31
General Discussion / VIN Numbers in Directory
« on: October 02, 2019, 03:59:57 pm »
Hi All, Does anyone here know who owns Frame 10. Its in the VIN directory but not much else is known HELP would be appreciated
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32
Parts Wanted / EARLY UNSTAMPED SANDCAST CASES WANTED
« on: October 01, 2019, 07:15:55 pm »
Hi All
Does anyone have a set of EARLY unstamped sandcast cases. I'm doing a project
I can trade for a set of 3 digit cases. Now that's a good deal
KP
Does anyone have a set of EARLY unstamped sandcast cases. I'm doing a project
I can trade for a set of 3 digit cases. Now that's a good deal
KP
33
General Discussion / Double Cut Mudguards/Fenders & #8 Bolts
« on: September 30, 2019, 05:20:10 pm »
I have this view and maybe it's incorrect, but I believe the double cut repop mudguard/fenders sold by Yamiya are the same as the Vietnam product.
The other item are the #8 bolts sold by Yamiya These are bad and I mean really bad
Anyone got comments.
The other item are the #8 bolts sold by Yamiya These are bad and I mean really bad
Anyone got comments.
34
General Discussion / The Not So "New Kid on the Block"
« on: September 28, 2019, 02:46:18 am »
It goes without saying that Yamiya made a huge impact on the "sandcast restorer" especially with three items in particular. Exhaust, seat and side covers. Since those early days his inventory has grown in leaps and bounds. Yes, I confess in years past I've been critical of Yamiya and his prices and sometimes quality/accuracy of their reproductions, and I suspect I will also continue to comment if I believe it's warranted. In this post though, I want to give Yamiya an accolade.
Let me begin by saying that in Australia finding new or good quality replacement parts is like looking for Kim Kardashian's relevance, ie: a tough ask. So I, like many, find we have to go International to get most things, including getting items at a reasonable price. I source 95% of my stuff from the US, Europe, Canada and Japan. In all those markets there are many sellers and getting a bargain is still possible, however there are also some very expensive sellers. In Japan we have several sellers including MRS, WebBike and of course Yamiya to name a the big ones.
So back to the reason for this post. In the last 6 months or so I've been talking with a few busy restorers here and most source their parts from Yamiya. The reason they give, is that as a general rule, Yamiya has the cheapest genuine and NOS parts, and usually high quality repop or aftermarket parts. I've recently done 2 engines and other work and found this to be true 95% of the time. US sourced genuine and NOS parts certainly can compete but the US postage has blown out and our Government has seen fit to legislate that eBay and Pay Pal charge 10% goods tax on anything we buy, even a $4 item. It becomes fairly clear that the playing field has certainly shifted back to Yamiya IMHO. I've found that of most items I've bought, Yamiya has been the cheapest and in many cases by a large margin. MRS sell the same repop stuff and can no way compete with Yamiya and MRS don't carry the genuine parts as Yamiya does.
Getting back to the reason for my post. This new/old kid is Andy Cepok selling out of Germany. Well let me tell you I've had dealings with this dude and last item I bought was some wire looms that were advertised and sold as genuine Honda. No misread of the description either. Well they were certainly not genuine or even later made barcode parts. I've avoided this seller ever since. Like some other sellers he uses a ruse to sell some of his stuff. What he does is places a part on genuine Honda packaging leaving the buyer with the impression it's a genuine Honda part. I note that now days he buries in his descriptions that parts and not genuine. But, he still uses a part number in his description the intent of which is to give a misdirected impression.
