Hi

[Nick Hood]

Hi
I have just purchased a 750k7 and I have joined here to find more information. I used to have the 550 version of this when I was 19, but had to sell it to buy a car for work (could not fit a ladder rack to it lol). I really wanted the 750 at the time but I could not afford one then. They did not do this colour in the uk. This is an American import. Its not been restored and has only 19k on the clock. This is purely a fun purchase, as we have several bikes. Our main bikes are Triumph 1050 Tigers.
After riding it 80 miles home I have found the front brake to be rubbish. I don't remember my 550 being that bad. Any suggestions ? New Pads ? if so where from ?

Nick

[Trigger]

Welcome to the mad world of the SOHC. Nice looking bike, I am surprised that you can remember what the brakes were like when you was 19. It is a old bike with old brakes, you could try a new stainless steel piston and seal, if the piston is not moving freely.
It is a lot of weight to stop on a single disc and many members put a twin system on.   

[Nick Hood]

Before that I had a Norton Commando with a Lockheed disc. Now I remember that did not work, but always thought the Honda was ok. I don't want to change the bike at all. looking at its Mots is only done 6k in 21 years. Any idea what its worth ? I guess if I paid over the odds I will have to keep it a long while. The main thing is I love it too bits

[Nurse Julie]

Welcome to the Forum Nick. I have owned too many British bikes to remember and I also feel the brakes on the Honda are slightly better but, only just.
If you love your K7, and why not, don't even worry about what it's worth. You cannot put a price on riding it and having fun.

[Nick Hood]

Thanks Julie, I'm not too bothered about what its worth, just wondered. Before I bought it, I had a look around and it seemed to be the going rate. Its just in such an amazing condition for 40 years old,

[Spitfire]

Welcome, as for front brakes when I bought my first 750 it was a revelation after drum brakes, but riding around in company with more modern bikes certainly shows it up, on mine I fitted a new piston, seals, pads, overhauled the master cylinder and fitted braided hoses but I still have to brake way earlier to avoid hitting the more modern bike in front of me when he brakes !

Cheers

Dennis

[AshimotoK0]

Welcome from me too.

[SteveD CB500K0]

Hi Nick.
I've had Tiger 1050s, Sprint 955s (four of them) and currently ride a Tiger 800.
I'm afraid your memory is rose tinted regarding the brakes. Compared to your daily ride, the K7 will be just rubbish (but characterful rubbish )
I've had my 500/4 alongside all the Triumphs and the VFRs before that and still love it. You just have to accommodate the 40 year old engineering.

Your K7 is probably half the power of your Tiger with more weight.

Steve


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[mike the bike]

Hi Nick and welcome.   +1 on what people say about 40 year old brakes.  You've been spoilt having got used to more modern anchors.  Replacing the hoses should make a difference and they dont have to look like braided stanless hoses.  There are companies that make replica hoses that look original.
Nice looking bike that.

[steff750]

After riding it 80 miles home I have found the front brake to be rubbish.

you could try pads as a easy fix ive changed brake pads on one of mine as they become glazed
then change hoses if not better  then the piston next. these bikes are buggers to bleed properly
like said before they wont be much better after all that atleast you have a better back brake lol just learn too keep your distance if you have rode a bsa a10 with full width hubs you will know how bad brakes are ,thinking distance is everything on these old bikes enjoy and welcome

[Green1]

Welcome from me too
The only problem with the 750 brakes is the've got to stop 226kg thats almost as much as my triumph Trophy

[Nick Hood]

Thanks for your replies. Will try the pads first. Where is the best place to get them ?