FIRST! Seriously though you will have that on them big jobs. This bike is a fantastic display of a classic CB750 and has been well kept its entire life. Unfortunately it is easy to start chasing your tail on fixing them when they throw multiple problems at you at once. I always stress proper diagnosis before buying parts as you need to understand the root cause of these issues or you will get even more frustrated by spending extra money and time. Luckily we didn't need to buy anything here but rather adjust and repair what we had. Now this bike is ready for the season!
Why is your filming in front of the Bike when the headlight was off ,a Mirror Image ,ie all the words are Backwards on your hat and the Honda Badge ??sussed it ,filming in Selfie mode on phone lol
The problems NOT vintage bikes.. it's endemic in ALL after market parts.. Quality.. just doesn't exist.. makers efforts to compete against Chinese crap.. we used to struggle with.. jap crap in our day till they sorted sh!t out through the 60s & 70s.. then Taiwan & Korea(south).. I only buy in anything.. non chinese.. though there are glimmers of hope.. Kove & CF & Voge are getting very good reviews
Always the problem. So often you can't charge for the work you've done because it looks like you're trying to rip a customer off. Equally if you don't do what's required customer is unhappy. It's a lose-lose. And this one went well, so often they don't.
@@somebloke5565 Diagnostic work is usually a straight time charge . The customer authorizes you to diagnose , and often that can involve invasive checks and tests etc ....within reason . If in the allotted time they give you , you are unable to source the issue , you call and explain where you are at and what your test results are thus far . Then you discuss if they would like to continue for another block of diag time. That is unless you have an empathetic conscience and insist on pushing onward off the clock so to say , because you feel bad for not finding the issue that the vehicle came in for . In this specific case , I think that the customer was the winner .... if they had not brought it to him , they would have been dealing with other issues down the road .
I know the video felt strange for you, but its so much better than a lot of the fake manufactured UA-cam content out there. It's real work with real headaches and real setbacks and just the reality of dealing with old machines and old systems and I appreciate you still publishing this video despite all the frustration with the bike. It's important to see this side of working on old cars and old bikes.
100% totally agree with @GTarditi comment actually made me feel better about the situation ok I am NOT the only person that deals with the EXACT stuff and range of emotions but these machines are MAGIC when all these bugs are worked out and properly tuned - keep bringing the content your videos are excellent compared 95% of them out there
@@BrickHouseBuilds Got a 97 Kawasaki Zephyr 750, so it's newer than your CB750 here, but otherwise a lot similar (inline 4, carburated, no abs etc). So far it hasn't given me a lot of pain (only had it for one year though)
I think, best is a simple one. I do 5000 miles on my honda cg 125 and 2500 miles on my cd 175/1970. plus 4000 miles on my lifan 125 ( cg 125 copy now having 50000 ml) No problems. More complicated biles may give u an headace 👻👻
Maybe one of your best videos. This is what we all go through with our bikes, especially the ‘new to me’ bike. Issue after issue and you just keep troubleshooting and keep moving forward. That’s what makes it YOUR bike!
Have you read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance"? Your comment about your mental state being affected by the running condition of the bike reminded me of that book. Your tenacity in the face of adversity and unwillingness to accept defeat is exactly why I can't stop fixing old bikes that others have given up on. It's some sort of sickness maybe
Pirsig's hippy son was stabbed to death by two muggers despite telling them he had no money. There was no hate crime then.🤔 Pirsig left the US for Sweden . ( From an appendix to the last edition.) So sad that I can't read the book again.
Re the new "bad" condenser vs the old "good" part, how can a person know he's getting quality parts anymore? Once the OEM stops supporting it, the market for parts for a 50-year-old vehicle is pretty small, even for something as popular as these were. Coupled with the "whatever's the cheapest" mindset of many purchasers, the prospects of getting good quality parts seems pretty slim. Which is why the fix for these old-style ignitions is going to new electronic systems, I guess.
I thought it was odd when stationed in Okinawa Japan. Ignition parts didn’t come in bubble packs . The parts person at the motorcycle shop checked voltage or resistance or whatever on each condenser so that they matched. Same with the points. Now I think about how cool it was they cared to sell you the properly matched parts. And not just sell parts as new . But it was 1979 and parts were easily available for my 1973 K3 750
With parts.. go to owners club websites and read old posts or ask.. Everything has come up before on old bikes.. they will point you to products that are good. Electronically speaking a lot of stuff now is better than what was available before (solid state stuff does work well).. even when cheap.. but of course there are some shocking quality things out there from grifters that are just plain con artist trash. But.. do some research one night and you can find something that will see you right and not cost the earth. With physical parts at least you can kinda see the quality, with the exception of proper hardening.. got burned with a rear sprocket that is as worn as my old one after just a couple of months. Really depends on the part for where you source it.. sometimes its better to steer clear of eBay bs.. sometimes it will do just fine.
Aviation guys restoring magnetos are using KEMET PME271M metallized paper capacitors with great results. Sometimes you just have resort to solutions like this when there's no parts available anymore.
I know that vintage bikes can be painful, but with some patience at least they are fixable without resort to plugging in a laptop! Great video, keep up the good work.
100% correct. That’s why the government doesn’t really want you to have them. They have not got their claws in the emissions on the old bikes. I prefer jets and air screws over fuel tuners and maps.
Is it really fixing a vintage bike if you don't at least read one forum post from 2013 by BigBore69 telling you yellow wire mods and random bullshit carb fixes?
If you do your own spannering for the most part, owning a classic is a joy from a maintenance perspective (apart from 2strokes maybe that need a strip down more often, but even with those if you get the knack.. you can do it yourself) My cb750 needs tweaks fairly often, but... And it's a big but.. mostly you can do all of it without pulling it to pieces.. accessibility is very good for maintenance areas. On my 90's sports bikes it's often a chore simply to take all the fairing off, and take off loads of other bits just to even get to the part you want to deal with. Say service a camchain tensioner or set valve clearances. Both can be done on a cb750 with it on its side stand in about and hour.
I feel you, got one of my bikes running after a full strip down, frame and engine change, took it for a test drive Saturday, 10 miles ran great, full of power and 80's raw feeling. Parked it up ready for a Sunday run, Sunday, got about 5 miles in, pulled up at a traffic light, bike stops dead. Started straight back up but wouldnt keep running on idle... OK, carried on another 10 miles, down to 3 cylinders, turned home, down to 2 cylinders, 5 miles from home barely running, managed to finally get back home, pushed it into the shed, locked it up and just walked away - soul draining
@@BrickHouseBuilds We do have the privilege of just walking away and using another bike, that was my tip for owning an old bike, get more than one, you need one to ride, one you are working on and another for just in case (and then another and another etc) and eventually you become BJ :)
@@BrickHouseBuildsyeah,..know the feel of it,.. I now have a ready full advertisement laying around at my computer,.. Ready to sale to the highest bidder!.. 🤮
Thank ya. Believe it or not I also get angry comments when I talk too much, play music, ride around the block without gloves, and tons of other stuff. Just because I titled this video in this way I made people mad lol
Oh believe me… I understand. I don't create content but I know how the general public can be… Brutal. 🤣🤣🤣 Just always keep in mind, as a general rule people suck!!! 😂😂😂 Good work!!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
This video hit pretty close to home. I have been fighting with my 1978 CX500 off and on since I've gotten it 4 years ago. I love your videos because they're authentic. Keep it up!
Outstanding video! As a automobile mechanic myself, I felt your pain every step of the way. Kudos to you for keeping your composure and fixing the bike in the end. Thanks for giving us relatable content!
I like these videos because it reflects real life... Sometimes these do-it-yourself videos make things look so easy and then when you do it yourself, it isn't so easy... So you encountering these problems, one after another, you just maintain your calm demeanor (even though you were probably getting frustrated), and deal with each issue one at a time as they come up... That in itself is a good lesson for us that want to work on our own vehicles, or anything we're working on around the house...!!! Nice job 👍
Hi BJ, brilliant video mate, just love how you overcame quite a list of problems, at least you did not start throwing spanners across the floor. A real insight into the life of a classic motorbike tech. Good stuff. Take care, cant wait for the next one.😁
Thank you for pointing out that Honda uses 3.5mm bullets... I just ordered a bunch from vintage connections yesterday but I order the 4mm bullets thinking they were the correct ones. Time to go place another order. : )
Loved the video. A lot of us that work on our motorcycles can relate to your experiences. Being honest, real as it happens is the way to go. Keep up the excellent content
We restored a 1974 750, putting so much work into it. Now it’s up for sale and these idiots are nitpicking it. Makes me want to scream! First off, it’s a 50 year old machine. Next, it’s a very nice example. Lastly, if you have to nitpick one of these vintage bikes, you have no business owning one. Any old car or any old bike requires some work. I think the $10,000 asking price was more than fair based on its overall condition low mileage $2000 exhaust system new tires, blah blah blah. These jerks they wanna look cool but they don’t want the work that goes along with it. Good video thank you for sharing.
