Spark plug replacement: Honda Cb750

Learn how to properly change out your motorcycle's spark plugs. Here I show some important tips that many people overlook when diving into their ignition system. Don't make the mistakes other have and end up doing more damage than good on a simple tune-up.
Free Maintenance course
►► Join my FREE maintenance course to achieve quality service and maintenance practices for your motorcycle → www.themotorcyclemd.com/free-...
Spark plug socket set
amzn.to/2hr6aGO
How valuable is the video content to you?
The biggest thank you I can get is for you to simply share the videos with riders you know. Feel free to give it a thumbs up too!

[@Chopik1149]

Cody - 1980 CB750K here. I absolutely love your videos, Buddy. Awesome job... every time.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks man!

[@chivai4493]

how many kg of honda nigthawk 750 cc?

[@Savage6FlyingTigers]

Awesome job. As a novice bike owner I never would have thought about the rocks and dirt falling back in.

[@Johnny2Bags47]

Same

[@Cody_Codi_Code]

Cody, you’re a great educator! I just bought my first motorcycle, 1980 Yamaha XS850. I’ve had to do way more wrenching than I anticipated. Your videos have been invaluable. Thanks brother!

[@Chopik1149]

Nicely done! Clean. Simple. Straightforward. I subscribed and I'm looking forward to checking out your entire video library. My 27 yr old son/musician is an old soul and truly appreciates vintage. We have about 25 vintage guitars, a dozen vintage keyboards, and our sailboat is also 40 years old. I was helping him search for his first bike - a 70s CB360 - and at midnight happened across an ad that was literally just posted [zero views] for a 1980 CB750K in excellent condition and complete with a Honda fairing and Honda luggage for... $500 bucks. AMAZING! Bigger than Ryan wanted but perfect for... me! Owner was a retired pilot, meticulous about everything. Called and eTransfered him the money on the spot. Next day, as I was getting ready to leave his garage, I noticed a rear bike tire amongst some boxes in the corner. Turned out it was a CB400 Hawk Tii with 43,000 km... and he was the original owner! With an apology he said, "Carbs are in a box and it needs new rubber to certify. Wife wants it gone. Yours for $100 bucks!" What??? DONE! So... now we be two new bikers... with two old bikes. Your channel is going to be VERY helpful as we dive into this new hobby. We'll start with this video and the plugs. Thanks for taking the time to put these videos together and for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Much appreciated.

[@CrakShaft]

Wow, seems like the Universe aligned everything just right! So, how did it go with fixing the bike?

[@nickwarner8158]

I wish youtube and this channel existed back in the day when I bought a 72 CB350 for $250. Would've helped a lot. Hell, I might still have the thing.

[@iamjacksyoutube5375]

I bought a 97 cb750 two months ago, only 8,600~ miles! I was just about to pull my plugs and probably would not have thought about clearing any little debris. Thank you for the video and the engine saving tip!

[@davidclayton6184]

Cody, I've just found your channel and am really appreciating your videos for getting to fix my CB750 Sevenfifty RC42. Thanks man!

[@BrandonLund]

I really like your videos. Your a good teacher. Keep up the good work.

[@jamesphelps9573]

These videos are great man. Getting a vf700c magna tomorrow and I'm likeing every video so I can come back. Keep on making them

[@paulunderwood655]

Excellent advice. Just back into it after many years...reminding me of lots of great stuff. THX!

[@denisrailey777]

CBR1100XX Spark plugs about $50.00 each. Iridium & last about 4 years..Thanks for your vids.

[@jeffreyreicher5241]

Great video, never thought about cleaning around the plugs before removal. Thanks for the tips.

[@gigmcgig8995]

Another great video concise informative good tip about the removing grit in the spark plug area

[@toth6725]

Hey man you're a hero I just bought my nighthawk 4 months ago and have you're channel as a reference is awesome. Hopefully you can do a video on the 750 carb adjustment. Although I'm a little unsettled I did my plug change without blowing out a couple of tiny rocks:/ I don't think any fell but still

[@rwesley9930]

Thanks Cody! Always learning here!

[@cretoolsen5031]

good advice

[@kylew5511]

You deserve so many more views and subscribers. Keep it up! They'll all come eventually!

