A CB750 that has been sitting in a barn is a treasure.. It is also a puzzle. When you find a motorcycle you get excited.. Then you see the rust and the neglect. You wonder what is going on underneath the surface. For people who love motorcycles the goal is not just to fix it up. They want to make it into a custom bike that shows their style.. They also want to keep the original spirit of the CB750.
Checking Out Your CB750
First you need to take a look at your CB750. Check the frame, wheels and engine for rust. Use a flashlight to see into the spaces. Pay attention to the gas tank and the underside of the bike. If the rust is on the surface you can clean it and fix it.. If it is deep it could be a big problem. Also check the wiring. If it is corroded it could cause problems later on.
You should also check the tires. They might look okay at first. They could be rotten or cracked. Look for any signs of damage or wear. If you find any problems plan on getting tires. Make a list of all the things you need to fix, like the tires, brake pads and any other worn-out parts. Once you know what you are dealing with you can figure out how time and money you need to fix it up.
Fixing the Engine
The engine is the heart of your CB750. If the bike has been sitting for a time the engine might be all gunked up. Start by taking out the carburetors and cleaning them. You can use a cleaner to get them really clean. You can buy kits to fix them up and make them work like new. The fuel system is important on an old bike like the CB750.
After you fix the carburetors check the compression. If it is low you might need to do some work like replacing the rings or even rebuilding the whole engine. This can be expensive. It is worth it to make sure the bike runs well. If you do not fix the engine you might have problems down the road.
You should also check the timing chain or belt. If it is making noises it might need to be adjusted or replaced. You want the engine to run smoothly and efficiently.
Making it Look Good
Once the engine is fixed you can start making the bike look good. This is the part. You get to customize the CB750 to make it look like a cafe racer. You will need to take off any parts and make it look sleek. You can replace the seat with a cafe-style seat. This will make the bike look cooler. It will be lighter.
You should also think about the handlebars. Flat or clip-on handlebars are what cafe racers usually have. They look cool. They might not be comfortable for long rides. You need to think about how you will be using the bike and choose the handlebars that're right for you.
Finally you should paint the bike. A new paint job can totally change the look of the CB750. Choose a color that you like. That fits with the cafe racer style. Make sure the paint is quality and will last.
Electrical and Safety Checks
that the bike looks good you need to make sure it is safe and working well. Check the system and replace any old wires. You can add lights to make the bike look modern and to make it safer. LED lights use power and are brighter which is important when you are riding at night.
Check the brakes. Make sure they are working well. Replace any worn-out pads or discs. If you are not sure about the brake lines you might want to replace them. This will make sure the bike stops well. You should also think about upgrading the suspension to make the ride smoother.
Do not forget about the battery. You need a battery to make sure the bike starts well especially on cold mornings.
Being Part of the Motorcycle Community
Now that you have fixed up your CB750 you can join the motorcycle community. You can join clubs or online forums to meet people who like motorcycles. You can go to shows and gatherings to see bikes and meet people. Do not forget to take pictures of your bike and share them with others. This will inspire people and be a fun way to share your experience.
Fixing up a CB750 and making it into a custom cafe racer is not about making it look good. It is about bringing a bike back to life. Every part you fix or replace is a way to make the bike your own. Whether you ride it every day or just on weekends your cafe racer will be a way to show your love, for motorcycles.
