Author Topic: This is my first CB750F  (Read 14506 times)

0 Members and 4 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline Johnny340

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 431
This is my first CB750F
« on: February 15, 2017, 02:56:31 PM »
I've read a lot of posts and builds and have learned a lot from you guys already!!  Thank you!
I started this post to gain more knowledge & opinions and maybe even help somebody else who reads this.  Thanks in advance for your help!

I'm starting with a 1975 CB750F with 35000 miles on it (which I plan to rebuild).  I have decided to use '07 GSXR forks and a Cognito Moto hub.  I just built both wheels which are 17" to hopefully make up for the difference in offset of the triple clamps.  (I may still need longer shocks.)  I have some Motogadget goodies including M-unit and Chronoclassic.  I decided to use the Suzuki top triple clamp to incorporate the steering lock (see below) as well as the GSXR switches which will be a challenge to wire up, I'm sure.

The question for today is, what do you guys think of this roughed in mount for a bates style headlight which allows the steering dampener to move below it.  Do you foresee any problems with this setup?  I think I'll need to space it up a bit higher so the headlight bolt clears the dampener once I drill the hole for it.
Thanks,
John
1975 CB750F0 Super Sport
1972 CB750K2
1981 CB650
1974 T-500
2003 GSXR750
2006 YZ250

Offline WesTenRacing

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 83
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #1 on: February 15, 2017, 03:18:20 PM »
Looks and sounds like a cool project.
To answer "todays question", operationally it will be fine.  If you want the light to be as low as possible use a button head from the bottom up.  The clearance needed for it is minimal. IMHO if you want the light higher make taller risers instead of spacing the light itself.   

Offline 70CB750

  • Labor omnia vincit improbus.
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,812
  • Northern Virginia
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2017, 06:08:09 AM »
Following.
Prokop
_______________
Pure Gas - find ethanol free gas station near you

I love it when parts come together.

Dorothy - my CB750
CB750K3F - The Red
Sidecar


CB900C

2006 KLR650

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,070
  • I refuse...
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2017, 06:35:00 AM »
...and, you might create a small recess on top or from below, to help "lock" the headlight into a position so that it doesn't rotate due to vibration or turbulence. That's the only weakness to the Bates style mounts is their single screw.  :-\
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline GV1390

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 586
  • Express Gratitude.
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #4 on: February 16, 2017, 07:13:07 AM »
Really digging that wheel setup! Looks mint.
93' GSX-R1100, 78' CB550, 71' CL350, 71’ CB500 & 02' ZRX1200R.

Offline BLAC

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #5 on: February 16, 2017, 10:47:47 AM »
I agree, that color looks great on those hoops!
If you can't fix it with a hammer, it's an electrical problem... If it's an electrical problem, it's Cal's problem.

*2005 Yamaha R6 (sold)
*2014 Ducati Streetfighter 848 (sold)
*2014 BMW S1000RR (sold)
*2010 Ducati Streetfighter S
*1978 CB550 Restomod Build
*1974 CB550 Monoshock build
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,154614.0.html

Offline Johnny340

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 431
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2017, 11:52:56 AM »
...and, you might create a small recess on top or from below, to help "lock" the headlight into a position so that it doesn't rotate due to vibration or turbulence. That's the only weakness to the Bates style mounts is their single screw.  :-\

Thanks for the replies guys.  Cal I like your idea of a recess to keep it from rotating.  I haven't done that yet because I'm not sure I like it's position sticking out so far to clear the ignition switch. (didn't you recommend the M-key to go with my Motogadget stuff once  :'( ....but I was infatuated with having a steering lock..)  I raised it up to clear the damper better but then it had to go outward to clear the ignition switch..  I might be able to push it in a bit.

Before I add a recess and make it perfectly symmetrical, etc what is the feeling with this size of headlight mounted like it is?
1975 CB750F0 Super Sport
1972 CB750K2
1981 CB650
1974 T-500
2003 GSXR750
2006 YZ250

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,070
  • I refuse...
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #7 on: February 16, 2017, 12:02:44 PM »
I'd prefer the light be lower, more centered within the top clamp-lower clamp space.
Is there a reason you don't run your stabilize underneath the bottom clamp?

