First build! 71 CB750, The "Am I In Too Deep" Build

driveallknight

New Member
So I just bought a 71 CB750 kind of on a whim. Been lurking around here and all over the web, and I think I can handle the rebuild, but I am still a little over whelmed. How/where do I start? What if i fuck something up because I dont know any better? Hopefully you guys can help out a bit with the knowledge area.

As it sits now:






As it sat assembled and cleaned (but still not running):






The short list of what needs to get done (that I know of):
Obvious good cleaning etc
Change those stupid bars
new tires
oil change, new spark plugs, new battery
New clutch and brake cables
New grips
new gas cap (rusted)
carb boots
petcock
fuel lines
eventually new ignition system (pamco)
eventually new seat
eventually new exhaust
eventually new taillights/ plate holder

Probably forgetting a few things, but the engine is golden Im told. The carbs have been cleaned and newly balanced. So it seems the most complex areas are good. So heres the question, am I in too deep?

Cheers mates
 
Nice find. When you get the engine clean and running check for a head gasket leak which I very common.
Rider
 
Re: First build! 71 CB750, The "Am I In Too Deep" Build

Get a manual or download it. You can also get Hondamans book which is worth it's weight in gold and will save you money in the long run.
Do a 3k mile time up valve clearances, timing, oil, spark, carb clean and synch etc. manuals or the book will explain all this in more detail but either are worth the investment. I have both.


'76 cb750k, '78 cb750f 'Merica Edition
 
Re: First build! 71 CB750, The "Am I In Too Deep" Build

I should have specified, Hondamans book is on the sohc forum or can be ordered through lulu publishing. Amazing book for cb 750's


'76 cb750k, '78 cb750f 'Merica Edition
 
HondaMan's (Mark Paris) book is well worth it, the manual is free to download in .pdf on a number of websites, and here's a little light reading for ya...


http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=38253.0


To your list I would add:

New air filter, either stock replacement or K&N. I'll echo what I'm sure you've read everywhere by now, since you have the stock box, keep it. You will not "upgrade" the breathing on those carbs using anything else.

New spark plugs, I believe NGK D8EA (hit Google for proper gap)

Eventually (personal opinion here), I would upgrade to an electronic ignition. Points blow and there are plenty of options out there, I like the Dyna. There are 5 and 3.3 ohm coils to go along with that, I think you'd need 3.3, pretty sure the 5's will fry your ignition

Can't really tell from the pics, but new tires are always a good place to put some money. Don't have to spend a lot to get some good rubber and as far as safety you could certainly do worse. Had an old tire blow out on me doing about 45 mph and I assure you it was not fun

PS, that's a nice set of pipes you've got on there, would fetch good coin if you replace it
 
coyote13 said:
HondaMan's (Mark Paris) book is well worth it, the manual is free to download in .pdf on a number of websites, and here's a little light reading for ya...


http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=38253.0


To your list I would add:

New air filter, either stock replacement or K&N. I'll echo what I'm sure you've read everywhere by now, since you have the stock box, keep it. You will not "upgrade" the breathing on those carbs using anything else.

New spark plugs, I believe NGK D8EA (hit Google for proper gap)

Eventually (personal opinion here), I would upgrade to an electronic ignition. Points blow and there are plenty of options out there, I like the Dyna. There are 5 and 3.3 ohm coils to go along with that, I think you'd need 3.3, pretty sure the 5's will fry your ignition

Can't really tell from the pics, but new tires are always a good place to put some money. Don't have to spend a lot to get some good rubber and as far as safety you could certainly do worse. Had an old tire blow out on me doing about 45 mph and I assure you it was not fun

PS, that's a nice set of pipes you've got on there, would fetch good coin if you replace it

Coyote, thanks for the help. Have any recommendation on tires? I like the vintage look, but everyone says they handle like shit. Maybe something modern and aggressive looking?

Also, I dont know anything about these pipes (SS?), have any info?

Cheers mate
 
So I have had this thing for 2 days now. Took unnecessary stuff off and got to cleaning. Started with forks and some of engine. Damn this thing is a dirty bitch. Coming from a cycling background, I used the method of citrus degreaser and tons of scrubbing with a few sprays of water from a sprayer with wiping down. Let me know if this is a bad method for motorcycles.






Also, anyone know what this corrosion is and how to get it off?
Second, it appears the PO had clear coated the head (or does it come like that) and its flaking off. Any good way to clean that?



Will keep cleaning first and hopefully Hondamans book will arrive by then so I can have some sense of reassurance.

I guess at this point to get her running I need:
Get the tank sealed (with new petcock and fuel lines)
new batt, wiring harness (maybe? the old one is pretty shitty), Should I get new rectifier/condenser/coils/solenoid etc?
Re-connect controls and cables on handlebars

Ill keep chuggin along, sorry for all the questions, thanks yall for all the help!
 
I would get a new harness if yours doesn't look good. Now is a good time to put it on while the bike is somewhat stripped down.

That is sort of the foundation of your electrical system, the other stuff can be dealt with later as need arises.
 
Back
Top Bottom