Topic: 1976 CB750F - first bike, first build - mild cafe

[riffman12]

A quick update as it's been a while since I posted pics.

I chopped more off the back of the frame as I was having seat mounting issues. Waiting on a new hoop to weld in.




Got the front brake calipers rebuilt and mounted. Now I'm just having issues with brake lines.






These are the two brake splitters I have. I'm not sure which one to use. Also, where do I mount these things?




The only place I can see if a hole in the front of the lower triple clamp (where the bolt is):



But then the splitter won't be centered. Any ideas?



And finally, here's a pic of how the bike sits now with the seat and tank mocked up. Just some finishing touches and hoping to have this thing on the road by April!

[riffman12]

the smaller one is the stock unit? I found this picture of someone's '77F build and it seems he is running the bigger one:




I have dual front disks so I think using that offset hole will align things funky with the 2 calipers. Any ideas on how to mount this it centered?

[Retro Rocket]

^^ thats not a 77F^^   

[riffman12]

ah my mistake. The front end looks like it's from one?

you can see the splitter in this picture:



How does it mount?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I don't have an F1 or F2, but it looks like it bolts to the bottom of the bottom triple tree.

[madmtnmotors]

These are the two brake splitters I have. I'm not sure which one to use. Also, where do I mount these things?

So, you are using a 77/78 front end on a 76 F model, is that correct? The proper brake line splitter is the upper one (closer to your finger tips) in the photo above for the 77/78 F model. The lower triple has two mounting holes to mount this splitter to the front of the lower triple. Did you use the triple trees from a 77/78 F model? The 76 F model lower triple will likely not have these two holes, probably only one. Now you have to decide whether to "make it work" or "make it right". Either way is appropriate, as long as careful consideration is given when deciding to "make it work".


Edit: Look at the parts fiche for part number 53200-410-000ZA

Edit: Compare it to the parts fiche for part number 53200-392-000ZA

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Since this is not a restoration, you have many options. You don't even need to use either stock splitter. But, I do understand Wilbur's sentiment.  I think the most efficient solution is to tap the bottom of your triple tree or use a F1/F2 bottom tree if you got one with the parts.

[madmtnmotors]

Since this is not a restoration, you have many options. You don't even need to use either stock splitter. But, I do understand Wilbur's sentiment.  I think the most efficient solution is to tap the bottom of your triple tree or use a F1/F2 bottom tree if you got one with the parts.

I'm not sure the early lower tree would accommodate "tapping" a new hole, especially if you compare the fiches for the part numbers above. I would think a simple bracket, using the single mounting bolt, would enable you to provide a mounting point for the two holes in the later splitter. The "splitter" on the bottom is the early type that used the splitter to provide a mounting point for the brake light switch, isn't it? I guess either splitter would work, a splitter is a splitter is a splitter...

[riffman12]

thanks a lot guys. After checking those fiches, I realize now that the previous owner adapted the '76F front end to either have entire fork tubes from a '77F, or just the fork lowers. The triples are from a '76F as there is only one hole, offset to the left.

Either way, sounds like my best course of action is to make a little bracket using that offset hole to center my splitter in the middle of the clamp.

On the smaller of the 2 splitters that I have, there are some little bumps around each hole to "guide" the banjo end. Am I ok grinding those off to give myself more options for mounting? Or are those important? These are the things I mean:

[madmtnmotors]

thanks a lot guys. After checking those fiches, I realize now that the previous owner adapted the '76F front end to either have entire fork tubes from a '77F, or just the fork lowers. The triples are from a '76F as there is only one hole, offset to the left.

Either way, sounds like my best course of action is to make a little bracket using that offset hole to center my splitter in the middle of the clamp.

On the smaller of the 2 splitters that I have, there are some little bumps around each hole to "guide" the banjo end. Am I ok grinding those off to give myself more options for mounting? Or are those important? These are the things I mean:

Will they work as is?

Welcome to the world of "Customization"! 

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Those tits hold the line in place. Helps when tightening. Can it twist loose in action?!

[riffman12]

hm OK I'll try and keep them. They just force the line into an awkward position.

I think I'll use my bigger splitter. That one lines up properly. Now to make a little bracket...

Also aiming to weld the rear hoop in this weekend. Will post pics.

[Roach Carver]

nice build. following along.

[riffman12]

had a friend weld my rear hoop on this weekend. It fits the seat perfect. Very happy with the results

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Nice robust hoop/cross-member!  I am doing something similar (kicked up hoop) on my 550/650 project.

[slikwilli420]

Nice job on the rear hoop. That's how I did mine and now you have the strength back and won't have any tire interference like the guys with lay down hoops.

[riffman12]

thanks guys. I'm very happy with it.

What's the best way to paint the hoop and surrounding area? I used some appliance epoxy paint on my forks that I was happy with - sticks to anything and very hard wearing.

Am I better off doing a full on primer + paint combo?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

The rest of the frame looks fairly clean (not entirely sure from the photos).  Did you paint the rest of the frame or is it original?  Primer and a good epoxy paint should seal the affected area, but it might be difficult to get complete coverage.  If you are going to spot paint it, I would at a minimum, remove the oil tank so you can spray reward and up at the welded area.  If you are anal and have the time, paint the whole she-bang.

[seanbarney41]

the Rust-Oleum appliance epoxy is the best frame paint I have found...works great with NO primer

[turkey4me]

Looking good.  Can you tell us what Wolf is hiding under that car cover in your second photo? 

[riffman12]

the Rust-Oleum appliance epoxy is the best frame paint I have found...works great with NO primer

Just what I wanted to hear 

Looking good.  Can you tell us what Wolf is hiding under that car cover in your second photo?

I can...but I'd have to kill you

It's a vintage Porsche 934.5 race car - not my car, but it's a monster.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

It's a vintage Porsche 934.5 race car - not my car, but it's a monster.

Pics??   

[riffman12]

It's a vintage Porsche 934.5 race car - not my car, but it's a monster.

Pics??   

and a quick dyno video:

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

It's a vintage Porsche 934.5 race car - not my car, but it's a monster.

Pics??   

and a quick dyno video:

Hot damn!! 

[turkey4me]

Sweet Jesus, that's a Hound from Hell!
Keep us updated with your project...