Honda-SOHC

400-4's had 130 mph speedo's (as picture) up until frame number 1044029, then 120mph.
110mph speedos are I believe actually 250G5 units.

Also picture of the road test bike JGC 606N as it is today....

Chris R.

There is a second hole in your plate - just above and to the right of the hole you have already fed a pipe through, when viewed from the front. The pipe from between the number 1 and 2 carbs goes along the back of carb numbers 2 and 3 and then in between numbers 3 and 4 and through the second hole. (I have just this week rebuilt the carbs for my late 1971 K2)
I think you meant later K2's when you suggested some had a right side petrol tap. Those later bikes had the extra hole at the left side of the mounting plate (and so three holes in fact).

Routing therefore as per the earlier K1 as already commented.

Chris R.

A LONG time since I have replied to a post on here, but on this occasion I thought I would offer an opinion based on my own observations regarding registrations of  early model CB750’s.
Manufacture of die cast engine CB750’s did not commence until September 1969 (I have an early diecast, VIN 1008054, with 9/69 build date on the VIN plate). There are late sandcast engine CB750’s with a build date of 9/69 too. For this reason a “G” registration is not correct on any die cast bike, and would only be expected to occur if the bike has been incorrectly dated for the purposes of UK registration.
I believe there was however a time when local DVLA offices (the one in Sheffield for instance) would accept the original US title as evidence of age – and in many cases the “date first sold” on these documents would appear only as 00/00/69. In such a case the local office would allocate the registration letter for the first part of the year (G) as opposed to the later part of the year (H).
This happened to me with my 9/69 die cast; having queried the allocated reg. they did backtrack and give it a “correct” H registration.

Chris R.

Pretty sure I can find a set of standard ones in okay condition - give me call on 0114 2466234.

Cheers - Chris R.

A cam shaft with an R-- number on it is 99% certain to be a standard Honda cam. They started at R1 in '69, and the R number tends to increase as the years / models roll by. Whether the number next to the R indicates the mold/ casting / forging, or in some way relates to the lift (though I have never measured a difference in lobe height which could be related to the R number) / angles, or date range / model range is certainly not dcoumented that I have found so far. Having stripped 30+ of these engines over the years I have only ever found ONE non Honda camshaft - and that DEFINATELY did not have an R number on it.

Cheers - Chris R.

You are right, its what every one else does on the roads that can be the problem. But, I have never owned a car (commuted by bike for 34 years now), and faced with a 7 mile journey to work, no buses or trains, no holiday left and wanting to get paid, I made the best of it. Enjoyable - No! Necessary - sadly, yes.

The salt is indeed having a good time with the 400 - its on its second frame already, the other having rotted through at the rear shock mounts. Hopefully it will last till retirement and can then go for scrap! Can't save them all.

Chris R.

Hi all,
The satin finish shields were fitted to all pre - K1 CB750's.

When I restored my first CB750 back in the early '90's, the plater I used "satin polished" a pair of bright chrome shields and achieved  an acceptable dull chrome look. I guess its a matter of finding a plater who is prepared to do something a little different. I know of some one who painted his shields satin silver - you had to look real close to know!
I have been fortunate to find over the years 2 NOS Honda satin shields, still in the wrapper (and only 2 in 25 years of collecting/restoring CB750's). Unfortunately, the finish of these is so different that I would find it hard to reconcile using them on the same bike, even though you only ever see one at a time! Keep hoping to come accross another NOS one which will match one or other of them!
I have used a pair of the Yamiya ones, but was not impressed with the quality - you could see "stains" in the plating in a couple of places which I guess corresponded to the wire attachment points on the inside during plating. It is perhaps worth me saying that my experiences with Yamiya have not been good  - I have had a number of items which have not been perfect and which they have not been interested in sorting an exchange for (Given the prices they charge, my view is that the quality and "after care" are less than satisfactory).

If it were I Ash, I would look to find some s/h chrome shields and talk to a plater about getting them re-finished "dull". If you already have NOS bright chrome ones, you could just use them as is till s/h ones turn up for re-finishing.

Bryan J is spot on regarding Dave Silver's Prices; the large increase in many prices is as a result of Honda having hiked their prices. You will probablly find that DSS prices are cheaper than if you go direct through a Honda dealer (for parts still available), and at least they are interested in what you are doing. Most Honda dealers know nothing about, and are not interested in getting older parts. Having spoken to the guys at DSS on Monday this week, the pending court case being brought BY Honda against DSS is worrying - if Honda get there way our hobby could become infinitely more difficult!

Cheers - Chris R.

Sure looks like a standard "K" series CB750 front disc.

Cheers - Chris R.