I’m hearing the words, ‘Aftermarket…cheap…non-standard…’ and seeing dodgy electrical work. Replace like-for-like with Honda parts and the bike will never miss a beat. These are one of the most reliable bikes ever built. Electronic ignition and fuel injection are great but points and carbs work well when maintained. The carby ‘O’ rings, although, according to you, were of poor quality probably softened and swelled. I’ve owned this model bike and done thousands and thousands of miles on one without a problem. I routinely checked the bike for damage and performed routine maintenance and the bike kept as Honda built it. Honda build outstanding motorcycles.
Can't always go like for like, but there are a lot of people out there that have already been through it all. Often there is a lot of good advice and recommendations for replacement parts that will do as well or better. From a person that has worked on my own bikes a lot these oldies once restored a bit are less of a headache than many modern machines. For almost any problem you have a chance to fix it with your own effort. Even if they need a bit more tinkering, that tinkering is often comparitively easy to any equivalent job on anything after 2000.
I love the diagnostic chase your tail a bit nature of this video! Very authentic and feels just like my experience with my own project lately. Right on down to the randomish carb decides to dump gas issue.
Thanks for great video on vintage honda. Ignition,fuel,cylinders etc. Old machines are like older people,they develope multiple problems. O.k. one day but not the next unless they get plenty of t.l.c.
With respect to the old person analogy.. you have to look at the bigger picture.. some parts age better than others.. just like us It's like say giving someone a knew hip after they have been shuffling about for a while and shortly after then need a knee operation.. because they started walking about properly again and suddenly the knees couldn't keep up with the action requested. Think about the whole system in question and premeditate a little and replace a few more bits of similar condition "while you are at it" and that keep it sweet for much longer, and avoid a lot of chasing problems. If one seal is dry and cracked and one fuel hose is splitting... then consider replacing all the seals and hoses of the same age.. I mean you'd only swap out a single spark plug as a short term fix wouldn't you.. most people automatically think.. "I will do the lot if I am going to do that job, cos thats what you do".. same goes for when connectors fail, or rubber seals go where many nearby might be of similar age. If you have an old bike that you work on for a long time, you should kinda have an idea of where the next problem will come from and already have a plan to refresh that whole system to some degree.
This kind of stuff happens and showing people that it does is a good thing. I have had no luck finding decent condensers, I finally gave up and adapted an electronic ignition from a KZ1000 onto my 67 Yamaha YL1E Twin Jet 100. It runs so so much better. Here is an FYI, points (all mechanical switches) do something called ringing, look it up. In an ignition system that ringing causes the coil to discharge briefly on the initial opening, and immediately after, the points close up again and then open again and it does this many times each point break. This causes the coil to not give you an accurately timed spark as well as a kinda weak spark because it wasn't able to completely collapse the field on the initial opening . An electronic ignition has no ringing, allowing a complete discharge of the coil as well as a super accurate spark timing. There is an increase in drive ability and power. Just saying
No argument that electronic is better. This is just trying to keep the bike original. Electronic ignition won't work well if the other wiring issues didn't get fixed either
I just bought a complete 1973 CB750 for C$750. It's painted the original Maxim Brown Metallic. 17982 kms. Been sitting since 1988. New battery, oil change, squirt of penetrating oil down the jugs. No spark. Wiggled all the electrical connections and get spark. Shot of srarting flyid down each carb and she's alive. Lots of work left, but so much fun to play with.
81 Honda CB750 Custom.. 27,000 on it. but Rebuilt Top End.. So 350 on that.. Had one when I was 16 back in 90. LOVED IT! Road it for 10yrs. Paid 1800 for it and got 2400 as a Trade in on a Motor Home.. and Have the Rebuilt One Now. LOVE IT! Paid 2200 for it. Guy got it just running enough to sell it to me. 5000 Later and it's Rebuilt. New Brakes, New Tires, Wires, Plugs, Seat Recovered and other things all included. Still need Exhaust and a few minor things done but IS Ride-able. Even came with the Backrest and Luggage Rack and a Front Cowl to make it look like a Goldwing. Side Engine Protectors.
Look after it and it will look after you. Sounds like you have the right attitude with such a bike.. I bet for most issues you encounter now, you can sort by the roadside well enough to get home and sort in the evening properly.
@@jimstartup2729 Yeah, even have a Gas Station about 6 Miles away that has Normal Non Alcohol Corn Based Gas.. Non 10-15% Gas I am going to use and fill up every 100 miles or so... UNLESS I have no other option on slightly longer trips.. May cost more but will be worth it. Already Laid it on it's side while parked. I was trying to get off it and my Shoe Lace got caught on the Clutch Pedal.. No Damage.. It laid over onto my left leg. Needed help getting it up. Had to happen.. I Laid my Previous one down also but they had just got done laying Gravel and I was cornering, Taking it WAY Slow but rear tire still slipped. Bent the handle bar. No Help needed getting it up because it wasn't On my. 50yrds away from my Jobs Work Shop, took the torch and heated it and bent it back.. Laid my Vary First Bike Down also. Making my First U-turn and Throttle Stuck. Little Kawasaki 440.. No Help Needed getting it up, it was Sooo Light. So Now that I tipped this one... Nothing else should Happen, It's out of the way.. And I also Glued my shoelaces to the shoes... Peace!
I realize vintage bikes can be a pain. My next door neighbor has a '73 Triumph Trident that his dad bought for him when he was 15. He still rides it with me on my Z900. Always little glitches, but all in all it runs rather well and the sound the triple makes is mesmerizing. My Dad had a new '71 750 K1 - candy garnet brown. I used to stare at the big 4 cylinder in the garage. Still the coolest looking engine ever made imo. Something about them I can't shake. Keep bringing them back to life good man.
Easy day! I own a K6, but after years of aviation maintenance on helicopters it actually soothes me how reliable and how little work needs to be done if you stay on top of it. The military really made me into someone who really has to be doing something with my hands constantly, looking over and inspecting things on the daily, which helped me out with my vintage vehicles. They may be frustrating, but purchasing extra components as you go can really be a time saver and give you a better state of mind. Cheers and enjoy! These bikes really have their own personality, modern bikes you don’t have to “work with” or so-to-speak like the old ones. The best way I can explain it is a symbiotic relationship.
I just sold my 74 cb750. Loved that bike. It was a dream until it wasnt. I was in no place to deal with the same things youre dealing with. Good on you though for having the knowledge and a shop to do it.
Lemme start with this: Your video was not THAT bad! I sat through all 29:52 of it, learned some stuff, had a chuckle or two, and we all came out the other side. Good on ya'! Second, it's folks like you who make it possible for folks like me to even ride motorcycles or scooters or anything (loved that mini-bike in your showroom!). My mechanical abilities start and stop with turning the key. So, folks in your market -- wherever you're located -- are quite lucky to have you, your easy-going temperament, and your knowledge/skill sets/talents to keep 'em on the road. Congrats!
I have a chopper with a cb750 in it. Thru the years i talked to many older guys that would ask where my stuff was for cleaning the points, I'd laugh, but they were exactly right, constantly had to clean and adjust them. I finally thought it was time to upgrade it. I tore it all down repainted it, and then put on a dyna 2000 electronic ignition Was the best thing I did to it. Seemed to give it more power and all my problems were gone. After that it ran great. They sure can be frustrating at times, but once ya figure all the problems out they are usually good to go. good video
I hear people saying they constantly have to adjust them but what do you mean by that? How often are we talking? My bike has gone more than 3000 miles without any adjustments. Just goes and goes
@@BrickHouseBuilds It seemed had to at least clean them probably 2 or 3 times a summer, I was way younger then, Maybe the cover was leaking rain into it and causing some corrosion. can't remember exactly, but I do remember being in their more than I thought was normal. Seems some are just good and no problems.
Great video, great details. These take time to make and I appreciate what you’re doing. No apologies for the talking…the more explanation the better. 👍👍👍
This was a great video. The format and editing was very engaging and kept a guy interested. I've lived through many builds and diagnostics that have simply dogged a guy with random seemingly coincidental issues one after the other! You are not alone. Thanks for the great video!
Excellent diagnosis as always. Can't over emphasis how brittle 50 year ol copper becomes especially after pulling and pushing the connector back together. I usually look to see if the connection becomes elasticized (mild tugging) and that when it automatically gets a new bullet connector. Keep up the great work Brick!😊😊😊
Very entertaining video! Thanks for sharing the whole process and timeline. The camera on the bike while you were pushing it up the lift was a nice touch!
Been down this same road bud! Working on a 1979 Honda CT90 and the headlight wiring had many sins of the previous owner! Way to work through the steps, these old bikes make you work for it but the payoff is worth it!
The video went perfectly well. Not a bad boring video but indeed quite intuitive to cover electrical and mechanical aspects to help your customer with a solution.!! The music is also cool..!!
