New (to me) 1975 CB 750 My first post here. "Howdy"

[Elliot Cannon]

I just took delivery yesterday.  One owner.  62,000 miles.  Last time I was on a bike was over 30 years ago.  This will be interesting.  

[shinyribs]

I was drooling over your bike,until i stated laughing at your sig Beautiful bike,man.Just beautiful! Welcome to the forum and Thanks for that picture. Wow!

[Piute]

    Easy there Elliot
 Ya might wont me to give that beauty a good test(3day) run ,before ya get on it ( just for safety).That bike looks like it hasn't been ridden in 30yr's.
Guess ya be alright then.

[lostson]

 wow that is one sharp looking ride, enjoy!

[sgtslag]

As gorgeous as that bike is, please, PLEASE, don't let it dry rot anymore...  Get it cleaned up, ready to ride, and put some smilin' miles on it!  Beautiful bike...

Love your signature.  Enjoy your bike, but be prepared for looky-lu's, and spontaneous conversations, wherever you ride it.  It will draw people to it, like magnets attract iron.  And that will be a good, fun thing.  Enjoy!

[Elliot Cannon]

The bike is going into the shop tomorrow.  (Saturday).  I could get it started but it doesn't idle and I couldn't find a combination of choke and/or throttle that would keep it running.   I'll have them do a tune up and general inspection of the bike to see what it might need.  Can anyone recommend what I should ask for when they pick it up?  I figure it will need new plugs, carbs gone through, valves adjusted, chain lubed etc.   The oil was recently changed.  It's been over 30 years since I have been up on two wheels, so any suggestions will be appreciated.
           Cheers,   Elliot
PS  Anyone here located in the central California coast?  

[sgtslag]

I would recommend NGK Iridium spark plugs (~$8 each) as they really never misfire, make starting easier, and they run perfectly on weak coils, which these bikes are known for.  Have them check the valve clearances, which means probable shim replacement (~$300 charge on a DOHC, typically, not sure what it would be for a SOHC).  With 61,000 miles, it likely needs them checked/replaced, unless he has done it already.

When you get it back, buy some SeaFoam.  Add the correct amount to the gas tank, as it will dissolve varnish in the gas tank, as well as the rest of the fuel system.  It will not harm anything.  Add it to the crankcase, as well:  it will dissolve all varnish, carbon, and other sludge deposits, within the engine, and the transmission.  Ride it until the oil is warmed up to operating temperature (180 F, or higher), shifting through all gears, then check it.  If the oil turns black (it very likely will...), change it, and the filter, to remove all of that crud from your bike.  Oil is cheap, and this process won't need to be repeated for years, and tens of thousands of miles.  Oils have progressed dramatically since this bike was made.

Any SN-rated oil will work, but synthetics will run longer (7,000 miles, easily, and 10,000 is not a problem, either), run cleaner, and they break down at temperatures of 400+ F, where dino oils break down at anything over 250 F (into carbon sludge)...  A lot of folks are running Shell Rotella T/T6 Diesel Oil (15W-40/5W-40):  it is rated API SN (won't void any car's warranty, even a 2013 vehicle); it is high in detergent level, so it will keep your engine squeaky clean; it is a high quality, inexpensive oil, readily available nearly everywhere (typically, $21/gallon, at Wal-Mart).

Check to make sure the fuel filter is still present on top of the petcock -- it is a metal screen on top of the petcock, which sticks up inside the gas tank.  If if doesn't have the filter, check to see if it has an inline filter already.  If not, then add one.  Cheers!

[Elliot Cannon]

Thanks for all the suggestions.   Very much appreciated.  
            Regards,   Elliot

[TOOLS1]

You might want to have the fork oil (ATF) replaced, and the front disc break fluid replaced as well.
TOOLS

[rrgunslinger]

There is no shims in this motor. Screw type adjusters only.

[shinyribs]

I'll add one thing about the oil. I have been running the Shell Rotella T-6 that SgtSlag mentioned for about 10K miles in my bike now with zero problems.I was running 15w-40. But recently,out of pure curiosity, I switched to Valvoline 20W-50 Motorcycle oil and my oil pressure does not drop nearly as much when up to full operating temperature now. This makes for much smoother shifting and neutral is super easy to find now. I dont know if it was the thicker oil,or the swap to Valvoline,but I'm real happy with it. Oh, and the bike runs cooler now. Roughly 10-15 degress F cooler. Just throwing it out there.

[Saskatoon750]

Oooh, nice classy colors.  You got a real peach!