loading
reading
writing
saving
searching
1978 CB750F Project - $1,500
QR Code Link to This Post
$1500 FIRM for everything or just the engine for $700
1978 CB750F about 90%
If you are not mechanically inclined, this is not the bike for you.
The Good:
Clean NJ Title
Engine Runs and has compression (115, 130, 135, 140) I rode it around the neighborhood a few times. Compression may go up with more riding and some ring free in the fuel.
Has kickstart.
New 530 rear chain and sprockets conversion (installed)
New Speedo & RPM gauge
New all balls neck bearings (installed)
New wheel bearings (installed)
New tires and tubes (installed)
Calipers rebuilt with new all balls kits (installed)
New SS brake lines (installed)
New front master cylinder
Rear master cylinder rebuilt with all balls kit.
New Uni pod air filters.
New fuel valve petcock
New CycleX spin on oil filter conversion
Oil cooler with 8AN oil lines
Frame was modified to include removable frame brackets. The original SOHC frame design makes it impossible to remove the valve cover while the engine was still in the frame, so the engine needed to be removed. The CycleX removable frame pieces mean the valve cover can now be removed with the engine in the frame. The engine can also now easily be removed and reinstalled. These engines were notoriously difficult to remove and install due to the tight tolerance of the frames so this was a common modification for these bikes.
The Bad:
Engine history and mileage unknown, it came from a running 1976 CB750F donor bike with no title which was purchased at auction from Kaplan Cycles.
Engine runs but needs fine tuning, I did a static timing check and timing is close but the timing needs more TLC, probably need a timing light to finish it and get it dialed in in combination with some test rides.
Rear wheel is slightly off center from the back bone and not sure why. Wheel is perfectly straight and perfectly aligns with the engine sprocket but the centerline of the wheel is not 100% aligned with the backbone of the frame. Not sure if this is just 1970's tolerance or if there is another issue. It never really bothered me because I had planned to put on a weld-on or bolt-on hard tail rear frame and turn it into a bar hopper. I did ride it about 5 miles and I don't notice anything, but again I was going to have to recenter wheel with the hardtail kit anyway. The stock bike was layed down and the engine was cracked in a few places so that's why the engine was replaced. The frame and everything looks straight and measure straight so I don't think the frame or swingarm is bent.
Custom oil tank has a tight tolerance for proper oil level, it's easy to overfill but ran fine when oil level is set properly, oil level is just a bit more finiky compared to stock oil tank set up. You could easily change out the oil tank and if you needed help welding on any tabs to change it over I could help you with that.
The frame has been heavily modified. If you want a stock frame this isn't it. Rear tail was chopped and looped, various mounting tabs for stock oil tank and side covers were cut off, the two lower backbone tubes have a welded CycleX interlocking bung kit for removable frame pieces...most of which is typical for a custom CB750 cafe style build.
If you buy this bike you will need to do the following:
Full wiring, the wiring on it was only temporarily done just to go around the neighborhood for some test rides.
Headlight with mounting bracket
Needs a seat, I started to make a seat pan but haven't got as far as mounting or foam/leather.
Rectifier needs to be mounted somewhere and possibly a bracket made.
Alternator/charging system should be checked to ensure proper voltage output
Blinkers, horn etc need to be mounted if you want to run them.
open to trades.