[@seniorjuanvaldez]

Great tips sir! I'm learning a lot from your videos thanks for posting them!

[@Z3B3N]

perfecto, era lo que necesitaba. thank you!

[@LordOfThunderUK]

Very good and thank you for your knowledge.

[@jeffg2557]

Thanks for the tips; very helpful!!

[@larryedwards1591]

Thanks man as always good info

[@dallaspolyak8894]

great video, thanks

[@travisaleric5703]

Great vid! I learn something new everytime!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Awesome Travis!

[@chess4090]

A shop vac is quite useful for this as well. For suction or blowing....if no air compressor is available

[@mikem5475]

Great video. Thank you

[@brucecycles464]

Very good thank you.

[@Joez86]

Great tips

[@soulgivesoul07]

very useful thank you!

[@ripsnorter1015]

Very good got me doing it right..but just want to know I put my plugs in real tight is that fine?

[@Johnny2Bags47]

Very Helpful. Thank You

[@kwm380]

Good info! Thanks!

[@upnorth5465]

As per Honda New plugs need to be torqued twice. The first time it is installed until it seats and then do a 3/4 turn. Back it out and then re seat the plug and tighten another 1/4 turn or it will loosen up. I Have had to re do diy spark plugs jobs. It comes in with a hard start/misfiring issue due to low compression because the plug came loose. Then it gets new plugs again because the old ones are fouled.

[@juandiegomartinez3664]

Great video thnks

[@larryt5064]

You the man

[@harriesouth5893]

wish cody had a shop in the uk

[@suesterseel]

Thanks.. 💪

[@urc24b]

you are the best

[@Gus-cg9yp]

Hi, Great videos , I alway watch them . Doesn't that bit of grease on the thread affect the earth with the engine ? thanks for the videos. Gus

[@sail4life]

Thanks Cody, awesome life-saver tips! I'll be real careful I don't get my rocks caught in the cylinders LOL!

[@CrakShaft]

Thank you, Cody! I think it's been 16000 miles so I should check those spark plugs...

[@mikeeger7581]

Thanks again mike E Middletown ny

[@pbuehner]

Nice video, nice channel. Keep up the good work. You should have many many more subscribers. Happy Holidays.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Peter Buehner Thanks Peter! Hope you have a great holiday weekend yourself. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@jonathanclark6764]

The Motorcycle MD your alright man ......I like you videos

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Jonathan Clark Haha thanks brother. Happy holidays to you and yours! Glad you enjoy the content!🔧👊🤘

[@wormraper]

lol, I stumbled across this just to remind myself what spark plugs to use and realize we have a pretty much identical process (including grease). Although I'm lazy and don't take off the tank, use a low profile ratchet and the official honda tool and then finger loosen to get them out... nicks up the fingers a bit with the tight spaces, but easier than yelling and cussing at getting the tank off

[@VicenteLagos]

Can I use chain grease or W40 for the spark plug?

[@karldegroe6056]

Great videos, I would however suggest checking with the manufacturer regarding lube or antisieze compounds on spark plugs threads. Many of the new plug manufacturing processes involve a coating on the threads already. In some cases manufacturers are very specific to not coat the threads as coating them will actually cause damage to the engine. A quick and dirty rule is: if the threads of the sparkplug are black when new out of the box then lube will not harm the plug or the engine. If the threads are dull metal then it is best to double check with the manufacturer what they recomend with the type of head they are installed in. If the threads are shiney metal then do not use lube of any kind.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Thanks for the response and knowledge! I am interested on the damage it can cause to the engine specifically. I could maybe see an issue is somebody completely globbed up a plug thread with a high temp thermal paste that didn’t allow the plug to cool properly through the use of the head.

[@karldegroe6056]

@@TheMotorcycleMD here is a link to the TSB from NGK www.jagrepair.com/images/AutoRepairPhotos/NGK_TB-0630111antisieze.pdf

[@user-qr8vp8ts2e]

I wanted to know on the Honda 750 night hawk how to remove the spark plug wires tips from the coil tower thank you

[@keepitrunning]

Just for the record Honda also specify Nippon Denso plugs and sometimes on CR models Champion. I prefer ND myself but there's nothing between those and NGK really I think. Where I work now only sell NGK and that's for old Brits.

