Author Topic: Nox Dominae - 1978 cb750K cafe I always wanted  (Read 3667 times)

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Offline cheftuskey121

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Nox Dominae - 1978 cb750K cafe I always wanted
« on: September 12, 2015, 08:21:43 AM »
Well hello guys. I have been away for a LONG time. A LOT has changed here. First and foremost I am no looking cooking professionally (for now) but I have been cooking stuff up in my shop. I've been busy building my bike business Kitchen Moto Custom for the last 8 months. I built a cl350 modded scrambler last fall. Then I jumped right into another cb750. You can check out that stuff on Instagram and Facebook. In the meantime I got to build the cb750 restomod/cafe I've been wanting for 2 years now.

I am going to have to Quentin Tarantino this thread since I didn't document anything the first go around. I have been extremely busy with work, bike building, house projects, shop improvement and my girlfriend so I haven't had a chance to put together a build thread. Better late than never, Nox was completed in June 2015. I will included a few before shots and some after shots. Then I will be adding in the details! Stay tuned and thanks for reading.

I picked the bike up in January for $600 running with a clean title up in North Carolina. Here she is when I got her home. The previous owner "tried" to do some cafe work and quite frankly mutilated it. The only thing I used that he made was the battery box, and the bracket to fit the banged up F tank on there. It was a great price and the engine was superb, only 12k original miles. It didn't leak, weep, or smoke. Don't fix what isn't broke!













One of the most important aspects to me was creating a modern looking bike that Honda might manufacture today. I wanted to utilize the leaast amount of chrome possible, while using muted metal colors. I brushed each piece of aluminum to get this effect, and we used muted greys, with a hint of gold and plenty of black. I wanted something that at first glance looks really nice and clean but not too busy. When you get closer though I want all the details to pop out. One of the first and most prominent things you will notice is all of the hand engraving done on most of the aluminum pieces. This was done by my friend and jeweler Omar. He has an incredible talent and eye for detail. He engraved the carb tops and bottoms, tappet covers, fork ears, gas cap, gas lid latch, a few vanity pieces, brake caliper, levers, tach plug, and even the chain master link clip. There are probably a few more pieces that I am forgetting. To go along with that modern look I went with a trucklite LED headlight and adjustable shorty GP style levers with a radial master cylinder and stainless steel brake hoses. Lot of Joker Machine parts were used like the starter cover, brake stay, brake adjusting arm, brake adjuster nut, wheel adjuster nuts, steering stem nuts, and fork caps. This is just a taste, let me get some pictures up and I will start the actual build thread!





























Hang tight guys, I am posting more

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Nox Dominae - 1978 cb750K cafe I always wanted
« Reply #1 on: September 12, 2015, 08:52:08 AM »
Welcome back, Chef.  The bike looks incredible!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Nox Dominae - 1978 cb750K cafe I always wanted
« Reply #2 on: September 12, 2015, 08:52:49 AM »
Very very nice, Chef J.  You've really been stepping up your game.  Each build has taken a further step foward. 

Who are you customers (general age and bike experience demographics)?

Have you thought of doing a performance-oriented build with significant engine and suspension upgrades, or are you customers more into the aesthetic appeal (show over go)?
« Last Edit: September 12, 2015, 10:10:38 AM by CB750 Cafe Racer Fan »
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline MessnerMoto

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Re: Nox Dominae - 1978 cb750K cafe I always wanted
« Reply #3 on: September 12, 2015, 10:35:48 AM »
The bike looks incredible! Small details count like those engravings! Sick!

Offline cheftuskey121

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Re: Nox Dominae - 1978 cb750K cafe I always wanted
« Reply #4 on: September 12, 2015, 11:11:37 AM »
Thanks Stev-o! I've been away too long. I will try my best to hang around more this time ;)

Don, I appreciate the kind words. That is the goal, with each new build to try something new while keeping a clean style. The guys these bikes are going to are all in their 20s. I am currently working on THREE bikes now: 1978 750F, 1980 cb750k, and 1971 cb350. The F model is getting an engine upgrade of some kind. We are definitely getting in there to fix the valve guide issues the F's have, and are looking at some slight performance increasing. Hagons in the rear and some progressive springs up front. Going to try and do new billet triple trees as well as clip on bars too. It will be similar in overall style to Nox, but has comstars, will have a yoshi style pipe, and some other touches. Really looking forward to it, we have already ordered $2500 in parts.

The 1980 cb750k is getting turned into a brat cafe style bike. Fairly aggressive and stripped down. It's going to the owner in Miami, and he wanted some Miami flair so we are doing the tank and headlight bucket in a bright metallic aqua color. I've already ordered $2000 in parts for that one. Things seem to be harder to source for the DOHC bikes. The top end is getting freshened up, but no performance mods. I still have to try and source fork tubes because the current ones are rusty near the top.

The cb350 is for a friend (I'm not making much money off of it). We are going for an aggressive cafe scrambler look with it. Knobbies and cl350 pipes, but low. Lots of satin black. I am excited about this one as well! Trying to get unique with tank and tail without making a monstrosity.

Most of the stuff I've done so far is for aesthetic purpose. These guys already have go-go machines and don't need to extra oomph on these bikes.
« Last Edit: September 12, 2015, 11:13:18 AM by cheftuskey121 »

Offline cheftuskey121

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Re: Nox Dominae - 1978 cb750K cafe I always wanted
« Reply #5 on: September 12, 2015, 11:15:14 AM »
The bike looks incredible! Small details count like those engravings! Sick!

Thanks so much! For me it's all about the details. I have been following along your thread and you're doing incredible work. I don't have access to any CAD programs or CNC machines. My friend has a nice manual lathe that we do some work on but I would kill for some custom triples and hubs. I can't wait to see more from you.

