Author Topic: 1975 CB750 K5 cafe build - first bike, first build - almost there! (Read 109988 times)

MorePDX · « **Reply #150 on:** October 08, 2010, 11:01:32 PM »

I am so sorry to hear about your accident! You're bike build was the first one I looked at when I joined the forum and it got me hooked. I hope when you've fully recovered and gotten through the insurance jungle that I see the resurrection of your bike posted here.

Little_Horse · « **Reply #151 on:** October 10, 2010, 01:18:48 PM »

so sorry to see this happen. I am currently dealing with insurance companies right now about a wrecked MC too. I feel you with not even getting a decent offer on value. Good luck and get better fast.

DanielB · « **Reply #152 on:** October 10, 2010, 06:02:19 PM »

Wow, sorry to hear about that! I hope you have a speedy recovery!

On a side note, (this probably sounds crazy) I think I saw your bike a few months back at the Nifty Fifties car meet. I liked your bike so much that I am still planning on buying a Honda CB of some sort and building my own cafe bike. You did an amazing job and I hope you get all the issues worked out with insurance!

the architect · « **Reply #153 on:** October 12, 2010, 02:52:24 PM »

Thanks, guys, for the continued words of encouragement. I'll document my re-rebuild, once it begins. It won't be entirely the same as before, but I'll get it close.

Quote from: DanielB on October 10, 2010, 06:02:19 PM

Wow, sorry to hear about that! I hope you have a speedy recovery!

On a side note, (this probably sounds crazy) I think I saw your bike a few months back at the Nifty Fifties car meet. I liked your bike so much that I am still planning on buying a Honda CB of some sort and building my own cafe bike. You did an amazing job and I hope you get all the issues worked out with insurance!

Hey, Daniel -- I wonder if you saw my bike at Cars & Coffee? I haven't made it out to Niftee50's on the bike yet. I also ride it all over town and can often be found enjoying my favorite tacos and a cold Lone Star at West Alabama Icehouse

I did ride it to the Burnout rat-rod show, back in June.

Cheers, and I hope to see you around town. If you need any help wrenching on your own upcoming 750 project, hit me up! I'm always glad to help out a fellow SOHC'er!

DanielB · « **Reply #154 on:** October 12, 2010, 07:58:38 PM »

Quote from: the architect on October 12, 2010, 02:52:24 PM

Thanks, guys, for the continued words of encouragement. I'll document my re-rebuild, once it begins. It won't be entirely the same as before, but I'll get it close.

Quote from: DanielB on October 10, 2010, 06:02:19 PM
Wow, sorry to hear about that! I hope you have a speedy recovery!

On a side note, (this probably sounds crazy) I think I saw your bike a few months back at the Nifty Fifties car meet. I liked your bike so much that I am still planning on buying a Honda CB of some sort and building my own cafe bike. You did an amazing job and I hope you get all the issues worked out with insurance!

Hey, Daniel -- I wonder if you saw my bike at Cars & Coffee? I haven't made it out to Niftee50's on the bike yet. I also ride it all over town and can often be found enjoying my favorite tacos and a cold Lone Star at West Alabama Icehouse I did ride it to the Burnout rat-rod show, back in June.

Cheers, and I hope to see you around town. If you need any help wrenching on your own upcoming 750 project, hit me up! I'm always glad to help out a fellow SOHC'er!

You are right! It was Cars and Coffee. Anyway, very very very nice work. It sounds and looks awesome!

I have been on the lookout the last 2 weeks for a CB550 or 750 and have yet to find anything really. I'm sure once I find one, I will take you up on your offer and have quite a few questions. Hope to see you around and if I see you out at C&C I'll be sure to say hello!

the architect · « **Reply #155 on:** October 13, 2010, 10:59:12 AM »

Daniel -- I went to C+C without the bike last week, just wasn't the same. I'd definitely like to say hello, so keep a look out for me, once I get the old girl back together. About a month ago I scored my next project(s): a '72 CL350, a '71 CB350 and a late '60's CB350. From these (and with a good bit of work), I should get two decent runners. I'll start them after I get the 750 back in action. I hate being without a bike. Despite the pain from the accident, I'd still jump at the chance to get on my bike (if it were running) and enjoy this great weather!

