First, I'd like to say hi and introduce myself as this is my first post on this forum. I'm a newb to the kawi triple world, which is what brought me here to hopefully gain insight and knowledge into my project bike and just how awesome these bike really are!
So a little back story first......about two years ago in June, I bid on and won a really clean, original '75 Honda CB400F. I was at work when the ebay auction ended, and showed a few of my co-workers at the break table the bike I had literally just won. One of my co-workers said how he had a bike similar to that when he was younger, and remembered riding with his friend who had kawi that was two stroke, which he was always stuck behind and getting choked out with smoke. He then said he thought it was a 400 or 500cc....whatever it was, it was fast! I responded back that it's too bad his buddy doesn't still have that bike, to which he responded 'I think he still does! I'll text him and see if he does and if he wants to sell it.' He text him, and his friend responded back 'Yup...still have it. Might sell, who's interested?' At this point I was given his number and I text him expressing my interest in the bike. He responded that he's the original owner and it's been parked since the mid eighties in his garage. He said he would text me a few photos when he had time to dig it out of his garage. Two weeks later, he text me two photos of the bike and my jaw dropped when I zoomed in on the side panel and saw the 750 badge, let alone in factory purple! I text back immediately, asking if I could come look at the bike and that I was very interested in the bike. To make a long story short, I looked at it and made him a fair offer. (if he could get a title which he had misplaced) Eight LONG months later, and with a fresh title from the WI DMV, we made the deal final, and I brought home one of my bucket list bikes!
I've decided to get this bike back on the road again, but could use some advice and tips. I have not tried to start the bike and don't intend to due to any possible seal failures or cracks. I plan on doing a mechanical restoration and cosmetic cleaning and detailing, NOT a repaint. It's original clothes are too nice to mess with; just a good polish. No mods, unless anyone recommends any mods to help run-ability and longevity. I've already started dis-assembly of the bike to get an idea of what I'm looking at. Front brake system needs complete overhaul, and I've already ordered most of the parts and begun rebuilding this system. Fuel system was also in poor condition, but all parts were still serviceable and is coming along. My big questions are with the engine. I'm going to remove the engine from the frame this week for dis-assembly and rebuild. Engine removal look pretty straight-forward. Any tips I should know for engine dis-assembly? I have herd to take great care removing the cylinders, in case they are stuck on the studs. How do I remove the rotor from the crank? Any tips/tricks with the transmission or clutch on dis-assembly? I've herd about an oiling modification to the case; does this apply to my bike? Any leads/thoughts on crank rebuilding? Recommendations on new pistons and rings, for stock bore? Is the oil pump rebuild-able? Any thing else I'm forgetting or missing that's engine related, please help with advice!
Here's a few photos of the bike the day I got it.
Original Miles!
Original Factory Battery! Thankfully no corrosion in the battery tray.
Thanks guys for taking a look at my post here and I look forward to hearing from some of you and getting as much advice, tips and tricks that I can!
-Eric
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FAQ
thats a rarity and way better than a resto Id go slow on what to do on getting it running again, my advice give it a bath detail it back to clean really clean, leave the engine in it and clean the carbs ,oil tank, gas tank replace fuel and oil lines, leave engine in and pull cylinders free up the rings. Crank rebuild if it were mine no way a long sit does not automatically mean the seals are shot, leak test it if it passes then go for the gusto
