Topic: '78 CB750k conversion to cafe racer (yes, more issues)

[deafcaferacer]

Well, today I became the owner of a '78 CB750k in good shape. I think it might be a little rickety, but at least the motor is in good shape.

[deafcaferacer]

I'm thinking to break down the renovation/conversion into two parts:

Now:

replace headlights
replace speedometer/tach
replace signals front/rear
replace rear brake light with new setup
replace mirrors with bar end models
replace handles
strip tank for bare look
install hoop, fabricate custom seat
clean up electrical system (wires are all over the place) put wiring in proper sheathing, streamline wiring, secure properly
conceal electronics alongside oil tank.
replace muffler with 4-1 steel muffler (no chrome)

Fall 2013:

Strip down to frame, install Gordon frame kit, powdercoat frame flat black
Break down engine, clean parts, replace all gaskets, replace all bolts with aluminum hex heads kit
Repair/replace any parts that do not function properly during this riding season

Comments and advices are most welcome!

[iron_worker]

Somewhere in that list you need:

Burn seat and dance & chant around glorious fire.

lol

IW

[Elan]

What is that front end? suzuki? nice AL rim

And with the RC exhaust and velocity stacks, I wonder if theres some upgrades going on in the top end..


Whats that box sitting on the crankcase?

[Elan]

oh and just noticed your south of boston, where? im in hull

[deafcaferacer]

Hi Elan,

Yeah, I am not sure what that front end is.. PO put the bike together.. hence the RC exhaust. don't think it signifies anything other than it was lying around waiting to be used. The box sitting on the cc temporarily houses the components of the start switch that used to be on the handlebar (there's one there but it's useless). I intend to have it removed, and a new start/switch installed on the handlebar.

I am from the Quincy/Braintree area.

[deafcaferacer]

Somewhere in that list you need:

Burn seat and dance & chant around glorious fire.

lol

IW

lol I just might do that.. if nobody takes it off CL or ebay.

[knowsnothing]

hey deafcaferacer wecome!

Fellow Quincy guy here.  We mass-holes have a local group that tries to plan a few group rides a year and gets together for beers once a month.  If you are interested, head over to http://nehondaguys.info/forums/ and  join.  Its a good bunch of guys that are super helpful.

-Treeve (Knowsnothing)

ps - I have 2 K8s, nice choice 

pps - i think i recognize your bike from craigslist

[deafcaferacer]

hey deafcaferacer wecome!

Fellow Quincy guy here.  We mass-holes have a local group that tries to plan a few group rides a year and gets together for beers once a month.  If you are interested, head over to http://nehondaguys.info/forums/ and  join.  Its a good bunch of guys that are super helpful.

-Treeve (Knowsnothing)

ps - I have 2 K8s, nice choice 

pps - i think i recognize your bike from craigslist

Thanks for the welcome.. I will definitely check it out once my CB is on the road.

[deafcaferacer]

I love this vintage taillight I found on dime city cycles..  I am going to order the kick up hoop that's being sold by a fellow member of this forum.

I wonder if I could have a small tab welded onto the end of the hoop and mount the taillight on that?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

What is that front end? suzuki? nice AL rim

And with the RC exhaust and velocity stacks, I wonder if theres some upgrades going on in the top end..


Whats that box sitting on the crankcase?

That's a GL1000 front end.  37mm fork tubes vs. stock 35mm -- and gives the front end more rigidity.  Great mod.  Definitely keep it.

[deafcaferacer]

Thanks for the ID, CRF.. good to know.

Question: since I'm saving the powdercoating til the end of this riding season, what should I coat the hoop with once I have it attached to the frame? Is the metal paint from a rattle can enough for one summer? (gloss black).

Hunting for parts to order for the conversion and have quite a bunch here. I am trying to avoid as much chrome as I can because I'm going for the exposed/burnished metal look. Found a few items that are not chrome, but having a hard time finding a good vintage motorcycle headlight that's not chrome (and not a POS either).

[FrankenFrankenstuff]

Hey there. Subscribed.

[deafcaferacer]

Thanks..

So now I have come down to two options for the taillight. One is to attach a simple setup like this:

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-electronic-lighting-parts-classic-retro-satin-black-taillight-62-21512-sbpc.html

below the kick up on the hoop and just go with that.

Or:

Fashion a short fender that curves slightly downward and pop on this vintage brake light I found on ebay that's off a Suzuki. I think mixing and matching parts like this is more closer to the philosophy of cafe racing, but may border on being cartoonish.

Would like to know what you guys think.

[Elan]

Thanks..

So now I have come down to two options for the taillight. One is to attach a simple setup like this:

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-electronic-lighting-parts-classic-retro-satin-black-taillight-62-21512-sbpc.html

below the kick up on the hoop and just go with that.

Or:

Fashion a short fender that curves slightly downward and pop on this vintage brake light I found on ebay that's off a Suzuki. I think mixing and matching parts like this is more closer to the philosophy of cafe racing, but may border on being cartoonish.

Would like to know what you guys think.

I like the dime city one. And new electronics is always a plus. And you have an illuminated plate mount also checked off the list!  just my opinion

[Cabilao]

just bought this one from flea bay. nice and small. no LED,just bulb.

[Elan]

just bought this one from flea bay. nice and small. no LED,just bulb.

I hope you have better luck than me. I bought that one and the bulb would sit loose, and sometimes not work...

[deafcaferacer]

Thanks guys for your input.. probably always best to go with what's discreet. This morning I was thinking that mounting that big fat bulb on the rear fender is going to give someone the temptation to tee off on it. 

[Blitzburgh207]

The brighter the taillight the better imo!  Mine sucks and it makes me nervous as hell...  Looks like you'll have a good thing going here.  Subscribed.

[deafcaferacer]

Got my hoop from cafegoose! Can't wait to have it welded on.

Big shipment from Dime Cycle coming next week- really looking forward to that. Will also get started on stripping the gas tank down to bare metal soon.

Was looking online to replace the ugly-ass points cover that is on the bike now- was looking at some of the finned replacements, such as the one in the pic below.. are they as advertised?  Do they really make a difference as far as keeping the engine cooler?

Would love to know your thoughts, thanks.

[deafcaferacer]

The brighter the taillight the better imo!  Mine sucks and it makes me nervous as hell...  Looks like you'll have a good thing going here.  Subscribed.

That is not good that yours suck because I took a closer look at what you have for a taillight (looking at the last few pictures in your thread) and it appears to be the same one I have ordered. What's wrong with it?

[Blitzburgh207]

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-electronic-lighting-parts-classic-retro-satin-black-taillight-62-21512-sbpc.html

This one?  It's just not bright at all...maybe you can get a brighter bulb, I need to look into it.  Maybe it's just not as reflective behind it?  Also the two hex screws in it got all rusty very quickly and look #$%*ty but those can be easily replaced w/ stainless.

[deafcaferacer]

Yeah that is the exact same one I ordered. Man, that's not good. What about ripping out the bulb and replacing with a LED setup?

Something like this:

http://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/led-vehicle-replacement-bulbs/

[deafcaferacer]

Some options with LED:

http://www.customdynamics.com/motorcycle_led_bulbs.htm

http://www.customled.com

http://www.bulbsthatlast4ever.com/products/mototail.html

I am reading up on this.. trying to sort it out.

[Blitzburgh207]

Sick.  Yup looks like this guy right here would do the trick.

http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/tail-brake-turn/1157-led-bulb-dual-intensity-25-led-motorcycle-bulb/170/767/