I have been reading as many threads as possible before I attempt the strip down. I have never had any real bike strip down experience so I am mostly a novice to this.
What I am really asking is :
a. Can a novice really strip a 748 down to the frame ? b. What is the estimated strip time and re-build time ? c. What are the essential tools I need to buy to do the strip down ?
Yep, strip is easy, tools, patience, plenty of photos and label/bag everything inc loome connectors. Assuming nothing is terribly seized, strip to bare bones is a comfortable 4-5 hours. Rebuild time is totally up to you and your level of perfection.
I've just stripped my 748B down or the first time and it really is a doddle but I've not done the re-build yet so who knows!!??
It was a daunting prospect to start with but once you get into it it actually is not that difficult.
As per the enclosed thread just ensure you take your time, take plenty of photos, bag everything up and mark all parts of the wiring loom, I numbered mine.
Not quite a 748, but, I did strip a brand new 749 to a bare frame. First time I'd ever done more than remove the body work from a "big" bike.
I used my socket set that I've had for 20 years ... only special tools needed was the sockets for the wheel nuts, large allen key type tool for the swing arm and a couple of long reach sockets to reach the engine mounts. One of them on my 749 is a 15mm socket that I had to use my angle grinder to reduce the overall diameter so that it would fit inside the frame tube.
Full strip was done in around half a day, with re-build taking nearer a day.
Take loads of pic's, especially of how the wiring loom fits to the frame and the location of the various multi plugs etc.
Use masking tape to make up labels to remind you of what goes where and what it joins / connects to.
My top tip would be that when you remove the bolts / fastners for an item, bag them in a "sandwich" type bag and tape them to the item. IE bag all the fastners for the airbox and tape the bag to the airbox.
Take your time, be methodical and you will be fine.