Topic: Advice on modern touches for an old bike - CB750k

[JBCB500]

For my first build I restored a CB500 to near stock.

For my 2nd build (750k) I'd like to incorporate some cool modern touches.  Maybe better lights front and back, modern left and right switches, modern gauges (digital?), and mechanically speaking, possibly an ignition system to replace the points system.

I figure a lot of the cafe guys on here must be using some trick stuff.  I see some really cool looking bikes but can't always tell from the pics what is on them.

Can anyone recommend:

A modern headlight - would still need room for electrics

Headlight mounting brackets

Any trick gauges; I saw a guy at the handbuilt show in Austin with a digital readout on a CB550

Taillights/turn signals - LED possibly

and an ignition system?

Preferably most of this stuff would be available 2nd hand as I'm on a tight budget - really just looking for some inspiration.  I'm trying to build a K frame with an F motor.  F dual brakes at front and F disc in rear.  Pretty well blacked out legs, motor, frame, etc., and possibly a brat style seat without cutting the frame.

Ideas welcome!

[754]

Try Motolanna for headlight ears.

[JBCB500]

Thanks 754, those look like just the thing!

[Bankerdanny]

I recommend going through the project board. There are a ton of great projects there that will provide all the inspiration you could want.

Also use the Bike of the Month thread. The nominations section always includes a link to the project threads.

[markreimer]

For ignition system, I've had the original points system, a Dyna-S, and a Pamco. The points were ok but...finicky as points can be. Dyna died on me after about 3-4 years. It was a slow death that took a huge amount of time to finally diagnose. I've got a Pamco in there now and it's been 100% for the last two years. If I were to do it all again, I'd really consider something with an optical trigger, I think Cycle-X has one. Might be others as well. If I understand it correctly, it does away with the spring-loaded advance mechanism, which is pretty finicky to get dialled right in on account of old stretched out springs.

Also consider suspension. Ikon makes AWESOME rear shocks, and a member here provides member-discounts. They are rebuildable and adjustable. I put some on this summer and just love 'em. For the front, I stuck with Progressive springs. If you wanna go full blast, you could do a modern sport bike front end conversion. Or split the difference and do a Goldwing front end to keep it looking period-correct but with a dual disc.

For electronics, if you're going to redo the switches and lights, look into an M-unit. It can really clean up the wiring and keep things simple. Put in a solid state R/R while you're there. Also for the headlight, I think an H4 is the most common conversion as it keeps the stock lens/housing. If you're open to ditching that entirely for something else, you've got lots of options. Please share what you have! I've wanted a good LED light for my 750 but haven't found something yet.



EDIT - I just re-read your post and realized you're doing an F front end and want mostly used parts. Sorry, my list won't be very useful then, lol

[BomberMann650]

Cognito moto sells the top triple and bar switches you might want.

[PeWe]

I have headlight brackets like these. https://www.mikesxs.net/yamaha-xs650-alloy-cafe-headlight-bracket-set-35mm.html
Look and work really good on my K6 with OEM style headlight bucket (chromed version)

Mine are made for 35mm only, no silly rubber lining for multifitment.... 35mm only is better and stable mounting of headlight

They have here and must be available elsewhere
http://www.xsperformance.de/front_content.php?idcat=42

[Nic]

I have headlight brackets like these. https://www.mikesxs.net/yamaha-xs650-alloy-cafe-headlight-bracket-set-35mm.html
Look and work really good on my K6 with OEM style headlight bucket (chromed version)

Mine are made for 35mm only, no silly rubber lining for multifitment.... 35mm only is better and stable mounting of headlight

They have here and must be available elsewhere
http://www.xsperformance.de/front_content.php?idcat=42

I like em.

[Dunk]

Modern touches... I restored my K1 to look more or less brand new but with some modern touches.

LED gauge lights (5 SMD green, inner reflectors of gauges painted white)
Cibie H4 headlight reflector, dedicated wiring with relays (small Panasonic style)
O ring chain
Dyna S ignition pickup, Dyna coils, NGK iridium plugs
Tapered steering bearings
Roller swingarm bearings (would have done new brass bushings but unavailable at time of restore)
Solid state adjustable voltage regulator from Oregon Motorcycle Parts

The lighting makes a world of difference in how it feels to ride at night. Gauges are easy to read at a glance and looks new. The headlight is night and day, no idea how I rode at night on so many 70s bikes never being able to see anything. Cibie is the only reflector worth buying, absolute top notch and under $40. I plan to add LED turn signal bulbs as incandescent is hard to see in bright light, this requires diodes added on either side of the turn signal indicator.

The ignition upgrade made a huge difference in ease of starting and idle quality especially for a cold engine in cold weather. The voltage regulator improved charging voltage at lower RPM over the mechanical style.

With the tepered steering bearings the bike feels lighter and more nimble particularly at lower speeds.

[Deltarider]

as incandescent is hard to see in bright light

Are you kidding? Conventional bulbs have this glow on glow off effect that makes them even better noticed than the 'dead' LED. Our brain is programmed to detect things that are changing. No wonder some car and truck companies have begun to adress this shortcoming of LEDlights with tricks. If you worry about the front indicators, step 1 would be to disconnect those silly amber running lights that only result in less noticeable blinkers. 16 Watts saved.

[Dunk]

Deltarider, I have no front running lights. This is a K1. I've been told by several people my turn signals are hard to see in bright light, and looking at them I'd agree. Perhaps a different bulb would help, but I'd like to try for maximum lumens which leads me toward LED. Perhaps there are much brighter incandescent bulbs you're aware of?

[becken]

Try SoCalMotoGear for brake/tail and turn signal bulbs. Search for 1157 for dual filament and 1156 for single filament bulb. Make sure the color you order matches the color of the lens. They are definitely not cheap but are very bright.