Topic: Opinions on restomods or replica bikes

[greenjeans]

I've always tended to wander a bit from pure restorations - not too far.  What are you thoughts of restomods or replica bikes.   I have a 73 that I'm thinking about making into a K0 look-alike.    Ruby red.

You guys think that destroys the originality and value of the finished product ?

Same goes with restomods - like the one in my avatar - easy to put back to stock but definitely not original.

[LesterPiglet]

I don't have any interest in restorations, I will use what I can to get roadworthy. It's not about money for me. I have no intention of selling my bike. My blood, sweat and tears are in it.
What I will not do is remove something from the bike that can't easily be replaced.
I much prefer a CB to look like a CB. Cosmetics are superfluous.

[strynboen]

i like to thange seat ..handel on my 500 t..have tryed to take parts from my 550 and mowe over..it look better..but i hate to thange ..like stock bikes..
have alvays this dielemma...

[flybox1]

I've always tended to wander a bit from pure restorations - not too far.  What are you thoughts of restomods or replica bikes.   I have a 73 that I'm thinking about making into a K0 look-alike.    Ruby red.

You guys think that destroys the originality and value of the finished product ?

Same goes with restomods - like the one in my avatar - easy to put back to stock but definitely not original.

If you are going to keep it and ride it, then 'value' really doesn't matter. 
If its a flip bike, then a stock K3 resto will sell quicker and for more than one modded to look like another year.

[edwardmorris]

Agree with flybox, stock restos go fast and for more. When I first started looking for my 750, a guy in Wisconsin had two that he restored to stock pretty nicely, but what he wanted for them just depressed me. Two days later I call back trying to bargain, and he tells me two guys from Detroit came and picked them both up for that ridiculous price 

If you're keeping it, near stock restos, like the most recent Tige's K1 GT look phenomenal. Takes very little to change it to stock, but when it looks so awesome, why bother

[chewbacca5000]

I love restro mods think they are great.  Would be nice if all the paint schemes were awesome, but that is not the case IMO.  I also have no problem with adding new tech like stainless steel brake lines, tapered steering stem bearings, and electronic ignition too.

Shiny or lightweight bits and pieces are cool too.  Saw a carbon fibre points cover I really liked. Stock original is great, but if something happens you feel bad.  I want something I can drive.

[Davez134]

Agree with flybox, stock restos go fast and for more. When I first started looking for my 750, a guy in Wisconsin had two that he restored to stock pretty nicely, but what he wanted for them just depressed me. Two days later I call back trying to bargain, and he tells me two guys from Detroit came and picked them both up for that ridiculous price 

If you're keeping it, near stock restos, like the most recent Tige's K1 GT look phenomenal. Takes very little to change it to stock, but when it looks so awesome, why bother

Exactly my thoughts. Complete bikes near me, or parts to make them correct are going for prices that I wouldn't pay even if I could afford it. Especially cause I ride mine daily.

[FunJimmy]

I've always been a fan of the look of a Supersport.
That's why I stayed as true to form as I could when creating my Cafe.
It's easy to recognize the pedigree if you don't stray too far off the path.

That being said, a CR replica would be my next project.

[Trad]

If I was you and had a clean original CB I would likely keep it in stock form and do OEM plus upgrades that made sense and didn't change the look of the bike.

In my case I like to do heavy mods and make the bike mine. Reliable, a perfect set up for myself and better than it was from factory is what I aim for.

[750K]

Like some have said, stock if you plan on selling and tasteful mods if you plan on keeping it. I think it might depend on the year for me as well, if it was early model I'd probably keep it stock. I love the look of the 69-72's paint more than the mid years when the tank stripe changes.

[Hutch]

IMO you have to look beyond value or resale, but preservation.  I have no problem with upgrades for a common bike, although I like to see the rare models restored.  Some people take to complaining when any build deviates too far from stock.  To me it's be like complaining on a muscle car forum about hacking up an old malibu or le mans... who cares.  Old alone doesn't equal special, just increasingly harder to find.  For the highly desirable models, I would hope people would have enough sense to see what that have before taking a grinder to it.

