Post by: JamesH on June 08, 2022, 08:10:41 PM
Let’s commence the simultaneous restoration of two early UK CB750 K0’s - AYO 63H and AYO 64H.
There’s a bit of a back story to these bikes, but to cut a long story short I purchased them back in 2016 as dismantled ‘basket cases’ and they’ve sat waiting for my attention until now.
The engines were rebuilt by Graham back in 2018 and have sat in dry storage since then.
The PO had powder coated all of the cycle parts and frame but the finish was frankly awful and the prep work obviously much the same.
So I had the PC stripped from everything back in 2019 and everything properly painted in 2 pack semi-gloss.
I’ve been collecting various parts over the past few years and now I’m in a position to move ahead.
Post by: JamesH on June 08, 2022, 08:12:30 PM
Hopefully the fact that one bike is registered in my name already will help. Plus the VIN numbers are two digits apart and the reg numbers being consecutive mean they were probably sold by the same suppling dealer.
I also have the original number plate from AYO 63H so fingers crossed..
Anyway, photos of the painted frames and original number plates..
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220608/eb3b895363b90232d0938bc0912f9fc8.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220608/d4142f2f65250190dda95725c015b643.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220608/31c67bb028972677c8da9d9faed95bed.jpg)
Post by: JamesH on June 08, 2022, 08:20:03 PM
Also fitted new lower shock bushes.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220608/a95835ccfa5a89a4d808f37c5828c200.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220608/69dcc75b35a731f0ab3fbdabcbdb33ee.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220608/3803d3fbc38313dbccda06381639ea30.jpg)
Post by: JamesH on June 08, 2022, 08:23:31 PM
Center stands fitted with refurbished hardware, new Honda head race bearings fitted to the refurbished triple tress and satin-painted upper yoke.
Note - this has all happened over the past 2/3 weeks in between other stuff; and progress on these will be slower than normal - so I’ll keep updates coming as & when.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220608/a6023ac04990cf182eeae313bc60e3b4.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220608/8a4660c8b636eab4a3c63b6a1daad962.jpg)
Post by: Nurse Julie on June 08, 2022, 10:15:05 PM
Post by: paul G on June 09, 2022, 07:34:25 AM
Post by: Matt_Harrington on June 09, 2022, 08:43:48 AM
Post by: Laverda Dave on June 09, 2022, 07:13:49 PM
Post by: Johnny4428 on June 09, 2022, 08:35:35 PM
Post by: JamesH on June 09, 2022, 08:53:15 PM
This is a fascinating resto of the “twins”. I am intrigued to know how after all these years these bikes are under the same ownership. Looking forward to further development.There’s actually a bit of a sad story behind this, which I discovered after my purchase of the bikes. It would be inappropriate of me to go into details on an open forum.
They were previously owned by Eamon Malloney who used to be an active member of the forum (before my time).
Steve knows more about Eamon’s history with his collection of bikes, and may be able to shed more light on how he managed to assemble so many special bikes in his collection (including the 1st UK registered 750 which I believe Mick sold recently).
Anyway, it would appear Eamon stripped the bikes, started restoring the cycle parts and then stopped prior to me eventually purchasing them from a bike breakers yard after a tip off from a friend that they had some ‘750’s in parts’.
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on June 09, 2022, 09:16:44 PM
I will chat on the phone or via PM if anyone is desperate to know.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: JamesH on June 09, 2022, 09:28:07 PM
Managed to fit both swingarms and fitted the shocks to one of the bikes.
Also pickup up some painted parts back from the painter - given the state the Uk spec rear light brackets were in, he’s done a lovely job.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220609/31237805278a8c252eecdb2e2b432fe9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220609/00e1eba67b4ff324a4272f8067fc3905.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220609/125561363e897227e1a51a45035cd188.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220609/eb28f65a19c0b92616f532b55a2a6d80.jpg)
Post by: JamesH on June 22, 2022, 10:17:08 AM
Rear ends on both bikes coming together now. Also fitted the coils, oil tanks, ignition switches, battery boxes and started cobbling together electrical panel parts. I have recessed ignition switches for both bikes but they need refurbishment - so that will be a job for ‘down the road’.
Currently struggling to find nice condition OEM rectifiers for the bikes with the correct ‘no tab’ plastic connectors. May have to compromise a little there.
Both sets of wheels are now laced, trued and fitted with new Conti rubber.
Both batteries are fitted. Rear indicators fitted and wired. Front brake switch/unit on refurbed and fitted.