I was guessing a condenser problem at the start, being on the receiving end once. At least you can fix a vintage bike - let's see you try that with the current crop of cyber bikes in 50 years time, I'm guessing they will all have been scrapped as irreparable long before then. Now for something challenging - let's fix the CBX!
I can do a bit on new stuff but haven't dove in very far. My vstrom is the newest thing i have. As far as the CBX I am beginning to organize hardware to get the project rolling as of now!
Great Video and thanks for posting it. I dig the Honda 750. Intermittentt electrical problems are the worse! Usually replacing old parts, with known good parts is your best bet. Some Vintage wiring harnesses can drive you crazy.
Your video shows the solved/unsolved problems working on many things like bikes and cars. You handled the repeat issues in a very calm manner (at least on video). Throw is away or take it easy and keep at it. Good job.
I have found in my journey of learning to wrench on vintage hondas (with your help along the way) that buying cheaper parts almost never saves you money, or time. Also, it is hard to find oem or good parts for these bikes. Great job figuring this out!
Back in the late 70's I got a dealer poster about 24x40 inches of a early 70's gold colored CB750 that was printed on highly reflective foil. All the chrome parts of the bike were the exposed foil, the background was Matt black and of course the bike was gold. It was the most beautiful poster of my bike you could imagine. Many years later it was damaged when I moved to the States. I would love to have it to frame now but have had no luck finding one. If you have one or know where I might buy one I would much appreciate it.
I may have an explanation for the mystery fuel leak issue, particularly if the bike has recently been laid up, say over the winter. I did some work on my 1982 CB650 a couple of years ago involving removal of the carbs (as one unit, i.e. I did not split the rack). Several weeks later I re assembled the bike and the carbs etc. Turned on the fuel tsp and had leaks from the gaskets just as you experienced. Seems that the rubber O rings had dried out allowing them to shrink and leak. I persevered allowing fuel to stay in the system whilst the O rinks effectively swelled up re sealing the pipes. Never had s problem since. I was very relieved to have avoided a full disassembly of the carbs!
Great video. Your customer is lucky to have someone like you to debug the problem. I had a CB650Z back in the early 80's. Put a set of Nippondenso Hot U plugs in it before I went on a 3000km ride. About half way thru it started misfiring on No 3. Took it to a local dealer who said the plug was history. Didn't have the Hot U plugs, so I put a new set of Champions in. Couple of hundred km's from home No 3 started acting up. Took it to my local shop and after much wringing of hands and gnashing teeth, their first estimate was a burnt valve. The plug was a mess. Long story it turned out the the plug was crook. What are the odds of buying 2 sets of plugs, each with a faulty one and putting it into the same cylinder? I brought the old plugs back, got a replacement and it ran fine.
I sometimes solder but when I show that I get a lot of push back from people. There is argument that the solder can make the connection brittle as it wicks under the insulation past the joint
@@BrickHouseBuilds I never have had an issue on my 1983 Moto Guzzi Cal ll. Bot it is always garage kept and hardly ever gets any moist, as I reside in Arizona😎
Man this was a great video!!!! I truly felt like I was working on one of my projects. Truly enjoyed this great to see someone else thought process during diagnosis.
Man I hear you. I also reworks a '74 K4 and found at the last moment that the front forks were nothing but lace under the rubber boots below the headlight bucket.. Lucky in that the other half had small enough hands to route the headlight wiring in the fairing I installed around the new forks. then it was swing-arm bushings and rear wheel bearings.
What a beautiful bike! I had one just like it years ago, and of the several CB 750s I had through the years, I think the candy gold is the best-looking. I envy that owner!
I ride an 82 Honda GL1100. On the way home from getting new tires the clutch cable snapped. Last week the engine developed a noise. Love the bike. But you are right I am having to work for it.
I think it's a great episode actually. Stumbled upon this this morning due to the algorithm popping it up in my feed and I'm glad they did. First time watching but now I am a subscriber. 👍🏼
I started out on Japanese motorcycles working on them when I was a kid back in the 1970s, The biggest problem I had was bikes with multiple carbs on them and those thin gas tanks getting pin holes in them. It seemed like the best bikes were the single cylinder single carb bikes, Since then I have owned several Harley's and the build quality of the tanks and the frames are second to none, They are a lot heavier and slower in there cc class but one carb and no tank cream liners anymore sold me along with the exhaust note.
I use those U shaped crimps as well. I like them and they work well. Mostly! Exception is some bikes where the original wiring has used them for joining a bundle of wires together - Once crimped the insulation on the cables means the outer actual wires have a significant bend going into the crimp - and these fail after a few years (Aprilia - I am looking at you here!) . Easily solved by limiting the number of cables joined in one crimp, and using multiple staggered joins if necessary. I am suffering working on a bike at the moment that is just no cooperating. For example a head bolt snapped off when undoing it - and I wasn't using much force, just using a 3/8" ratchet. And the head bolt (listed as 7x70 from Honda) isn't available anymore. I am getting close to putting the bike away (engine is out now) and fogetting it for a few years........
@@BrickHouseBuilds , this is a CBR250RR (MC22 - the one with the 19000rpm red line). It is tiny. Yes it is a weird bolt and not sure what to do about it.
That was a great bit of work. It was a good video to watch, as these are real world problems. This is helpful especially as I will be working on a friends 1970 CB750 in the near year here in the UK. Seasons greetings.
Early CB750’s also didn’t steer - or stop very well - either. And in the rain, no matter how much you got it right in the dry, the ignition was sketchy for sure. The headlight nacelle spaghetti was where to go first or second, but the upper frame mounted electrical components were fussy too sometimes. They still didn’t suck though. They were amazing in their time. IMO. I rode a bought-new 1975 CB750 to work 12 months a year in New England for nearly 6 years and car levels of mileage. It was a nearly human friendship. So many things were mysterious, left unsaid. And the bike could act sort of spiteful and selfish if neglected even a little. Loose connections, main fuse blowups, were the usual culprits. But in every pinch she brought me home somehow. I sold the bike, very clean and tight, for a reasonable return on investment when I decided to get a new bike before riding across the country to move to California for another 5 years of live and learn. That bike was also a Honda, different model, generation, and story. Another rock-solid bike and it didn’t suck too. But first and second gen CB750s were something different than anything ever and changed everything. Now I am pretty old and mostly like Moto Guzzi. They are wonderful and make very little sense in some ways, but don’t suck either.
Had one like it in the 70’s. a couple of friends, also owned similar vintage CB 750’s. I remember that some of them were plagued by condenser anomalies. It may have be a bad batch of condensers from the factory, or some supplier. Very frustrating to track down, as I recall. Great bikes, but I actually preferred my Triumphs. I kept trying to upshift the Honda, because it was so smooth and revved higher than I was used to. Nice to see a CB 750 in that kind of original shape!
Coworker brought his 72 CB500 to work thats been in his garage since least 98. We will be trying to get it back on the road & your videos will def come in handy.
I spent a lot of time working on my old 78 750k. And it's so nice to sit at the computer in a soft chair and just observe a good mechanic going through the same problems I had years ago. This generation just doesn't have a clue how much time goes into things link the points up keep, adjustment, replacement, along with valve adjustment and cam chain adjustments. (I do enjoy watching these videos.)
Yeah this is par for the course on an old bike. These problems would have showed up regardless but they just chose to show up all at once. Definitely relevant to many owners!
I really do believe these bikes can be made to be very very dependable and low maintenance... But... Cost and time is always the biggest factor for most, so often rebuilds still have a lot of flimsy original components that look clean put back in, when they are in reality pretty much shot. That results in constant "issues". But the fact is everything on that old bike can be done better now.. better tolerance.. better materials.. better electronic components.. a little modernisation to an old bike is wonderful. The weaknesses of old machinery is known very well.. and fanatics have addressed them many times. I hope people keep up making these designs live on even if they get resort to a newly cast, or machined part that looks the same but performs better.
I enjoyed your video. I have a CB750 K0 that's been in my collection for almost 10 years but never put on the road. I decided to take my '73 Z1 out of the 3 bike rotation each season, to see if the CB750 was deserving of all of the praise. For reliability, I installed a DYNA ignition with stock coils and it instantly started easier and it runs and idles better. A while back, I was having intermittent spark issues with cylinder 2 & 3. Due to poor placement of the coils, the ht leads have to bend quite sharply to get the 2 straight plug caps to fit in that awkward space of 2 & 3. In doing so, it would sometimes pull the wire out of the screwed in connection on the plug cap. Other than a few little things here and there, the bike itself is okay. I really just wanted to bring to your attention, the potential issue with the wires and caps for cylinders 2 & 3.
those hoses are sensitive to expansion and sometimes tiny amounts of grit/dirt flows into the sides that prevents it from sealing and you get lucky it just gets pushed along with the fuel. then the next air/bubble gap comes through it seals. that's my explanation after running a coffee filter at the buildup of fuel.
