81 CB750C back to life!

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2017 3:56 pm

Hi guys, I've been lurking in the background for a couple of months so it's about time I stepped up and said hi and thanks. I've learned a ton and it's made it possible to get my bike back on the road.

I'm the original owner of a 1981 CB750C, bought it in the fall of 1980 in Bellingham, WA. It was my first bike and I loved it, though for awhile it was probably more bike than I had any business learning on. No one got hurt and the bike survived too so it was all good. Life got in the way and eventually the bike got parked and sat in my garage, it was last licensed in 2002 with 9,300 miles on it. My son turned 18 last spring and got himself a Ninja 250R, so getting him started on that kind of got the juices going again for my bike.

A garage find in your own garage is pretty cool because at least you know where it's been and what you have to work with. It was running rough when I parked it so knew the carbs needed work. I sent them on to Sean G. from this site and he did a beautiful job rebuilding them for me.....thanks Sean!

The gas tank was full of rust and orange gorp that was once gasoline so it needed attention too. I got rid of the old gas and rinsed it with soapy water a couple of times, then filled it with Metal Rescue. After sitting for a day I recovered the Metal Rescue and again rinsed the tank first with water then with a small amount of gas. It came out clean as can be, Metal Rescue isn't cheap but sure does work.

The spark units were toast, they had dripped a black tar goop so I replaced them with new ones from Electrosports. The rest of the electrical system tested out OK.

I checked the valve clearance and check them again. Some of the exhaust valves were pretty tight, .05mm, yikes. I found the shims I needed and once in hand got them installed, now all valves are .09 - .13 mm.

Before I got the carbs back I ordered a new set of insulators and had those ready, installed the carbs with the stock airbox.

I replaced the original bars with a set of Daytona Spec bars. I read here and elsewhere where some guys had gone to those. I do like the modified riding position but still have the original bars if I see the need to go back.

The tires on the bike were the second set ever on it, probably 30 years old. Though the tread was good, there were a few cracks in the sidewalls so they had to go. I put on a new set of Avon Roadriders, so far they seen like a good fit.

Lastly, I took the MSF Intermediate Course to get back in the groove and boost my confidence and safety awareness as I get back out there. Sorry for the long first post, I really do appreciate what I have gleaned from this site and know that it was a big help in getting back on the road. Below are a couple of pics of the finished project, thanks for taking a look.

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Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2017 3:59 pm

OUTSTANDING! Love to see one resurrected from the barn (even if it's your own barn Cool

)

And is that a Kerker 4-1 I see on her?

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2017 5:02 pm

Welcome to the site Barkinthedark ... Smile

I'll second Sean's 'emotion' . Wink

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2017 5:04 pm

Yup Sean, that's a Kerker on there. The original four into four rusted out after about three years so I put the Kerker on her. Still solid and the finish is still good.

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2017 5:38 pm

And as rare as an unmolested set of 4-4's. I've had a special place in my heart for Kerker's ever since I put a set on my first "crotchrocket" - a '78 KZ650. Boy that thing ran like a raped ape. Sounded great, too...

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2017 6:29 pm

Kz650b

Nice Honda.kerker sold alot of exhaust over the years

Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2017 7:57 pm

Nice!