I may have recommended the M-Lock, I often do-
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Johnny340

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 431
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #8 on: February 16, 2017, 12:51:58 PM »
I'd prefer the light be lower, more centered within the top clamp-lower clamp space.
Is there a reason you don't run your stabilize underneath the bottom clamp?

I wasn't sure how I could mount the body of the stabilizer to the frame any other way.  I welded in a bung as low as possible on the headtube and the boss on the triple clamp was there already which was convenient. (see pic)
I could slim down the actual mount that came with the headlight or as already suggested use a button head style bolt but I don't think that would make enough difference.  Maybe I could make a rectangular Bates lower block that I could bolt in from the top directly into the bracket I made which could then be lowered at least 1/2" with nothing sticking out the bottom??
1975 CB750F0 Super Sport
1972 CB750K2
1981 CB650
1974 T-500
2003 GSXR750
2006 YZ250

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,070
  • I refuse...
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #9 on: February 16, 2017, 02:08:20 PM »
Maybe what's throwing me off is the silver tubes, silver triples, and chrome headlight bucket. It just makes everything look busy to me visually.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Johnny340

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 431
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #10 on: February 16, 2017, 02:17:11 PM »
Maybe what's throwing me off is the silver tubes, silver triples, and chrome headlight bucket. It just makes everything look busy to me visually.

Once I'm done with the fab work I'll powder coat the triple clamps satin black and probably do the damper too.  The fork tubes have been re-anodized that colour which hopefully doesn't clash with the chrome headlight.  (maybe I should have got a black headlight?)

I took apart the Bates mount hardware and will be able to bolt in down to my bracket from the top.  This will lower the headlight 1/2" and with nothing sticking out the bottom of my bracket, I can lower that a 1/2" as well.  That should make it look more centered.
1975 CB750F0 Super Sport
1972 CB750K2
1981 CB650
1974 T-500
2003 GSXR750
2006 YZ250

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,070
  • I refuse...
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #11 on: February 16, 2017, 03:01:13 PM »
I should add: sometime during mock up things look out of place. So you can ignore my comments about what looks right... It's hard to know what's in everyone's mind when they're building a bike and I've fallen victim to offering an opinion that's irrelevant.

Just bust out that bike and get it on the road! :D
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Johnny340

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 431
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #12 on: February 16, 2017, 05:52:23 PM »
I should add: sometime during mock up things look out of place. So you can ignore my comments about what looks right... It's hard to know what's in everyone's mind when they're building a bike and I've fallen victim to offering an opinion that's irrelevant.

I appreciate all opinions so I don't powder coat something and then discover it's not right!
I think I have it better now.
1975 CB750F0 Super Sport
1972 CB750K2
1981 CB650
1974 T-500
2003 GSXR750
2006 YZ250

Offline Johnny340

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 431
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #13 on: February 18, 2017, 02:53:03 PM »
I took a break from the headlight today and drilled my rear rotor.  It's not my favourite pattern but it matches the GSXR fronts.
Easy to do yourself btw.  I used a pattern over the rotor and center punched each hole then drilled a 1/8" pilot hole followed by a 9/32" final hole.  I got a good cobalt drill bit, used lots of cutting fluid to keep the heat down, and only needed one bit of each size.  I chose to chamfer the holes after.
1975 CB750F0 Super Sport
1972 CB750K2
1981 CB650
1974 T-500
2003 GSXR750
2006 YZ250

Offline Johnny340

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 431
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #14 on: February 20, 2017, 05:56:41 PM »
I decided to make the swingarm brace on the bottom.  It had to be slightly non-symetrical to clear the chain with this gearing but once everything is powdercoated I don't think it will be that obvious.  I've seen bracing with additional tubes attaching midway as well as something at the front but I think I'll stick with just the two I have at the front now.  Comments on that idea?
I also had to cut the rear caliper stay to go wider so it would clear the 160 tire.
1975 CB750F0 Super Sport
1972 CB750K2
1981 CB650
1974 T-500
2003 GSXR750
2006 YZ250

