Topic: Any recommendations for finding an aftermarket frame for my 750?

[azuredesign]

I would love to find a lighter frame for my cb that would allow easier access to the top end. I guess cutting the top lateral backbone supports would make it lighter and easier to remove the valve cover, etc, but I'd like to try an find an alloy frame.

If anyone has any ideas of how to find one, or knows where there's one available, I would be grateful to hear about it.
Also how does one go about titling one of these frames. Most were made for racing, weren't they?
Thanks for any thoughts or info,
Ben

[Gorms]

My WAG is that you are SOL.

[Ricky_Racer]

Azuredesign, check eBay Europe if you're adventurous. Or contact http://www.framecrafters.net/. Just bring lots of $$$!     RR

[JohnG]

A couple of old options would be a Rickman frame  (I know they made one for CB750)  and Bimota.  Not sure either were alloy, or allowed removal of the top end, though.

Easiest thing might be to get a salvage frame and tools and take a shot at it yourself. 

Essentially 90% of your frame is fine; you just have one area you want to modify, so no reason to reinvent the whole thing...  IMO.

The frame is only a fraction of the total weight of the bike and you could go to a great deal of expense to save a few pounds.


                    John

[mcuozzo]

I know it's not the same but I just had a hardtail welded onto my stock frame by Dave at World Class welding.  Top notch work and he's a great guy.  He'll modify your frame or make you a new one.  My hardtail was $495 installed.  Check it out here:

http://www.tanksbytigman.com/frames-cb750.shtml

Also on Hondachopper.com there are a bunch of listings for custom frame makers.   I'm sure one of them will be able to do what you want.  I'd post more links but I'm running out the door.

[andy750]

I think a frame kit like the one Gordon (Ibikes) sells would be the easiest way to go. Allows removal of the top tubes for easy engine access. This is what I am going to do with my K2. Have kit ready to install.

Alternatively you find someone like Mec in Austria to make you an Eglis-style frame.

Does this mean your engine is finished?

good luck!
Andy

[phactory]

Ben,

 I have sen a couple of ratty tatty Rickmans for sale lately. Want me to let you know if another comes up for sale???   

Phil

[azuredesign]

Ben,

 I have sen a couple of ratty tatty Rickmans for sale lately. Want me to let you know if another comes up for sale???   

Phil

Yes Phil that would be great! It was your frame that started me thinking!

[MRieck]

I think a frame kit like the one Gordon (Ibikes) sells would be the easiest way to go. Allows removal of the top tubes for easy engine access. This is what I am going to do with my K2. Have kit ready to install.

Alternatively you find someone like Mec in Austria to make you an Eglis-style frame.

Does this mean your engine is finished?

good luck!
Andy

Finished......we are still gathering parts Andy. I think Ben should go for broke and install the 1000cc kit with billet block.

[azuredesign]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. The Seeley looks great! Will that frame allow you to tighten head studs with the engine in place? Framecrafters might be interesting, I checked out their site, although they don't specifically show any cb750 based work, they do show some 350 stuff. Nope Andy, I'm still waiting for some parts to come back from machining(trans, head) before reassembly. I've seen an example of the removable top tube kit and it's a good idea, but I think I want a swing arm that will accomodate a wider rear tire as well, and I kind of want a chrome-moly or  high carbon content steel frame that'll be lighter and stronger, even though personally, I'm neither. Tigman looks like he does nice stuff, but their expertise seems more geared towards hard tailed stuff, and I'm more into a cafe thing. Anyway, all suggestions appreciated and studied, thanks!

[azuredesign]

I think a frame kit like the one Gordon (Ibikes) sells would be the easiest way to go. Allows removal of the top tubes for easy engine access. This is what I am going to do with my K2. Have kit ready to install.

Alternatively you find someone like Mec in Austria to make you an Eglis-style frame.

Does this mean your engine is finished?

good luck!
Andy

Finished......we are still gathering parts Andy. I think Ben should go for broke and install the 1000cc kit with billet block.

I'll do it if we can supercharge it too.

[Retro Rocket]

Hi Azure, This is a pic of a modified GSXR 1100 J model swingarm that i am using in my K2 build, is this the sort of thing you are seeking.?




Mick

[MRieck]

Hi Azure, This is a pic of a modified GSXR 1100 J model swingarm that i am using in my K2 build, is this the sort of thing you are seeking.?




Mick

Nice

[azuredesign]

Hi Azure, This is a pic of a modified GSXR 1100 J model swingarm that i am using in my K2 build, is this the sort of thing you are seeking.?




Mick

That is very cool Mick! Did you weld the shock mounts, I don't recall any of the GSXR series as using twin rear shocks.
What did you have to do to get it to fit the cb frame?
Thanks for any info,
Ben

[Retro Rocket]

Hi Azure, your correct, no Gixers had twin shocks. The monoshock was taken out of the swingarm then a brace was put back in, it was then shortened as far as it could before the tyre would start to hit it, then had the shock mounts welded on it and the axle holes were cut back in. I think its about 42-43 mm longer than standard. Funnily enough it was the same width as the Honda arm and bolted straight in...


Mick

[azuredesign]

Very good to hear about the frame fit. I don't think the 1100 swingarm changed much until they braced it for the 1995 models. I think it's the same even when the 1100 went to water cooled. I have a '94 so I can check that out. What's the final chain run like, did you use an offset countershaft sprocket?
How much do you think your wheelbase changed, if at all? Looks like you're going with the Suzuki wheels, have you run it yet, how's it feel?
Very interesting, very interesting... thanks for your help and ideas,
Ben

[Big Bob]

Framecrafters might be interesting, I checked out their site, although they don't specifically show any cb750 based work, they do show some 350 stuff.

The guys at FrameCrafters know more about motorcycle frames than Einstein knew about physics.

If it wasn't for the OT cutbacks at work I'd be in line to get them to build a racing frame for me.

You should talk to them.

[Retro Rocket]

Very good to hear about the frame fit. I don't think the 1100 swingarm changed much until they braced it for the 1995 models. I think it's the same even when the 1100 went to water cooled. I have a '94 so I can check that out. What's the final chain run like, did you use an offset countershaft sprocket?
How much do you think your wheelbase changed, if at all? Looks like you're going with the Suzuki wheels, have you run it yet, how's it feel?
Very interesting, very interesting... thanks for your help and ideas,
Ben

Hi Azure, my wheelbase is a little longer {around 40 mm} but i don't mind as it will be a little more stable like that. I have a cycleX offset counter shaft sprocket and because i'm only using a 4.5 inch rear wheel i can machine a little off the hub to get the chain lined up spot on. The swingarm is off the last "slab" sided GSXR, the "J" model it was the first model with 3 spoke rims. I haven't ridden it yet as i am waiting for MRieck's billet block and other bits from over seas but i am expecting it to be fine. As a matter of interest, i am also using GSXR 1100K model 43 mm forks and clamps as well, the Honda stem pressed straight into them as well so it was an easy conversion, i'll post a pic for you.  My bike will be awesome when its finished,i'll be starting my build thread soon and will list everything there.


Mick