Topic: 1972 CB500 "Modern Cafe" Build

[Trevor.resar]

Fullers bike is documented as being inspired by the angle of the fins on the side of the motor. His seat was set at the same angle for that reason.

I'm looking for more of a cafe style seat.

[Trevor.resar]

A local salvage has called me, looks like a Honda F1 front end has came in. (Forks, wheel, Triple tree, brakes, etc) All together for $250.

Seems like a decent enough deal if I can make it work. Do you guys think these two setups are close enough to even consider it? I'm sure the stem and bearings will be the issue.

[EDU]

I'll be watching this with interest! I've been contemplating a new front end on my CB500 as well but I have no idea what works and what doesn't... Ideally I'd put a whole ZX6R 09+ front end on it!!! BPF's, awesome brakes and they even come anodized on a colour that would suit my bike! Chances of that working without a LOT of sweating are slim though... hahaha Plus I really want to keep the spoke wheels and finding one to suit would be another challenge.

I reckon the 600RR parts could work... maybe the earlier model (03/04) if you want to keep the old style look. 05+ are USD forks.

[Lorbaez]

very nice projet.

What is your plan for front end?

[RAFster122s]

It might not be a hard fitment if you can get a shim turned to slip in your cb500/550 head stock. ALLBALLS has trouble sourcing the 47.5 mm to other common steering stem diameters.  Another thing to consider is stem length and height of the forks and the steering offsets. The honda forks shouldn't be too hard to adapt to fit if they are tall enough.  Will probably take a little fabrication work to adapt. If they look good and are what you want then go for it.  Just make sure they are straight and not bent.

[Killer Canary]

Don't quote me on this, but I think the Honda F1 wasn't equipped with radials, so the rim might not be wide enough to fit one. That would leave you with a radial on the back and a bias on the front. I'm thinking you mean the '87 to '91 Hurricane.

[Bluegreen]

I like the inspiration bike. Stoked to see how this turns out.

[Bluegreen]

So after a friend of mine showed me a few Lossa Engineering bikes, and several days later I saw a re run of Cafe Racer on TV, I decided to take a step away from my "everyday" rider (2009 CBR1000rr) and find a project.  I have been very intrigued by Bryan Fuller's CB750



Why is the seat so high up in the air? (Talking about Bryan Fullers Bike)
It just raises the center of gravity.
All that gas weight is way up high in the air too.

HRC doesn't have a problem with it

They took low center of gravity to it's ultimate conclusion with the 1984 NSR500 and it's under slung gas tank. Didn't work. Turns out centralized mass is more important than having a low center of gravity. 

With the rider perched up high, the the bike falls into corners more easily.