Great video. I can relate to the defective condensors. Last year took my 1973 Cb 350F to Daytona bike week she ran great until the crap Chinese condensors went bad.When i returned home i put the old condensors back in and she fired right up. I now search out brand new nos Japanese points and condensors at the various swap meets i attend . They are still out there.
Lord....I absolutely understand exactly what you're saying, my bikes been in repairs all summer! I'll get it and maybe two rides and something goes out again.... The amazing part is that just about everything is new o the bike and motor...
Thanks for your honesty. So many shows gloss over the headache. It makes me feel better that a good wrench like yourself has head scratching moments like me......though I'm sure yours are less often than mine. Good video, thanks again.
I think I’m correct in saying that Honda switched out the points in favour of electronic ignition for the F2 version of the four series bikes. That’s a very beautiful bike you just sorted out! 👍
LOVED this video! I subscribed for the knowledge and trouble shooting. I'm never disappointed or denied. Thank you. I'm going to order a T-shirt and wear it proudly.
Just found this channel and this is the first video I've seen. Definitely hitting the sub button 👍 I'm currently bringing back to life a 76 cb750a Hondamatic that was laid down. Fixing the busted case was the easy part. This bike was also known to blow fuses and leave the rider on the side of the road (that's how I originally met the PO). It's taken me a year and a half to get to where I am now because this is my intro to motorcycle wiring but I'm currently 98.9% done and have replaced over 70% of the original wiring. This video sure fills me with confidence lol. At least my bike already has the electronic ignition 😂😂
@BrickHouseBuilds I apologize if you've already covered this (if you have, could you direct me to the video?) but what are your thoughts about converting the headlight bucket grounds to a bus bar system and also, replacing the coils with one from a pt cruiser/ neon?
@Rev.RatsRides I can't say I've seen anyone do a buss bar in the bucket actually but if it works it works! Also haven't heard of a pt cruiser coil swap so I may look into that
@BrickHouseBuilds I was having problems wrapping my head around the original ground system in the bucket as well as issues keeping them tight so that's why I converted mine to a buss bar loop ground system. The pt cruiser coil was something I'd read about and was thinking about trying after I got the bike running again
At least these ones with a little (or a lot) time and patience we can sort most of this issues. Now just imagine the modern day bikes in 40/50 years...
You have a very symmetrical face. (compliment 😄) It took me way longer than it should have to puzzle out how on earth the VStrom was able to stay up, leaning so far the "wrong way". Until I noticed the reverse Honda and then the graffiti in the background☺🤣
It's almost like the coil is shorting out to itself, I had the same issue with my vintage scooter. Replacing the points set took care of the problem. And I used a factory set.
I do have a CB750 of this era and stripped it to pieces and took the time to build back together.. unfortunately i had to cut the project short and put it back together before i was completely finished so a lot of the wiring and original ignition parts went back on.. i had to chase a lot of contact issues too. All that wiring crammed in the headlight cowl isn't much fun to sort.. not a lot of room in there and it all gets crushed together when the light goes back in.
I grew up with these bikes 70 era CB750 and a 1971 CB350 and my moms suzuki gs 750 . I remember the GS750 had a float that would stick and dump fuel out in front of the rear tire seemingly when you least expected it going around a corner. My dad had a long machinists screw driver and a small ball peen hammer to tap the flout bowel to stop it. The CB350 my dad kept that thing running from 76 to 90s , it seemed like that engine was in our living room every other winter. I remember it had a catastrophic failure that knocked a hole in the side of the case and it shot hot oil out on my foot. My dad found a used engine and combined the two. It had a cam gear at the top of the engine that was split in two pieces and held together with two bolts and one of the bolts backed out and wrecked upper end. He rebuilt that and then drilled and wired the bolts like you see on jet engines.
@@BrickHouseBuilds Yup, and I was there helping him the whole time he worked on these things. As a teen him and I rebuilt numerous 2 stroke motocrossers. Today, I now own my own KTM 890 Adventure R and my two sisters who both ride Triumph tiger 900. I do all my own work on my bike and its because of growing up with my dad doing all his own work. Sadly, he is no longer with us, but he passed along his love for the two wheels to us children.
This was a really good video from the world of vintage bikes. I had a couple of Hondas (500 and 750's) in my youth, so I know of all the problems you can stumble upon😁 Big thanks!!
I’m in love with the color on this bike! It’s absolutely gorgeous! I’m sorry you’re having so many issues. I love your content so it’s good for me. You make me want to get one of these. I’d go with a much smaller version though. I love the Honda cb 350 in gold but I’m 270lbs so I’ll probably have to settle for a 450. And I wouldn’t be mad if it was sparkle orange. As always love your content!
Working on this stuff since 1970s. Make sure ground strap is running from battery directly to points and alternator. I use microwave oven fuses. They handle heat better. The carbs need new rubber often enough. They are reliable compared to British and North American bikes (HD) of the era. You will need to tweak these things all of the time. Bleed the brakes, drain the carbs, drain the tank, lube the chain, fork oil, brake pads, tires tubes spokes. Everything top to bottom and front to back. Clean, clean and dId I mention clean? Super fun to ride.
On older bikes its not uncommon to get broken wires inside the harness around the headstock area where they flex when the bars are turned. Phil from OZ
My current main squeeze is a 73 CB350 and she is 💯 original. I replaced the tires and regulator/rectifier as she just had 3000 miles when I got her. She is always ready to go.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
FIRST!
Seriously though you will have that on them big jobs. This bike is a fantastic display of a classic CB750 and has been well kept its entire life. Unfortunately it is easy to start chasing your tail on fixing them when they throw multiple problems at you at once. I always stress proper diagnosis before buying parts as you need to understand the root cause of these issues or you will get even more frustrated by spending extra money and time. Luckily we didn't need to buy anything here but rather adjust and repair what we had. Now this bike is ready for the season!
Why is your filming in front of the Bike when the headlight was off ,a Mirror Image ,ie all the words are Backwards on your hat and the Honda Badge ??sussed it ,filming in Selfie mode on phone lol
@ngblunden Yes, filmed on my phone with some clips from the front facing. This was a lower than normal quality video than I normally put out
The problems NOT vintage bikes.. it's endemic in ALL after market parts.. Quality.. just doesn't exist.. makers efforts to compete against Chinese crap.. we used to struggle with.. jap crap in our day till they sorted sh!t out through the 60s & 70s.. then Taiwan & Korea(south).. I only buy in anything.. non chinese.. though there are glimmers of hope.. Kove & CF & Voge are getting very good reviews
Always the problem. So often you can't charge for the work you've done because it looks like you're trying to rip a customer off. Equally if you don't do what's required customer is unhappy. It's a lose-lose. And this one went well, so often they don't.
@@somebloke5565
Diagnostic work is usually a straight time charge .
The customer authorizes you to diagnose , and often that can involve invasive checks and tests etc ....within reason .
If in the allotted time they give you , you are unable to source the issue , you call and explain where you are at and what your test results are thus far .
Then you discuss if they would like to continue for another block of diag time.
That is unless you have an empathetic conscience and insist on pushing onward off the clock so to say , because you feel bad for not finding the issue that the vehicle came in for .
In this specific case , I think that the customer was the winner .... if they had not brought it to him , they would have been dealing with other issues down the road .
Similarly to a toxic relationship, they might leave you emotionally distraught but riding them feels amazing! ._.
TRUTH!
too real lol
You meant “riding” them didn’t you 😅
LOL!
Hahahahahaha
I know the video felt strange for you, but its so much better than a lot of the fake manufactured UA-cam content out there. It's real work with real headaches and real setbacks and just the reality of dealing with old machines and old systems and I appreciate you still publishing this video despite all the frustration with the bike. It's important to see this side of working on old cars and old bikes.
Glad you enjoyed! I always show the mistakes and headaches as we all go through them
totally
Amen
100% totally agree with @GTarditi comment actually made me feel better about the situation ok I am NOT the only person that deals with the EXACT stuff and range of emotions but these machines are MAGIC when all these bugs are worked out and properly tuned - keep bringing the content your videos are excellent compared 95% of them out there
I love how your videos makes me 50% "I want to buy a vintage motorcycle" and 50% "maybe I should get a new one the warranty instead..."
😂😂 This vide may sway those numbers!
@@BrickHouseBuilds Got a 97 Kawasaki Zephyr 750, so it's newer than your CB750 here, but otherwise a lot similar (inline 4, carburated, no abs etc). So far it hasn't given me a lot of pain (only had it for one year though)
@@llandor Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous bike. (Kwak made some beauties.)
Both!
I think, best is a simple one. I do 5000 miles on my honda cg 125 and 2500 miles on my cd 175/1970. plus 4000 miles on my lifan 125 ( cg 125 copy now having 50000 ml) No problems. More complicated biles may give u an headace 👻👻
Maybe one of your best videos. This is what we all go through with our bikes, especially the ‘new to me’ bike. Issue after issue and you just keep troubleshooting and keep moving forward. That’s what makes it YOUR bike!
