School me on Honda's CB750F-1979 vintage

[lgyee4]

I have no idea about these Hondas.
I happened into a 1979 CB750F from a friend that will be my winter project. It doesn't run and is missing some parts. It needs a rear caliper, side covers, both grabrails. (and probably a bunch of other stuff too). And the valve cover was off when I got it.
I'll also need a new pipe. The one on there is cracked in two places and held together with exhaust tape. Anyone know of a 4 into 1 that works with the center stand?
Any thoughts on what I should I aware of as I start the reconstruction?
Know of any good forums for these DOHC 750s?
TIA

 

[augustiron]

First year of the less desirable DOHC 750 engine (not as cool, hip, or collectible as the 69-78 SOHC engine)
will run forever with little maintenance if well cared for. Not worth a lot so don't dump more than you need to get it reliable and enjoy it. If you are paying someone to do the work on it (which is a challenge in itself as most won't touch older UJMs) you will likely spend more than it is worth in resale. If you are working on it yourself, that is the way to go so you can learn all about it in the process.
See about getting the pipe welded/patched. or get used. Post pics.

 

[Tim-That CX Guy]

Loved my Cb750f's.
Good, solid vintage platform.

 

[bpw]

Before you start fixing it make sure it won't be cheaper to just buy a good runner instead.

 

[Tri750]

I had a CB900F for a couple years, really wish I still had it.
This website has a very good forum and classified section.
http://www.cb1100f.net/modules.php?name=Forums

They handle extremely well for what they are.
Maier plastics makes reproduction side covers but they are flexy plastic, not rigid like stock. Also, they don't have push in nubs, but you drill thru them and use screws into push nuts.
Maybe ok for a bobber or a minimalist look bike.
Probably MAC still makes a 4 into 1 for it, no idea if centerstand access is ok.
If you keep it, Dyna ignition will be a good upgrade over points.
I still have a speedo or a tach and a swingarm for one. I think some shocks too, Maybe a few bits like levers etc.
Yell if you need some help finding stuff.
Couple tips and tricks like fitting a bit wider rear tire. I did a lot of stuff to mine, 1100F oil cooler and peg mounts, alloy swingarm, LED taillight, SV650 headlight. Maybe I have a picture.

 

[Ironbutt]

I have one in my garage.. good machine. It needs everything but that will take about 6 hours to repair and bring it back to running again.

 

[louemc]

Before you start fixing it make sure it won't be cheaper to just buy a good runner instead.

:thumbup And...So much more desirable....

The features that came in the next 10 years, made the 1980 bikes just plain pathetic.

 

[lgyee4]

Thanks for the input everyone! I appreciate the long view of keeping this project. The motor is frozen and will needs at least rings.
Augustiron gives me a lot to think about with this project.
Hey Big Al, does your Kerker pipe alow a center stand?

Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Tri750]

AND the motors frozen?
They had a weakness on the cam chain rails and tensioner so go slowly. If the cam chain derailed and subsequently caused the motor to seize, you'll need a lot more than rings.

Centerstand? On a Superbike? No, at one time they may have made a version compatible, but not normally.
See if Mac does AFTER you find out why it's stuck.

 

[lgyee4]

AND the motors frozen?
They had a weakness on the cam chain rails and tensioner so go slowly. If the cam chain derailed and subsequently caused the motor to seize, you'll need a lot more than rings.

Centerstand? On a Superbike? No, at one time they may have made a version compatible, but not normally.
See if Mac does AFTER you find out why it's stuck.

Big Al, thanks. I was just asking for shits and giggles.
and the CB750 is no superbike, it's more pedestrian than Honda's advertisng claims.

 

[Cincinnatus]

Thanks for the input everyone! I appreciate the long view of keeping this project. The motor is frozen and will be a massive paperweight.

FTFY.

Being damned close to Lou's age, I'd say forget the project, save yourself time, money, heartache, and busted knuckles, get a recent runner. :thumbup

Unless you've got unlimited funds, patience, and room in your garage, then spend more time riding a runner than fixing a POS. :thumbup

 

[firstbuell]

^^^^this^^^^^

sorry to say, but even for a Honda CB, part it out & spend $$ for a vintage runner

 

[Tri750]

Not a Superbike?
Freddie Spencer on a very non-pedestrian factory 750F.

 

[louemc]

Not a Superbike?
Freddie Spencer on a very non-pedestrian factory 750F.

Thats a different person on a different bike, and on a track made for racing.

So far removed from what the OP will have...It's different universe.

 

[Cincinnatus]

And 30 years ago... :rofl

 

[HeatXfer]

I had a little problem with race cams and spitting shims on the 900F. Makes a terrible mess of the top end. Loved the F models: 750, 900 & 1100.

 

[augustiron]

Engine seized?!?! put it to the curb ASAP and forget about it. Not worth the headache unless you feel like buying some experience rebuilding engines.

If there are some redeeming qualities like a really clean body, tank, frame, etc that make it worth more than scrap metal, AND you REALLY want a project, you will immediately be $1000 ahead if you find another ugly one with a usable engine and drop it in instead of choosing to rebuild that one.
Seized likely means: bore cyls OS, new OS pistons and rings, all gaskets, valve grinding, and that is hoping that the bottom end is good and nothing is actually damaged anywhere inside.

RUN

 

[Ironbutt]

The 750F I have is for sale.. if anyone<hint hint> is interested. 750 Or best offer.. It's a runner.

By two, make one?

 

[sfo423]

Not a Superbike?
Freddie Spencer on a very non-pedestrian factory 750F.

I like the look! Just get the Kerker.

 

[Cincinnatus]

I like the look! Just get the Kerker.

Yeah, get the Kerker.... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Megaphone-F...28-30748-/321457556548?_trksid=p2054897.l4275

:barf