Topic: best cafe frame

[bikeme2001]

I have 2 frames,1 78 750 f and 1 78 750 k frame.Which one would be best for a cafe project?

[traveler]

The "K"; although, whichever one has a clean title, is the one to go with.



~Joe

[MCRider]

The "K"; although, whichever one has a clean title, is the one to go with.
~Joe

How about at least 10 words on why K over F?

[traveler]

more aftermarket parts available for the K frame.

~Joe

[bikeme2001]

more aftermarket parts available for the K frame.

~Joe

Thank, I was more concerned with the handleing of the bike when completed.Also what mods should I make to the frame? I would rather use the f frame as it has had some things removed like the center stand brackets.

[traveler]

Sounds like you already have the answer to your question then!

~Joe

[Warthog1959]

According to Carpy's site the late K's have a longer frame than the earlier ones and the F is the same as earlier k's in dimension.

[MCRider]

According to Carpy's site the late K's have a longer frame than the earlier ones and the F is the same as earlier k's in dimension.

Longer frame or longer wheelbase? I don't know for sure so I'm asking, I think the rake was kicked out on some making a longer wheelbase, but not a longer frame. but wthdik?

PS: and/or a longer swingarm. Again the wheelbase is longer but not the frame.

[MCRider]

more aftermarket parts available for the K frame.

~Joe

Thank, I was more concerned with the handleing of the bike when completed.Also what mods should I make to the frame? I would rather use the f frame as it has had some things removed like the center stand brackets.

Do a search on "Tony Foales" he is the frame guru. There is a piece of his on this sight and on the interenet in general. Pulling form his advice and from what i've learned over the years in general, these are the main points to gusset:

Above the swingarm pivot: (there are other more substantial ways of beefing up this area, but anything helps.)

This ended up a bit smaller than i intended:
Then where the seat and tank come together:

Rob Voxonda makes this trick double sided motor mnount with a tighter fitting SS bolt:

Rob also makes one for the front. My engine guards have been beefed up for this purpose:

My frame tubes are removed to be replaced by a APE frame rail kit. Following that frame forward, you should weld in a gusset, mine will be bolted in:

Right below that gusset you can see the mount for the steering damper. The welds double as the strengthening welds on the area where the downtubes come together. Here's a shot of the left side:

Additionally, all my motor mounts have been drilled and enlarged, with SS bolts made to a friction fit. This required drilling the crankcases and the footpegs as well.

That ought to tighten things up.  

PS: Also review this thread, for the real business: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=69141.0

[bucky katt]

does the gussett where the seat and tank meet cause any interference problems with the airbox?

[MCRider]

does the gussett where the seat and tank meet cause any interference problems with the airbox?

Depends on where you put it, mine kinda lays on the outside of the frame and I doubt it would interfere. But i don't really remember how much the airbox sticks out. If you'll notice the airbox mount is gone, I'm running pods. Used them extensively in the past with no problems.

[bucky katt]

cool. when i re-do the paint on the k4 this coming winter i'm going to do some gusseting. as i get more confident in my riding the stability of the frame is starting to feel weaker

[MCRider]

cool. when i re-do the paint on the k4 this coming winter i'm going to do some gusseting. as i get more confident in my riding the stability of the frame is starting to feel weaker

Also, my gusset at that point is too big, or bigger than it needs to be. I wished the one above the swingarm was bigger and the one at the seat tank was smaller. But looking at that thread in performance forum, you'll see them all sizes.