I've noticed in recent months that this seller is targeting US eBay to sell his wares and he still uses the same selling techniques. Well I've done some homework on the stuff he sells and without doubt he sells at a much higher premium than does Yamiya. I suspect he is sourcing his inventory from Japan
Here is but one item I checked at random listed under the a Honda Sandcast search I generally do
Taillight mounting rubber listed by Mr Cepok and using that same method of listing ie: honda packaging and part number (he now uses the word comparison in his p/n description)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-CB-750-Four-K0-Sandcast-Rubber-Rear-Fender-Number-Plate-Bracket-New/362762879752?epid=1036744856&hash=item54765a4308:g:bngAAMXQHPFRhH8I
His price - US$42.71 + $15.44 shipping Total US$58.15
Yamiya for the same part - US$25.90 plus $18.50 shipping Total US$44.40 Note. Yamiya charges a flat rate shipping so if you buy other items the shipping is fixed to around 1/2 to 1kg If you add a taillight lens, cord and wiring the rates is the same
So you see there is a big difference.
I'm posting this to let you guys know. Don't get sucked in and don't overpay for your parts. Shop around
I'll give you a better example of a ruse in another post. Enjoy your week
Let me begin by saying that in Australia finding new or good quality replacement parts is like looking for Kim Kardashian's relevance, ie: a tough ask. So I, like many, find we have to go International to get most things, including getting items at a reasonable price. I source 95% of my stuff from the US, Europe, Canada and Japan. In all those markets there are many sellers and getting a bargain is still possible, however there are also some very expensive sellers. In Japan we have several sellers including MRS, WebBike and of course Yamiya to name a the big ones.
So back to the reason for this post. In the last 6 months or so I've been talking with a few busy restorers here and most source their parts from Yamiya. The reason they give, is that as a general rule, Yamiya has the cheapest genuine and NOS parts, and usually high quality repop or aftermarket parts. I've recently done 2 engines and other work and found this to be true 95% of the time. US sourced genuine and NOS parts certainly can compete but the US postage has blown out and our Government has seen fit to legislate that eBay and Pay Pal charge 10% goods tax on anything we buy, even a $4 item. It becomes fairly clear that the playing field has certainly shifted back to Yamiya IMHO. I've found that of most items I've bought, Yamiya has been the cheapest and in many cases by a large margin. MRS sell the same repop stuff and can no way compete with Yamiya and MRS don't carry the genuine parts as Yamiya does.
Getting back to the reason for my post. This new/old kid is Andy Cepok selling out of Germany. Well let me tell you I've had dealings with this dude and last item I bought was some wire looms that were advertised and sold as genuine Honda. No misread of the description either. Well they were certainly not genuine or even later made barcode parts. I've avoided this seller ever since. Like some other sellers he uses a ruse to sell some of his stuff. What he does is places a part on genuine Honda packaging leaving the buyer with the impression it's a genuine Honda part. I note that now days he buries in his descriptions that parts and not genuine. But, he still uses a part number in his description the intent of which is to give a misdirected impression.
I've noticed in recent months that this seller is targeting US eBay to sell his wares and he still uses the same selling techniques. Well I've done some homework on the stuff he sells and without doubt he sells at a much higher premium than does Yamiya. I suspect he is sourcing his inventory from Japan
Here is but one item I checked at random listed under the a Honda Sandcast search I generally do
Taillight mounting rubber listed by Mr Cepok and using that same method of listing ie: honda packaging and part number (he now uses the word comparison in his p/n description)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-CB-750-Four-K0-Sandcast-Rubber-Rear-Fender-Number-Plate-Bracket-New/362762879752?epid=1036744856&hash=item54765a4308:g:bngAAMXQHPFRhH8I
His price - US$42.71 + $15.44 shipping Total US$58.15
Yamiya for the same part - US$25.90 plus $18.50 shipping Total US$44.40 Note. Yamiya charges a flat rate shipping so if you buy other items the shipping is fixed to around 1/2 to 1kg If you add a taillight lens, cord and wiring the rates is the same
So you see there is a big difference.
I'm posting this to let you guys know. Don't get sucked in and don't overpay for your parts. Shop around
I'll give you a better example of a ruse in another post. Enjoy your week
35
Links to Auctions and Classifieds / A Rare Sandcast Head Gasket - With Extra Hole and That’s Rare
« on: September 12, 2019, 04:23:41 am »
Here’s a super rare Sandcast head gasket gasket just waiting to be taken up by one of us. So rare it has an extra hole 
To soak up oil leaks maybe. I’m sure Mr Swan and Gerard will be waiting in line to buy. And here was I thinking these 307 Honda bar code gaskets for the die cast engines up to 72 were common as dogs 🐕 ba#*s. Must be my mistake or is it Mr Marks’?