HedNut · « **Reply #156 on:** October 14, 2010, 11:16:40 AM »

Wow... just came across this!! Sorry to hear you got banged up by a cager!!! I hope the recovery is quick!!! for both you and the bike.
Cheers!

smashedmelon · « **Reply #157 on:** October 14, 2010, 12:56:53 PM »

Just reading your thread today, so sorry for you about your bike and your injuries. I hope you have a swift recovery.
Regarding dealing with insurance: I have been through a few and my best advice is to compile a good list of bikes and the prices they are being sold for. Check out your local laws regarding right offs, if you get to keep the bike or have to buy it back from a wrecker. I was able to get them to increase their value of the bikes and get a reasonable outcome. Lots of luck to you.

DanielB · « **Reply #158 on:** October 14, 2010, 06:58:39 PM »

Quote from: the architect on October 13, 2010, 10:59:12 AM

Daniel -- I went to C+C without the bike last week, just wasn't the same. I'd definitely like to say hello, so keep a look out for me, once I get the old girl back together. About a month ago I scored my next project(s): a '72 CL350, a '71 CB350 and a late '60's CB350. From these (and with a good bit of work), I should get two decent runners. I'll start them after I get the 750 back in action. I hate being without a bike. Despite the pain from the accident, I'd still jump at the chance to get on my bike (if it were running) and enjoy this great weather!

Awesome!

Where did you find the 3 bikes at?

the architect · « **Reply #159 on:** October 15, 2010, 10:13:09 AM »

Quote from: DanielB on October 14, 2010, 06:58:39 PM

Quote from: the architect on October 13, 2010, 10:59:12 AM
Daniel -- I went to C+C without the bike last week, just wasn't the same. I'd definitely like to say hello, so keep a look out for me, once I get the old girl back together. About a month ago I scored my next project(s): a '72 CL350, a '71 CB350 and a late '60's CB350. From these (and with a good bit of work), I should get two decent runners. I'll start them after I get the 750 back in action. I hate being without a bike. Despite the pain from the accident, I'd still jump at the chance to get on my bike (if it were running) and enjoy this great weather!

Awesome!

Where did you find the 3 bikes at?

I bought them from a dude in Austin. He was going to get them going, but lost interest after buying a Yamaha RD. All 3 bikes fit in the back of a loaner pickup and they were strapped in and brought to my lab. I'm really eager to get moving on them. I need to build a workbench first, then fix my 750 . . . THEN start on those lil guys

ryani · « **Reply #160 on:** October 15, 2010, 11:22:31 AM »

I've been reading your build thread over and over. Love the bike!! Hate those crash pics. Big bummer.

I had a couple questions about your seat. I really like the looks of it.

How long is it? Any longer than stock? What kind of foam did you use?

It looks like a great compromise for the cafe look and still being able to ride two up. The girlfriend loves to ride with me and it will be alot easier to get the bike out of the garage and go riding if she can come along once in awhile.

Thanks in advance.

Zaipai · « **Reply #161 on:** October 16, 2010, 08:51:48 AM »

Sorry about the accident, and the issues that go with it. Glad your going to be ok.. T-Bone's on a bike can be a lot worse. Hope you get the old girl on the road again. Also hope you make a great recovery!

.: Scott :.

luceja · « **Reply #162 on:** October 17, 2010, 08:34:36 PM »

wow- I was checking the thread just to look at the bike and saw this happened. The pictures of all that hard work all gnarled up are awful, but sucks much more to hear about the injuries. Glad to see you're immediately picturing the next step and making some thing(s) positive out of it.

logana · « **Reply #163 on:** October 18, 2010, 07:36:07 PM »

Hey Architech,
I am so sorry to hear about your accident! You bike was a huge part of the inspiration for my bike! I hope for a speedy recovery for both you and the bike.
Logan
P.S. I bought the rectifier you recommended, have yet to rewire the bike through!

