Topic: Before/After Actual Weights - Stock CB750K to Cafe' Style

[steam-powered man]

has anyone measured the actual weight of their stock cb750k, then weighed again in cafe' form?  i have about a month or two left on my current project, and might try a "lightweight" next.

i think it'd be pretty easy to drop 20lbs off a stock bike with the removal/exchange of OEM exhaust, blinks, seat/pan, rear fender/plate holder/rear light assembly.       

i'd do all the above and also remove: the centerstand, kickstarter, chainguard, front sprocket cover, rear wheel sprocket guard thingy, passenger pegs, front fender stays, clutch cover and R side cover.  i'd keep the skinny OEM tires, use a single mirror, maybe a drilled disc, use a single instrument and chop the front fender

am thinking that an overall weight loss program would lead to quicker acceleration, better braking and easier "flickability" (but without loss of stability since geometry would remain stock).  thoughts?       

     

[Rgconner]

Reading HondaMan's posts is worth the time. He has some tips on how to make the bike handle like a lighter bike through maintance items

[Retro Rocket]

Unsprung weight is where you really make gains in handling. Get rid of the steel rims and use alloy, the stock discs are extremely heavy { not sure of replacements for those though}. You can weld small triangles in the corners of the rear frame sections and weld up the joins at the front of the frame, also bracing between the frame rails above the swing arm pivot , that is one place that flexes, and around the steering head.  The rear guard and tail lightis heavy, the rear footpeg brackets can come off and use a smaller more modern battery, also take a couple of pounds off the charging system, that allows the engine to spin up faster. There's also a few pounds that can come off the crank, centre stand and brackets and also a 4 into 1 exhaust is the lightest option for exhaust....
That should save a few pounds....

[Sam Green Racing]

The 500 pounder can be got down to 375/380lb in normal race trim.
At a guess, you should be able to get a cafe racer down to 460 quite easily.
My cafe racer/drag bike weighs in at 460lb but has components on it that weigh quite a bit that wouldn't be needed on the road.

The bike in my avatar weighed 375lb.
my street ET dragbike in video weighs 460lb.
Bill's first round win

Sam.

[steam-powered man]

many thx for the replies, very helpful!  hadn't thought about the charging system rotor, modern battery.  the disc is really heavy, might drill and/or reduce thickness.  i have a spare if i go too far and it starts to warp. 

sam your bike sounds great!  did i hear the announcer say "sam greene, the white ghost"?       

[scottly]

Have a read through this thread:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88214.0