[@user-qr8vp8ts2e]

Help ing out I learned you can cost the threads with graphite base like the crayon core a drye lubricant

[@mikeeger7581]

Also Cody. Or anyone else out there I think my 79 400 Hondamatic has a “ mechanical “ rear brake. Is that good or should I consider upgrade that as well ? Or is there a way to make a mechanical brake work well. Or at least at its best for what it is

[@charlies5302]

Have a 82' cb750.. switched out the spark plugs and got new coils except I'm not sure of the firing order, I heard it was 1&4 then 2&3? thanks

[@ALEXGSXR]

Thanks man im about to change mine on vt750 aero. also want to clean the carbs but scared haha

[@timluther5171]

Hey Cody that's a good video and though I already know all of that because I worked on a lot of engines when I was younger, even to the point of building my own street and strip engines, I have a question that I'd appreciate your input on. I sold my last bike 30 years ago (a beautiful CB1100F) and after all of that time bought myself a cheap retirement gift a couple of weeks ago (a pretty nice '88 GSX1100F with 112,000 km on it). This bike has sat for over a year and the guy I bought it from has owned it since 2001. It runs but not well, and though I've taken it for several short rides to try to get the feel for it, it tends to come to the point at red lights where I have to blip the throttle because it starts running rough. I know that's got to be a carb issue and it's probably running a bit rich, but I picked up a infared thermometer and started the bike the other day for a couple of minutes while measuring the exhaust temp. What I found is that the right hand cylinder is dead. I don't think this bike's been tuned up for a long time brother, although it's been pretty well looked after in other ways (new tires, forks rebuilt, new sprockets and chain, .. and just went through a Ontario certification for the sale). At first I was thinking dead spark plug on that cylinder, but would you thiink that I'm more likely dealing with a really dirty carb? I have an appointment next Tuesday (only because I can't get it in sooner) for a complete tune up, and I know it'll be running right when I get it back, but in the mean time I don't really want to ride it much, if any because of the dead cylinder. Would you think I should just leave everything up to the mechanic since I have an appointment anyhow, or do you think I could be doing the engine harm riding it the 5 - 7 kilometers to the shop the way it is?

[@ropeysubstance1719]

do i need to buy a spark plug socket or will a regular socket with extension work?

[@pradeesh8739]

u r good!!! 😎

[@juandiegomartinez3664]

Can I use iridium plugs in my cb750 75???

[@robertclegg8095]

Hey Cody..love the clips, really helpful. I have a 76 Cb550 and the plugs foul, black sooty, after a couple of miles ending in weak spark etc. I understand that this signifies an over rich system. I have checked the timing, valves and synced the carbs. The carbs have been professionally cleaned along with the tank. The jet sizes are one size over standard although I figured running the pods I would need to upsize the jets. Upsizing the jets will surely make it richer?? At my wits end!! HELP MEEEEEEEE!.

[@robertclegg8095]

...have also checked compression which is also all good

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

What ever happened to the weak spark issue??

[@mikeeger7581]

Sorry Cody / kody ? But in addition to the brake upgrade done to my bike by a tech instead of diy. And cost difference. Am I really saving that much if I diy it??? On the front brake for a 79 400 a

[@fischerusarmy]

Please consider a Video on the guide plug leak that happens on most Honda Shadow VT 1100’s. It’s a flaw in design that is a real pain in the ass. VT1100C3

[@jamiestanley8774]

Hi cody . On my 750/4 k5 i have the old black coils . Can i replace the leads right up to the coil or do they not pull out . Cheers ,jamie Newzealand.

[@vegetta7326]

I use a back pack leaf blower to blow it clean

[@ktom4536]

can u use a Hoover?

[@j.coltonprice5968]

I have a 91 nighthawk 750, it will start, bt it will not stay running. I've cleaned the carbs, cleaned the tank, put on a new petcock, and put new fuel in it. After I tend to it standing over it, messing with the throttle and the choke, and it warms up, seems to run decent. But just trying to go out to it and start it up is a pain. Do you have any advice for me by chance?

[@FelipeStefanoni]

Where's your shop?

[@VTubed]

Great channel! Congrats!! I also have a CB750 (European Model) from 1993! i have a question... I've notice that the exhaust collectors have "micro' cracks on the the first curve next to the motor head, i just see them by looking really close, what should i do? There is something low cost that i could do to prevent more damage or a fix? On general the collectors seems new, it still shiny chrome! Cheers from Portugal!

