Chapter One

I went to Tracy's for a Vintage Racer's BBQ after the last track day with the SMRI. It was a great time of fellowship with such esteemed participants as Brian Helms, Troy Runck, Dennis Parrish, and Mitch Smith, with families in tow. It was then and there that I met my new lady -- the CB750.

She looked a little rough around the edges yet beckoned for attention. The tank is Brown. Frame is Black. There is a silver Ducati fairing draped over it and an oversized quilted seat tail section placed on it. I glance at it and my lovely bride inquires if this is in fact my new ride. In fear I move past and on to the Bar B Q.

Later, Tracy asks if I saw my new bike. I affirmatively reply and admit my fear - then comes the tour. The engine is coming out, the wheels are beign swapped, the electrical has to go, there's a bunch of stuff on the frame to cut off, and the ignition system is being modified. Easy peasy squeazy. We make plans for me to pick up the bike the next week.

That following Tuesday, I pick up the bike and associated parts - with more parts coming from Tracy later. I had already contacted Bridgestone for some new street compound tires and they are on the way as well. Tracy helps load the bike while my little ones terrorize his pug - Lilly.

Tracy doesn't just give me the bike though... he also arms me with a key tool in vintage bike preparation - an angle grinder. Apparently, there's a lot of weight I am going to save by hacking parts off. He was nice enough to draw directly on the frame, illustrating what has to go. Even with his blessing, I start out timid and remove a few smaller things with my dremmel type tool instead - gathering confidence to break out the big dog.

Part of the directions were also to remove and pitch the wiring harness. Having had a great exposure to costs in the service industry, I was hesitant, but realized it must be true when the thing crumbled to pieces after being moved. In the can it went. The other parts I am saving. Footpegs, gauge cluster, ignition switch and so on. Part of me just can't get over the idea that these are now waste in the scope of our project.

Still to do is the removal of the front end, and back wheel. Tracy is converting my bike to rear drum and using the rear caliper on another project. We are also rebuilding the front end of something else to replace the stocker. The new front end will utilize tapered steering stem bearings.

To new folks in the sport, this may seem very involved. Let me asure you, I am no super tech. I have a very limited background in actual mechanics but in just a few hours of work, I have made great progress. Check it out.

Chapter Two will see more frame cutting and prepping for engine removal.