Honda-SOHC
General => New Member Introductions => Topic started by: Leecurtis89 on March 08, 2018, 01:38:29 PM
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Hi All!
Just wanted to introduce myself, Im Lee, 28 Living in Huddersfield. I've chosen to join this forum in search for help, advice and conversation between enthusiasts!
I have been into particularly hondas, owning a few honda civics and modifying them, along with a honda hornet.
I am currently in the early stages of buying a CB to restore/modify. Initially ive been looking at CB750 '78 but would like reasons for and against any bikes. I guess im think more power more fun than the 550, but i could be wrong?!
Maybe people could suggest where to look? I've seen a few peoples opinion on DK already, i'm an open book. I do want a restoration project tho to tech me the ins and out of engine re-build :D
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Hi and welcome. CB750 is a good choice, but be aware of some issues with 78 models. The main problem is the PD carbs fitted to them. Okay when running right, but a pig if they get clogged/dirty, and spares for the carbs can be awkward to find and expensive.
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https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1977-Honda-CB750K-Unregistered-US-Import-Barn-Find-Classic-Restoration-Project/312079517489?hash=item48a9638731:g:sZ4AAOSwPyZamqy8
Found this - Any thoughts People?
As suggested above the carbs are needing attention
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That's a 750K7, also has the PD carbs, also a 17 inch rear wheel, which can limit tyre choice. The original exhausts are very rare in good nick, and are unique to the K7 and K8, depends what kind of restoration you want to do I guess.
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Welcome to the mad world of the SOHC.
Never buy anything with PD carbs ( they are cheap for a reason). More Power ! Do you know how much a 750 is in Kg's, its a tank compared to a 550 ;)
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That's a 750K7, also has the PD carbs, also a 17 inch rear wheel, which can limit tyre choice. The original exhausts are very rare in good nick, and are unique to the K7 and K8, depends what kind of restoration you want to do I guess.
The PD carbs can be changed? Or will this adversely affect the running of the bike? Again would changing out the rear wheel be a problem - would affect ride height. As for the restoration, i am open to mods to improve functionality (and looks) of the bike.
Welcome to the mad world of the SOHC.
Never buy anything with PD carbs ( they are cheap for a reason). More Power ! Do you know how much a 750 is in Kg's, its a tank compared to a 550 ;)
I have been told the weight is a huge factor in choosing between the two!
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Yes, the carbs can be changed for the K1-K6 or F1 type, not difficult. As regards the weight, yes the 750 is a heavy bike, but it's the best of the early Honda fours, and if a midget like Mick (Green 1) can ride one, anyone can! ;D
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K7's and K8's are famous for tank riot as the metal is as thin as a fag paper ;)
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K7's and K8's are famous for tank riot as the metal is as thin as a fag paper ;)
Thanks for this watch out Trigger. I noticed on the ad that the tank has been checked over and is in great condition - but ill be sure to over check this. One thing that draws me to this bike is the Tank!
Just to be clear is the model i posted K7 or K8?
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If it is a 77 model it's a K7.
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Yes the 750 is taller and yes its heavier but its not to much of an issue. I do have to dismount to push the bike backwards as I'm on tiptoes.
The 750 weighs almost as much as my dads Triumph Trophy 1200. The 550 almost feels like a 250 in comparison.
The 550 is great for more spirited riding as its far more nimble. But I do find it hard work for fast distance work that is more the 750's territory.
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Yes the 750 is taller and yes its heavier but its not to much of an issue. I do have to dismount to push the bike backwards as I'm on tiptoes.
The 750 weighs almost as much as my dads Triumph Trophy 1200. The 550 almost feels like a 250 in comparison.
The 550 is great for more spirited riding as its far more nimble. But I do find it hard work for fast distance work that is more the 750's territory.
So im 6'2 and i guess my main reference is the hornet i used to own.
Hornet weight: 176kg, seat height 795mm.
CB750 78 weight: 231kg, seat height: 810mm
A fair difference in weight than what i have as a reference, but then again it also benefits from 137cc extra.
67 bhp vs102 bhp (I believe, could be wrong).
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Weight is nothing to worry about as there all really heavy when its to late and your going to lay them down.
Forget everything you know about any modern bike as its irrelevant when on an older machine.
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Welcome in.... i agree with green1, dont worry about power or weight.... just enjoy the great looks and the cool sound from the exhaust.... 8)
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Welcome in.... i agree with green1, dont worry about power or weight.... just enjoy the great looks and the cool sound from the exhaust.... 8)
Thanks Rob, just having a flick through your build funnily enough.
Is there a thread regarding do's and don'ts when buying? Or what to watch out for when looking for a project? Im more than happy with full engine tare down but wont to make sure im not buying a no-hoper!
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Welcome to the forum. have fun and forget all about power to weight ratios as with these as there is plenty of weight and little power compared to newer bikes. ;)
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The normal rules apply when looking at a bike. If it sounds like the head is being chewed up by the cam chain that's fairly normal for a 750.