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Honda-NOS-750-Cylinder-Head-Gasket-CB750K0-Sandcast-12251-300-307/333326909112?hash=item4d9bd4feb8:g:8k8AAOSwAL9Uf3Hb
To soak up oil leaks maybe. I’m sure Mr Swan and Gerard will be waiting in line to buy. And here was I thinking these 307 Honda bar code gaskets for the die cast engines up to 72 were common as dogs 🐕 ba#*s. Must be my mistake or is it Mr Marks’?https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Honda-NOS-750-Cylinder-Head-Gasket-CB750K0-Sandcast-12251-300-307/333326909112?hash=item4d9bd4feb8:g:8k8AAOSwAL9Uf3Hb
36
Links to Auctions and Classifieds / Sandcast Cases - Damaged
« on: August 29, 2019, 05:55:20 pm »
Where do people get this stuff from. The CB750’s made in California myth surfaces again. 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Honda-CB750-Sandcast-complete-engine-case-1000426/153622700787?hash=item23c4a062f3:g:-lkAAOSwuY1daC2k[/url
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Honda-CB750-Sandcast-complete-engine-case-1000426/153622700787?hash=item23c4a062f3:g:-lkAAOSwuY1daC2k[/url
37
"88 Model Distinctions" / Rear Brake Plate
« on: May 22, 2019, 07:22:47 pm »
The early Sandcast backing plate was made using a sandcast process with later plates being diecast. Don't know at what frame number these early brake plate changed to diecast type. Even though the response when asking owners to check what they have is either very low or non-existent, I'll ask again. When you next have your rear wheel off or you are able to check, can you respond here and advise what type you have and your frame number. The attached photo shows the two types. Thanks
38
Engine Mechanical / K0 Head Unusual Feature
« on: May 20, 2019, 07:38:04 pm »
Anyone know what these are, what their for or other information. They look like plugs of some type and are on all my K0 heads
39
"88 Model Distinctions" / Oil Filter Cover Bolt
« on: May 08, 2019, 09:45:31 pm »
I generally like to see 3 items before I put pen to paper on a distinction unless I am convinced something is what it is with one of something such as the early oil filter decal. Let's look at the oil filter bolt with the 14mm head which I've now seen 3 of. It's good to know what we are looking at given the number of "scammers" and "everything is sandcast" sellers out there. The 14mm oil filter bolt was a Honda recalled item, like the no-fin cast oil filter housing, however many of both survived and can be bought on eBay, swap meets etc., but how do you know what to look for. There are several clear differences between a genuine early bolt and a repop. There are a few other subtle differences but there are 3 easily spotted differences that are difficult to replicate, especially the bolt head bottom radius. Pictures tell a story better than words so enjoy. If members have different experiences please let us know.
40
Links to Auctions and Classifieds / A Joke On eBay
« on: April 28, 2019, 04:44:18 pm »
Isn't even fitted with a sandcast engine. Have a look at his home made wrinkle tank and paint set also on eBay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-HONDA-CB750-CB-750-SANDCAST-CB750RR-RHODE-ISLAND-CAFE-RACER-VIDEO/372660958242?fits=Make%3AHonda&hash=item56c452f422:g:FScAAOSwIINZ0AJm
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-HONDA-CB750-CB-750-SANDCAST-CB750RR-RHODE-ISLAND-CAFE-RACER-VIDEO/372660958242?fits=Make%3AHonda&hash=item56c452f422:g:FScAAOSwIINZ0AJm
42
"88 Model Distinctions" / Oil Tank Side Cover Decal
« on: April 19, 2019, 05:59:51 pm »
For those interested, the current crop of oil side cover decals for sale from vendors are not correct for the early K0 bikes. I'm not sure when Honda changed these decals, but for Sandcasts (early at least) the correct decal has no reference to US pints and did not use the word "Oil" before Tank Cap. I think the dimensions could have also changed and the words "ENGINE OIL" are maybe written in a larger font although I'll need to check that.
