Author Topic: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done  (Read 4631 times)

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Offline snowman

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'77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« on: December 21, 2014, 05:46:05 AM »
It's been a while since I've posted anything, so here's a pic of where I am today. My goal was to get a runner before winter set in and now I plan on finishing it off the details.




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Offline snowman

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #1 on: December 21, 2014, 08:42:35 AM »
Here's a small list of what's left to do, it includes clean up the wiring, reroute the cables, new suspension and the two unknowns are if I paint or leave it as is with no paint and a couple coats of clear.

And the last decision is whether I stay with the 4 into 1 system or go with a 4 into  2 system.


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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #2 on: December 21, 2014, 08:48:07 AM »
I'm a fan of the raw look, so I'd consider clear coating your body work. 

Looking great.

What is your plan for rebuilding your suspension?
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 snowman

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #3 on: December 21, 2014, 09:36:17 AM »
For the suspension, I'm thinking of progressive springs in the front and Hagon shocks for the back.

You're right about putting a coat of clear on the side covers, another item to add to the list.


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Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #4 on: December 21, 2014, 10:51:00 AM »
I'm a fan of exhausts on both sides.

I am not usually a fan of the no rear fender look, but your bike really carries it off nicely.
"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline Ford40

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #5 on: December 21, 2014, 01:01:02 PM »
Did you make that seat yourself

Offline martin99

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #6 on: December 21, 2014, 03:56:41 PM »
I like it, would be interested to know a bit about the seat too.

One comment - if you are ever tempted to squeeze a passenger on there, keep away from holes in the road. I had one very similar, with the reg. plate positioned over the rear tyre like that. Bottomed out going over a hole and the plate hit the wheel, took out the plate, light unit and fibreglass tail. Another reason to get the best rear shocks you can run to.
Build threads:
77 750F2 Refresh Project http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=144075.0
TRIBSA http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,160296.0.html

1977 CB750 F2
1958 Norton Model 99
2011 Triumph Street Triple 675

Online Stev-o

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #7 on: December 21, 2014, 04:27:17 PM »
Looks great. +1 raw tank...
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline snowman

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #8 on: December 21, 2014, 05:16:27 PM »
The tail section was made by Ian over at Twinline and his wife makes the seat pad. Super nice people to deal with.

Also I don't think I need to worry about reg. plate, because I'm not planning on taking any passengers since this will be more of a weekend warrior.


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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #9 on: December 21, 2014, 07:56:59 PM »
Ian has made me a couple of seats. Always outstanding quality.
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 riverfever

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #10 on: December 21, 2014, 08:27:35 PM »
Great looking bike. That seat is nice.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline B-EZ

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #11 on: December 23, 2014, 06:04:47 PM »
Looks good! Are you still running the inner rear fender?

Offline snowman

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'77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #12 on: December 23, 2014, 08:40:19 PM »
Looks good! Are you still running the inner rear fender?
Yes I am, wanted to the dirt off of the electronics.



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« Last Edit: December 23, 2014, 08:45:17 PM by snowman »

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #13 on: December 24, 2014, 09:57:30 AM »
Ah yes, now I remember the front rotor hole pattern!
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 B-EZ

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'77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #14 on: December 24, 2014, 10:06:23 AM »
Looks good! Are you still running the inner rear fender?
Yes I am, wanted to the dirt off of the electronics.



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Does that seat allow you to retain the original fender mount or did you modify it? Thanks
« Last Edit: December 24, 2014, 10:07:54 AM by B-EZ »

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #15 on: December 24, 2014, 11:34:06 AM »
Looks good! Are you still running the inner rear fender?
Yes I am, wanted to the dirt off of the electronics.



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Does that seat allow you to retain the original fender mount or did you modify it? Thanks

The original cross-member is still intact, so you can attach the fender the same way.
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 snowman

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #16 on: December 24, 2014, 01:53:29 PM »

Looks good! Are you still running the inner rear fender?
Yes I am, wanted to the dirt off of the electronics.



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Does that seat allow you to retain the original fender mount or did you modify it? Thanks

I was lucky enough that the seat fit with no significant mods. All I had to do was to heat the inner fender with a heat gun and put in a small indentation.


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Offline snowman

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #17 on: December 24, 2014, 01:55:57 PM »

Ah yes, now I remember the front rotor hole pattern!

Yes, one and the same. I was a little apprehensive that I would have reduced stopping power, but so far so good.

BTW, using the petcock that I bought from you last year.


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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #18 on: December 24, 2014, 03:11:10 PM »
Excellent.  I just talked to Ian today, and sent him a picture of your bike with the seat he made.
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 snowman

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #19 on: December 24, 2014, 10:14:33 PM »
Thanks and if you speak to him again, let me know what he thinks.


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Offline koendd

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #20 on: December 25, 2014, 01:19:35 PM »
love it!

looks real good
1972 cb750K2 brat
1976 cb360
1984 GPZ900R

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #21 on: December 25, 2014, 03:20:19 PM »
Thanks and if you speak to him again, let me know what he thinks.


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I think he always likes seeing his work come together on a bike.  The fact that you have the raw look going on is pretty cool, too.
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 snowman

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #22 on: December 28, 2014, 06:11:28 AM »
Hey guys, need some input as to where to get a chain guard for the bike. Been looking at the one sold by Carpy, I like the simplicity & clean lines but it won't fit on a '77.


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Offline Riceman

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #23 on: December 28, 2014, 09:06:58 AM »

Offline Chad

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Re: '77 Cafe Build Almost Done
« Reply #24 on: December 28, 2014, 06:42:53 PM »
Agreed with the posts above. Definitely keep the raw look. One thing you might want to look into (you may already know this)... clear won't stick to raw metal. I did quite a bit of research on it because I was wanting to do the same on my bike. Talked to my painter and he said it could be done, but he didn't recommend it because the chance of it properly adhering to the raw metal is very slim.

You CAN put clear powdercoat on it though without any problems.