One thing I have learnt is go with your gut feeling and don't be scared to walkaway.
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Welcome Lee, as has been said, its all about what you fancy when your buying an old jap bike - if you where buying objectively, you'd buy a modern bike. Ref engine build, its rare that you can buy one that you can trust - you just don't know how its been treated - budget for an engine rebuild!
Enjoy the forum
Phil
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Welcome to the forum. have fun and forget all about power to weight ratios as with these as there is plenty of weight and little power compared to newer bikes. ;)
You are right, i just havent ridden one before. All the more fun!
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Welcome Lee, as has been said, its all about what you fancy when your buying an old jap bike - if you where buying objectively, you'd buy a modern bike. Ref engine build, its rare that you can buy one that you can trust - you just don't know how its been treated - budget for an engine rebuild!
Enjoy the forum
Phil
I am open to engine re-build and quiet frankly do want to re-build the engine to improve my knowledge.
The normal rules apply when looking at a bike. If it sounds like the head is being chewed up by the cam chain that's fairly normal for a 750.
One thing I have learnt is go with your gut feeling and don't be scared to walkaway.
Thanks for the advice! Do you know what the cost are to get the bike registered if its an import? im guessing there is a thread related to this topic?
again here is the bike im going to view tomorrow, thoughts? : https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/312079517489?ViewItem=&item=312079517489
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Talk to Ash about DK. He knows them well and might give you a few tips on how to cut a deal with them.
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If I start scanning this bike, I see a lot wrong with it. The folk legs are toooo long ;)
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If I start scanning this bike, I see a lot wrong with it. The folk legs are toooo long ;)
Sounds like there is a list of things you have spotted. Again im out of my depth here on what im looking for. I know what im buying is to be a project but i really want to avoid buying a dud.
Was open to upgrading front forks to USD, but again i'd rather buy a good base than have to replace every other component!!
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Talk to Ash about DK. He knows them well and might give you a few tips on how to cut a deal with them.
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Thanks Steve, What is Ash's user name? I'll try ask a few questions. The bidding ends tomorrow and its a knee jerk reaction but im keen to get a project started!
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AshimotoK0
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Don't do it. It's had the American chopper workover, it will cost you a small fortune to put that back to standard let alone refurbish it. There's only been 1 bidder for a reason, and he's probably buying it to split as a donor bike. I run a CB750F2 with the "dreaded" PD carbs that I have now got correctly sorted and it runs superb. Just don't let it stand for weeks without running the engine though, they will clog up. And welcome to the forum.
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Don't do it. It's had the American chopper workover, it will cost you a small fortune to put that back to standard let alone refurbish it. There's only been 1 bidder for a reason, and he's probably buying it to split as a donor bike. I run a CB750F2 with the "dreaded" PD carbs that I have now got correctly sorted and it runs superb. Just don't let it stand for weeks without running the engine though, they will clog up. And welcome to the forum.
Thanks for the advice Roy and ill keep that in mind with the PD carbs! I plan to use my first CB as a trial and error. I will head down for a look as there are a few other bikes. Think i need to get around them and start looking at them not through a computer screen.
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Welcome in.... i agree with green1, dont worry about power or weight.... just enjoy the great looks and the cool sound from the exhaust.... 8)
Thanks Rob, just having a flick through your build funnily enough.
Is there a thread regarding do's and don'ts when buying? Or what to watch out for when looking for a project? Im more than happy with full engine tare down but wont to make sure im not buying a no hoper
When i decided to get my latest project my main criteria was to avoid a full mechanical and cosmetic restoration. I wanted something reasonably inexpensive, something that i would be able to ride and enjoy without worrying about the gradual deterioiration that can happen after an expensive concours resto. So i opted to go for a USA import.... many of them have good chrome and paintwork with very little serious corrosion and low milage, but they can also have been stood for decades with unknown issues. I looked on DK ebay shop for bikes that appeared cosmetically decent but were also running.... When I found one i went down there to have a good look and listen to the motor and then did a deal face to face. Hopefully it will pay off and i will be riding this spring without having to spend too much money. I imagine the overall cost will be roughly 4.5 to 5.0k... But there are lots of different aproaches, some prefer the UK models which will usually require a major restoration, there are plenty of restored bikes on ebay for a bit more £, and some have superb concourse examples which must be extremely expensive to build but are very desirable and valuable.... whichever way you go you will find all the answers here im pretty sure of that.
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My green 750 was a DK bike looked like crap and probably handled like crap every bearing and bush was shot. High mileage engine 70k or something. I gave it a full service took the sump off to check for crap it was spotless. Its run perfectly now for 5 years.
From memory I think it cost £55 to register.
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Forgot to add I wouldn't bother with that one. But that's because I don't like that model.
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Hi Lee, there's a couple of CB750's for sale in this month's classic bike guide. One is in North Yorkshire.
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That F1 looks an absolute bargain, especially as it still has a standard exhaust system!
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I was half tempted but if I bought it I would be joining it in the garage!