Here are photos of the 1st and 2nd generation decals.
Does anyone have this decal on their machine and if so can I ask you to provide the frame number. So far we are at frames up to around 250
Thanks fellas
Here are photos of the 1st and 2nd generation decals.
Does anyone have this decal on their machine and if so can I ask you to provide the frame number. So far we are at frames up to around 250
Thanks fellas
43
Paint - Badges and Component Refinishing / Tank Striping - Paint, Decal or Transfer
« on: April 13, 2019, 01:14:47 am »
I thought I'd start a new thread on this because of the debate and discussion that it may generate. Remember when we (well some of us) had this board debate of painted cases vrs unpainted cases. I can't remember which camp I was in but probably was the unpainted camp. Well that debate was settled years back and it is the accepted view cases were painted.
Here we go again. I've always been in the painted stripe camp as are many others. Well Gerard has brought a wealth of knowledge and opinion to this forum and I and others have never dismissed out of hand what he has ever posted. He just posted on the thread "Your Stripes are Wrong" about stripes maybe NOT being painted so I decided to have another look at this question. I armed myself with a light magnifier and 2 of the 3 original tanks I posted about a few days back. The third tank was repacked and I wasn't inclined to unpack it again.
Armed with this magnifier, camera, good light I've studied these 2 tanks, one a double wrinkle 17 litre and the other a 19 litre. All I can say is it was a most enlightening exercise as I discovered several things.
The first thing was that the front of the right side stripe is approx 47mm wide whereas the left side stripe at the front is around 45mm wide. This oddity is on both tanks and the measurements are more or less exact. This cannot be a coincidence. This oddity can not be so if striping was done manually. I just don't believe that such exact measurements can be so random with these tanks if striping was done by hand. Template yes but not by eye. The other thing is I could notice lines outside of the stripe, say about 1mm wide for the full outline of the stripe. It's not a decal line as it's too faint, but, maybe a water transfer line??
Attached are the photos I was able to take that does shed some light on this and I'm sure will generate some further discussion. Taking photographs of what I can see with my eye is very difficult but I think I've been able to capture what I saw.
Do any of you remember the days of plastic models. I was an avid model builder through the 60's and early 70's and war planes was my special interest. In those days (the good ol days) vinyl decals were not common at all and the poison of choice in them there days was the water transfer. These model kits had a sheet of water transfers which when soaked in water came away and were easily placed on the model. Usual detail was the aircraft insignias and the name transfer I believe was used because one transferred the insignia from the paper to the aircraft using water to release the insignia from the paper. When this insignia was still wet it was placed on the appropriate area of the model and allowed to dry. You could then paint over the transfer if required.
Although not totally convinced, I'm starting to think Gerard is maybe right about this. Needs more members to comment on their findings
Just added some more photos
Here we go again. I've always been in the painted stripe camp as are many others. Well Gerard has brought a wealth of knowledge and opinion to this forum and I and others have never dismissed out of hand what he has ever posted. He just posted on the thread "Your Stripes are Wrong" about stripes maybe NOT being painted so I decided to have another look at this question. I armed myself with a light magnifier and 2 of the 3 original tanks I posted about a few days back. The third tank was repacked and I wasn't inclined to unpack it again.
Armed with this magnifier, camera, good light I've studied these 2 tanks, one a double wrinkle 17 litre and the other a 19 litre. All I can say is it was a most enlightening exercise as I discovered several things.