Offline madmtnmotors

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Re: Nox Dominae - 1978 cb750K cafe I always wanted
« Reply #6 on: September 12, 2015, 11:34:38 AM »
Looking good chef. I really like the fuel door latch and have been considering something similar.  8)

The only critique I could offer would be to lose the inline filter and use the stock in-tank filter. The inline filter hanging in the breeze kind of detracts from all the effort put into the custom engraving. I used to use an inline filter on my K8 until debris in the tank actually clogged the petcock, rendering the inline filter useless. Any reason for not using the filter in the tank?

Overall, very well put together, and if you need a test pilot to put some "shakedown" miles on it I am at your disposal...   ;)  ;D
TAMTF...


Wilbur



Projects:
"Evolution": http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=100352.0
"P.O. Debacle": http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,126692.msg1441661.html#msg1441661
F2/F3 O-rings: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=113672.msg1300721#msg1300721
Cam Tower Studs: https://www.mcmaster.com/#93210a017/=t19sgp
Clean up that nasty harness: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=137351.msg1549191#msg1549191
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,148188.msg1688494.html#msg1688494
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,139544.msg1579364.html#msg1579364
                                          
Charging system diagnosis: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=1012.msg8345#msg8345
Get the manuals: http://manuals.sohc4.net/cb750k/
The Dragon: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.msg1571675#msg1571675
Headlight Switch: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=113986.msg1283236#msg1283236
Branden's leak free top end thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=107040.0
Engine Lifting Made Easy: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,58210.msg1684742.html#msg1684742
                                      http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,100352.msg1675840.html#msg1675840
Static and Dynamic Timing: http://www.hondachopper.com/garage/carb_info/timing/timing1.html
Airbox Gasket Replacement: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,114485.msg1290000.html#msg1290000
"Café" : http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,84697.msg953814.html#msg953814
PD Carb Choke Linkage: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,100352.msg1669248.html#msg1669248
                                    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,110931.msg1248354.html#msg1248354
                                    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,48858.msg515204.html#msg515204
Follow up on your damn posts: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,144305.msg1791605.html#msg1791605
Taiwanese Cam Chain Tensioners:  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,155043.msg1774841.html#msg1774841
Gumtwo Seat Cover: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,164440.msg1897366.html#msg1897366
Primary Drive: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,166063.msg1919278.html#msg1919278
Tank Latch: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,165975.msg1919495.html#msg1919495
Shorten your forks: http://vintage-and-classic-honda-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/How-to-shorten-forks-td4042465.html DO NOT CUT THE SPRINGS!
Clutch How To: http://vintage-and-classic-honda-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/How-to-change-and-adjust-a-clutch-SOHC-td4040391.html
Late model K7/K8/F2/F3 front sprocket cover removal: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,178428.msg2072279.html#msg2072279
630 to 530 conversion: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180710.msg2094423.html#msg2094423

Sent from my Tandy TRS-80!

Offline slikwilli420

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Re: Nox Dominae - 1978 cb750K cafe I always wanted
« Reply #7 on: September 12, 2015, 12:07:23 PM »
Chef,  I am cooking up some custom triples right now. I'm just getting started and would love to work with guys on the forum. Here is the link to some designs and details.


http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150982.0.html
All you gotta do is do what you gotta do.

Vintage Speed Parts Mashup: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133638.0
Rickman CR Parts Kit Refresh: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,154837.0.html
AHRMA CB750 Racer: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,158461.0.html
AHRMA Superbike Heavyweight Racer: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173120.0.html
'76F CB750 Patina Redemption: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,174871.0.html

Offline MessnerMoto

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Re: Nox Dominae - 1978 cb750K cafe I always wanted
« Reply #8 on: September 12, 2015, 02:28:29 PM »
The bike looks incredible! Small details count like those engravings! Sick!

Thanks so much! For me it's all about the details. I have been following along your thread and you're doing incredible work. I don't have access to any CAD programs or CNC machines. My friend has a nice manual lathe that we do some work on but I would kill for some custom triples and hubs. I can't wait to see more from you.

Thanks! I would like to see some of my parts in your projects. I am couple of weeks away from point where I will be able to ship triples.

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Nox Dominae - 1978 cb750K cafe I always wanted
« Reply #9 on: September 12, 2015, 03:14:23 PM »
The bike looks great Chef, great work ... ;)
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline sauteplease

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Re: Nox Dominae - 1978 cb750K cafe I always wanted
« Reply #10 on: September 12, 2015, 09:42:34 PM »
Nice.

Offline Cabilao

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Re: Nox Dominae - 1978 cb750K cafe I always wanted
« Reply #11 on: September 13, 2015, 12:59:45 AM »
As a chef i have to say"Good Taste",love the tappet covers,awesome. Congrats!!!!
before:
Kreidler RMC(50cc)
CB400N(first bike)
RD350LC(more than one)
XS850(great bike)
CB900F(wish i still have it)
FZR1000(too fast)
Rickman CR900(sold for a good price)
now:
Rusi 125
CB 125 CL(just for fun)
Yamaha XTZ 125
CB750P7(mystery bike)
77/78 cool 2 member

Offline calj737

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Re: Nox Dominae - 1978 cb750K cafe I always wanted
« Reply #12 on: September 13, 2015, 04:20:54 AM »
Nice, Chef! 2 observations that you need to address:
1. The front axle clamps are on backwards (at least on the left side) as the "gap" goes to the rear. Best reverse the left, and check the right side too.
2. You need to fashion some sort of hangar for the rear muffler to take the weight off the studs.

I agree, the engraving is a very nice detail and lots of nice touches. Wondering how you've found the rear shocks? Many report them to be brought with problems-
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis