! I'll strip the engine down and see what I'm really dealing with, then decide where to go from there. New engine, new part of the engine, or new bike all together. There are so many great base bikes out there for just a bit more money, I feel like it may be worth it. I have very little play money, and I would like to be able to ride sooner rather than later, but I am not giving up quite yet. Just wondering if this bike is worth it.

[TOOLS1]

I have seen good bikes for less then it will cost to rebuild your engine. Those four valve heads alone are around $400.00 just to have a valve job done on. Also, I always tell people that the cheaper the bike is, the more it is going to cost you.
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[StealthCB]

So you are saying that the valves are probably shot too, looking at the condition of it all? Yeah... a bad engine gets real expensive. I wonder if I could get by with a new cylinder head. Also, do you know if other era cb750 motors, besides 79-83, would fit my frame without any modifications? Thank you for the help.

[TOOLS1]

Not saying that you do need a valve job, you would need to do a compression cheal, leak down test, or remove the head, and do an acetone/alcohol test to know for sure. I do know that you do not want to rotate the engine with that broken off weasy out in it. I do not know about the 84 and later engines, but a 76-78 SOHC engine will bolt right in with only a spacer change on one of the rear mounts. A 69-75 would also require an offset sprocket or an earlier cush drive in the rear wheel.
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[StealthCB]

Okay great advice. Well I managed to vacuum out as much as I could with a strong shop vac from the cylinders. I did turn the engine over. I can't really do a compression test then if I'm not supposed to turn the engine over, right? My plan is to take the engine out, clean it up, and disassemble a good bit of it and see what I'm working with before I make any decisions. I kind of like the idea of an older engine, as I would like to have a Kickstarter. I am also tempted by other bikes that are out there. I know this is a vintage Honda forum, but there is a 1981 kz750 that has had a lot of engine work done and the paperwork to back it up. The guy says it only needs a battery and a chain. Plus it has inverted CBR Forks installed and he is only asking $500! So many options!

[TOOLS1]

Oh yea, it only needs a battery, and a chain... and it has been rebuilt. That is what they all say. If that is all it needs, why hasen't the owner done that? I would go over that thing with a very fine tooth comb. Chances are, you would be buying someone elses problems.
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[StealthCB]

Well, I might at least go check it out. The guy said his reason for selling is that he has too many bikes. It definitely looks like a project bike. Also, he doesn't have a title. I will ask a few more questions.

Eager to get my engine out and tear it apart to see if it's even worth saving.

[StealthCB]

Hey guys, a little update. I work at a powersports place that owns two other shops. One has an abandoned 1980 CB750 that looks a lot nicer, with good wheels and a nice looking engine and other bits. The manager is asking $200!! I plan to check it out more tomorrow when I am there for work. I'll see if it'll turn over. Might be a great donor!

[TOOLS1]

COOL!!!!!!
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[StealthCB]

Well, happy Easter everyone!! I might go work on the bike for a few. So, I checked out that other CB750C a few days ago. I definitely am going to buy it. It looks to be in MUCH better shape than mine and will make a great donor bike or maybe even the base! Take a look.

[free2ride]

StealthCB wrote

The guy said his reason for selling is that he has too many bikes.

no one ever has too many bikes.

[TOOLS1]

Good point. I would not belive him.
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[StealthCB]

Haha!! Well, it might be too good to pass up! I need the funds first, but he is letting it go for $400! He has the paperwork for all the engine work done.

Anyways, I started a YouTube channel called The Moto Barn to document by build and all! I'd love if you guys would check out my first video and channel and subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCecUmNFahlJ4N_1QoFKo7wA

[TOOLS1]

Watched and subscribed. At 4:50 in, it was priceless However after watching it, I can see a few problems. First, if you are building a brat, cafe you must wear skinny jeans, and have a lumberjack beard. Pomp-adore is optional. And it does help to have a sixpack of ridiculously expensive beer that tastes like burnt coffee in the fridge.  
I did notice that you mentioned you were in VA. You know there is an old hillbilly tale about this legendary CB 750 cafe motorcycle builder up in the mountains outside of Roanoke. He goes by the name of Shinyribs. They say on clear bright days in the middle of the night, you can hear him blasting up and down (sometimes at the same time) the mountain roads on his CB750 water buffalo.
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[StealthCB]

Thank you for watching and subscribing! It means an awful lot to me! Yeah... I was laughing at myself as I was editing the video! Hey! I usually wear slim or skinny jeans and I like my plaid button up shirts! Also I actually do have a six pack! Wow... Looks like I am off to a great start! The only thing is I don't have a beard! Looks like I need to work on that! Haha!

Wow, I have not heard that story! I'll have to be listening for that Ghost Rider! Haha!

[TOOLS1]

Thay sat that he has been spotted at WalMart. But here is the story. http://vintage-and-classic-honda-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/The-Water-Buffalo-Seemingly-never-ending-cafe-project-td3212994.html
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