So, Ive been a long time Honda guy, and have been messing with RDs now for a bit, but Ive always wanted a gt750. I also really wanted a 72 for its uniqueness. One popped up on C-list for a pretty good price (as to i can part it out and be ahead if i want to) so I jumped on it. Without doing a ton of research into all the differences, im starting to see that it might nickle and dime me to death. My idea is more of a 'resto mod' where its pretty much stock except with chambers, pods, and some more modern hoses. Am I crazy to start with a bike this far gone? Or do you think that scouring the members here and fleebay I can get parts without it killing me? Swap meets around my area dont exist unless you have a Harley, and these don't come up very often either.
Here is a list of what I know it needs as of right now, more could be added
Carbs
Throttle and cables
Front brake cables
Headlight bucket
Front Turns
Rear Turns
Rear Taillight
Gas Cap
Clutch cable
Left side cover
Right side cover
Tank emblems
Choke cable
Instrument Cluster
Rear shocks
Ignition switch
Petcock
Seals and Gaskets
all new oil lines
New upper case, or find someone to weld some allum up to fix the existing one
Depends how bad and how much you want to restore it. Definitely, restorable. My 750, was in nearly identical condition when I began. It's pristine today. But, a whole lot of passion, time and money invested can sometimes produce miracles. The only thing that bothers me about your bike is the engine case. Nearly, every motorcycle is restoreable. Depends on your passion, time and of course your wallet. It's extremely satisfying bringing one of these bikes back to it's former glory once finished. Unfortunately, very few parts are worth much on these bikes similar to the condition of yours as far as making money. Crank seals are always something that seriously needs to be considered replacing running any old 2 stroke that has it's original seals still in place. That can be expensive, if and most likely it needs addressed now or sometime in the next few years. My seals were perfectly fine for nearly a year after I purchased it in similar condition as yours. But, a seal split into pieces not too long after that. The seals may seam fine for a while. But, continuously running the bike after it sitting for long periods can cause problems from nearly 40 year old rubber. Even if they don't cause an initial problem. My consensus is that they need replaced due to the age factor. Something to think about.
All the internal (crank included) seals would be replaced. These guys are a little more complex that the RDs ive pulled apart but I'm not going to build a 2stroke without going ahead and replacing all that. During that time, I would either have to fix that case or get a new one. I suppose its nothing too important as that's the chain housing, but still better to keep the dirt and water out of there. Quick look on e-bay and most of them are in similar shape. unless you want to pay $200+ which I suppose would be worth it if I decide to go ahead and restore it.
That crankcase can be cleaned up, welded and dressed back to look like new. I had to do a similar repair to one this time last year. Cost of welding was around $120 plus my time to clean it up and make it look original after it was welded. Or one of us here has to have a set that they could sell you that are reasonably close to your frame and engine number so they still "match".
My set of 73 cases look pretty much the same as yours, and will have to go to the welder if I ever plan on using them. 72 cases are different IIRC in that the engine number is in a different place - it's on a raised boss above the transmission - just like an RD, but then they changed to the left side above the chain.
++ on everything thats been said so far...things can get a bit out of hand with the wallet situation in regards to the crankshaft !! PS everything on your list is available....you won't find "new oil lines" you will have to source a good set of used lines on Ebay or the like ?
Cheers,
Roger
Good find! if you ever did decide to go non-original on the front brakes, or to part it out, please be aware that those TLS front drums can go for up to $800 equivalent on ebay UK! crazy prices anyway
Cheers,
Mike
Where are you located at? If you're close to me in AZ you can have my rear shocks, turn signals, and anything else I can scrounge up. Saw your post over on DTT, I think you should save this one.
Thanks for the replies guys, I think you have talked me into keeping it and getting it up all put back together. Before I start purchasing, I still need to ensure that I get the title for it. It didn't have one when I bought it, there is about a 90% chance that i'll get it as Indiana isn't that bad about it. However, no point in spending money until you know for sure that its worth it. At that point, I might be hitting up a couple of you for some of your stuff.
Where in Indiana...? I'm about 20 miles East of South Bend. Not many parts to spare, but I have a Dec 71 build GT750J if you need something to compare for correct parts. Also have a spare 72 engine that is not busted up, that I was going to use for a cafe racer but is still sitting on a shelf.
busa1300 wrote:Where in Indiana...? I'm about 20 miles East of South Bend. Not many parts to spare, but I have a Dec 71 build GT750J if you need something to compare for correct parts. Also have a spare 72 engine that is not busted up, that I was going to use for a cafe racer but is still sitting on a shelf.
I'm just went of Indy out in Avon, you would be quite the drive but I'll keep that in mind. Im still in the middle of my RD build, so i havent decided if I want to start on this at the same time, or wait. The difference is that the RD is a full custom build, modified frame and all that. I usually get assistance with frame work etc so it takes time while I wait for my buddy to get some time to assist. This is just going to be a resto so I don't have to worry about all that. Money just gets in the way.
The only thing that bothers me about your bike is the engine case. Nearly, every motorcycle is restoreable. Depends on your passion, time and of course your wallet. It's extremely satisfying bringing one of these bikes back to it's former glory once finished. Unfortunately, very few parts are worth much on these bikes similar to the condition of yours as far as making money. Crank seals are always something that seriously needs to be considered replacing running any old 2 stroke that has it's original seals still in place. That can be expensive, if and most likely it needs addressed now or sometime in the next few years. My seals were perfectly fine for nearly a year after I purchased it in similar condition as yours. But, a seal split into pieces not too long after that. The seals may seam fine for a while. But, continuously running the bike after it sitting for long periods can cause problems from nearly 40 year old rubber. Even if they don't cause an initial problem. My consensus is that they need replaced due to the age factor. Something to think about.
++ on everything thats been said so far...things can get a bit out of hand with the wallet situation in regards to the crankshaft !! 
PS everything on your list is available....you won't find "new oil lines" you will have to source a good set of used lines on Ebay or the like ?
