Author Topic: 1978 CB750 Cafe conversion Front end [re-assembly]  (Read 9278 times)

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Offline Rnobx67

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1978 CB750 Cafe conversion Front end [re-assembly]
« on: March 15, 2017, 11:24:37 AM »
Hi Guys,

Finally get my base CB750, didn't want to cut or modify an 69-76, so I opted for a big tank 78 CB for affordable price. Running need synchro, but all is there.

a small tour :

Before by RnOw, sur Flickr






My shop found a Front end from a ZX6R... will see what'shappen so.



I'm going into a cafe racer project, clean as I can.
« Last Edit: October 16, 2023, 06:51:56 AM by Rnobx67 »

Offline Rnobx67

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Re: 1978 CB750 - ZX6R Front - Questions
« Reply #1 on: March 15, 2017, 11:28:27 AM »
My first Question I dont know if I keep the regular color for the Triple tree or I go on black satin on that textured triple tree


« Last Edit: January 30, 2018, 06:26:59 AM by Rnobx67 »

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB750 - ZX6R Front - Questions
« Reply #2 on: March 15, 2017, 02:48:57 PM »
Color is really up to YOU.  The bigger question is whether you are going to stick with the smaller offset of the ZX6R triple trees or get a new set of triple trees to restore the offset to stock geometry.  If you go with the smaller offset, the front will not be as stable in corners.

If you decide to get custom offset triples, Devin at Cognito Moto can make them if you send you ZX6R triples to him.  He can also CNC you a front wheel hub that will fit the ZX brake rotors and allow spoked wheels.  Just a thought on ways to spend your $$.
« Last Edit: March 15, 2017, 02:53:32 PM by CB750 Cafe Racer Fan »
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 Rnobx67

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Re: 1978 CB750 - ZX6R Front - Questions
« Reply #3 on: March 15, 2017, 04:06:39 PM »
I know I managed to have triple tree machined next, but for now I will use those from the ZX6R.

If it's really to tricky, than I will change it as soon as I can.

And for now also I have to choose new boots, here in Canada the BT45 are so much expensive ! And 78's are 130 wide large at rear, is the Spitfire a good choice ?

Offline calj737

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Re: 1978 CB750 - ZX6R Front - Questions
« Reply #4 on: March 15, 2017, 04:47:52 PM »
..is the Spitfire a good choice ?
Not if you want proper handling bike.  ::)
'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 Rnobx67

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Re: 1978 CB750 - ZX6R Front - Questions
« Reply #5 on: March 15, 2017, 06:14:15 PM »
What are other options ?

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB750 - ZX6R Front - Questions
« Reply #6 on: March 15, 2017, 10:03:30 PM »
I have to agree with Cal.  Spitfires have limited grip.  BT-45s are much better.  Another option to consider is Avon Roadrider tires.
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 Rnobx67

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Re: 1978 CB750 - ZX6R Front - Questions
« Reply #7 on: March 16, 2017, 05:13:00 AM »
Ok, my garage propose me Roadrunners too, and Shinko Kruz too but I've never heard of it ...

Offline calj737

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Re: 1978 CB750 - ZX6R Front - Questions
« Reply #8 on: March 16, 2017, 05:49:19 AM »
It all boils down to performance. Why put a ZX front end on a vintage motorcycle than handicap that bike with crappy, cheap tires? Avons, Pirelli Sport Demons, BT-45s at least.
'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 SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB750 - ZX6R Front - Questions
« Reply #9 on: March 16, 2017, 07:24:37 AM »
Why put a ZX front end on a vintage motorcycle than handicap that bike with crappy, cheap tires? Avons, Pirelli Sport Demons, BT-45s at least.
i
+1
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 Rnobx67

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Re: 1978 CB750 - ZX6R Front - Questions
« Reply #10 on: March 17, 2017, 12:38:15 PM »
I'm totally ok with you, all I want is the best but he is announce me a price at 240$ for the back, I was aware for a price at 140... 70% more

I want the best but not at a insane price, I want buy at the real price.

