Tinkering

[MSGQ]

Great site - love all the cross talk and pride.   Is it just me or or do some of you enjoy tinkering and tightening up your bikes nearly as much as riding them?
I should add, I am mostly done cleaning up a cross between a 1977 CB750 K and F model.  Wheels and brakes are from the F, engine and frame from a K.  Right now it's my best efforts at "rattle can" paint which fits my desire to build a sleeper and then maybe some flat track lessons.   I guess my thoughts are leaning towards out riding the young bucks on their modern rockets.  I need to read up on jetting my carbs and getting new airfilters.  Any recommendations?

[LukeM]

Re: tinkering.  Yes, I enjoy tinkering.  Getting my CB750L running good last year was fun. Working on the different systems (carbs, electrical, tires, drivetrain, adjusting stuff, upgrading stuff) scratches the engineer in me.  Riding scratches me in other areas...mainly in enjoying God's creation, and sharing the 2 finger salute with other motorcyclists.

Same thing happened when I got Avenger II, a 1984 Honda Shadow.  Needed LOTS of work on carbs and such, but is running well and returning almost 50mpg.  I just found a leaking float bowl gasket on one of the carbs, so this is a good time to pull them apart once more and see if they need cleaning or adjustment.

If you can, upload some pics of your project. We're pretty visually oriented here, and who knows: maybe your project will inspire someone else.

Good luck, and welcome to the forum.
Luke M

[sgtslag]

I like my K&N in the factory air box:  no muss, no fuss; plenty of air for the engine, without re-jetting needed.  Pods are a serious challenge to make work properly, so be sure of your commitment before starting.  NGK Iridium plugs, at around $8/plug, will enhance the ignition system, without replacing wires, coils, etc.  My '79 K started almost instantly, with the Iridium's -- I literally jumped, with the first start after installing them, as I normally had to grind it for 4-6 seconds, before it would fire, now it roars to life almost instantly, even after 5k miles of 'break-in' on the plugs.  They should last 50k+ miles, as well.  Cheers!

[Re-run]

It all depends! If it is a problem that crops up, it is not quite as much fun as just doing something cause I want to.

I still have to get iridiums but they are supposed to be an excellent plug. Since my coils/wires are so old, I will replace them too. May as well get everything I can right.

One thing you should do to keep up some with the rockets, get progressive springs for the front and shocks for the rear. MUCH better handling. I am going to do that sometime too. Though my head gasket is weeping, getting the oily dirt. Gonna need replacing. Might have to port the head at that time and some new valves!