Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

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Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

shinyribs
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Hi guys and gals. I am obviously new here ,but also new to street bikes. I have rode trail bikes for years and been drag racing cars for the past five years.So,i have mechanical knowledge, but very little pertaining to bikes. I would VERY MUCH appreciate any help and suggestions you are willing to give me!!!    A good friend of mine recently gave me his old bike.It is a 1976 750 Super Sport. It was driven regularly until 2004 when it went into semi-enclosed storage. The story goes that it was running a little weak and it was discovered by a local bike shop(credibility unknown) that it as down on compression on two cylinders. I dont know which two. Anyways.the inside of the tank looks like poo and i need to get this baby running so i can figure out whats up.Any thing i need to be wary of? I am not familiar with any of the quirks these bikes have( all vehicles have some kind of quirk) and dont want to get off on the wrong foot. I guess the first order of business is cleaning carbs,fresh fluids( any particular type???), and getting this tank usable.       THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ANY HELP    Also look forward to talking to some fellow bike lovers. Like i said,this is my first street bike but my Dad grew up on Triumphs until he became CB 750 loyal... and i mean loyal!His older brother owned a Harley dealership and Dad stil bought 5 new 750 Hondas in a row!  1971-1976.Stories and pictures of his bikes have always made me want one...now i got one!!!  WOO HOO   Talk to ya later
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

shinyribs
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Okay....i just stepped back out of the barn......i am out of my element. First thing(s) i need to ask:    How do i remove the airbox? and      How do i remove the carbs?              I know these are very entry level questions,but i dont want to force or booger up anything.       as far as cleaning the carbs: what should i disassemble and what should i leave alone? also,do i need to prime the oiling system before i try to start the engine?   Thanks for any insights!!!
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

shinyribs
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Im back again! I have been reading some posts here trying to learn.Its semms there are some very knowledgeable guys on here!!!  I was noticing talk about different models, f2 k6 and so on. How do i find out what mine is?   Thanks alot!
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

sgtslag
Unfortunately, I am one of the least knowledgeable here, but I can answer some basic items:

Download the Factory Service Manual (FSM) from this site, off the home page, a couple of lines above your posting.

The model number/type can be found on the steering head, by turning the handlebars all the way to the right, looking on the left side, just in front of the tank, on the steering head stem.  You will see a label with the year, model number, and VIN.

Change all of the fluids, of course (oil in the engine/transmission, which share it; ATF in the fork tubes, see below).  I would recommend Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic diesel oil:  it is rated SM for cars; it won't break down into carbon sludge until around 450 F, and your air-cooled engine will warm the oil to around 250 F (dino oil breaks down above this temperature...), running down the highway; it will turn over super-easy, as it is 5W-40; it will last for 7,000 miles, longer with oil analysis, if you want to invest in it.  I'd flush the oil with the cheapest stuff you can find (SuperTech, from Wal-Mart is inexpensive), along with a new filter.  Then add 4 oz. of SeaFoam to the oil, run it (this is after you get it running, of course...) for five minutes on the center stand (I have a temp. gauge, five minutes won't overheat the oil, so no fan is needed, unless you want to, but you need the oil to reach 180 F, at least), shifting through all five gears, idling.  This will dissolve carbon, and sludge, present in the engine, and the transmission, which will get captured by the filter...  Then change both the oil, and the filter, again -- this time use some good oil (Shell diesel is excellent -- no friction modifers in any diesel oil, any brand, but Shell is inexpensive, and high quality, around $26/gallon for the T6, at Wal-Mart).

The tank may need to be cleaned, and coated, depending upon what the rust condition is, after you get the sludge/varnish out of it.  Not sure of the proper method to clean it, but SeaFoam is a great way to clean it, and the carbs, if they are not too dirty, or too much varnish, but you are likely beyond SeaFoam's capabilities.

Get some new tires on it!  Unless they are less than three years old, they may look ridable, but they probably are not...  I only buy Pirelli MT66 Route tires, but that is just me.  Search for owner's comments on the Internet: great wet traction, almost unaffected by grooves in the pavement, tar snakes, and grated bridges!  Yes, you can put tubes into them, even though they are tubeless:  they may run hotter, but mine have been on for 3,000+ miles, riding two-up, with full saddlebags, trunk, and tank bag, on a 1,935 mile tour around Lake Superior, through four days of cold rain, in Canada -- it was as though we were glued to the road on those tires, leaning in curves, running at 60 MPH, because we were suffering mild hypothermia, and we needed to make some mileage.  I love these tires.

Drain the box, beneath the battery, which catches water from combustion -- I forget what it is called, but it needs to be drained periodically.  It may be empty, but check it.  The FSM will tell you how to check/drain it.

