Topic: Restomod ? Stock or close.

[greenjeans]

I have a bike I've been sitting on for a while.  It's a 74 Cb750.    Ran great, but it was missing all of it's good parts.    Anyway, I also have some parts I've been sitting on for a while in hopes that I would run across an early diecast or sandcast.   Those parts include:  a very nice restored set of K0 gauges, K0 air cleaner and side covers, front end (forks, brakes, fork ears, unicorn triple, and a single-cut front fenter).  I also have a new set of re-pop (DSS HM341s) 4 into 4 pipes that have been collecting dust in the box.  I also have a good solid set of HM300s  probably 7 out of 10 that I could use.

I was thinking of making a sandcast/diecast clone.   Obviously, the gurus would be able to tell things apart.  I was thinking that this might be an option for those looking for an early style bike without the early style price that is associated with the K0s. 

So.....
I have the frame and motor painted, engine covers polished.  The bolts have been sent out to get re-plated.
Have some new spokes on the way.    This thing will be what I'd call a cosmetic restoration.   I didn't dig into the motor as it only has 18k miles, does not leak or smoke, and runs like a top.   For cost purposes I'm re-using all the chrome.  I'd say it's 8 out of 10.


Gimme some opinions.    Do you think I'd be better off selling my K0 bits and pieces and painting it back to the sunburst orange that it was originally, or should I just go for it and try the clone route.

I've seen alot of clones in the auto world.  They seem to go a bit higher than they would in their normal configuration.   I have paint for Ruby red.

What do you guys think ?     

[754]

I think its a great idea, moreso if you have the bits..
Thecearly bike are valuable, to the extent a lot dont get ridden a lot..
With this , more fun, more miles..and smiles..
And a whole lot less worrying about using it..

[PeWe]

You will probably regret selling the K0 parts. Save them for future project.

CB750 in close to original look really nice. My bike entered another level with std style 4-4 exhaust, K0 replicas for better flow when my engine is tuned.

I have had thoughts of creating a K0 replica.
- K0 side covers have same fastener pattern as the latter? They fit the newer frame like K2-K6?
Order these and it will look fine!
http://www.yamiya750.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=246_251_182_81&products_id=1482
http://www.yamiya750.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=246_157_270_166&products_id=2946
Then a good 4-4 if not already available

[Don R]

 I'd do it, my K0 was almost a K4, it had been heavily parts swapped. It still has the K4 engine so I hopped it up a little. The best part is it looks cool and you don't have to feel bad about racking up the miles like you might on a serious collector bike. I love riding my 69 but as it gets closer to 10K on the clock sometimes I take the 70 instead.
 Keep the stock parts, they can always be put back on if you stumble across that K0 dream bike later.

[redwillis1978]

Sunburst orange and 4-4 pipes. No one cares if the instruments etc are K0.

[greenjeans]

Good point on the gauges - I do have another good set I could use.   Hopefully, if I ever find a reasonably priced K0 it will have most of the parts...

The K0 side covers that I have (re-pops) fit the frame and oil tank of the later versions.

I'm really starting to lean toward doing a K0 clone.   I had a sandcast once, and I put a good number of miles on it before I sold it.   I was always nervous parking it and leaving it anywhere.   Always loved the candy rudy red as well.   

[PeWe]

CB750 K0-K6 are really special. I have spent more than 4 times more at last restore started 2012 than I initially planned despite my experiences of the modfications in the 80's. I knew it will cost.....

Lovely money pit! I could have bought a new bike for the last years cost. More parts I replace with new/NOS, worse the not replaced parts will look.

[edwardmorris]

.........More parts I replace with new/NOS, worse the not replaced parts will look.

That's a quicksand I failed miserably to pull out of. The harder I tried, the deeper I sank util it was almost ALL NOS.

+1 on Frank's take, all the fun of K0 looks without the worry.