Rear HM-5RC ‘oval’ UK spec lights are NOS, but both came without the internal bulb wiring - so having to salvage these from the originals and check/refurbish. Brittle 50-year-old Bakelite isn’t fun to work with..may have to resort to some 3D printing if I break them on installation.
Latest progress photos:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220622/2b1ba82ecd67ca6a01b1807cbb61b83b.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220622/09d9e35222723c866099462ab529c165.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220622/2b82f574996abc7e392e52c51b64ec86.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220622/0a1381f491e63a01fedf8192b021d1fb.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220622/0caf1ecc6da48163e9e131a1bb108c34.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220622/4948a698f4938a6f9d742216ccec8225.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220622/97022618fca8d8106ba3340907dbe152.jpg)
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on June 22, 2022, 11:49:25 AM
Will the first one to be finished be better than the second prototype?
I envy your enthusiasm and working on two 750's in tandem you lucky fella - living the dream in shed heaven!
Post by: JamesH on July 14, 2022, 06:01:03 PM
Anyway, here’s the latest status:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220714/e15c3b5d27e4df0a0e6b74919ef759c3.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220714/983429a2029c708c36df9802276fa010.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220714/1ac9fa71059571d0b6182bf4be331393.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220714/35fc496b114259186a8ed86a23c65047.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220714/c7897080e6cc32d08b4eb914df53cef2.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220714/f31a9fd99e9f1e333c2f2be11d06eb4d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220714/ce4d268dc3262cb9a0a53548b4cc8804.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220714/e0cff30228d251fc9102655194853368.jpg)
Post by: Laverda Dave on July 14, 2022, 07:15:07 PM
Post by: JamesH on September 14, 2022, 10:27:57 PM
Photo update from a couple of weeks ago:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220914/978fdbc06e0e43ddfc2dfbbbd9db24ea.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220914/b6d91c9b4eb3f98365e08e94155b0574.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220914/3c87aed62a92585e970f47176f9318ad.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220914/b080b5cb81e39e1254fc956fc470d3ff.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220914/261cf82c0bb123fd084bd9ee887f3964.jpg)
Post by: JamesH on September 14, 2022, 10:31:27 PM
The carbs on the bike in the foreground took close to 12 hours of work to clean, plate and rebuild. Possibly the most gummed-up K0 carbs I’ve tackled yet!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220914/3a772194f85e838eeeb946a9b1df6089.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220914/b066f7f2b52da9c2098fe580f010ffd3.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220914/b244ac0a6b5a886b14a895d894670bdf.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220914/7df27865d22d82d67f9d3a0bafb98515.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220914/4effb03cd1e6503b08c1b9fc0b6f63b1.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220914/dd039449dd74f23305822258fbc3e7e9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220914/5c7c975718345192243430f57c2f91aa.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220914/7cfc9f1c18568fcd4b4bbda9ec71dad0.jpg)
Post by: Laverdaroo on September 15, 2022, 02:02:27 AM
Well done, I'm loving this ;D :)
Post by: Laverda Dave on September 15, 2022, 12:12:33 PM
Post by: Nurse Julie on September 15, 2022, 03:23:23 PM
Post by: Johnny4428 on September 15, 2022, 04:14:42 PM
Post by: JamesH on November 08, 2022, 10:10:36 PM
The red bike is heading up to the NEC at the weekend with my mate Andy, to be displayed on the BSA owners club stand at the Classic Car and Bike show (he had a space and offered to display the bike).
Sadly I won’t be at the show - but if anyone here is going, feel free to pop by the stand and say hi to Andy and the bike :-).
James
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221108/379d11ff798e133aa288e5fcd238d9cc.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221108/857a1b5acb15d630386d4e3abb9e472e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221108/03114e58084230b593f23b34e07c6456.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221108/210c76a880e019bf5b05bf4f294e9538.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221108/ac31d0d76d03ebf5dadca90be31ac26c.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Post by: Johnny4428 on November 08, 2022, 10:16:36 PM
Post by: Matt_Harrington on November 08, 2022, 10:23:58 PM
Matt
Post by: AshimotoK0 on November 09, 2022, 07:12:58 AM
Is it 'DDT' next ?
