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

[seanbarney41]

You could also use the double banjo bolt right at the master cylinder and just get custom brake lines run straight to each caliper.

[Roach Carver]

I agree. One line would go straight down and the other would have to go over to the side. If that's a no go then I would say change trees. The 77 78 f trees will have the splitter in the middle like you want with two studs. 1 inlet and 2 outlets

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

If it's a café, I'm not sure what the aversion is to using banjo connectors. . . . 

[riffman12]

Do you have the 76 single disc fitting that mounts on the tree? I see what is being said about a longer bolt and doubling up on the lines to make your own splitter. If I am remembering right the OEM 76 single disc line to the caliper exits the bottom of the fitting and has a stop to tighten against. It may be slightly off center but if you doubled up on the lines at the bottom and used a back up wrench to tighten you could point your lines where you wanted. Did I make that clear? It sounds confusing to me even reading it back. I have my 76 loosened up right now to replace the brake light switch on that fitting and will take a look tomorrow to see if what I am talking about would work.

If I'm honest...not sure I follow 

You could also use the double banjo bolt right at the master cylinder and just get custom brake lines run straight to each caliper.

I was trying to avoid this as I have a nice set of lines already. Trying to use as much as possible without buying $100 more worth of brake lines. I suppose it will be my only option if I can't find a way to mount this.

If it's a café, I'm not sure what the aversion is to using banjo connectors. . . . 

Not sure what you mean? I am using banjo connectors either way.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

If it's a café, I'm not sure what the aversion is to using banjo connectors. . . . 

Not sure what you mean? I am using banjo connectors either way.

I meant by using a dual banjo bolt fitting at the MC.

[riffman12]

I meant by using a dual banjo bolt fitting at the MC.

Ah yes see above. It's really just a case of using what I have already. Suppose I could always sell the kit I have already.

Does it not look messy having the 2 brake lines? How do you route them?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I meant by using a dual banjo bolt fitting at the MC.

Does it not look messy having the 2 brake lines? How do you route them?

Not messy at all.  I used braided steel lines that route directly down to the respective brake rotors. 

[riffman12]

Not messy at all.  I used braided steel lines that route directly down to the respective brake rotors. 

Wow, beautiful bike man. Don't think I've seen you post pics before.

You're right...maybe I should go that route. Where did you get the brake lines? I emailed slingshot cycles but haven't heard back yet. All of their off the shelf kits are for specific bikes, splitters etc.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

The build thread is older, but there are lots of photos.  See my Nine Lives build thread link in my signature. 

The brake lines were ordered custom.

[riffman12]

The build thread is older, but there are lots of photos.  See my Nine Lives build thread link in my signature. 

The brake lines were ordered custom.

really nice work

as for brake lines, any idea what length I would need to run from the MC on to each caliper (clubman bars)? Slingshot has yet to get back to me.

[s10hornet]

just tuned in to this thread and noticed your post about jetting the carbs.
I have a 76 f model as well with the Carpy exhaust.  I am running 115 jets with a
K&N filter in the stock airbox.  Plugs look perfect.

[riffman12]

just tuned in to this thread and noticed your post about jetting the carbs.
I have a 76 f model as well with the Carpy exhaust.  I am running 115 jets with a
K&N filter in the stock airbox.  Plugs look perfect.

awesome! That's what I like to hear 

did you change pilots / clip position at all?

[JWExperience]

I have the carpy exhaust and k&n in the stock box and I'm running 42/120. No noticeable difference between 40 and 42's so I stayed at 42 because I would rather be on the rich side. Needle in the stock position and my bike is a 76 K. Each bike is a little different but 40/115 or 40/120 should be a very good starting point if your exhaust and intake are the same as above. I have nice tan plugs too


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[riffman12]

have any of you folks in CA mounted a license plate vertically like this?



If so, do the police hassle you?

Really scratching my head trying to figure out how to mount this license plate anywhere except the axle.

[s10hornet]

no other changes.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

have any of you folks in CA mounted a license plate vertically like this?



If so, do the police hassle you?

Really scratching my head trying to figure out how to mount this license plate anywhere except the axle.

Yes, it is fairly common with custom motorcycles. 
I have never been hassled by any law enforcement officers, although a CHP motorcycle officer followed me off the freeway to tell me he liked my bike.  I also try not to do things that would call negative attention to me.