The fork tubes use Dexron ATF (current flavor is Dexron III/IV, which are backwards compatible).  It is cheap, and it works.  I would recommend adding in 2-4 oz. of SeaFoam, to the fork tubes, before flushing the ATF, or you can put in fresh, add the SeaFoam, pump them 10-20 times, let it sit for 30-60 minutes to allow it to dissolve the sludge in the tubes, then drain, and refill, as per the FSM.  I am a huge fan of SeaFoam.  I use it in all of my vehicles, with great success.  Search the Internet for its merits.

You may need to change the battery.  If so, consider getting an AGM:  more money, but it won't discharge over the Winter storage months; it will last 5+ years; maintenance free!  A smart, trickle charger, like the Battery Tender Jr., can be used to keep your battery (any type) topped off, which will prevent sulphation, extending the life of even a lead-acid battery quite a bit -- if you plug it in after every ride...  Can also be used over the Winter, without boiling off your acid:  it is microprocessor controlled, with three stages of charge, automatically switching modes, as needed.

All of this is pretty simple stuff, most of it aimed towards maintaining your already running bike.  Sorry I can't be of more direct assistance, but the other members will fill in that void.  Best of luck!  Cheers!
1979 CB750K (sold, 2012, but not forgotten)
1983 Kawasaki 440 LTD Belt Drive (sold, 2011)
1993 Kawasaki Voyager XII
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

sgtslag
In reply to this post by shinyribs
Forgot to mention the K6 thing.  The first bikes started out as model number K0(?), then all the way up to K8, I think.  In 1979, they came out with the first DOHC engines (which I have), and the K# thing ended.  This model numbering scheme only applied to the K models, not the F's, or SuperSports, as far as I know (not sure if the F's were the SuperSports, or if they were two different model lines?).  Cheers!
1979 CB750K (sold, 2012, but not forgotten)
1983 Kawasaki 440 LTD Belt Drive (sold, 2011)
1993 Kawasaki Voyager XII
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

shinyribs
Administrator
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!  Very helpful info. I had no idea about the fork tubes!! i saw that thingy under the battery tray you mentioned i was gonna ask what that was,now i know!    i suppose oil filters are readily available so i will grab a few in a couple days.   i am on a tight budget on this bike but i am a bit of a perfectionist and am super critical about fluids. Having 1,000 hp big block chevy's taught me that maintenance and quality fluids are a must!   had no idea that motor and tranny shared the same oil.Does that mean the clutch runs in engine oil?  I really dont want to come on here and be a pest,but i have alot of learning to do and apologize in advance if i get to be a pain.  THANK YOU again for the info so very much
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

TOOLS1
Administrator
Welcome to the forum. I love the story of your Dad buying the CB 750's. The clutch does run in the engine oil. That is why oil's with friction additives are not recommended in these bikes. To remove the carbs just remove the 8 band clamps holding the carbs to the air box, and the rubber intake boots. They are kind of hard to get at, but not impossible.
TOOLS
Life is not about the number of breaths, you take, but the moments that take your breath away.
I don't have an anger problem. I have an idiot problem. Hank Hill
Never confuse education for intelligence.
Happiness is a belt fed weapon.
I just can't imagine what could go wrong.
No fire? No explosions? So whats the point of your story?
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber. ~Plato
It couldn't be done, but the darn fool didn't know it, and did it anyway.
We all got problems. Ksharp
I like vintage bikes because they take me away from the clutter of technology that I work with everyday and back to a simpler time of mechanical elegance and simplicity.. "ninadm"
Darkwing Duck: The worst part of public transportation is the Public.
"That is awesome shit there" Re-Run
"Fear nothing, attack everything" Eric Berry
" Oh, you read that on the internet? Clearly it IS a massive problem. Of course it CAN’t be normal operation."

1976 CB 750-A X 2
1977 CB 750-A X 4
1977 CB 750-K
1976 CB 750 F
1981 CB 750
1966 Kawasaki SG 250
1981 KZ 750 LTD
1973 CB 350
1979 CM 185 Twinstar
1982 Honda XL 80
South of Eden (Kansas City MO)
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

shinyribs
Administrator
Yeah i got the carb setup off.  Had a bit of a time getting the airbox outta the ,way not bad really.  its very impressive how the bikes are built. Alot of the parts look like pieces of art.  Plus,its not like my old chevys...i havent found one frozen fastener yet! I am a little shy on metric tools though it seems the 10mm appears to be the star of the show!  The plugs in the valve cover(im guessing valve adjustment access???)...what size are they i havent found anything metric or standard that fits      is there such a thing as 16.5mm?    Also,feel free to correct any of my incorrect part names   im new and admittedly ignorant:)
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

shinyribs
Administrator
OH   bad manners  sorry  Thank you for the welcome!  glad to be here
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