The first thing was that the front of the right side stripe is approx 47mm wide whereas the left side stripe at the front is around 45mm wide. This oddity is on both tanks and the measurements are more or less exact. This cannot be a coincidence. This oddity can not be so if striping was done manually. I just don't believe that such exact measurements can be so random with these tanks if striping was done by hand. Template yes but not by eye. The other thing is I could notice lines outside of the stripe, say about 1mm wide for the full outline of the stripe. It's not a decal line as it's too faint, but, maybe a water transfer line
??Attached are the photos I was able to take that does shed some light on this and I'm sure will generate some further discussion. Taking photographs of what I can see with my eye is very difficult but I think I've been able to capture what I saw.
Do any of you remember the days of plastic models. I was an avid model builder through the 60's and early 70's and war planes was my special interest. In those days (the good ol days) vinyl decals were not common at all and the poison of choice in them there days was the water transfer. These model kits had a sheet of water transfers which when soaked in water came away and were easily placed on the model. Usual detail was the aircraft insignias and the name transfer I believe was used because one transferred the insignia from the paper to the aircraft using water to release the insignia from the paper. When this insignia was still wet it was placed on the appropriate area of the model and allowed to dry. You could then paint over the transfer if required.
Although not totally convinced, I'm starting to think Gerard is maybe right about this. Needs more members to comment on their findings
Just added some more photos
44
Paint - Badges and Component Refinishing / Your Tank Striping is Wrong
« on: April 11, 2019, 09:14:57 pm »
I thought I would share this "your tank striping is wrong" story with you.
In Australia we have paint shops that are as good as any. The painter I used last time I had a job done has retired (he was an artist) and finding another was on my to do list. A good friend and fellow Sandcast enthusiasts put me on to a great painter of sandcast tanks etc who's work was right up there but on making an enquiry this guy was so busy he's decided to concentrate on custom Harley paintwork. No more Honda candy paint. Buggar So find another painter. All very well. The truth is that most qualified spray painters are generally very very good otherwise they would be out of a job. BUT! Finding someone who specialises in small jobs and if possible, motorcycle painting, is not so easy however, I was given a contact who does mostly motorcycles and early bikes is a particular specialty with him.
So I drop around to his shop to have a talk and to see his set up and was impressed both with his setup and the quality of his work, Now there are few early Honda SOHC motorcycles in a particular area so his experience in painting the 69, 70 and 71 models is limited to less that a half dozen bikes but he had loads of experience with candy paint. He was up front when I spoke about painting the stripe on the tank. He'd done a few but was more into using decals which is fine but I want my stripe painted, otherwise I will feel the wrath of Gerard for not doing something in keeping with the original Honda method.
I get to see his album of paintwork of early SOHC 750s and straight up spot a real problem. Tank striping
I say to him "Your tank striping is wrong"
Now this is not the first time we've be confronted with stripes that are off after a repaint. The problem as I see it is more about follow on in that someone such as a painter is told or given a copy of how a stripe should be. After a few years, that incorrect stripe becomes the norm and gets accepted as the correct Honda stripe. Guess what, the largest seller of painted K0 items is Yamiya in Japan, and also guess what, Yamiya's tank stripes are wrong. Mr Yamiya, "your tank striping is wrong" Do not pass go, do not collect your $100, go straight to jail. If you don't agree with what I've just said, then you also need to also go to jail
Now what chance have we got if the biggest seller of the repainted tank stripes has got it wrong
Getting back to my initial tale; I tell the new painter, who is maybe in his early 30's and isn't so familiar with the early SOHC 750 as we collector folk, I'll either bring you a correct original painted tank with correct stripe or I take him a pre-made decal stripe from on of the most respected decal makers on the planet.
Dead f'n easy yeah!
No, not so f'n easy yeah! 
I find my elusive pre-made tank stripe in an obscure packing crate, in an unopened box, in an unopened bag. Oh good, a template for the painter, But wait, there's more. On inspecting this finely crafted reproduction tank stripe that I bought from some shady seller at the beer, beef and burgundy bar - SHOCK - I immediately say to my self "Hey Mr tank stripe reproducer, "your finally crafted, you-beaut tank stripe is also f'n wrong" Not only is it too wide (should be around 45 to 46mm wide), it's also way too long
So I dig out 2 unrestored tanks I own, and also compare with an original tank on one of my own bikes. Three original tank stripes in all, so I do know I'm good here. I photo the tanks with stripe on stripe and send them off to the decal maker who I'm sure is going to totally ignore me. Oh well, at least I've tried
Here are my very quick and dirty photos for you to see what I'm saying. Do we all get what I'm saying here
Now there is a moral to this War n Peace story.