[lucky]

IMO you have to look beyond value or resale, but preservation.  I have no problem with upgrades for a common bike, although I like to see the rare models restored.  Some people take to complaining when any build deviates too far from stock.  To me it's be like complaining on a muscle car forum about hacking up an old malibu or le mans... who cares.  Old alone doesn't equal special, just increasingly harder to find.  For the highly desirable models, I would hope people would have enough sense to see what that have before taking a grinder to it.

What about a 1971 Cuda?lol..lol

[PeWe]

CB750 K0 is nice.
I do not know if K0 fits direct on a later bike
K0 Side covers, air box, tank, headlight ears, headlight bought in the color you want direct from yamiya750. Plus K0 seat and 4-4 if needed also from Japan.

The other small details only visible for CB750 experts.
Bolt off, bolt on without damage and enjoy.

I like the candy blue green.
http://www.yamiya750.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=157_166&sort=20a

[Geeto67]

I've always tended to wander a bit from pure restorations - not too far.  What are you thoughts of restomods or replica bikes.   I have a 73 that I'm thinking about making into a K0 look-alike.    Ruby red.

You guys think that destroys the originality and value of the finished product ?

Same goes with restomods - like the one in my avatar - easy to put back to stock but definitely not original.

By now I am sure you have been in the hobby long enough to realize that the motorcycle and car hobby are fairly different, at least as it pertains to japanese bikes. I just don't think you have the rabid restoration fanatics like you do in some areas of the car world (corvette people I am looking at you). I mean there are still pockets of it (Sandcast people I am looking at you) but they are very very small.

A lot more emphasis is placed on the utility of the thing than whether the dinglehopper has the correct date stamping. If you are creating a k0 replica because you want the riding experience but you leave off all the k0 parts that contribute the riding experience then people are gonna throw stones and ask "what's the point".

I think no matter where you go someone is going to be upset that you cut up an original bike if it really was original. But if you have a trashed bike, or a pile of parts someone didn't take that good a care of, then have at it.

I guess my point is, the really good custom bikes show a lot of thought and careful parts selection/fabrication on the part of the builder. nothing is there just to be there. If you want a red k0 bike just to ride around on and not worry about something getting busted up or cutting it up then have at it. When it comes to cosmetic stuff, the only person who has to be happy is you. I have a bunch of different factory paint tank and side cover sets that I swap on to my 75 750K all the time because I like to change the color. Who cares if some "expert" corners me and tells me the 76 red color makes the bike a 76, or a candy bacchus olive makes it a 74, I like the bike and it keeps thing interesting.

But then again I have a custom bike project (stalled at the moment) that uses a diecast K0 frame and engine. Why that frame? It is a period piece using the best of the stuff I have collected from the 70's and nothing new if I can help it. Am I cutting up an original? hell no, another member on the board parted out a really nice barn find K0 when he couldn't get his price for it, I just bought the frame. The bike will never be "original" ever again, that value is lost. Why the K0 engine? because it wasn't from this bike it was from another bike and the numbers just happen to be in the correct range, but more importantly someone did a full blueprinted, balanced road race build (with 811cc kit and yosh parts) in 1976 and so it will never be stock either. In fact I pulled it out of a 1976 cb750F frame. Original means you have to start with an unrestored complete running 80% stock or better motorcycle. Outside of that, might as well have some fun.

[chewbacca5000]

Another way to look at the whole mod thing....

Ichiban Moto Public Service Announcement Save the Motorcycles ASPCA Humane Society PETA parody

[Kickstart]

Funny!...

Although, I did think a few of the bikes looked cool.
I mean, how can you not like antler bike... or that furry Tibet one?  Besides those nutty ones, some of them actually looked pretty cool and a couple looked like they were put together with real craftsmanship.