Hablo · « **Reply #164 on:** October 21, 2010, 02:48:07 PM »

Wow. Your bike was beeeeeautiful, what a bummer.
Sounds like you have about as good of an attitude about
everything as possible. You'll be good as new in a few
week!

Can't wait to see what you have planned for those 350s

Mayor08 · « **Reply #165 on:** October 21, 2010, 08:02:37 PM »

Quote

I hate being without a bike. Despite the pain from the accident, I'd still jump at the chance to get on my bike (if it were running) and enjoy this great weather!

That a boy! I was back on my Triumph 2 days after I was hit on the Honda (a lot less serious than what happened to you) and rode it back to downtown Chicago it's important to get back on and ride. I wish I had parts to donate to the rebuild. Hang in there and heal maybe we can meet next summer after our rebuilds somewhere half way in between Houston and Chicago.

the architect · « **Reply #166 on:** October 22, 2010, 07:37:23 AM »

Quote from: Mayor08 on October 21, 2010, 08:02:37 PM

Quote
I hate being without a bike. Despite the pain from the accident, I'd still jump at the chance to get on my bike (if it were running) and enjoy this great weather!

That a boy! I was back on my Triumph 2 days after I was hit on the Honda (a lot less serious than what happened to you) and rode it back to downtown Chicago it's important to get back on and ride. I wish I had parts to donate to the rebuild. Hang in there and heal maybe we can meet next summer after our rebuilds somewhere half way in between Houston and Chicago.

Absolutely! I'd love to head east/north on the bike, the Chicago direction. I've never taken a road trip that direction. If your bracket got damaged at all, let me know - I'd be glad to hook you up with another, no charge. We'll call it "sympathetic rebuild"

I can't believe you and I were hit around the same time on pretty much the same bike. It was definitely a bad week for '75 K5's (I got hit on 09.27).

Quote from: ryani on October 15, 2010, 11:22:31 AM

I've been reading your build thread over and over. Love the bike!! Hate those crash pics. Big bummer.

I had a couple questions about your seat. I really like the looks of it.

How long is it? Any longer than stock? What kind of foam did you use?

It looks like a great compromise for the cafe look and still being able to ride two up. The girlfriend loves to ride with me and it will be alot easier to get the bike out of the garage and go riding if she can come along once in awhile.

Thanks in advance.

ryani - I've been meaning to get the measurements you asked about, as well as some additional pictures. Since my bike is at a friend's shop right now, I haven't had a chance. I should be moving it to my place next week to get the work started, so I'll get your information soon. So far, the seat has been great for 2-up riding. The foam compresses quite a bit, so I'd probably use a different foam next time, but I don't really have any complaints about it. More to follow . . . .

And thanks to everyone for the fantastically hopeful and encouraging words and sentiments. I really can't tell you how much it means to me. I admit to feeling pretty grim about my situation at times; although, I fully acknowledge the accident and damage to the bike and myself could have been far worse. Thanks again, everyone - as far as I'm concerned, a finer group of folks has never been assembled. I'm glad for this to be my online refuge

ryani · « **Reply #167 on:** October 22, 2010, 07:58:50 PM »

Thanks very much! No hurry on the measurements. My bike is in 4 big gray totes in the garage right now. I appreciate the info on the 2-up riding. I will have to tell my girlfriend. She was a little skeptical when she walked in the garage as I was cutting the back of the frame off.

Hope your recovery process is going well. I have many dirt bike injuries and it always is a bummer when you're watching friends ride and you're sitting on the tailgate

Mayor08 · « **Reply #168 on:** November 05, 2010, 08:42:34 AM »

Architect-

How are you feeling are you mending well? Please update us!

