Topic: The Norda- cb750 powered featherbed

[ratranger]

I haven't been on here in a long time, but thought my current project might be appreciated here.  It started with a norton slimline featherbed I was going to build a triton with.  Decided not to because the unit motors just don't fit right and finding an affordable pre-unit is hard.  So I ended up finding a $200 cb750 in a box and decided that was going to be my swap.

 Progress so far has been building motor mounts, making triples and stem to use cbr600f4i forks with a gt750 front brake, and geting a mini manx tank from TAB classics.  I still need to make lower mounts,  and modify the breather cover for a head steady.  I'm not planning any big performance mods for the engine other than a good rebuild.

[Dime]

Been following elsewhere. Love this build!

[ratranger]

Been following elsewhere. Love this build!

Thanks! I don't know how long it'll take me to finish.   Saving for parts can take a while.  The tank was a little over $1k after shipping, wheels will be similar to lace, the engine I think will be the most expensive part.  Even if I buy less expensive pistons and have it bored locally that'll be around $500, new chains and tensioners, gaskets, bearings, etc will all add up.  I won't buy anything on credit so it might take a bit.

[newday777]

I'll be following along.  That looks cool.

[Dime]

Been following elsewhere. Love this build!

Thanks! I don't know how long it'll take me to finish.   Saving for parts can take a while.  The tank was a little over $1k after shipping, wheels will be similar to lace, the engine I think will be the most expensive part.  Even if I buy less expensive pistons and have it bored locally that'll be around $500, new chains and tensioners, gaskets, bearings, etc will all add up.  I won't buy anything on credit so it might take a bit.

I am building mine the same way. Cash only. I am on disability so there is not much to put towards the bike. Piece by piece, it will get done. Much appreciate your build.

[ratranger]

I am building mine the same way. Cash only. I am on disability so there is not much to put towards the bike. Piece by piece, it will get done. Much appreciate your build.

 It's the only way to go when you aren't doing it for a business.  It's too easy to dig a deep hole when you just throw everything on credit.

[bek1966]

Very cool.  Following, with interest!!!

Nice work,
Brad

[ratranger]

Working on the head steady, I've read that it is a bad idea not to have one on the featherbed.  When it's not so hot I'll weld the piece to the breather cover.  I'll also time-sert where the cover mounts.   

[Dime]

Working on the head steady, I've read that it is a bad idea not to have one on the featherbed.  When it's not so hot I'll weld the piece to the breather cover.  I'll also time-sert where the cover mounts.

Very cool idea

[ratranger]

Head steady is now permanent.  Welding aluminum when it's 90* and humid sucks.

[Gurp]

What welding process are you using? Mig tig or stick?

[ratranger]

What welding process are you using? Mig tig or stick?

TIG for pretty much everything.  I have a MIG, but it's a basic one so only really good for steel.  Since I got the TIG I've used it as much as I can.  Can't get better without practice.  I will say the protig 205 from harbor freight is good value for the money.  I know it's gone up some but I got it with a coupon for $800, not going to get a better ac/dc machine without spending double to triple.

[BenelliSEI]

Neat project! Will follow along.

[Stev-o]

Neat project!

+1...subscribed.

[ratranger]

I'm debating how I want to do the exhaust on this. I have 3 options, 4-4, 4-2, or 4-1. Off the shelf isn't going to work since it's not in the stock frame. 4-1 is tempting just because it'll cost less, mufflers are spendy. 4-2 would look more balanced and easier to make headers for. But 4-4 is just classic cb750, headers about the same as the 4-2 to make, but 4 mufflers. I could probably make mufflers, but I'd spend almost as much as just buying them to do that. I'll probably wait until I have it on the wheels to decide, but I have to start thinking/saving now.

Also do I want to just buy mandrel bends and piece it together, or attempt filling the pipe with sand and bending it to get a more flowing look.