They should shorten that video and just put the real hack jobs in there... IMHO.

[Hon3ybadger]

Another way to look at the whole mod thing....

Ichiban Moto Public Service Announcement Save the Motorcycles ASPCA Humane Society PETA parody

The video says Portland quite a few times. Are we talking Portland, OR. Or Portland, Maine?

[Geeto67]

They should shorten that video and just put the real hack jobs in there... IMHO.

Those are real hack jobs. every single one.

[Don R]

 I like to improve the value on whatever bike I'm working on. I've never done a total resto, I have done a total rebuild but non stock because the bike was hacked up a bit when I got it. If it had it's original motor maybe it would be different.
 
 The bike tells me how to proceed, my sandcast just want's it's rolled edge 18" rim and stock handlebars back, and enough service to make it safe and reliable. My Ko lost most of it's stock parts years ago, it wanted to be a day 2 restoration, like a guy with some money to spend on improvements would have owned in 1970, Lesters and an 836 kit. My 76  F1 just wanted a muffler, it's carbs put back in order and a third disc brake. A few blemishes are OK on a survivor.
 Oh and yes I like either, or both.

[greenjeans]

My problem, if you can really call it that, is that both of my current bikes aren't what you'd call original.   The 74 at some point has a motor out of it from a 72.  The K0 that I have is missing its pipes, seat, side covers, turn signals, oil tank and fuel tank.  It also had the rear exhaust/peg mount cut off.   I've gathered most of the parts to replace them over the years except for an early oil tank.   I keep threatening to make a cafe out of it - I have a nice motogp 4 into 1 stainless exhaust, some borranis that I've been hoarding and a 4LS brake that I could put on there.  The motor on it supposedly has some RC engineering parts in it (cam, pistons etc) but I have not opened it up yet.  It has paperwork documenting some head work as well - porting etc.

So, that's where that one stands.  I've alwasys liked the look of a Ruby Red K0 as there is nothing like it, so I still may give it a shot.  Still waiting for someone to fire up the reproduction pipes again.

[Cqyqte]

Interesting discussion and many understandable points of views, however the fact of the matter is we are all different, in looks, taste and age.  Therefore our views on things will be different and unique.  Taste is personal and something you can't argue with. 

I can see the merits for keeping some bikes original stock and some customized beyond recognition.  I personally want a current day technology daily rider that looks old school and that's because I feel more comfortable riding on the best that today can offer.  My hat goes off to those who spent years searching for the period perfect bolt to complete a barn or basement find to immaculate stature.  I don't have the patience, but I can appreciate it.  The reverse holds true as well.  Before one ridicules a custom bobber, chopper, cafe, or brat bike take a moment to appreciate the work and thought that went into as it is someone else's taste.

You can't change who we are, imagine how boring the world would be if we all looked and thought the same.

[Grabcon]

Everyone has an opinion on just about any topic. I have done a couple of 750s now in my later years and the bikes that I bought didn't have enough parts to make them whole as a restoration. I also am not a fan of hacking the crap out of good frames, so I worked with what I had. What I do try to hold to is using parts off of other Honda bikes. Kind of like in the car world you don't put Ford moors in Chevy bodies.

One I have in the barn could easily be brought back to factory look if someone had the money to buy the key parts, 4 to 4 pipes is the big one, tank, side covers, seat would be the remaining pieces. Not far away but very pricey to get there. My other one has many parts from different generations of the Honda CBs. Frame intact but again what parts are available to bring to stock and at what cost.

Bikes have been modified since the beginning of motorized two wheeled vehicles. Most of the time to make them go faster or look different than everyone else.

Have at it make it your own. But my final thought is if it can be saved as a stock bike, it has original low miles, maybe it is worth saving.