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Vitor Marques Hey man! Awesome bike, I am in LOVE with the Euro cb750 tanks. Been in the hunt for quiet a while! Anyways, your exhaust is it the stock Honda exhaust? Do the cracks seem more like black veins spider-webbing around the bend?

[@VTubed]

Thanks for answering!! Yes, is the stock exhaust, the cracks are look alike spider-webs, but only about half inch long and the color is something like black-ish rusty, i tought about rapping them with termo tape, but overall, the chrome still looks very good, and i fear that it does more harm than good.. I think i'll wait until summer to see if it gets worst, meanwile i've to think of a solution without the need of replacement... Hope you find that tank, i'll see if i find something and i'll let you know! Keep up the good work and bring more videos!!

[@eyeslo4206]

I have recently bought a 06 GSX600F Katana and the previous owner drilled about 20 holes in the pipe and messed with the carbs of course. I will be getting a new pipe but I know the carbs will need to be tuned. It hesitates in low range then catches up. Seems to be super cold blooded too. Have to warm it up for 15 mins before it's rideable. I would love to see a video on these carbs. Thanks.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Eyeslo 420 Sorry to hear of the work done to the bike! Unfortunately I am a Honda specific channel and very rarely work on anything else.

[@eyeslo4206]

TheMotorcycleMD I suppose the principal is the same for all carbs. I've worked on single carbs with no problems since I've been a dirt bike guy all my life but this would be my first attempt at a quad carb. Similar but different right? I watched some of your other videos and they are very informing and confidence inspiring. I'll be going ahead with the tune myself but if you could answer a question for me that would be great. Would a guy be able to sync with just one vacuum gauge? Checking the vac on each carb one at a time making adjustments until all 4 read even? Thanks again and great channel.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Eyeslo 420 Glad you have gained a little insight through the videos! Eventually I will have single, twin, quad, and flat 6 carb videos.... eventually. But yes carburetors all function add the EXACT same principles no matter what brand. The difference is how the company decided to execute the principles. That is a very good question on the carb sync. The long answer is yes but you will be chasing perfection. Sometimes adjustments change how the carb beside it reacts. The main principle is to figure out which carb is the base carb to adjust all of the other three to that carb. With enough back and forth adjusting I'm sure you can get it in the neighborhood. Just remember to keep the ports your not using plugged. Good luck!

[@forevercomputing]

Some spark plug manufacturers do not need any coating on the threads. Coating them could encourage them to corrode. Manufacturers are aware of corrosion and include a layer over of prevention over the threads. I have never applied anything to my threads.

[@oilinmyblood3906]

Hey Cody I got a question well I drive my 73 CB750 everyday I'm having an issue with what I think is pre detonation because I'm in California it's hotter than hell and my motor runs very very hot also but I am also using the stock 110 Jets and I do have pod filters and an Open Exhaust, so should I be changing out my jet size 2 maybe a 120 and the idle Jets maybe a 42 and get a muffler for the exhaust and change out the spark plugs to maybe a less hot spark plug, do you think that would help with this problem im having?

[@oilinmyblood3906]

And I mean the bike runs great it's just only when it heats up really really hot when that happens, and I'm not losing any power at all it just makes a very loud popping noise, and I did check the Pistons also so I'm not burning a hole in any of them

[@bradleymerino1531]

This is a goldmine. I have the same bike that needs all this shit.

[@gixxer6]

Could you use copper slip on the plug threads?

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

Anything is better than nothing! Simple grease is fine too!

[@Long-nd8bq]

could the inner plugs be done with a swivel without pulling the tank? I have a full tank of fuel and my plugs look old and rusty and I want to replace them. I think I can re-use the wires. I can always pull the tank later and replace the wires.

[@dontdoxmebro]

On the CB1100 the 750’s bigger brother you can, or you a double box end wrench. You obviously have to remove the outer plug before gaining access to the inner plug.

[@adriandavid970]

My sparkplugs are 40 a piece (VFR 800 V-Tec). Or am I looking in the wrong shops?