Offline WesTenRacing

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 83
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #15 on: February 20, 2017, 08:20:04 PM »
Nice job on the rotor.  I like the swingarm brace. I did the same.    :)

« Last Edit: February 20, 2017, 08:22:07 PM by WesTenRacing »

Offline Johnny340

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 431
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #16 on: February 21, 2017, 08:14:55 AM »
Nice job on the rotor.  I like the swingarm brace. I did the same.    :)

I see you did the extra bracing I was debating on.  That looks really good! Especially with the round 550 tubes.  Any opinions on adding that to the 750 swingarm?
1975 CB750F0 Super Sport
1972 CB750K2
1981 CB650
1974 T-500
2003 GSXR750
2006 YZ250

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,070
  • I refuse...
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #17 on: February 21, 2017, 12:46:41 PM »
If you use the side seam welded 750 arm, personally I don't like the addition of round tubes. Either round-round, or use a square tube for consistency of appearance. Does the F arm still use the same square tubing as the early Ks?

And honestly, the bracing looks great, but its pretty much overkill for a near stock bike in my opinion.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Johnny340

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 431
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #18 on: February 21, 2017, 12:59:20 PM »
Does the F arm still use the same square tubing as the early Ks?
And honestly, the bracing looks great, but its pretty much overkill for a near stock bike in my opinion.

I believe it does have the same tubing style (but may be a little longer  ;) )  Yes, round/round matches better and I agree the whole idea is overkill but admittedly it's more for looks.
1975 CB750F0 Super Sport
1972 CB750K2
1981 CB650
1974 T-500
2003 GSXR750
2006 YZ250

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,070
  • I refuse...
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #19 on: February 21, 2017, 01:08:34 PM »
Can you source another, cut and section it, and make your new brace from the donor? It would give you the same tubing and dimensions.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline WesTenRacing

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 83
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #20 on: February 21, 2017, 03:47:06 PM »
Nice job on the rotor.  I like the swingarm brace. I did the same.    :)

I see you did the extra bracing I was debating on.  That looks really good! Especially with the round 550 tubes.  Any opinions on adding that to the 750 swingarm?

I agree with Cal that the bracing is overkill but aesthetically I like it.  8)  You don't need the extra tubes but it may help the look you're after.  I was going to use the 750 swingarm and cut up another 750 one so that the tubing was uniform but I don't believe the result would have been acceptable.  There would be a lot of sectioning to make that idea work.  I took the easy route.   ;)

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,070
  • I refuse...
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #21 on: February 21, 2017, 03:49:28 PM »
There would be a lot of sectioning to make that idea work.  I took the easy route.   ;)
Whats wrong with this country??? Everyone wants the easy way out  :o :( ;D ;D ;D ;D Yep, more work definitely. Better results? Not likely. But my OCD would KILL me if I took the easy way.  ;) ;D

I am living proof of: "If the only tool you have is a hammer, then every problem looks like a nail".
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline WesTenRacing

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 83
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #22 on: February 21, 2017, 05:14:55 PM »
Country?!  We're from different countries  :P  ;)   OCD must be international  :o :)

Offline Johnny340

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 431
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #23 on: February 21, 2017, 05:33:59 PM »
Can you source another, cut and section it, and make your new brace from the donor? It would give you the same tubing and dimensions.

I never even thought of that.  (I have 3 'spare' 750 swingarms in my shed too!)  That 'tubing' is pretty thick so I have a feeling it would have had to stick out the left side a bit too far to clear the chain..  I'll probably stick with what I have started on now.  Easy route!  :P
1975 CB750F0 Super Sport
1972 CB750K2
1981 CB650
1974 T-500
2003 GSXR750
2006 YZ250

Offline Kafe

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4
Re: This is my first CB750F
« Reply #24 on: February 21, 2017, 10:09:43 PM »
Looking good. Love the 160
No matter how good she looks.. Someone, somewhere is tired of her sh!t