[coleighf]

Welcome Martyn, that looks fantastic. I bought a new B1 in November 1976, yours looks spot-on. Having the original exhaust system is rare these days! See you around!

[coleighf]

That’s an interesting project, great to see it going back on the road!

[coleighf]

The number of pinstripes tells you immediately whether it’s a B1,2,3 or 4. Also, on the 3 and 4, the front brake caliper is behind the fork leg, not in front.

[coleighf]

Very smart, you’ll enjoy that, I’m sure.

[coleighf]

Hi Jack. That sounds great. Let’s hear how you get on.

[coleighf]

Get well soon Karl. About time for some better luck, fingers crossed.

[coleighf]

You mean the needle-rollers that were introduced with the B3?. Kaptain K (Andy) will definitely know the answer. Message him directly?

[coleighf]

That looks fantastic. Just needs the grab-rail!

[coleighf]

Thanks Andy. At last I managed to upload the photos!

[coleighf]

Good one Rob!

[coleighf]

They are around, look on FaceBook, Ebay etc. Although specialist engineers have enlarged them etc, there really aren’t special tuning parts for these engines. Quite honestly the outstanding feature of them is their mid-range torque, more at 3,000 rpm than a Honda CB750K does at 7,000. The best thing really is to restore one to good original condition and enjoy riding it. Quite honestly this characteristic is far more important than straight-line top speed (speedo 110/115 mph) and makes them really suitable for today’s roads, particularly because they are slimmer, lighter and handle better than the contemporary four cylinder bikes.

[coleighf]

It is perfectly possible though to get the old one stripped and re-chrome plated. If it is in good physical condition it will come back like new. Nice looking bike, I always thought the B was the best looking of the 750 Twins. Although not an original colour, the silver always looks smart too.

[coleighf]

Looking forward to seeing that one! Mine is a 78 B3.

[coleighf]

Hi Paul, join the gang! That all sounds really promising. I bought my original B1 new in 1976 and did a lot of happy miles on it. I could never understand some of the stuff that was said about it because none of that sounded like the bike I was riding! My recent US import 1978 B3 is getting close to completing its restoration and I’m really looking forward to riding one again after forty years! I remember Mike’s dealership well, close to Spaghetti Junction in Birmingham. It was a joint venture between him and Rod Gould and sadly wasn’t a commercial success, it didn’t last long.
I’m hoping that we will see an awakening of interest in the Z750B Twin and some more of them on the road. Real Classic and Classic Bike Guide magazines have reported very favourably on it against the Laverda 750SF and Honda CB750K and describe it as I still remember it very well.
cheers,

Colin.

[coleighf]

Good luck Karl! That’s quite a challenge.
Cheers,

Colin.

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