TOOLS1
Administrator
If i remember correctly the access covers are 17mm.
TOOLS
Life is not about the number of breaths, you take, but the moments that take your breath away.
I don't have an anger problem. I have an idiot problem. Hank Hill
Never confuse education for intelligence.
Happiness is a belt fed weapon.
I just can't imagine what could go wrong.
No fire? No explosions? So whats the point of your story?
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber. ~Plato
It couldn't be done, but the darn fool didn't know it, and did it anyway.
We all got problems. Ksharp
I like vintage bikes because they take me away from the clutter of technology that I work with everyday and back to a simpler time of mechanical elegance and simplicity.. "ninadm"
Darkwing Duck: The worst part of public transportation is the Public.
"That is awesome shit there" Re-Run
"Fear nothing, attack everything" Eric Berry
" Oh, you read that on the internet? Clearly it IS a massive problem. Of course it CAN’t be normal operation."

1976 CB 750-A X 2
1977 CB 750-A X 4
1977 CB 750-K
1976 CB 750 F
1981 CB 750
1966 Kawasaki SG 250
1981 KZ 750 LTD
1973 CB 350
1979 CM 185 Twinstar
1982 Honda XL 80
South of Eden (Kansas City MO)
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

shinyribs
Administrator
It probably is...my cheap tools probably dont fit right is all.  I dont need to be fooling with that anyways. Picked up a couple oil filters in town today and they are gonna get me a gasket kit for the carbs. I need to know what model i have though.Am i correct in the thinking that being a '76 and being a super sport that is an F1?   Oh   and my tank is crap    rusted plum thru     but thats ok   relieves the guilt i was gonna experience from cutting up a good one.    Hoping to maybe change some fluids and clean some carbs this weekend per sgt slag's advice  as long as i can stay away from work    Thanks again for the info guys
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

shinyribs
Administrator
Its the pest again      SgtSlag was telling how to flush everything on my new project   (Thank You Much)    but i was curious about the pumping the forks part. I have tried to compress them and they move very little.  Is a couple inches of stroke all that is needed to flush them or do i need to do something else?  They seem to move free enough,i dont believe anything is frozen or sticking.  
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

TOOLS1
Administrator
Just that few inches will pump out all the nasty stuff.
TOOLS
Life is not about the number of breaths, you take, but the moments that take your breath away.
I don't have an anger problem. I have an idiot problem. Hank Hill
Never confuse education for intelligence.
Happiness is a belt fed weapon.
I just can't imagine what could go wrong.
No fire? No explosions? So whats the point of your story?
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber. ~Plato
It couldn't be done, but the darn fool didn't know it, and did it anyway.
We all got problems. Ksharp
I like vintage bikes because they take me away from the clutter of technology that I work with everyday and back to a simpler time of mechanical elegance and simplicity.. "ninadm"
Darkwing Duck: The worst part of public transportation is the Public.
"That is awesome shit there" Re-Run
"Fear nothing, attack everything" Eric Berry
" Oh, you read that on the internet? Clearly it IS a massive problem. Of course it CAN’t be normal operation."

1976 CB 750-A X 2
1977 CB 750-A X 4
1977 CB 750-K
1976 CB 750 F
1981 CB 750
1966 Kawasaki SG 250
1981 KZ 750 LTD
1973 CB 350
1979 CM 185 Twinstar
1982 Honda XL 80
South of Eden (Kansas City MO)
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

shinyribs
Administrator
OKay   so just pump it until it clears up up   cool    thx guys
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

cb shwank
just chiming in here, i have always heard to not seporate the carbs once you got the off.
wisconsin
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

TOOLS1
Administrator
On the keyhole carbs, you must separate them to remove the slides, and needle jets. If, you have a large enough tank to soak the rack in, you do not need to separate the older round top carbs.
TOOLS  
Life is not about the number of breaths, you take, but the moments that take your breath away.
I don't have an anger problem. I have an idiot problem. Hank Hill
Never confuse education for intelligence.
Happiness is a belt fed weapon.
I just can't imagine what could go wrong.
No fire? No explosions? So whats the point of your story?
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber. ~Plato
It couldn't be done, but the darn fool didn't know it, and did it anyway.
We all got problems. Ksharp
I like vintage bikes because they take me away from the clutter of technology that I work with everyday and back to a simpler time of mechanical elegance and simplicity.. "ninadm"
Darkwing Duck: The worst part of public transportation is the Public.
"That is awesome shit there" Re-Run
"Fear nothing, attack everything" Eric Berry
" Oh, you read that on the internet? Clearly it IS a massive problem. Of course it CAN’t be normal operation."