Post by: paul G on November 09, 2022, 07:52:50 AM
Post by: Nurse Julie on November 09, 2022, 08:25:50 AM
Post by: Sesman on November 09, 2022, 09:13:36 AM
Post by: Laverda Dave on November 09, 2022, 10:06:02 AM
Post by: Spitfire on November 09, 2022, 12:46:16 PM
Cheers
Dennis
Post by: JamesH on November 09, 2022, 01:37:12 PM
I just dropped the bike up to Andy, and she’ll be on display on the BSA owners club stand at the classic car and bike show this weekend. How ironic..
She looks rather stunning out in the sunshine.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221109/578679e35b9c7bbe25e973b4b610a191.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221109/c3483a991cb9944ddc85b293b807afd2.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221109/91612d0307a68dfc9cebfa35d3463861.jpg)
Post by: Oddjob on November 09, 2022, 02:03:19 PM
Saying that I'd have thought trying to find UK bars almost impossible even if you wanted to fit them.
As usual, stunning job.
I'll also presume you'll sell them now? I can see the buyers sitting at a bike meet and claiming all that hard work was his own, yeah mate, polished those casings myself, by hand yeah, made my fingers bleed it did, yeah, also did the spray job, not bad for a rattle can is it, What's that mate, would I do yours for you, sorry mate, I'd love to but I said this would be my last restoration, missus complaining and all that. Sources for all those parts, oh dear is that the time I really must go, yeah I know I just got here but I'd sooner be riding the bike than talking about it, see ya.
Post by: Trigger on November 09, 2022, 02:18:31 PM
UK early 750's came with high bars and very easy to get low bars ;)
Post by: JamesH on November 09, 2022, 02:40:00 PM
I presume they are US imports James due to the high bars?
Saying that I'd have thought trying to find UK bars almost impossible even if you wanted to fit them.
As usual, stunning job.
I'll also presume you'll sell them now? I can see the buyers sitting at a bike meet and claiming all that hard work was his own, yeah mate, polished those casings myself, by hand yeah, made my fingers bleed it did, yeah, also did the spray job, not bad for a rattle can is it, What's that mate, would I do yours for you, sorry mate, I'd love to but I said this would be my last restoration, missus complaining and all that. Sources for all those parts, oh dear is that the time I really must go, yeah I know I just got here but I'd sooner be riding the bike than talking about it, see ya.
Jesus that made me laugh Ken - did you get out of bed on the 'cynical' side today ha ha?.
Both are UK delivered bikes - the first UK batch came with the higher bars actually.
In all honesty, I imagine they'll be sold fairly soon Ken. I keep saying I'll keep this one, must keep that one, but ultimately I don't have the resources or space to store these properly once restored, and I'd much rather someone had one of these bikes to enjoy rather than me hoarding loads of them in dark places lol.
But, they won't be cheap that's for sure, and I'm in a fortunate position where I don't need to sell them.
Ultimately, over time, I'll be selling the lot, and the only one that I intend to keep til the very last is Sandcast Number 820. I just need to find someone trustworthy to build the engine on that (now that Trigger has 'retired', selfish B@st@rd).
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on November 09, 2022, 05:16:32 PM
Post by: Oddjob on November 09, 2022, 05:25:36 PM
I'm betting that at any bike meet there are more than a few people there who claim to have done stuff that they haven't. If I've had anything done by someone else, like a spray job (can't do those) at least I say it's been done by someone else. You've referenced Menno, Trigger and the bloke who does your polishing, so top marks to you.
I think you may prefer to restore the bikes than ride them, I like doing both TBH, depends on the weather ;D ;D ;D
Didn't know that about the bars and makes me wonder why Honda decided the UK market preferred flatter bars for future models. Maybe it was the reviews.
Post by: JamesH on November 09, 2022, 05:42:36 PM
Am I missing something, why do you not rebuild Sandcast 820 engine yourself and claim ALL the bragging rights ?Ted - I don’t have the workshop facilities, work environment, or the tools / skillset to do ‘proper’ engine rebuilds to the standard of someone like Graham (Trigger).
I know my limits, and I’d rather outsource work to real professionals when I know I’m likely to bugger it all up
.
Post by: JamesH on November 09, 2022, 07:21:40 PM
Absolutely stunning J ... Has Andy still got his Bomber?I forgot to ask him Ash, but I have a feeling he sold it earlier this year to fund the purchase of a Kawasaki H2. Hope you’re well mate - we should have a natter on the phone to catch up soon
Is it 'DDT' next ?
Post by: philward on November 09, 2022, 08:03:06 PM
Post by: Kev B on November 10, 2022, 08:43:57 AM
I'll be sending a PM should my lotto numbers eventually win.
Well done Sir.