If members don't take the time and contribute their findings to this site, how will we learn, how will we know
Enjoy the read
Later fellas.
In Australia we have paint shops that are as good as any. The painter I used last time I had a job done has retired (he was an artist) and finding another was on my to do list. A good friend and fellow Sandcast enthusiasts put me on to a great painter of sandcast tanks etc who's work was right up there but on making an enquiry this guy was so busy he's decided to concentrate on custom Harley paintwork. No more Honda candy paint. Buggar
So find another painter. All very well. The truth is that most qualified spray painters are generally very very good otherwise they would be out of a job. BUT! Finding someone who specialises in small jobs and if possible, motorcycle painting, is not so easy however, I was given a contact who does mostly motorcycles and early bikes is a particular specialty with him.So I drop around to his shop to have a talk and to see his set up and was impressed both with his setup and the quality of his work, Now there are few early Honda SOHC motorcycles in a particular area so his experience in painting the 69, 70 and 71 models is limited to less that a half dozen bikes but he had loads of experience with candy paint. He was up front when I spoke about painting the stripe on the tank. He'd done a few but was more into using decals which is fine but I want my stripe painted, otherwise I will feel the wrath of Gerard for not doing something in keeping with the original Honda method.
I get to see his album of paintwork of early SOHC 750s and straight up spot a real problem. Tank striping
I say to him "Your tank striping is wrong"Now this is not the first time we've be confronted with stripes that are off after a repaint. The problem as I see it is more about follow on in that someone such as a painter is told or given a copy of how a stripe should be. After a few years, that incorrect stripe becomes the norm and gets accepted as the correct Honda stripe. Guess what, the largest seller of painted K0 items is Yamiya in Japan, and also guess what, Yamiya's tank stripes are wrong. Mr Yamiya, "your tank striping is wrong" Do not pass go, do not collect your $100, go straight to jail. If you don't agree with what I've just said, then you also need to also go to jail
Now what chance have we got if the biggest seller of the repainted tank stripes has got it wrong
Getting back to my initial tale; I tell the new painter, who is maybe in his early 30's and isn't so familiar with the early SOHC 750 as we collector folk, I'll either bring you a correct original painted tank with correct stripe or I take him a pre-made decal stripe from on of the most respected decal makers on the planet.
Dead f'n easy yeah!
No, not so f'n easy yeah! I find my elusive pre-made tank stripe in an obscure packing crate, in an unopened box, in an unopened bag. Oh good, a template for the painter, But wait, there's more. On inspecting this finely crafted reproduction tank stripe that I bought from some shady seller at the beer, beef and burgundy bar - SHOCK - I immediately say to my self "Hey Mr tank stripe reproducer, "your finally crafted, you-beaut tank stripe is also f'n wrong" Not only is it too wide (should be around 45 to 46mm wide), it's also way too long
So I dig out 2 unrestored tanks I own, and also compare with an original tank on one of my own bikes. Three original tank stripes in all, so I do know I'm good here. I photo the tanks with stripe on stripe and send them off to the decal maker who I'm sure is going to totally ignore me. Oh well, at least I've tried
Here are my very quick and dirty photos for you to see what I'm saying. Do we all get what I'm saying here
Now there is a moral to this War n Peace story.
If members don't take the time and contribute their findings to this site, how will we learn, how will we know
Enjoy the read
Later fellas.
45
General Discussion / Alloy Refinishing by Vic World
« on: April 10, 2019, 02:56:54 am »
I've seen an article written by Vic on how he refinishes his alloy pieces but I canna find it Anyone point me to the correct place Thanks