As for road trips...I am tentatively planning a ride to the 2011 MotoGP at Indianapolis (totally opposite direction from you I know) at the end of August. In May I am thinking of heading back to see my pal in Minnesota this time on the K5! hopefully I can get one of my buddies to join me on my Bonneville. Again this is North instead of South so I need to figure out a reason/destination to go Southwest....the Winters here in Chicagoland are long enough that I should be able to come up with something. Have any ideas...??

Guzzisti · « **Reply #169 on:** December 05, 2010, 12:03:03 PM »

Just saw this thread again and hope everything has been sorted out. Add me to the list of people who joined this forum after seeing this bike.

Free Booter · « **Reply #170 on:** January 19, 2011, 08:24:55 PM »

Where'd you get your front fender? ...or did you just cut down the stock one?

the architect · « **Reply #171 on:** January 21, 2011, 07:55:02 AM »

Hey guys!!! I haven't checked this thread recently, so I apologize for missing the last few comments.

Quote from: Mayor08 on November 05, 2010, 08:42:34 AM

Architect-

How are you feeling are you mending well? Please update us!

As for road trips...I am tentatively planning a ride to the 2011 MotoGP at Indianapolis (totally opposite direction from you I know) at the end of August. In May I am thinking of heading back to see my pal in Minnesota this time on the K5! hopefully I can get one of my buddies to join me on my Bonneville. Again this is North instead of South so I need to figure out a reason/destination to go Southwest....the Winters here in Chicagoland are long enough that I should be able to come up with something. Have any ideas...??

Hey, Buddy - I think I have the perfect reason to head south! Rockers vs Mods in Dallas. It's in April, and by most accounts, it's huge. I'm thinking I may head up there for that one. I love seeing the Brit bike guys scratch their heads and nod in appreciation of well done Hondas, so your bike would be perfect!
http://rockersvsmods.com/

As far as my healing goes . . . I'm getting better every day. My right wrist still has less strength and less range of motion that the left one, and this is one of my permanent souvenirs (see attached photo). But I'm getting along, and I sincerely appreciate all the well-wishes from everyone here!

Quote from: Guzzisti on December 05, 2010, 12:03:03 PM

Just saw this thread again and hope everything has been sorted out. Add me to the list of people who joined this forum after seeing this bike.

Thank you for the encouraging words

That type of encouragement definitely helps keep me motivated to continue building bikes. As a result, my garage is stocked with machines in various states of disrepair. $:-\$ I prefer to think of them as "opportunities"

Quote from: Free Booter on January 19, 2011, 08:24:55 PM

Where'd you get your front fender? ...or did you just cut down the stock one?

Hey, buddy - good to see you on the forum! My front fender (now a crumpled mess) was the stocker. A previous owner had bobbed the front a bit, so I cleaned that up to my liking and cut the back end of the fender to match. Now I'm going to drill out the rivets, separate the fender shell from the brace portion and just run the brace until I find a new front fender.

I've been working to get her fully rebuilt, back to normal. I'll get some photos of my progress up soon.

Cheers!

Old75_ratafe · « **Reply #172 on:** January 25, 2011, 10:37:00 PM »

good to hear your doing better man, speedy recovery.

Free Booter · « **Reply #173 on:** February 22, 2011, 08:16:27 PM »

Speaking of recovery...hows the bike rebuild coming along? I'm about to send you a paypal payment for one of your gauge mounts right after I log my build update too! Anyway...hope you're doing better as well.

the architect · « **Reply #174 on:** February 23, 2011, 03:43:35 PM »

Quote from: Free Booter on February 22, 2011, 08:16:27 PM

Speaking of recovery...hows the bike rebuild coming along? I'm about to send you a paypal payment for one of your gauge mounts right after I log my build update too! Anyway...hope you're doing better as well.

Excellent! PayPal is the best way to go: modern.built@gmail.com Just let me know what kind you'll be needing, and I'll get everything bundled up and on its way.

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Author Topic: 1975 CB750 K5 cafe build - first bike, first build - almost there! (Read 109988 times)