I will be hanging around I think even though I am and probably will remain bikeless.
Kev
Post by: JamesH on November 10, 2022, 11:11:42 PM
Hi, I just joined mainly to say hi To JamesH, and congratulate him on the fine restoration of the twins, My fave has to be the red one, I'm a sucker for red bikes this model in particular.Lol thanks Kev. You sound a bit like a stalker, but that’s cool
I'll be sending a PM should my lotto numbers eventually win.
Well done Sir.
I will be hanging around I think even though I am and probably will remain bikeless.
Kev
. Glad you like the bike. Now go and get your lotto ticket.
Post by: Seabeowner on November 11, 2022, 09:58:21 AM
It's 1971 all over again. They look brilliant.
And just like 1971 I know they would always be to big and heavy for everyday use for me, which is a shame.
I would be great to keep them together. Especially if you can retain that old reg no.
Post by: taysidedragon on November 11, 2022, 12:01:15 PM
Post by: JamesH on November 11, 2022, 05:03:06 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221111/6a51beaf297f184e7b976d52363399e1.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221111/951c4db23ac4c150119b74a9f554d460.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221111/22b963c4bd3fb22d6c66bab8f3a8bd34.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221111/7323e10cf0b555199908de327e3388df.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221111/fc46b9cdce3d3ab4c79cd92534b2221f.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Post by: gary123 on November 11, 2022, 05:10:36 PM
Post by: Oddjob on November 11, 2022, 06:04:58 PM
Post by: JamesH on November 11, 2022, 06:10:17 PM
I bet that little tag on the mudguard say For Sale, £30 ONO.Do you and Trigger live together Ken?
Post by: Oddjob on November 11, 2022, 06:16:49 PM
Post by: JamesH on November 11, 2022, 06:31:44 PM
LMAO, no I doubt that would work James. I'll go up to £45 James, am I in the ballpark yet?According to Graham you’re about £44.01 adrift.
Post by: Laverdaroo on November 11, 2022, 07:12:01 PM
As long as you let me twist the throttle, kick the tyres and pull the levers in and out. Maybe a sit on it whilst on the stand as long as I dont try to get any gears or fiddle with the switches ;D ;D ;D
Post by: JamesH on November 11, 2022, 09:32:23 PM
Honestly, they wouldn’t be finished right now had Graham not worked his ass off to rebuild these a couple of years ago.
So Graham and Julie, thank you.
Ps - Graham, I’ll never forgive you for retiring from engine rebuilding
Post by: Nurse Julie on November 11, 2022, 09:48:12 PM
Post by: JamesH on November 11, 2022, 09:50:40 PM
James, I did ask Graham if he wanted to reconsider his retirement and keep adding more Sandcast engine restorations to his portfolio and he said a big fat no, unfortunatelyHe’s in denial clearly, I know he misses me.
Post by: Nurse Julie on November 11, 2022, 09:59:13 PM
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣James, I did ask Graham if he wanted to reconsider his retirement and keep adding more Sandcast engine restorations to his portfolio and he said a big fat no, unfortunatelyHe’s in denial clearly, I know he misses me.
Post by: Menno on November 13, 2022, 01:08:35 AM
Post by: JamesH on November 13, 2022, 08:05:42 AM
Are these sets a pair of the set of 4 I painted for you?Hi Menno. No, not your paintwork.
Post by: Orcade-Ian on November 13, 2022, 08:37:00 AM
Stunning work, you must be proud.
[attach=1]
On our way back now (Glasgow so far) and home Tuesday
Ian
Post by: Andrew-S on December 19, 2022, 03:34:00 PM
I haven't been here for a while - just pop in from time-to-time and lurk in the background, so only just seen the fantastic work you've done (again) on the two K0s, absolutely stunning!
All the best to you and everyone for a Happy Christmas.
Cheers,
Andrew
Oh, still linked to Honda via my XL250K0 Motosport . 8)
Post by: Nurse Julie on December 19, 2022, 05:24:54 PM
Post by: Johnny4428 on December 19, 2022, 06:16:58 PM
Post by: JamesH on December 19, 2022, 06:32:50 PM
Hi James,
I haven't been here for a while - just pop in from time-to-time and lurk in the background, so only just seen the fantastic work you've done (again) on the two K0s, absolutely stunning!
All the best to you and everyone for a Happy Christmas.
Cheers,
Andrew
Oh, still linked to Honda via my XL250K0 Motosport . 8)
Nice to hear from you Andrew - have a great Christmas!