Motorcycle Repair: Honda 1981 CB750, brake caliper, carbon brushes

Question
I own a Honda 1981 CB750. I have had more heartache than joy in the past year. Most recently while riding the bike lost electrical power. It would not jump start and I had to have it towed. When it was being unloaded the front and back tires refused to roll. So I have a bike that won't start, battery dead, and tires won't roll. What do I do? Any and all advice is much appreciated...please keep in mind that I am a 100lb female owner and can't move it at the moment. Help me

Answer
Hi Rachel,

I suspect the charging sytem is not working properly. Usually, the carbon brushes in the altenator wear beyond use and cause similar problems with the CB750's. Brushes are replaceable and the task of inspecting and replacing them is easy.

Wheels locking or reluctant to roll is commonly caused by brake fluid that has gummed or crystalized around the brake caliper seals. This is another easy task. Brake seals are not expensive. You'll need a can brake cleaner $3, seals $20 or less for all, brake fluid DOT 3 or 4 $4, and some basic tools and time.

Send me an email address as requested. I'll return repair info files. Send to: mshively1@woh.rr.com

Respectfully,
Mark Shively
www.fop104.com