Topic: CB750K7 Nine Lives Cafe Racer - au revoir

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Don, how do you like the LED headlight? I'm debating one myself. They look great and I hear the output is stellar.

Jared,

I'm pretty happy with the Trucklite LED headlight.  The output is a huge improvement over stock, and a more defined beam than the halogen.  It also draws less current.  The only minus is that it is a heavy bastard.  It must weight 3 times a regular bulb because it has a metal housing.  I would recommend using a metal headlight bucket since your plastic one may crack (mine did!).

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I think I got mine from DCC but I'm running the Joker fork nuts for the gaitor tops. Mine are shorter than stock since there's no upper attachment to the underside of the Joker tree. They also attach to the forks with a rubber groove in them.

Cal,
Are they the Honda style gators or DCC's universal gators?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I might end up cutting off the gators altogether, since the forks have the upper caps, too.  I haven't decided.

I'm thinking of bringing this bike to show at the upcoming VVMC rally.

[Tsunami]

Don,
Caught the video, You Da Man!!!  That was a great production, now I can put a face and voice to your Bio.  Bike sounded sweet, and I want those carbs!  I have tank decal like yours as well only gold and I'm curious did you put it on after the clear coat or before. I'm thinking before to gas prove it?  I also love how the ghost checkers came out, neat!  Keep up the good work. 

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Don,
Caught the video, You Da Man!!!  That was a great production, now I can put a face and voice to your Bio.  Bike sounded sweet, and I want those carbs!  I have tank decal like yours as well only gold and I'm curious did you put it on after the clear coat or before. I'm thinking before to gas prove it?  I also love how the ghost checkers came out, neat!  Keep up the good work.

Hi Greg,

Thanks for the compliments. Bruce did a great job putting the video together for his Motochannel.  I looked goofy - for most of the narrated shots, I thought I'd be out of the frame.  My painter/friend Andrew "Bondo" did a great job laying out the checkers and shooting the paint.

As for the decal, it was applied and then a couple of layers of clear were sprayed over. 

[albertaboy]

Don, just watched your video. Great bike. Has nice balance and symmetry. Very tastefully done - shows quality, fit and finish. IMO 

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Don, just watched your video. Great bike. Has nice balance and symmetry. Very tastefully done - shows quality, fit and finish. IMO 

Thanks!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I spent the day at the Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club (VVMC) Rally.  There was a HUGE turn out, including many local builders (Deus Ex Machina, Lossa, Kott, Gasser, MotoChopShop, British Customs, Speed Merchant, Raccia, Carpy and several others) and even a manufacturer (Royal Enfield).  Loads of great motorcycles -- race bikes, American, German, Italian, Japanese, British.  The best cafe winner was a Sportster cafe with a single-sided swingarm and handmade sheet-metal fairing, tank and tail made by a Taiwanese builder who came to the States 7 years ago, since Taiwan will not allow custom built motorcycles.   

I showed Nine Lives and she had a great location, with Jay LaRossa's bikes right next to Deus Ex Machina.  Made some new friends and got some nice compliments from Mike LaFountain (Raccia) and Dustin Kott.

[brandEn]

That's awesome! Man that tail section is #$%*in. Wish I went that route on my build.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

That's awesome! Man that tail section is #$%*in. Wish I went that route on my build.

Thanks, Branden.  Ian Halcott makes some fine seats (and tanks).

[seanbarney41]

I spent the day at the Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club (VVMC) Rally.  There was a HUGE turn out, including many local builders (Deus Ex Machina, Lossa, Kott, Gasser, MotoChopShop, British Customs, Speed Merchant, Raccia, Carpy and several others) and even a manufacturer (Royal Enfield).  Loads of great motorcycles -- race bikes, American, German, Italian, Japanese, British.  The best cafe winner was a Sportster cafe with a single-sided swingarm and handmade sheet-metal fairing, tank and tail made by a Taiwanese builder who came to the States 7 years ago, since Taiwan will not allow custom built motorcycles.   

I showed Nine Lives and she had a great location, with Jay LaRossa's bikes right next to Deus Ex Machina.  Made some new friends and got some nice compliments from Mike LaFountain (Raccia) and Dustin Kott.

dude, I think your bike is, in a lot of ways, better than what I have seen from all those "builders"

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Sean,

I'm glad you like it.  I didn't think I'd be able to win (only winners for best of category and show) since there were many pro-builders, including Woolie from Deus Ex Machina, but the bike did get a decent amount of attention.  I was happy that the guy who won the best cafe bike was so passionate about his building bikes -- enough to leave his home country just so he could build a business here.  Apparently, Taiwan is extremely restrictive about licensing motorcycles.  It was a fun day and I got to meet a lot of talented builders and bike nuts like us.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Here's a link to some photos from the VVMC Show.
http://www.bike-urious.com/picture-intermission-venice-vintage-motorcycle-club-rally-2014/


Here's the bike that won Best Cafe

[brandEn]

is that a Ducati?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

is that a Ducati?

It was based on a HD Sportster. 

[brandEn]

ah yes, just checked out the link. Harley V-twin with Ducati 916 brakes. Pretty sweet bike but not sure it belonged in the "cafe" category.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

There are some pictures of it running on the salt flats, but I think it was more of a photo op.  The bike is cool looking, but I don't think it is so much of a rider -- I think it's more of a show-piece to promote Sam Kao's custom motorcycle business.  He was the only guy (including all of the pro builders) to include a plaque listing all of the build's details. 

http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2014/07/10/jsk-custom-design

One thing I observed is that the quality of the bikes has made a quantum leap forward for this rally over the last two years.  Two years ago, a bike like mine (a pretty rider) would have been in the running.  Now, pros are coming and hunting for bear.  All of it makes for a good show, which also includes a special category for fugliest bike.

[Tsunami]

Looks a little like a Morgan 3-Wheeler.  3-Wheelers were popular in Britain, had something to do with lic. or road tax what ever it was, was per wheel. So 25% less tax!

[Tsunami]

Great Images, I like the Bat Bike and the red white and blue BMW.  You would think they would run classes and let the pro's fight it out amongst them selves and let the enthusiast have an enthusiast class.  Its fun just the same.  I don't need no stinken badges!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Great Images, I like the Bat Bike and the red white and blue BMW.  You would think they would run classes and let the pro's fight it out amongst them selves and let the enthusiast have an enthusiast class.  Its fun just the same.  I don't need no stinken badges!

Hey Greg,

They had classes (American, Japanese, European, Race Inspired, Custom, Chopper, Cafe, Fugliest), but no distinction between pro and enthusiast.  I can see why, because that might invite sandbagging.  It was fun all the same, since I go to the show each year anyway.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I like a stiffer front but I've noticed that the forks ride a bit harsh.  After further thought, I discovered that when the suspension guys at Cycle Mall selected the Race Tech fork springs, they must have forgot to take into account the 1.125" shorter fork tubes.  I just confirmed the part numbers for my existing fork tubes would be better suited if the fork tubes were stock length.  Going to swap them for a lower spring rate and see how it improves the ride quality.

[Tsunami]

Don, I wrote them and suggested a Geezer class for old farts over 60 who still think their 20 something.  Ought to cut down the competition for me, eh!

[Retro Rocket]

Don, I wrote them and suggested a Geezer class for old farts over 60 who still think their 20 something.  Ought to cut down the competition for me, eh!

That made me think of this....

http://www.sonsofarthritis.com/

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Greg, I like the shirt/logo.

[RobbyD]

Just wow!!!!

Bike turned out absolutely amazing!!  I am really feeling the black hub chrome wheel set up too