[Geeto67]

My problem, if you can really call it that, is that both of my current bikes aren't what you'd call original.   The 74 at some point has a motor out of it from a 72.  The K0 that I have is missing its pipes, seat, side covers, turn signals, oil tank and fuel tank.  It also had the rear exhaust/peg mount cut off.   I've gathered most of the parts to replace them over the years except for an early oil tank.   I keep threatening to make a cafe out of it - I have a nice motogp 4 into 1 stainless exhaust, some borranis that I've been hoarding and a 4LS brake that I could put on there.  The motor on it supposedly has some RC engineering parts in it (cam, pistons etc) but I have not opened it up yet.  It has paperwork documenting some head work as well - porting etc.

So, that's where that one stands.  I've alwasys liked the look of a Ruby Red K0 as there is nothing like it, so I still may give it a shot.  Still waiting for someone to fire up the reproduction pipes again.

I still don't understand your facination with the 4LS front drum on a cb750. It is just such a massive step backward in tech that the only reason to do it is to impress hipster douchebags who measure everything by the curb appeal. I could kinda understand if it were an original Oldani, Gremica, or ceriani racing drum as those things are so rare and light weight (comparaitvely speaking) that they can't help but be impressive, but if I recall correctly your 4LS is just a GT750 drum, which is pretty pedestrian by comparison and wasn't exactly lauded for its stopping ability when new.

your K0 sounds like the perfect bike to hot rod, and why not make it ruby red to boot? That bike will never be original again, it will never bring the kind of money a restoration or an original bone stocker would bring (even if you put back the passenger peg mounts - if you know hardcore restoration nuts like I do they will always be able to tell it isn't factory). Why waste your time waiting for repop HM 300s or lotus root pipes? slap your GP werks pipe on there, forget the original signals, weld some brackets to take some modern rearsets, and build a hot rod. There is as much a market for clean, well built, well thought out rides as there is for restored or original bikes. The secret is to be clean, well built, and have the right details (again I keep saying the GT750 drum isn't it, that would be awesome on a tiny bike like a cb750 where it clearly looks like "too much brake" even if it isn't but on a 500lb 750? meh all the same underwhelming performance of the stock disc but with more fade).

[DH]

I think that if a bike is worthy and can be brought back close to its original configuration, then by all means do/preserve it. Their numbers are shrinking and they arent making them any more obviously. If you run across  something that has
been thru a lot of previous owners, and has deviated a long way from stock
over the years, or has been severely neglected, why not customize it ?
It can take any direction in design you want to go. It's not, and won't be stock again.  Reconfigure it, make it better. Its the UJM, remember?
Like a blank canvas. And considering its condition, anything you do is an
improvement, and you're saving one more of the breed from extinction.
Resto mods, imo, are a good thing for the right candidate. A bike is being given
a new life, with a somewhat different identity. I like the ones that still say "Honda"
just by looking at em, no matter how they've been modded. The less "generic", 
the better imo, as generic to me, makes the bike look less "finished"/complete,
like there's something missing. Just IMHO....And we all know what opinions are like
right?

[greenjeans]

Ha - I don't think we have enough hipsters in my neck of the woods that would even know what a 4LS GT750 brake is 
Honestly, I just like the mechanical look of them.  I had the linings resurfaced and the shoes arched to match, so it stops just fine.   I've only really
noticed any fade on longer/harder more spirited rides - it could actually be fatigue on my part.

I think I'm leaning toward hot-roding the 70 since the PO had already cut the frame.  He also sold off most of the expensive parts:  pipes, fuel and oil tanks, side covers and the seat.   

Maybe I'll make a K0 clone out of my 74 - there's just something about that ruby red - I didn't like it at first, but now I'm convinced it's perfect.
I'm finally in a position that I can finally start to keep some bikes.  In the past, my builds were always sold to pay for the next.  I'm definitely an anal/clean/ADHD type when it comes to building these, so it's always very easy for me to sell them for a good price.

I still want a CR750 clone.

I still miss the big orange restomod I did a few years back