Introduction - 1981 CB750K

[JMC]

Hello Fellow Wrenchers,

I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm sure I will be picking everyone's brains/experience here as I work on my most recent project.

I have restored 2 Yamaha QT 50's ('79 and '80), fought with a 1978 Sachs Balboa, and recently picked up a 1981 CB750K (for $90!!!) from an auction/tow yard, so this will be my first full size motorcycle restoration.

The bike has obviously been modified, but upon inspection, it looks like he placed most of his intention on the engine and exhaust, which is great. I have already started stripping the gas tank (aircraft cleaner - works great but gives me a wicked headache).

My first troubleshooting will be electrical and I have bought a wiring harness loom from vintagehonda750.

Any advice is much appreciated!

JM

 

[brettp]

Great find! Welcome from Florida!

 

[smirk]

Let me give you the run down of my experience. Charging system: Search and learn. Alternator MUST be properly charging. If battery fails...it kills charging system. If voltage runs low...IT KILLS CDI IGNITORS. I have seen ignitors die just from leaving key on and not started. I have restarted a few barn find 750's bearing the above in mind along with the basic procedures.

 

[JMC]

Let me give you the run down of my experience. Charging system: Search and learn. Alternator MUST be properly charging. If battery fails...it kills charging system. If voltage runs low...IT KILLS CDI IGNITORS. I have seen ignitors die just from leaving key on and not started. I have restarted a few barn find 750's bearing the above in mind along with the basic procedures.

Very good information to keep in mind. Thank you!

 

[Schooney]

Wondering why, 1980 cb750k How come the CDI boxes aren't repairable?
Re built .. Or a better than OEM ones... $129 is just too much !

 

[brettp]

$129 is pretty cheap for quality that won't crap out. It's relative.

 

[Schooney]

Well, probably bout $5 in parts and some black stuff filled in.
$129 ×2 = $258 No, thats not cheap !
I'm going to learn more about them. Take one apart and see how they
Work.

 

[brettp]

Is you can do that, more power to ya! That would be awesome.

 

[SenseAmidMadness]

Well, probably bout $5 in parts and some black stuff filled in.
$129 ×2 = $258 No, thats not cheap !
I'm going to learn more about them. Take one apart and see how they
Work.

Because motorcycles in the US are treated as toys, not practical transportation.

There's a ton of profit margin baked into almost everything related to motorcycles in the US. You can see it clearly when you look at the price difference between snowmobile gear and motorcycle gear, where for the same exact helmet the motorcycle one costs an extra 30 percent.

 

[brettp]

Because motorcycles in the US are treated as toys, not practical transportation.

There's a ton of profit margin baked into almost everything related to motorcycles in the US. You can see it clearly when you look at the price difference between snowmobile gear and motorcycle gear, where for the same exact helmet the motorcycle one costs an extra 30 percent.

I haven't looked into this, nor noticed. But one thing likely contributing to the increased price is the fact motorcycle helmets are mandatory in many states. Like buying water in an airport, the government's rules impact pricing.
I didn't know a snowmobile helmet is the same helmet, I never even thought about it!