[riffman12]

Yes, it is fairly common with custom motorcycles. 
I have never been hassled by any law enforcement officers, although a CHP motorcycle officer followed me off the freeway to tell me he liked my bike.  I also try not to do things that would call negative attention to me.

Hm interesting. Maybe I'll start with it vertical and run it like this if I get hassled (excuse the HD)



It would just stick out a bit.

What did you do for lighting with the vertical plate?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I would mount it vertically if you place it on left side of the bike.  Otherwise, you will catch your leg on it when you push the bike. 

The right side of the bike will allow you to mount it either horizontal or vertical.  However, there is a chance you can catch another bike (when parking) or other objects with the edge of the plate horizontal.

I do not have an extra light source for my plate.  There are options.  You can go with a mini light similar to this:

[riffman12]

So I got this plate bracket today:

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-caferacer-cafe-racer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-chassis-parts-gloss-black-steel-axle-mounted-license-plate-bracket-tc-bros-107-0006.html

It's very sturdy and seems to be made well, but I'm a tad concerned. My plan was to mount it to the axle as it was intended, but the metal is quite thick. 3/16" I believe. Am I ok just putting this at the end of my axle? It seems like quite a lot of spacing to add in there.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

It'll work fine if you mount the bracket vertically (you can attach it either way). 

I caught my leg a couple of times with a horizontally mounted plate while moving my bike, and that decided it for me.

[riffman12]

It'll work fine if you mount the bracket vertically (you can attach it either way). 

I caught my leg a couple of times with a horizontally mounted plate while moving my bike, and that decided it for me.

My worry was more the thickness of the metal adding to the spacing on the axle bolt. ie the nut will sit 1/4 inch further out

[riffman12]

ok so it looks like the plate bracket won't be an issue for tightening the axle bolt. As I button up the final touches here, a few questions. If anyone knows the answers to these, feel free to chime in. Much appreciated 

1) I've been waiting until the end to stake my wheel bearing retainers. I understand how to stake them (punch and a hammer), but I'm not sure how far I should be threading them in before staking. At the moment I hand tightened them, then tapped them a few times tighter with a flathead and a hammer. Is this an exact science or is it OK if it's just flush with the hub? How do I know if they're too tight?


2) I loosened the rear engine mount to make mounting the swingarm easier. Does anyone know the proper torque for that engine mount bolt?


3) From the factory, the rear sprocket had a flimsy guard / plate on it. Looks like this:



Is there any point to this? Can I ditch it?


4) My front sprocket is held on with the little plate and 2 bolts. How tight should these be? Do I need locktite on them?


5) I'm getting ready to paint my seat and side covers to match my factory painted tank. I think I will be ordering this paint in a spray can:

http://www.ct70paint.com/antares-red.html

Has anyone used that paint or that supplier before? Any suggestion on which spray can package I should get? Am I better just getting the paint can and buying my own primer/clear?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

The rear sprocket cover isn't a necessity.

[riffman12]

Thanks again for the help, Don. I'll owe you a beer once all this is through.

I'll strikethrough the answered questions so if anyone knows the answers to any of the others, that would be sweet.

Also quick update from the weekend: Ordered 2 26" Goodridge universal brake lines + fittings. Also bobbed the front fender.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

1) good and snug/tight. Make a cheap easy tool for the tightening. Don't be pounding on your nice pretty bike and make a dent! I got an aluminum flat bar from the hardware store, some bolts and nuts. Bolts sized to fit inside the holes on the retainer. Drill one hole near the end of the bar for the bolt. Install one nut on the bolt. Install the bolt through the hole and install the other nut and tighten both against the bar. Leave enough of the bolt protruding through past the last nut so that it just bottoms out in the retainer hole so that the bar sits flush. Repeat this for the opposite side hole on the retainer. Or you might want to drill near the center so that you can use both ends as handles for better control. You can also drill a third hole for the other sizes of retainers on the bike.   

2) tight but don't break anything

3) not necessary but how stock do you want it to look?

4) 6mm bolt torque is 6 - 8 lbs I believe. They WILL snap off if too much force is applied. Locktite never hurts as long as it's not red.

5) SWEET kits!!  I have never seen those. IMO get the kit with primer, base, color and clear. They all are selected to be compatible with each other. You MAY want to get 2 cans of color to practice how to lay it down to get the desired effect/color depth over the silver base coat. You can always practice on the rear sprocket plate.