Well thank you!
Have you read "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance"? Your comment about your mental state being affected by the running condition of the bike reminded me of that book. Your tenacity in the face of adversity and unwillingness to accept defeat is exactly why I can't stop fixing old bikes that others have given up on. It's some sort of sickness maybe
Im still working through it but that really corelates for sure
Excellent novel.
Beer can Vs aluminium shim. Perfect example.
Pirsig's hippy son was stabbed to death by two muggers despite telling them he had no money. There was no hate crime then.🤔 Pirsig left the US for Sweden . ( From an appendix to the last edition.) So sad that I can't read the book again.
The Rhetoric of Quality.An obsession.
Re the new "bad" condenser vs the old "good" part, how can a person know he's getting quality parts anymore? Once the OEM stops supporting it, the market for parts for a 50-year-old vehicle is pretty small, even for something as popular as these were. Coupled with the "whatever's the cheapest" mindset of many purchasers, the prospects of getting good quality parts seems pretty slim. Which is why the fix for these old-style ignitions is going to new electronic systems, I guess.
Dyna on my old 74 Kaw Z1 ..18 years old and no problems .. ditch the points they were crap when new anyway
I thought it was odd when stationed in Okinawa Japan. Ignition parts didn’t come in bubble packs . The parts person at the motorcycle shop checked voltage or resistance or whatever on each condenser so that they matched. Same with the points. Now I think about how cool it was they cared to sell you the properly matched parts. And not just sell parts as new . But it was 1979 and parts were easily available for my 1973 K3 750
With parts.. go to owners club websites and read old posts or ask..
Everything has come up before on old bikes.. they will point you to products that are good.
Electronically speaking a lot of stuff now is better than what was available before (solid state stuff does work well).. even when cheap.. but of course there are some shocking quality things out there from grifters that are just plain con artist trash.
But.. do some research one night and you can find something that will see you right and not cost the earth.
With physical parts at least you can kinda see the quality, with the exception of proper hardening.. got burned with a rear sprocket that is as worn as my old one after just a couple of months. Really depends on the part for where you source it.. sometimes its better to steer clear of eBay bs.. sometimes it will do just fine.
Aviation guys restoring magnetos are using KEMET PME271M metallized paper capacitors with great results. Sometimes you just have resort to solutions like this when there's no parts available anymore.
I know that vintage bikes can be painful, but with some patience at least they are fixable without resort to plugging in a laptop! Great video, keep up the good work.
🤘🤘
100% correct. That’s why the government doesn’t really want you to have them. They have not got their claws in the emissions on the old bikes. I prefer jets and air screws over fuel tuners and maps.
Is it really fixing a vintage bike if you don't at least read one forum post from 2013 by BigBore69 telling you yellow wire mods and random bullshit carb fixes?
If you do your own spannering for the most part, owning a classic is a joy from a maintenance perspective (apart from 2strokes maybe that need a strip down more often, but even with those if you get the knack.. you can do it yourself)
My cb750 needs tweaks fairly often, but... And it's a big but.. mostly you can do all of it without pulling it to pieces.. accessibility is very good for maintenance areas.
On my 90's sports bikes it's often a chore simply to take all the fairing off, and take off loads of other bits just to even get to the part you want to deal with. Say service a camchain tensioner or set valve clearances.
Both can be done on a cb750 with it on its side stand in about and hour.
I feel you, got one of my bikes running after a full strip down, frame and engine change, took it for a test drive Saturday, 10 miles ran great, full of power and 80's raw feeling. Parked it up ready for a Sunday run, Sunday, got about 5 miles in, pulled up at a traffic light, bike stops dead. Started straight back up but wouldnt keep running on idle... OK, carried on another 10 miles, down to 3 cylinders, turned home, down to 2 cylinders, 5 miles from home barely running, managed to finally get back home, pushed it into the shed, locked it up and just walked away - soul draining
It's the worst! Going from high to low
@@BrickHouseBuilds We do have the privilege of just walking away and using another bike, that was my tip for owning an old bike, get more than one, you need one to ride, one you are working on and another for just in case (and then another and another etc) and eventually you become BJ :)
@@BrickHouseBuildsyeah,..know the feel of it,.. I now have a ready full advertisement laying around at my computer,.. Ready to sale to the highest bidder!.. 🤮
But all the better when you do finally get it right🎉
Every barn find has a story..
Dude.... no need to keep worrying about us liking the vid. It was great. I'm glad it was longer and there was "a lot" of talking. Nice work!!!
Thank ya. Believe it or not I also get angry comments when I talk too much, play music, ride around the block without gloves, and tons of other stuff. Just because I titled this video in this way I made people mad lol
Oh believe me… I understand. I don't create content but I know how the general public can be… Brutal. 🤣🤣🤣 Just always keep in mind, as a general rule people suck!!! 😂😂😂 Good work!!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
@@ar2043 GDP -- Generally Dumb Public.
This video hit pretty close to home. I have been fighting with my 1978 CX500 off and on since I've gotten it 4 years ago. I love your videos because they're authentic. Keep it up!
Glad you enjoyed!
Outstanding video! As a automobile mechanic myself, I felt your pain every step of the way. Kudos to you for keeping your composure and fixing the bike in the end. Thanks for giving us relatable content!
Glad you enjoyed!
Great video!! Shows how much patience you need to work on these old bikes. Real life stories!
Patience is a must!
I like these videos because it reflects real life... Sometimes these do-it-yourself videos make things look so easy and then when you do it yourself, it isn't so easy...
So you encountering these problems, one after another, you just maintain your calm demeanor (even though you were probably getting frustrated), and deal with each issue one at a time as they come up...
That in itself is a good lesson for us that want to work on our own vehicles, or anything we're working on around the house...!!!
Nice job 👍
Glad you enjoyed!
That reverse camera angle had me freaking out. I kept thinking the bike was about to fall over! 😂
Hahaha I filmed this entire thing on my phone and its admittedly low quality but holy crap I didn't know how else to capture the madness!
YES!
Surely many shoes dropped in this video. Enjoyed following the twists and turns on this one.
Friggin RAINING shoes!
What's life without a challenge ? These sort of things are sent to try us so, its satisfying when you succeed .
Exactly
That was one of your best videos, very entertaining, nice to see that doesn't just happen to me , keep up the good work
Glad you enjoyed! Happens to us all and this is the reason many shops won't work on vintage bikes.
Hi BJ, brilliant video mate, just love how you overcame quite a list of problems, at least you did not start throwing spanners across the floor. A real insight into the life of a classic motorbike tech. Good stuff. Take care, cant wait for the next one.😁
Thank ya!
Thanks for taking us along for the ride
Thank you for pointing out that Honda uses 3.5mm bullets... I just ordered a bunch from vintage connections yesterday but I order the 4mm bullets thinking they were the correct ones. Time to go place another order. : )
It's nice to have both so no worries! I have a ton of each
You are the Chickanic of motorcycles. I love your stuff man.
🙏🙏
Hats off to you for staying positive, and well done for getting there in the end. Would love to see the upgrades if the customer comes back to you.
Thank ya!
Loved the video. A lot of us that work on our motorcycles can relate to your experiences. Being honest, real as it happens is the way to go. Keep up the excellent content
Glad you enjoyed! I always like to show the struggles and mistakes
That was a real, truthful video of the trials of owning vintage bikes ! Great when all the issues are resolved......
As real as it gets!
We restored a 1974 750, putting so much work into it. Now it’s up for sale and these idiots are nitpicking it. Makes me want to scream! First off, it’s a 50 year old machine. Next, it’s a very nice example. Lastly, if you have to nitpick one of these vintage bikes, you have no business owning one. Any old car or any old bike requires some work. I think the $10,000 asking price was more than fair based on its overall condition low mileage $2000 exhaust system new tires, blah blah blah. These jerks they wanna look cool but they don’t want the work that goes along with it. Good video thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed! The people that always yell to restore and keep it stock because it will be worth more, are the first to complain about a high price
I've a bunch love them, gas and batteries are my sticking point.😂
I’m hearing the words, ‘Aftermarket…cheap…non-standard…’ and seeing dodgy electrical work. Replace like-for-like with Honda parts and the bike will never miss a beat. These are one of the most reliable bikes ever built. Electronic ignition and fuel injection are great but points and carbs work well when maintained. The carby ‘O’ rings, although, according to you, were of poor quality probably softened and swelled.
I’ve owned this model bike and done thousands and thousands of miles on one without a problem. I routinely checked the bike for damage and performed routine maintenance and the bike kept as Honda built it. Honda build outstanding motorcycles.
Definitely agree
Can't always go like for like, but there are a lot of people out there that have already been through it all. Often there is a lot of good advice and recommendations for replacement parts that will do as well or better.
From a person that has worked on my own bikes a lot these oldies once restored a bit are less of a headache than many modern machines. For almost any problem you have a chance to fix it with your own effort. Even if they need a bit more tinkering, that tinkering is often comparitively easy to any equivalent job on anything after 2000.