1976 CB 750-A X 2
1977 CB 750-A X 4
1977 CB 750-K
1976 CB 750 F
1981 CB 750
1966 Kawasaki SG 250
1981 KZ 750 LTD
1973 CB 350
1979 CM 185 Twinstar
1982 Honda XL 80
South of Eden (Kansas City MO)
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

sgtslag
In reply to this post by shinyribs
Sorry, I did not make myself clear on the fork pumping.  My intent was to pump the forks after the fork caps had been removed, allowing the forks to be fully compressed.  Make sure to remove the springs, or they may fall out on compression.  Clean/dry them before re-installing them in the tubes.  Be sure to support the bike's front end by using a jack beneath the engine, preferably by using a piece of 2x4 wood, which will meet the frame, not the oil pan.

With the engine supported, I stand in front of the wheel, and grasp it by the hub.  Then I lift it up, compressing the forks, and let it down slowly; I repeat this process ~10 times, to fully circulate fluids.  Cheers!
1979 CB750K (sold, 2012, but not forgotten)
1983 Kawasaki 440 LTD Belt Drive (sold, 2011)
1993 Kawasaki Voyager XII
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

TOOLS1
Administrator
I wish I had your energy. i just do mine one side at a time. That way I do not have to jack up the bike. Also i just hold the front break, and bounce the forks up, and down a bit, but I do change mine often. It is surprising how fast the ATF/oil goes bad in them.
TOOLS
Life is not about the number of breaths, you take, but the moments that take your breath away.
I don't have an anger problem. I have an idiot problem. Hank Hill
Never confuse education for intelligence.
Happiness is a belt fed weapon.
I just can't imagine what could go wrong.
No fire? No explosions? So whats the point of your story?
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber. ~Plato
It couldn't be done, but the darn fool didn't know it, and did it anyway.
We all got problems. Ksharp
I like vintage bikes because they take me away from the clutter of technology that I work with everyday and back to a simpler time of mechanical elegance and simplicity.. "ninadm"
Darkwing Duck: The worst part of public transportation is the Public.
"That is awesome shit there" Re-Run
"Fear nothing, attack everything" Eric Berry
" Oh, you read that on the internet? Clearly it IS a massive problem. Of course it CAN’t be normal operation."

1976 CB 750-A X 2
1977 CB 750-A X 4
1977 CB 750-K
1976 CB 750 F
1981 CB 750
1966 Kawasaki SG 250
1981 KZ 750 LTD
1973 CB 350
1979 CM 185 Twinstar
1982 Honda XL 80
South of Eden (Kansas City MO)
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

shinyribs
Administrator
Ok,so if i take the caps off they arent gonna try and fly across the shop or anything crazy? Are there any seals or anything i nedd to be mindful of or are they easily replaced?   I always prefer to disassemble and clean things like this.   But i am not sure what is safe to disassemble and what is best to let go and just flush     foreign territory is scary,yet always the fun to learn something new!     Thank you both for your help    SgtSlag And Tools      helping put alot    
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Re: Hello New rider here need all the help in the world!!

TOOLS1
Administrator
No nothing will go flying. If your fork seals are not leaking all, you need to do is change the ATF/fork oil. If your seals are leaking I can give, you instructions on changing them.
TOOLS
Life is not about the number of breaths, you take, but the moments that take your breath away.
I don't have an anger problem. I have an idiot problem. Hank Hill
Never confuse education for intelligence.
Happiness is a belt fed weapon.
I just can't imagine what could go wrong.
No fire? No explosions? So whats the point of your story?
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber. ~Plato
It couldn't be done, but the darn fool didn't know it, and did it anyway.
We all got problems. Ksharp
I like vintage bikes because they take me away from the clutter of technology that I work with everyday and back to a simpler time of mechanical elegance and simplicity.. "ninadm"
Darkwing Duck: The worst part of public transportation is the Public.
"That is awesome shit there" Re-Run
"Fear nothing, attack everything" Eric Berry
" Oh, you read that on the internet? Clearly it IS a massive problem. Of course it CAN’t be normal operation."

1976 CB 750-A X 2
1977 CB 750-A X 4
1977 CB 750-K
1976 CB 750 F
1981 CB 750
1966 Kawasaki SG 250
1981 KZ 750 LTD
1973 CB 350
1979 CM 185 Twinstar
1982 Honda XL 80
South of Eden (Kansas City MO)
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