Ross’ 1975 CB750

[Galactica]

Lost of work done since I got home from Vernon.  Still awaiting needles and seats, and electrical connectors, but I think Canada Post has lost them.  Lower brake hose and exhaust will arrive next week.

[Wheels]

Looks nice Ross,  I will have to pop by next week and see it.

[Twisted_Twin]

Looking good Ross!

[Galactica]

I’m pretty happy so far.  I’m at a bit of a standstill now until I get the needles and seats. 

[rz5mark]

Is it hard to get the carbs out for the needle and seat replacement ?

[kilowop]

Old bikes are like having a lovely mistress.  Great to look at, but don't add up all the costs.

[Galactica]

Is it hard to get the carbs out for the needle and seat replacement ?

I installed the carbs ‘cause I wanted to see the effect of my efforts so far, even though I know they have to come out again.  I had no idea what a struggle they would be to line up the two airbox screws.  I think it “may” be that the aftermarket carb holders and boots are slightly different.  To answer your question, they’re easy to get out, but difficult to reinstall.  A second person would be helpful. 

The original holders and boot’s were as hard as rocks.  The oil of wintergreen/xylene bath had no effect.  They had to be replaced.

[hardrockminer]

You're falling into a trap Ross.  The nicer you make it the more you need to do!

[rz5mark]

Try this with the carbs. Get a very thin piece of tin that will cover the air boots, bend a 90' along the length of it. That 90' bend will rest on the top of the air boots, make it say 3/4". I use a steel construction stud which is thin tin and cut off one of the 1 1/2" edges.

Put some lube on the tin face.
Rest it on the airboots.
Slide carbs into bottom of intake boots.
Lift back of carbs up and the bells should slide on the lubed face of the tin.
Slide the tin out and you should be pretty close..
Some heat with a hair dryer to soften the boots and remove any fasteners on the airbox might help with wiggle room....and good luck.....

[Galactica]

I didn’t have much difficulty getting the carbs into the boots and holders.  The problem is that no two things can occupy the same space at the same time, or in this case, three things.  I can wiggle the carbs into the rubber bits easily enough, but then the airbox is pushed way aft and down from the mounting bracket holes. 

When next I need to do a final install, I’ll get some help to squish the bellows of the boots to line up the mounting bolt holes.  I imagine that the carbs will have to come on and of a few things before I’m finished. 

Do any of you guys know the initial setting of the air screws on the carbs for these older CB750s?  I currently have them turned out 1 turn from bottom.  Is that correct? At least as a starting point?

[kilowop]

HAH........only FOUR CARBS?     Try fitting the rack of SIX from a CBX that has been sitting for a few years undisturbed.  It would make strong men weep.

[Galactica]

Went to pick up my exhaust at Point Roberts today.  Had to pay PST, GST and duty.  All in, including gas, to get it home cost $635. 

[Steve G.]

  What’s the duty rate for vintage motorcycle parts?   CCS tariff code 9966 states that new or used  parts for vehicles 25 yrs old or older is duty free.

[Galactica]

Looks like I was charged 10%.  Now, I didn’t press the fact that it was for an old motorcycle.  I don’t need to invite an issue with CBSA. 

[Galactica]

So, my tally is now up to $4355.  The lower brake hose is scheduled to arrive Friday.  It seems Canada Post has most likely lost my needles and seats and electrical connectors.  When I finally get them (assuming that’s all the the carbs need), that $ will get me a good clean runner with lots of patina.

Having had it mostly dismantled (except the engine), there are still a number of things that need doing.  The wheel bearings seem fine, but to inspect them requires two special retaining ring tools to get at them.  I didn’t replace the chain and sprockets, as the ones on the bike are replacements that still look pretty good.  The fork ears are quite rusty if you look closely (and they are fairly pricey).  When I have it painted, I’ll have to get a stripe kit and lower tank mouldings.  The mounting nuts on the mirrors are really rusty, and to my mind, if I apply for collector plate, they would need replacement.  Stock Honda mirrors are still available, but also quite expensive.

For now though, I think I’ve done pretty much everything that’s required to make a cool runner.  Can’t wait to fire it up.