[@Blackhart50]

I have a problem with my bike only one cylinder working I think is a plug I have spark in the lead can you help

[@barryvj171]

Normally what I do is use compressed air to blow and rocks or grit from around the spark plug... then I’ll unscrew them about 75% out, and crank the motor over... the compression will blow any dust clear of the threads, before unscrewing them all the way out... just what I do...

[@K-so8gx]

If you dont have compressed air I find a vacuum hover will get the job done.

[@Salvatore3333]

clean fine paint brushes.

[@radioaktivejay]

May be a small hand pump you use to fill air in volleyballs and footballs.

[@Basement31]

If u don't have a compressed air, u can use a leaf blower.

[@007mercucio]

1973 cb750 - How much torque should I set the wrench to for the plugs?

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

I would be very cautious about torque on plugs. Since this area is high traffic and 30 years of plug replacements you have to be careful. The proper torque could actually rip the threads right out. Spark plugs typically come with a crush washer. Simply tighten until you feel that seating resistance and give it a 1/4th turn to crush the washer. You should feel a dramatic difference in resistance as you seat the plug. That is good enough my friend.

[@007mercucio]

In this case, even 45 years! But I suspect it isn't good enough, in this case. I crushed that washer, but as the motor runs, I hear hissing from that plug. That suggests compression loss coming from that plug's hole. I don't want to over tighten, obviously, but if I under tighten then I could be left with reduced power from that cylinder. Oh, the guys at Oreilly gave me this copper colored anti seize... only as an afterthought did I realize that I might not want little particles in the threads where air might hiss past, or it might drop into the engine. I did use it sparingly, but maybe this is the reason. Anyhow, I'm still wondering what the manufacturer's specification is, as a sanity check. I know I don't want to exceed it... but going too much under it would be bad, too.

[@charging7]

@@007mercucio that copper antiseize works really well, been using it on plug replacements for 30 yrs

[@felipediaz1931]

Muestrame un video de como reparar el embrague de una moto honda shadow motor 1099 model o 1994

[@Salvatore3333]

Hey Cody, i have the same bike here in UK, its just called CB750 retro, i have a ticking noise coming from somewhere and the bike has 60 thousand miles, what do yoy suggest checking...a top end rebuilt or total rebuilt? cheers.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

That's a tuff call man. You really need to listen to exactly where it's coming from with a proper stethoscope or the ole screw driver handle to the ear trick. The top ends on the Nighthawks use a HVA system which means Hydraulic Valve Adjusters. The valves cannot be adjust like you normally would with tappets or shim under/over buckets. Try and isolate the noise to a specific location, center of the bike, only when hot only when cold, noise speeds and slows with RPM. Noise goes away with high RPM. All of these answers must be taken into question.

[@Salvatore3333]

thanks, lucky me you have expertise plus same bike and im diy mech but will learn as i go watching right now the plugs replacement and the top valve cover gasket video, adios.

[@Salvatore3333]

ok i did manage to locate the ticking noise at hot engine, it comes from the top,,the valve cover and cam chain side, also i remember once taking the cover off and found the chain a bit loose,,,what do you think......let me know take it easy

[@BerserkerNick]

I ran iridium plugs and they fouled out as soon as I fired up my bike, put cheap ones in and haven't had an issue

[@katbeta]

The cheap ones have copper in them which is a better conductor for your sparks. Iridium is actually kind of a waste in the long run.

[@marioflash5790]

What's the size of these spark plugs?

[@upnorth5465]

5/8"

[@juntjoonunya9216]

buddy of mine used to put rocks in his to clean his cylinders. don't know what you're talking about

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

😂😂

[@ElectoneGuy]

Honda and NGK go hand-in-hand. Don't use anything else.

[@bellamyc7895]

or in the socks.........cylinders and socks worst places for rocks to be

[@64t120r]

Your video won't load. Something you may want to look into.

[@64t120r]

It might be the commercials you are running.

[@TheMotorcycleMD]

64t120r That's odd, just checked it three times on my phone, my wife's and our desktop. No issues I can see!

[@64t120r]

I run across it from time to time. It's usually due to the commercials. This one is a propaganda commercial and has stopped the videos on several occasions, for me. Thanks for looking into it. Eventually I'll check back and hopefully it will work. I would like to see this vid.

[@supersteve3299]

all you melenials, you really dont have to look at the camera and explain shit. please tell all your friends.