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 I saved this bike from the scrapyard. It doesn't run and has lots of missing parts. Any advice on where to start?
There are three paths to knowlege:
Imitation is the easiest
Reflection is the noblest
Experience is the bitterest
Confucious
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Administrator
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Get the engine running first. A bike is worth nothing without a running engine.
Get the oil changed, new plugs and adjust valves for now. Get a compression tester and hook it up to a battery, size is no big deal but if the battery is in a car, make sure the car is NOT running or it will blow things out. Make sure compression is good. If compression is good, the engine turns over, and it shifts, you have your start. You will need carbs then.
One thing I would do is to remove everything from the frame and clean it all up and see what is trashed. Make sure the frame is straight and now would be a great time to either paint it or powdercoat it.
The ride IS the adventure. The destination is just to get gas!
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 Got the carbs. Instrument cluster is missing, so no key. How would I start it? 
There are three paths to knowlege:
Imitation is the easiest
Reflection is the noblest
Experience is the bitterest
Confucious
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Administrator
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Hot wire it. Run a jumper wire from the bat pos, to the coils. Then jump across the starter solenoid.
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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With all due respect, this is a massive money pit, even buying parts from a scrap yard. You need a lot of parts, and at this point, you have no idea what the cams, pistons, rings, transmission, etc., are like. The handlebars are far from stock... Wow. That is one massive project you are proposing to undertake. You could save yourself money, and time, by buying a running bike, but that is just my opinion. Good luck, whatever you decide. Cheers!
1979 CB750K (sold, 2012, but not forgotten)
1983 Kawasaki 440 LTD Belt Drive (sold, 2011)
1993 Kawasaki Voyager XII
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It more about the project. I like working with my hands.
I built a guitar, but I don't play. Now I'm restoring a bike, but I don't ride...yet!
There are three paths to knowlege:
Imitation is the easiest
Reflection is the noblest
Experience is the bitterest
Confucious
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Administrator
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Slag is right about the money pit but sometimes you just have to do it. Thats why you want to get the engine going first. If the engine is no good, then you can stop now and find something a little better if you want. 
The ride IS the adventure. The destination is just to get gas!
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Administrator
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Kirk, if you're looking for a donor bike for parts and stuff, I'm about ready to part out my 1979 CB750L. If you are near the central Ohio area, drop me a private message and we'll talk about it.
Long story short, my bike broke its cam chain, and the engine is in parts, but 99% of it is there. The frame, tank, covers, tires/wheels, and all that other stuff is in good shape. I can send pix if you need them.
Let me know.
Luke M
Used to have a 1979 CB750L, sold it as a parts bike, now riding a slightly modified 1984 VT700C. Network/Field Engineer. Central OH, USA, Earth, Sol System, Milky Way Galaxy, Universe.
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When I drained the oil, I noticed about a cup of clear water prior to oil draining. It appears this bike was kept out in the weather with some openings accessable to rain. Anything I should check before testing compression?
There are three paths to knowlege:
Imitation is the easiest
Reflection is the noblest
Experience is the bitterest
Confucious
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Luke,
I used to live in Columbus... about 35 years ago. I appreciate the offer, but I don't think I'll be out there anytime soon.
There are three paths to knowlege:
Imitation is the easiest
Reflection is the noblest
Experience is the bitterest
Confucious
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Administrator
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Put the bike in 5th and see if you can push it. If you can and the wheel turns, then it should be ok. If it does not turn, or you jerk it and it breaks loose, then the rings froze and the engine will need a hone.
The ride IS the adventure. The destination is just to get gas!
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Thanks!
I checked - no sticking and no jerk required!
There are three paths to knowlege:
Imitation is the easiest
Reflection is the noblest
Experience is the bitterest
Confucious
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Administrator
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No worries. Sounds like you're making progress on your machine. Keep us informed.
Luke M
Used to have a 1979 CB750L, sold it as a parts bike, now riding a slightly modified 1984 VT700C. Network/Field Engineer. Central OH, USA, Earth, Sol System, Milky Way Galaxy, Universe.
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you mentioned that you might be ready to part out you '79. If you are, I may be interested in the entire front forks assembly, the front stem, and the wheels. My project is a '72K model. I'm not sure of the compatibility of the parts, though. I was hoping some of the other members might way in.
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Administrator
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I don't know if those 79 parts will fit your 72 frame.
Anyone else know?
Luke M
Used to have a 1979 CB750L, sold it as a parts bike, now riding a slightly modified 1984 VT700C. Network/Field Engineer. Central OH, USA, Earth, Sol System, Milky Way Galaxy, Universe.
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