I love the diagnostic chase your tail a bit nature of this video! Very authentic and feels just like my experience with my own project lately. Right on down to the randomish carb decides to dump gas issue.
Glad it resonated!
Thanks for great video on vintage honda. Ignition,fuel,cylinders etc. Old machines are like older people,they develope multiple problems. O.k. one day but not the next unless they get plenty of t.l.c.
With respect to the old person analogy.. you have to look at the bigger picture.. some parts age better than others.. just like us
It's like say giving someone a knew hip after they have been shuffling about for a while and shortly after then need a knee operation.. because they started walking about properly again and suddenly the knees couldn't keep up with the action requested.
Think about the whole system in question and premeditate a little and replace a few more bits of similar condition "while you are at it" and that keep it sweet for much longer, and avoid a lot of chasing problems.
If one seal is dry and cracked and one fuel hose is splitting... then consider replacing all the seals and hoses of the same age..
I mean you'd only swap out a single spark plug as a short term fix wouldn't you.. most people automatically think.. "I will do the lot if I am going to do that job, cos thats what you do".. same goes for when connectors fail, or rubber seals go where many nearby might be of similar age.
If you have an old bike that you work on for a long time, you should kinda have an idea of where the next problem will come from and already have a plan to refresh that whole system to some degree.
Loved this video, it's exactly what I go through trying to diagnose and fix my old bikes. Thanks for showing the whole process, I've learned so much!
This kind of stuff happens and showing people that it does is a good thing. I have had no luck finding decent condensers, I finally gave up and adapted an electronic ignition from a KZ1000 onto my 67 Yamaha YL1E Twin Jet 100. It runs so so much better.
Here is an FYI, points (all mechanical switches) do something called ringing, look it up. In an ignition system that ringing causes the coil to discharge briefly on the initial opening, and immediately after, the points close up again and then open again and it does this many times each point break. This causes the coil to not give you an accurately timed spark as well as a kinda weak spark because it wasn't able to completely collapse the field on the initial opening . An electronic ignition has no ringing, allowing a complete discharge of the coil as well as a super accurate spark timing. There is an increase in drive ability and power. Just saying
No argument that electronic is better. This is just trying to keep the bike original. Electronic ignition won't work well if the other wiring issues didn't get fixed either
I just bought a complete 1973 CB750 for C$750. It's painted the original Maxim Brown Metallic. 17982 kms. Been sitting since 1988.
New battery, oil change, squirt of penetrating oil down the jugs. No spark. Wiggled all the electrical connections and get spark. Shot of srarting flyid down each carb and she's alive. Lots of work left, but so much fun to play with.
81 Honda CB750 Custom.. 27,000 on it. but Rebuilt Top End.. So 350 on that.. Had one when I was 16 back in 90. LOVED IT! Road it for 10yrs. Paid 1800 for it and got 2400 as a Trade in on a Motor Home.. and Have the Rebuilt One Now. LOVE IT! Paid 2200 for it. Guy got it just running enough to sell it to me. 5000 Later and it's Rebuilt. New Brakes, New Tires, Wires, Plugs, Seat Recovered and other things all included. Still need Exhaust and a few minor things done but IS Ride-able.
Even came with the Backrest and Luggage Rack and a Front Cowl to make it look like a Goldwing. Side Engine Protectors.
Look after it and it will look after you. Sounds like you have the right attitude with such a bike.. I bet for most issues you encounter now, you can sort by the roadside well enough to get home and sort in the evening properly.
@@jimstartup2729 Yeah, even have a Gas Station about 6 Miles away that has Normal Non Alcohol Corn Based Gas.. Non 10-15% Gas I am going to use and fill up every 100 miles or so... UNLESS I have no other option on slightly longer trips.. May cost more but will be worth it.
Already Laid it on it's side while parked. I was trying to get off it and my Shoe Lace got caught on the Clutch Pedal.. No Damage.. It laid over onto my left leg. Needed help getting it up. Had to happen..
I Laid my Previous one down also but they had just got done laying Gravel and I was cornering, Taking it WAY Slow but rear tire still slipped. Bent the handle bar. No Help needed getting it up because it wasn't On my. 50yrds away from my Jobs Work Shop, took the torch and heated it and bent it back..
Laid my Vary First Bike Down also. Making my First U-turn and Throttle Stuck. Little Kawasaki 440.. No Help Needed getting it up, it was Sooo Light. So Now that I tipped this one... Nothing else should Happen, It's out of the way.. And I also Glued my shoelaces to the shoes... Peace!
I realize vintage bikes can be a pain. My next door neighbor has a '73 Triumph Trident that his dad bought for him when he was 15. He still rides it with me on my Z900. Always little glitches, but all in all it runs rather well and the sound the triple makes is mesmerizing. My Dad had a new '71 750 K1 - candy garnet brown. I used to stare at the big 4 cylinder in the garage. Still the coolest looking engine ever made imo. Something about them I can't shake. Keep bringing them back to life good man.
It's pretty clear that Honda did not like you wearing a Harley cap.
That realistically probably had something to do with it! 😅
Easy day! I own a K6, but after years of aviation maintenance on helicopters it actually soothes me how reliable and how little work needs to be done if you stay on top of it. The military really made me into someone who really has to be doing something with my hands constantly, looking over and inspecting things on the daily, which helped me out with my vintage vehicles. They may be frustrating, but purchasing extra components as you go can really be a time saver and give you a better state of mind. Cheers and enjoy! These bikes really have their own personality, modern bikes you don’t have to “work with” or so-to-speak like the old ones. The best way I can explain it is a symbiotic relationship.
Agreed and I always have to be doing something with my hands as well. I enjoy the relationship with working on older bikes like these
I agree 100%.......so why do I ride a 1980 CX 500......
We just like to suffer!
This is exactly what we all expect from mechanics. Troubleshooting is really a lost art...good job!
Thank ya!
I just sold my 74 cb750. Loved that bike. It was a dream until it wasnt. I was in no place to deal with the same things youre dealing with. Good on you though for having the knowledge and a shop to do it.
Lemme start with this: Your video was not THAT bad! I sat through all 29:52 of it, learned some stuff, had a chuckle or two, and we all came out the other side. Good on ya'! Second, it's folks like you who make it possible for folks like me to even ride motorcycles or scooters or anything (loved that mini-bike in your showroom!). My mechanical abilities start and stop with turning the key. So, folks in your market -- wherever you're located -- are quite lucky to have you, your easy-going temperament, and your knowledge/skill sets/talents to keep 'em on the road. Congrats!
Well thank you!
My 1970 CB750 was that gold color of your customers bike. That brings back good memories. A beautiful bike.
I have a chopper with a cb750 in it. Thru the years i talked to many older guys that would ask where my stuff was for cleaning the points, I'd laugh, but they were exactly right, constantly had to clean and adjust them. I finally thought it was time to upgrade it. I tore it all down repainted it, and then put on a dyna 2000 electronic ignition
Was the best thing I did to it. Seemed to give it more power and all my problems were gone. After that it ran great. They sure can be frustrating at times, but once ya figure all the problems out they are usually good to go. good video
I hear people saying they constantly have to adjust them but what do you mean by that? How often are we talking? My bike has gone more than 3000 miles without any adjustments. Just goes and goes
@@BrickHouseBuilds It seemed had to at least clean them probably 2 or 3 times a summer, I was way younger then, Maybe the cover was leaking rain into it and causing some corrosion. can't remember exactly, but I do remember being in their more than I thought was normal. Seems some are just good and no problems.
Great video, great details. These take time to make and I appreciate what you’re doing. No apologies for the talking…the more explanation the better. 👍👍👍
Glad you enjoyed!
This was a great video. The format and editing was very engaging and kept a guy interested. I've lived through many builds and diagnostics that have simply dogged a guy with random seemingly coincidental issues one after the other! You are not alone. Thanks for the great video!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed!
Excellent diagnosis as always. Can't over emphasis how brittle 50 year ol copper becomes especially after pulling and pushing the connector back together. I usually look to see if the connection becomes elasticized (mild tugging) and that when it automatically gets a new bullet connector. Keep up the great work Brick!😊😊😊
Thanks for watching!
Very entertaining video! Thanks for sharing the whole process and timeline.
The camera on the bike while you were pushing it up the lift was a nice touch!
That was a fun idea for the camera! Glad you liked it
Thanks for having the time and patience to get to the root of the problems and sorting them out, its a great looking bike.
Thats always the goal! Proper diagnosis before ordering parts
Been down this same road bud! Working on a 1979 Honda CT90 and the headlight wiring had many sins of the previous owner! Way to work through the steps, these old bikes make you work for it but the payoff is worth it!
The video went perfectly well. Not a bad boring video but indeed quite intuitive to cover electrical and mechanical aspects to help your customer with a solution.!!
The music is also cool..!!
