Ross’s CB750 project

[Galactica]

You can check for air leaks by spraying a bit of carb cleaner on them while the engine is running and listening for a change in revs.

I had tried, using propane from an unlit torch and bottle.

[Galactica]

So, I’ve borrowed a compression tester from Rick at Bby Kawasaki.  Wish me luck.  I’ll let you know the results.

[Galactica]

Ok. So I did a compression test.  150-148-130-148.  Not great, but not disastrous.  The KZ900 I had was worse and I rode that bike a lot, and it worked just fine.

[Twisted_Twin]

I wouldn't worry until you've put some miles and heat cycles on the engine.
It's probably just gummed up rings from sitting.

[Steve G.]

  Italian tune-up is what she needs!

[hardrockminer]

Now you know that running issues are either fuel or ignition.  Or perhaps both.

[Galactica]

Ok.  So, a bit of progress.

I put on an aftermarket seat cover.  Looks ok.  Got the front brake sorta sorted ( more about that in a moment).  Got it running well enough to run it up the lane and see if it shifts. 

Ran it up the lane.  It shifts ok.  Front brake locks up the wheel quite easily (maybe old hard tire?). 

Side covers are really brittle.  They break every time I try to put them on or take them off.  Oh well. 

Now that I know it will go and stop (sorta) I think I’ll start dismantling, cleaning and de-rusting.  Maybe put a permit on it the end of April, take it out to the swap meet and try to get some of my money back.  If not I’ll keep it, sink in a bunch of money and ride for a while.

I dunno, any plan only survives until the first punch in the face (Mike Tyson).

[Steve G.]

  I'm sensing unenthusiastic victory?

[Galactica]

So, I’ve done as much to this bike as I’m willing to do until I actually see how it runs and rides.  I’ll wait until there’s a good weather window to pull a three day permit for some sea trials.  Couple small items still though.  Have to install the grips and check the petcock and that’s it for now.

[hardrockminer]

You're a good man Charlie Brown!

[Runningdog]

Ross, that's good progress......it's a relief to be able to look at getting beyond confirming that you have a runner.   Victory!!!!!

[Galactica]

I replaced one of the dashboard bulbs, and….MEEP MEEP!!  Now I have a horn that works!  Thanks very much Bucko.  So now everything on the bike is functioning.  Hopefully we’ll get a decent weather window soon.  I’ll get a permit and put the bike through a few heat cycles. 

[Galactica]

I think (hope) I have the accelerator pump mostly sorted.  At least it’s better than it was.  Hopefully I won’t have to pull the carbs again.  Just waiting now for a weather window so I can run a couple of tanks of fuel through it.  Ripped it up and down the lane a few times, only managed to get into 2nd gear.  We have speed humps in the lane so you can’t get much speed.  Plus, with the header that’s on it, it’s frickin’ loud.  I don’t want to piss off the neighbours too much.  Runs really good though.  I like it.  I may just keep it.  Just waiting now for a weather window so I can run a couple of tanks of fuel through it.

[Steve G.]

  Geez Ross. It would be a perfect machine for a run to Tuktoyuktuk! That engine will run until the next ice age! A set of knobbies, high fender, I can see a new sub category being birthed. Screw the cafe racer dudes!!!

[Galactica]

  Geez Ross. It would be a perfect machine for a run to Tuktoyuktuk! That engine will run until the next ice age! A set of knobbies, high fender, I can see a new sub category being birthed. Screw the cafe racer dudes!!!

Hey, that’s the trip you’ve been planning.  I’ll sell you my CB and live vicariously.