Okay, so I finally got my hands on a 1974 Honda CB750. It was a bit of a mess, honestly, but I saw the potential. I’ve always wanted to restore one of these classic bikes, so I jumped at the chance.
Getting Started
First thing I did was assess the situation. The bike had been sitting in a garage for years, covered in dust and grime. There was some rust on the chrome, the seat was ripped, and the tires were flat. But the engine turned over, which was a good sign!
- Cleaned it up: I spent a whole day just washing and scrubbing the bike. Years of dirt and grease had to come off before I could really see what I was working with.
- Took inventory: I made a list of all the parts that were missing or needed replacing. This was a long list, including things like cables, mirrors, and turn signals.
The Engine Work
I was kind of nervous for starting the Engine, but I figured, let’s dive in. The good news is that the Honda CB750 is well well-known, so finding info and parts online wasn’t too tough.
- Carburetors first: Took those suckers apart, cleaned all the jets and passages, and put them back together with new gaskets. The bike uses four, so it requires Patience.
- Checked the oil:Drained the old, black, nasty oil and put in fresh stuff. Changed the oil filter, too.
- Fired her up: Hooked up a temporary fuel tank, held my breath, and hit the starter. She coughed a bit, then roared to life! It was a beautiful sound.
Body and Frame
After get the engine runing, next is deal with the rusty frame and dented tank.
- Rust removal: Wire brushes, sandpaper, and a lot of elbow grease. I got most of the rust off the frame and prepped it for paint.
- Bodywork: I found a local guy who specializes in old motorcycle paint jobs. He did an amazing job matching the original color.
- New seat: Ordered a reproduction seat online. It looks just like the original, but without the rips and tears.
Putting It All Back Together
This was the fun part – seeing the bike come back to life. I carefully reassembled everything, using new bolts and fasteners where needed. It was like putting together a giant puzzle.
- Wheels and tires: Got new tires mounted and balanced. Polished up the chrome rims as best as I could.
- Wiring: The old wiring harness was a mess, so I replaced it with a new one. That was a bit of a headache, but I got it done.
- Final touches: Installed the new mirrors, turn signals, and all the little details.
Finally, after many weekends of work, I was ready for a test ride. I put on my helmet, fired up the engine, and slowly pulled out of the driveway. The bike ran great! It was smooth, powerful, and just a blast to ride. I’ve still got a few minor things to tweak, but for the most part, the restoration is complete. It’s been a rewarding project, and I’m proud to have brought this classic Honda back to its former glory.
