Honda '76-'78 CB750A?

tyr_shadowblade

tyr_shadowblade

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Am considering my options for having an automatic trike put together by next Summer and am on a budget. Don't want a rear mounted engine (VW or other), don't want a Kliktronic shifter, and don't want a Ridley.

Right now I'm thinking of either having a Hondamatic 750 turned into a lowered open rail trike, or possibly having a small block Chevy V-6 trike built.

Due to a disability, shifting is a non-option. Already need to have the accelerator and brakes modified, and there will be a lot of city driving as well as trips into the mountains. Can't risk making an error shifting with a passenger on the back under adverse conditions. Needs to be an automatic.

As stated in the thread title, one of my two options is a CB750A. I've heard that the CB750 engine is damn near bulletproof and there are plenty of spare parts available. Would like opinions and suggestions from folks who have experience with these bikes.

A few questions are:

Any problems with the automatic transmission, and how many shops are equipped to work on them?

I've heard the automatic steals about 20 HP -- any suggestions for increasing horsepower?

Any unusual quirks with this model I should be aware of?

Am leaning towards the Chevy V-6 at this point, as the cost will probably be about the same, but am exploring all possible options and keeping an open mind.

Thanks. :thumbup:
 
There was a CB900 with more horsepower -- basically the same engine. A friend of mine had one at the time I was riding a CB650, the version that avoided the temporary import tax on motorcycles >700cc. He never had a bit of trouble with his (nor did I with mine).
 
I rode a Honda-matic for 5 years, it was a 400cc model but I never had issue with the transmission. I just saw the bike being ridden here in town 15 years after I sold it still going strong! The Snotties are great bikes, durable and great running. I am currently looking for a clean 750 (standard tranny) for a cafe project. I wouldn't hesitate to own another automatic tho.
 
I'd probably go with a small V-6, since trikes usually weight over a 1,000 lbs loaded.

The older bikes, of which the auto transmission ones are, don't have much power to begin with.
 
Just found out it would cost about 5K to have a Hondamatic triked out, so I think I'll stick with my original plan for finding a pre-built car-engine trike.

There's a cool one an hour away that looks sorta like an open rail VW trike . . . but it has an Olds 307 in the back instead. :eek:

Fortunately, I'm broke at the moment . . . otherwise I'd probably buy it because I'm half retarded.
 
I wouldn't consider a 30-yr-old 750cc engine/tranny whatsoever. The seals alone are susceptible, and that technology is slow and costly now. I worked on those often. Head gaskets are junk from the factory.

Cougar, this engine is an earlier SOHC, and the 900 and 750cc engines you are referring to, are both DOHC. Not a shared part.

Graft a modern Subaru 2.0 boxer/tranny in there. Good for 200k..... ;)

Coop
 
Right, I was thinking of later DOHC engines and I don't know how they would work with an automatic transmission. :foot:
 
SharpByCoop said:
I wouldn't consider a 30-yr-old 750cc engine/tranny whatsoever. The seals alone are susceptible, and that technology is slow and costly now. I worked on those often. Head gaskets are junk from the factory.

Cougar, this engine is an earlier SOHC, and the 900 and 750cc engines you are referring to, are both DOHC. Not a shared part.

Graft a modern Subaru 2.0 boxer/tranny in there. Good for 200k..... ;)

Coop
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Thanks for the information. :thumbup:
 
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