If I buy it online that's fair for me. I just want buying with my local shop

Offline Rnobx67

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Re: 1978 CB750 - ZX6R Front - Questions
« Reply #11 on: March 17, 2017, 12:47:00 PM »
I've read for now By positives orders of comments  :
Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 (+)(+)(+)
Pirelli Sport Demons (+)
Avon Roadrunner (+)
Metzeller Lasertec (+)(-)

Hors serie :
Dunlop K81 TT100 (+)(+)(+)

Offline 754

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Re: 1978 CB750 - ZX6R Front - Questions
« Reply #12 on: March 17, 2017, 08:46:47 PM »
There is a place in or near Montreal has really good online bike tire prices.
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline 754

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Re: 1978 CB750 - ZX6R Front - Questions
« Reply #13 on: March 17, 2017, 08:56:08 PM »
Petes Superbike in PQ has 120/70H  BT45 for 123.00
Your dealer seems a bit high.
« Last Edit: March 17, 2017, 08:57:44 PM by 754 »
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline Rnobx67

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Re: 1978 CB750 - ZX6R Front - Questions
« Reply #14 on: March 19, 2017, 06:55:00 AM »
Ok, for tires... 8) I order them online...

Offline Rnobx67

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Re: 1978 CB750 Front end conversion
« Reply #15 on: July 12, 2017, 09:57:53 AM »
Finally I got my tires at Pete Superbikes, brand new BT45  <3
My mech have done all work, but finally my nightmare was coming from the seat maker, a return and 2 month for having it back...
fork swap was done, powdercoat one triple tree too
« Last Edit: January 30, 2018, 06:27:53 AM by Rnobx67 »

Offline SKTP

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Re: 1978 CB750 Front end conversion
« Reply #16 on: July 12, 2017, 10:51:52 AM »
looking good
1978k rebuild thread http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=68423.0
BIKE OF THE MONTH - OCTOBER 2017
2003 Ducati M800ie
1997 Honda CR-V
2004 Honda CR-V
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Offline Rnobx67

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Re: 1978 CB750 Front end conversion
« Reply #17 on: July 12, 2017, 11:37:53 AM »
The blank mount


then...
« Last Edit: January 30, 2018, 06:29:35 AM by Rnobx67 »

Offline Rnobx67

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Re: 1978 CB750 Front end conversion
« Reply #18 on: July 12, 2017, 05:38:04 PM »
looking good
I will love to do the same tank as yours, black and gold (without the red :P

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB750 Front end conversion
« Reply #19 on: July 12, 2017, 10:28:16 PM »
Photo Bucket strikes again!  :P
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 Rnobx67

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Re: 1978 CB750 Front end conversion
« Reply #20 on: July 14, 2017, 03:51:56 PM »
Photo Bucket strikes again!  :P

Shii doesn't work anymore this site ?

Offline Rnobx67

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Re: 1978 CB750 Front end conversion
« Reply #21 on: July 14, 2017, 03:54:53 PM »
So today I on my quest for finding 5x25mm fuses.... Oh my ! It's unavailable at all places I were... I order on vintage CB750, but unfurtunatly can't be delivered by FedEx, working hours only week, please ... nothing on amazon, Edison, Canadian Tire... I'm tired
« Last Edit: January 30, 2018, 06:34:07 AM by Rnobx67 »

Offline Rnobx67

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Re: 1978 CB750 Front end conversion
« Reply #22 on: January 29, 2018, 11:00:29 AM »
Hi guys I'm going forward with my bike. I strip down everything i could till now, figuring how to remove motor from frame... My lift let me down...

How can I put photos now ? till can't with photobucket !

Also I'm drawing my own triple tree and I will be able do make milling it by a guy nearby, maybe a little overpriced but...

I've some question about the bottom triple till I didn't remove it from bike till now. What's the diameter of the stem, and there is a ball bearing, so before removing these if I can have some advice or information.


Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB750 Front end conversion
« Reply #23 on: January 29, 2018, 11:44:02 AM »
Hi guys I'm going forward with my bike. I strip down everything i could till now, figuring how to remove motor from frame... My lift let me down...

How can I put photos now ? till can't with photobucket !

Also I'm drawing my own triple tree and I will be able do make milling it by a guy nearby, maybe a little overpriced but...

I've some question about the bottom triple till I didn't remove it from bike till now. What's the diameter of the stem, and there is a ball bearing, so before removing these if I can have some advice or information.

I am not sure what your machinist wants to charge you, but you will want to increase the offset between the steering stem and the forks closer to the stock offset.  If the combined cost of replacing the stem and triples approaches the range of $500, you should simply have Devin at Cognitomoto make them for you.
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 calj737

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Re: 1978 CB750 Front end conversion
« Reply #24 on: January 29, 2018, 11:57:07 AM »
You remove the stock CB ball bearings by simply pulling the the stem out of the neck, and they will fall all over the workshop floor.

If you are referring to the GSXR bearings installed on the stem, the easy way is to toss the lower triple into the freezer overnight. Then tomorrow after work, pop out to the shop, a quick but careful tap with a cold chisel between the bearing race and lower tree, and it will come sliding off.
'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