Topic: Ugly Duckling CB750 K7 ***updated pics 02/07/14***

[blue collar]

Hello Gents.

This is the first time I've posted pics of my build. Been a slow process but a fun one.

The bike started out pretty rough. Got it for a song, but i had to go over everything.

This is how she looked the day I picked her up.



And how she looks now. Far from done.







Not for everyone/the purists, but it'll do.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I dig it immensely! I am purist in the sense of "design dictates style". Obviously shows the level of workmanship and thought you put into the bike. Some great techniques employed to provide solid structure with minimal metal. Really respect that in people's work.

Would love to see more pics, especially those from along the way...

If I could be so bold... Did you consider making your steering bars? You could turn a larger diameter tube down at the top clamp end to fit the tree, but use oversized tubing at the control ends to allow use of more modern controls, levers and switches. If that is your direction ultimately, it would have been a very clever modification.

Love the raw, utilitarian vibe!

Most modern controls for sportbikes are sized for 7/8" bars.

[blue collar]

I dig it immensely! I am purist in the sense of "design dictates style". Obviously shows the level of workmanship and thought you put into the bike. Some great techniques employed to provide solid structure with minimal metal. Really respect that in people's work.

Would love to see more pics, especially those from along the way...

If I could be so bold... Did you consider making your steering bars? You could turn a larger diameter tube down at the top clamp end to fit the tree, but use oversized tubing at the control ends to allow use of more modern controls, levers and switches. If that is your direction ultimately, it would have been a very clever modification.

Love the raw, utilitarian vibe!

Thanks for the kind words. It's been a process for sure. Lots of staring at the bike and thinking. While some aspects may not be as perfect as I would have liked, the are the best that my hands can create.

As for the controls, I've not had a problem finding what I need in 7/8...

[SKTP]

looking good

[KrautKoffin]

Now put all of the crap back on it.

[blue collar]

looking good

Thanks man. I've followed your build this past year. Very inspiring.

[blue collar]

Now put all of the crap back on it.

Not sure what you mean. But i'm avoiding the 'crap'.

[KrautKoffin]

you might want to install pedals then because it wont run without that oil tank hooked up, coils, spark plugs, carbs installed, filters on those, some sort of ignition and wiring That's the "crap" I was talking about.

[blue collar]

you might want to install pedals then because it wont run without that oil tank hooked up, coils, spark plugs, carbs installed, filters on those, some sort of ignition and wiring That's the "crap" I was talking about.

It won't work without all of that? Ok, got it, thanks! 

[SKTP]

Rear fender idea that I am liking. Might be really good for you since you most likely will not run the inner plastic fender

[KrautKoffin]

It won't work without all of that? Ok, got it, thanks! 

  Everyone's a comedian.

[blue collar]

Rear fender idea that I am liking. Might be really good for you since you most likely will not run the inner plastic fender

Ya that looks fantastic. good call.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

BC,

I like the aesthetic so far.  You correctly assume that you will be able to find a wealth of 7/8" controls -- basically every modern sportbike uses 7/8" bars. 

It looks like you swapped in a DCC upper triple tree.  Are you going to run stock gauges or something modern?  Have you modified the engine at all?

[blue collar]

BC,

I like the aesthetic so far.  You correctly assume that you will be able to find a wealth of 7/8" controls -- basically every modern sportbike uses 7/8" bars. 

It looks like you swapped in a DCC upper triple tree.  Are you going to run stock gauges or something modern?  Have you modified the engine at all?

Yah went with the DCC upper. The K7 is hard to make 'pretty'; I need all the help I can get lol. I'm not too sure what gauges, not stock though; they're enormous.

The engine was fully torn down. Nothing modified really. Just some stuff to help the top end (new valve guides, valves, rings etc)

[blue collar]

Rat fender idea: molded plastic that runs from top of tire, forward to swing arm (concentric to tire) that is then bracketed to swing arm (along pivot bolt line). Plastic will be lightweight and very durable. Flat black paint, and it disappears!

Gauge: MotoGadget Tiny with an M-unit. Super clean, super cool. Shame to adorn that beauty with less than the coolest stuff!

That is sexy, you're right! Who sells them in the US/Canada?

[blue collar]

Revival Cycles. I'm definitely going this route on my pending build. Their wireless start solution is ultra cool. Pricey purchase, but value beyond the expense. All control wiring connects up at the bars to a concentrator, then a single wire back to control unit. Fuses are a thing of the past. Converts all signals to digital from the concentrator, even removes need for relays for indicators and brake lights for LEDs and lowers electrical draw.

http://store.revivalcycles.com

Wow nice stuff for sure, but those are pricy! Maybe if i had a nice Ducati Sport Classic or something but the K7 is worth less than the instruments!

[blue collar]

So I've progressed in putting the "the crap back on it". Finding the time has been hard.

Controls installed on the bars, clutch hooked up,  throttle connected to the carbs etc.

Next on the list is wiring.

here are a few pics, for those who care.

Chris




And a couple of 'different' angles




Thanks for looking.

[KrautKoffin]

Looking good!

[blue collar]

Looking good!

Thanks man!

[snowman]

Looks great. Given me ideas for my K7 build. I like the seat you chose, homemade or did you buy it?


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[martin99]

Taking shape. That's a cool looking bike mate, well done.

If I had to take issue with any of it, not that I have a right to, it'd be the seat. The old form over function debate. My sorry ass needs some padding under it!

[BPellerine]

very nice a good look for the k8 tank that I usually don't like I have a k8 as well.what kind of battery and where are you putting it?bill

[blue collar]

Looks great. Given me ideas for my K7 build. I like the seat you chose, homemade or did you buy it?


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When you say seat i'm assuming you mean the "cafe" tail section? Yes i did make it. I made a 1/4 inch round bar "frame" and then covered it in sheet metal. I wanted to mirror that (not so pretty) K7 tan by using 5 panels. The main focus was having a flat top to mirror the flat top of the tank.

[blue collar]

Taking shape. That's a cool looking bike mate, well done.

If I had to take issue with any of it, not that I have a right to, it'd be the seat. The old form over function debate. My sorry ass needs some padding under it!

Thanks!  And you totally correct, I've not covered the seat pan yet. If you look closely the dimpled portion is a flat pan that also goes up the 'slope' of the tail section. That'll be padded and coved with leather eventually. All the pretty stuff comes last 

[blue collar]

very nice a good look for the k8 tank that I usually don't like I have a k8 as well.what kind of battery and where are you putting it?bill

I'll be using an Antigravity battery. Ive designed that tail section to hold the battery, fuse box, reg/rec, and other odds. Nothing is by accident.


and i agree, not a pretty tank. But it's rust free and i'd rather use that than battle with a rusty and leaky F/ sub K6 tank just for the look.