@@RicardoValdes-r6w 🤘🤘
I love a happy ending.... The pros find stuff us hammytoors would never suspect...
I was guessing a condenser problem at the start, being on the receiving end once.
At least you can fix a vintage bike - let's see you try that with the current crop of cyber bikes in 50 years time, I'm guessing they will all have been scrapped as irreparable long before then.
Now for something challenging - let's fix the CBX!
I can do a bit on new stuff but haven't dove in very far. My vstrom is the newest thing i have. As far as the CBX I am beginning to organize hardware to get the project rolling as of now!
I’m hearing that it’s really hard to find quality points parts these days lots of faulty condensers on the market.
@@GH-rt8ih This is another reason to install electronic ignition.
Great Video and thanks for posting it. I dig the Honda 750. Intermittentt electrical problems are the worse! Usually replacing old parts, with known good parts is your best bet. Some Vintage wiring harnesses can drive you crazy.
@adamdelarozza1985 Glad you enjoyed! In this case replacing parts would have left you in the same position as the connections were poor
Your video shows the solved/unsolved problems working on many things like bikes and cars. You handled the repeat issues in a very calm manner (at least on video). Throw is away or take it easy and keep at it. Good job.
I won't give up!
I have found in my journey of learning to wrench on vintage hondas (with your help along the way) that buying cheaper parts almost never saves you money, or time. Also, it is hard to find oem or good parts for these bikes. Great job figuring this out!
Very true. I always say buy it right or buy it twice
Back in the late 70's I got a dealer poster about 24x40 inches of a early 70's gold colored CB750 that was printed on highly reflective foil. All the chrome parts of the bike were the exposed foil, the background was Matt black and of course the bike was gold. It was the most beautiful poster of my bike you could imagine. Many years later it was damaged when I moved to the States. I would love to have it to frame now but have had no luck finding one. If you have one or know where I might buy one I would much appreciate it.
I may have an explanation for the mystery fuel leak issue, particularly if the bike has recently been laid up, say over the winter. I did some work on my 1982 CB650 a couple of years ago involving removal of the carbs (as one unit, i.e. I did not split the rack). Several weeks later I re assembled the bike and the carbs etc. Turned on the fuel tsp and had leaks from the gaskets just as you experienced. Seems that the rubber O rings had dried out allowing them to shrink and leak. I persevered allowing fuel to stay in the system whilst the O rinks effectively swelled up re sealing the pipes. Never had s problem since. I was very relieved to have avoided a full disassembly of the carbs!
Thats exactly what happened. I was surprised they sealed back up
Great video. Your customer is lucky to have someone like you to debug the problem. I had a CB650Z back in the early 80's. Put a set of Nippondenso Hot U plugs in it before I went on a 3000km ride. About half way thru it started misfiring on No 3. Took it to a local dealer who said the plug was history. Didn't have the Hot U plugs, so I put a new set of Champions in. Couple of hundred km's from home No 3 started acting up. Took it to my local shop and after much wringing of hands and gnashing teeth, their first estimate was a burnt valve. The plug was a mess. Long story it turned out the the plug was crook. What are the odds of buying 2 sets of plugs, each with a faulty one and putting it into the same cylinder? I brought the old plugs back, got a replacement and it ran fine.
Thats crazy
Nice work. I always, when i can access connection, solder the joint and double heat shrink same. I was originally thinking starter cutoff switch 😎
I sometimes solder but when I show that I get a lot of push back from people. There is argument that the solder can make the connection brittle as it wicks under the insulation past the joint
@@BrickHouseBuilds I never have had an issue on my 1983 Moto Guzzi Cal ll. Bot it is always garage kept and hardly ever gets any moist, as I reside in Arizona😎
Man this was a great video!!!! I truly felt like I was working on one of my projects. Truly enjoyed this great to see someone else thought process during diagnosis.
Glad you enjoyed!
Man I hear you. I also reworks a '74 K4 and found at the last moment that the front forks were nothing but lace under the rubber boots below the headlight bucket.. Lucky in that the other half had small enough hands to route the headlight wiring in the fairing I installed around the new forks. then it was swing-arm bushings and rear wheel bearings.
What a beautiful bike! I had one just like it years ago, and of the several CB 750s I had through the years, I think the candy gold is the best-looking. I envy that owner!
I ride an 82 Honda GL1100. On the way home from getting new tires the clutch cable snapped. Last week the engine developed a noise. Love the bike. But you are right I am having to work for it.
I think it's a great episode actually. Stumbled upon this this morning due to the algorithm popping it up in my feed and I'm glad they did. First time watching but now I am a subscriber. 👍🏼
Well glad you enjoyed and welcome to the channel!
Thanks for the Welcome. Glad to be here from CT, USA. 🇺🇸🦅
One of the best videos I've ever watched. Please do the follow up putting the electronic ignition upgrade on... Been chasing Radian Gremlins myself.
Glad you enjoyed!
I started out on Japanese motorcycles working on them when I was a kid back in the 1970s, The biggest problem I had was bikes with multiple carbs on them and those thin gas tanks getting pin holes in them. It seemed like the best bikes were the single cylinder single carb bikes, Since then I have owned several Harley's and the build quality of the tanks and the frames are second to none, They are a lot heavier and slower in there cc class but one carb and no tank cream liners anymore sold me along with the exhaust note.
I was a Honda tech back in the 70’s and this brought back memories!
Hopefully good memories!
I use those U shaped crimps as well. I like them and they work well. Mostly! Exception is some bikes where the original wiring has used them for joining a bundle of wires together - Once crimped the insulation on the cables means the outer actual wires have a significant bend going into the crimp - and these fail after a few years (Aprilia - I am looking at you here!) . Easily solved by limiting the number of cables joined in one crimp, and using multiple staggered joins if necessary.
I am suffering working on a bike at the moment that is just no cooperating. For example a head bolt snapped off when undoing it - and I wasn't using much force, just using a 3/8" ratchet. And the head bolt (listed as 7x70 from Honda) isn't available anymore.
I am getting close to putting the bike away (engine is out now) and fogetting it for a few years........
I think you are working on a cx500 right? 7x70mm is a weird bolt that fits the heads lol.
@@BrickHouseBuilds , this is a CBR250RR (MC22 - the one with the 19000rpm red line). It is tiny. Yes it is a weird bolt and not sure what to do about it.
That was a great bit of work. It was a good video to watch, as these are real world problems. This is helpful especially as I will be working on a friends 1970 CB750 in the near year here in the UK. Seasons greetings.
Yeah I wanted to show the reality of owning these things. Glad you enjoyed
Early CB750’s also didn’t steer - or stop very well - either. And in the rain, no matter how much you got it right in the dry, the ignition was sketchy for sure. The headlight nacelle spaghetti was where to go first or second, but the upper frame mounted electrical components were fussy too sometimes. They still didn’t suck though. They were amazing in their time. IMO. I rode a bought-new 1975 CB750 to work 12 months a year in New England for nearly 6 years and car levels of mileage. It was a nearly human friendship. So many things were mysterious, left unsaid. And the bike could act sort of spiteful and selfish if neglected even a little. Loose connections, main fuse blowups, were the usual culprits. But in every pinch she brought me home somehow. I sold the bike, very clean and tight, for a reasonable return on investment when I decided to get a new bike before riding across the country to move to California for another 5 years of live and learn. That bike was also a Honda, different model, generation, and story. Another rock-solid bike and it didn’t suck too. But first and second gen CB750s were something different than anything ever and changed everything. Now I am pretty old and mostly like Moto Guzzi. They are wonderful and make very little sense in some ways, but don’t suck either.
Yup, they just sometimes suck when they present random problems out of nowhere
@@BrickHouseBuilds yeah, ok they meta-suck
Had one like it in the 70’s. a couple of friends, also owned similar vintage CB 750’s. I remember that some of them were plagued by condenser anomalies. It may have be a bad batch of condensers from the factory, or some supplier. Very frustrating to track down, as I recall. Great bikes, but I actually preferred my Triumphs. I kept trying to upshift the Honda, because it was so smooth and revved higher than I was used to. Nice to see a CB 750 in that kind of original shape!
Glad you enjoyed!
Why is the Honda emblem on the shifter side backward?
Front facing camera on my phone flips the image
Coworker brought his 72 CB500 to work thats been in his garage since least 98. We will be trying to get it back on the road & your videos will def come in handy.
Glad to hear it!
I spent a lot of time working on my old 78 750k. And it's so nice to sit at the computer in a soft chair and just observe a good mechanic going through the same problems I had years ago. This generation just doesn't have a clue how much time goes into things link the points up keep, adjustment, replacement, along with valve adjustment and cam chain adjustments. (I do enjoy watching these videos.)
Yeah this is par for the course on an old bike. These problems would have showed up regardless but they just chose to show up all at once. Definitely relevant to many owners!
I really do believe these bikes can be made to be very very dependable and low maintenance... But... Cost and time is always the biggest factor for most, so often rebuilds still have a lot of flimsy original components that look clean put back in, when they are in reality pretty much shot.
That results in constant "issues". But the fact is everything on that old bike can be done better now.. better tolerance.. better materials.. better electronic components.. a little modernisation to an old bike is wonderful.
The weaknesses of old machinery is known very well.. and fanatics have addressed them many times. I hope people keep up making these designs live on even if they get resort to a newly cast, or machined part that looks the same but performs better.
I enjoyed your video. I have a CB750 K0 that's been in my collection for almost 10 years but never put on the road. I decided to take my '73 Z1 out of the 3 bike rotation each season, to see if the CB750 was deserving of all of the praise. For reliability, I installed a DYNA ignition with stock coils and it instantly started easier and it runs and idles better. A while back, I was having intermittent spark issues with cylinder 2 & 3. Due to poor placement of the coils, the ht leads have to bend quite sharply to get the 2 straight plug caps to fit in that awkward space of 2 & 3. In doing so, it would sometimes pull the wire out of the screwed in connection on the plug cap. Other than a few little things here and there, the bike itself is okay. I really just wanted to bring to your attention, the potential issue with the wires and caps for cylinders 2 & 3.
Yup that's always one of the first things I check on a cb750
As an owner of a 72 CB750, I feel your pain! Thanks for another great video. Cheers from downunder!
Glad you enjoyed!
those hoses are sensitive to expansion and sometimes tiny amounts of grit/dirt flows into the sides that prevents it from sealing and you get lucky it just gets pushed along with the fuel. then the next air/bubble gap comes through it seals. that's my explanation after running a coffee filter at the buildup of fuel.
Well these were orings that had contracted after not being exposed to fuel for some months. Once they were saturated they swelled and sealed back up
Great video. I can relate to the defective condensors. Last year took my 1973 Cb 350F to Daytona bike week she ran great until the crap Chinese condensors went bad.When i returned home i put the old condensors back in and she fired right up. I now search out brand new nos Japanese points and condensors at the various swap meets i attend . They are still out there.
That's how it seems to be going. The automotive industry faces the same problem with ignition stuff too
the bike LOVES your shop. I own a ride that likes to spend "Spa Days" at the local shop as well. We done chasing the gremlins.
Lord....I absolutely understand exactly what you're saying, my bikes been in repairs all summer! I'll get it and maybe two rides and something goes out again.... The amazing part is that just about everything is new o the bike and motor...
Thanks for your honesty. So many shows gloss over the headache. It makes me feel better that a good wrench like yourself has head scratching moments like me......though I'm sure yours are less often than mine. Good video, thanks again.
Glad you enjoyed! I'm just like anyone with the struggles but I just won't give up
I think I’m correct in saying that Honda switched out the points in favour of electronic ignition for the F2 version of the four series bikes. That’s a very beautiful bike you just sorted out! 👍
Yes in 79 they went to the TI version for ignition
LOVED this video! I subscribed for the knowledge and trouble shooting. I'm never disappointed or denied. Thank you. I'm going to order a T-shirt and wear it proudly.
Glad you found it helpful! I have many many videos like this with lots of info
From the title I thought this would be a carb video but this was great. I love the Diagnosis videos especially on electronics in older vehicles 👍👍
Lol I thought it would be a carb video too! Glad you enjoyed!
Kick ass video man! It’s exactly what has happened to any of us with old machinery.
🤘🤘
Just found this channel and this is the first video I've seen. Definitely hitting the sub button 👍 I'm currently bringing back to life a 76 cb750a Hondamatic that was laid down. Fixing the busted case was the easy part. This bike was also known to blow fuses and leave the rider on the side of the road (that's how I originally met the PO). It's taken me a year and a half to get to where I am now because this is my intro to motorcycle wiring but I'm currently 98.9% done and have replaced over 70% of the original wiring. This video sure fills me with confidence lol. At least my bike already has the electronic ignition 😂😂
Well I'm glad you enjoyed! Thanks for the sub!
@BrickHouseBuilds I apologize if you've already covered this (if you have, could you direct me to the video?) but what are your thoughts about converting the headlight bucket grounds to a bus bar system and also, replacing the coils with one from a pt cruiser/ neon?
@Rev.RatsRides I can't say I've seen anyone do a buss bar in the bucket actually but if it works it works! Also haven't heard of a pt cruiser coil swap so I may look into that
@BrickHouseBuilds I was having problems wrapping my head around the original ground system in the bucket as well as issues keeping them tight so that's why I converted mine to a buss bar loop ground system.
The pt cruiser coil was something I'd read about and was thinking about trying after I got the bike running again
I didn't know Lucas did wiring for Honda! 😆 Regards from Canada 🇨🇦
😂😂😂😂 It was doing its best impression!
At least these ones with a little (or a lot) time and patience we can sort most of this issues. Now just imagine the modern day bikes in 40/50 years...
You have a very symmetrical face. (compliment 😄) It took me way longer than it should have to puzzle out how on earth the VStrom was able to stay up, leaning so far the "wrong way". Until I noticed the reverse Honda and then the graffiti in the background☺🤣
Haha yeah the reverse or front facing cam on my phone is throwing people off
It's almost like the coil is shorting out to itself, I had the same issue with my vintage scooter. Replacing the points set took care of the problem. And I used a factory set.
Yeah something funky was going on
I do have a CB750 of this era and stripped it to pieces and took the time to build back together.. unfortunately i had to cut the project short and put it back together before i was completely finished so a lot of the wiring and original ignition parts went back on.. i had to chase a lot of contact issues too. All that wiring crammed in the headlight cowl isn't much fun to sort.. not a lot of room in there and it all gets crushed together when the light goes back in.
Just found your channel from your KLR Fork rebuild video. I’m a new subscriber great stuff.
Well I'm glad you have found your way here! Thanks for the sub! 🤘
I grew up with these bikes 70 era CB750 and a 1971 CB350 and my moms suzuki gs 750 . I remember the GS750 had a float that would stick and dump fuel out in front of the rear tire seemingly when you least expected it going around a corner. My dad had a long machinists screw driver and a small ball peen hammer to tap the flout bowel to stop it. The CB350 my dad kept that thing running from 76 to 90s , it seemed like that engine was in our living room every other winter. I remember it had a catastrophic failure that knocked a hole in the side of the case and it shot hot oil out on my foot. My dad found a used engine and combined the two. It had a cam gear at the top of the engine that was split in two pieces and held together with two bolts and one of the bolts backed out and wrecked upper end. He rebuilt that and then drilled and wired the bolts like you see on jet engines.
That's awesome! We'll, except the 360 winnowing the block but cool he kept it and fixed it
@@BrickHouseBuilds Yup, and I was there helping him the whole time he worked on these things. As a teen him and I rebuilt numerous 2 stroke motocrossers. Today, I now own my own KTM 890 Adventure R and my two sisters who both ride Triumph tiger 900. I do all my own work on my bike and its because of growing up with my dad doing all his own work. Sadly, he is no longer with us, but he passed along his love for the two wheels to us children.
This was a really good video from the world of vintage bikes. I had a couple of Hondas (500 and 750's) in my youth, so I know of all the problems you can stumble upon😁 Big thanks!!
Glad it resonated!
I bought the racing system that Boretech sells for my 71 CB350 twin. It has E gap coils. It hasn't missed a lick since installation.
I think it was a cool video dude. Takes me back to chasing down issues on my old bikes back in the 80's. Hell, i miss those days, believe it or not.
We all go through it!
I’m in love with the color on this bike! It’s absolutely gorgeous! I’m sorry you’re having so many issues. I love your content so it’s good for me. You make me want to get one of these. I’d go with a much smaller version though. I love the Honda cb 350 in gold but I’m 270lbs so I’ll probably have to settle for a 450. And I wouldn’t be mad if it was sparkle orange. As always love your content!
Glad you enjoyed 🙏
Working on this stuff since 1970s. Make sure ground strap is running from battery directly to points and alternator. I use microwave oven fuses. They handle heat better. The carbs need new rubber often enough. They are reliable compared to British and North American bikes (HD) of the era. You will need to tweak these things all of the time. Bleed the brakes, drain the carbs, drain the tank, lube the chain, fork oil, brake pads, tires tubes spokes. Everything top to bottom and front to back. Clean, clean and dId I mention clean? Super fun to ride.
Of course all normal stuff. I have multiple videos on this bike if you want to see the history of it coming back to life
On older bikes its not uncommon to get broken wires inside the harness around the headstock area where they flex when the bars are turned.
Phil from OZ
Definitely! I do worry about that on these but so far so good
Yay bike gremlins! Glad you did show your struggles through the process. The gift & the curse of keeping vintage bikes on the road. 😎🤙🏽🏍
🤘🤘
My current main squeeze is a 73 CB350 and she is 💯 original. I replaced the tires and regulator/rectifier as she just had 3000 miles when I got her. She is always ready to go.
Awesome!