Topic: Honda CB750K8 CAFE project (near completion!)

[MCRider]

To be quite honest, my speedo doesn't work and I just assumed that everyone around me wasn't going 100.
maaaaybe I should fix that...

But the reason I want to reduce the ratio a bit is because I don't want to go screaming around at 7-8k rpm just to keep from getting run over. I'd like to keep up with traffic for 50 miles without devastating my motor.

I like the idea of a bigger rear wheel though. Maybe I'll stick with the 18/48 and go that route instead.
Where'd you get your 18"?

18" was stock on pre-K7. It was a 2.15 while your 17 is a 2.5. Keep it. I am going to the 17" and wider.

People are driving real fast these days I've found.

For your purpose, I might go with the 17" wheel, 18 CS sprckt and a 45 rear sprocket. A little less chain and sprocket weight.

Otherwise suck it up and crank it up. It can do it.

[gnarlycharlie4u]

18" was stock on pre-K7. It was a 2.15 while your 17 is a 2.5. Keep it. I am going to the 17" and wider.

People are driving real fast these days I've found.

For your purpose, I might go with the 17" wheel, 18 CS sprckt and a 45 rear sprocket. A little less chain and sprocket weight.

Otherwise suck it up and crank it up. It can do it.

noted.
this is all still a while away but I'll keep everyone posted as to how it turns out when I get there.

edit: I just realized it may be way to soon to be considering any of this as I might be swapping in some modern wheels. But THAT is another thread.

[knowsnothing]

Hey gnarly,

I too have the beautiful K8  .  I am running a 17inch rear (not sure on the sprockets will have to count) with the 630 chain.  I hit 70 mph according to the speedo in 3rd at around 7k rpm so something sounds fishy about your gear/rpm/speeds. 

[gnarlycharlie4u]

Hey gnarly,

I too have the beautiful K8  .  I am running a 17inch rear (not sure on the sprockets will have to count) with the 630 chain.  I hit 70 mph according to the speedo in 3rd at around 7k rpm so something sounds fishy about your gear/rpm/speeds. 

like I said. the speedo is broken so I have no idea about a number but when I said "highway speeds" I of course mean "faster than everyone around me."

[MCRider]

Hey gnarly,

I too have the beautiful K8  .  I am running a 17inch rear (not sure on the sprockets will have to count) with the 630 chain.  I hit 70 mph according to the speedo in 3rd at around 7k rpm so something sounds fishy about your gear/rpm/speeds. 

like I said. the speedo is broken so I have no idea about a number but when I said "highway speeds" I of course mean "faster than everyone around me."

Forgive me, I don't know you or your experience level so I don't mean to be condescending, but rather sincere...

Could it be that your clutch is slipping at the higher speeds, allowing the engine to rev higher without a gain in speed?

[gnarlycharlie4u]

Forgive me, I don't know you or your experience level so I don't mean to be condescending, but rather sincere...

Could it be that your clutch is slipping at the higher speeds, allowing the engine to rev higher without a gain in speed?

nope definitely not. throttle twist = go. no free revving or slippage.

[MCRider]

Forgive me, I don't know you or your experience level so I don't mean to be condescending, but rather sincere...

Could it be that your clutch is slipping at the higher speeds, allowing the engine to rev higher without a gain in speed?

nope definitely not. throttle twist = go. no free revving or slippage.

OK, just thinking...

[gnarlycharlie4u]

It is a bit of a head scratcher. I'm just gonna assume that I'm going way too fast and leave it at that.

In all serious though... I think I may rebuild the motor to rev harder and higher for longer.
It's already on the table and about to be cracked open so let's see what we can do to push the redline up to about 10k shall we?
Hondaman has done some ridiculous things.
I was thinking something like: lighten and polish the valvetrain/rockers, brass guides, pistons, rods, rebalance crank, polish gears, and remove the alternator when drag racing.
Basically the idea is to lighten and balance as much rotational mass and moving parts as possible.

That way I can go with a 18/48 or even 17/45 to reduce chain weight.

Edit: I just noticed that Cycle-x offers performance coated rocker arms and shafts for $100 (exchange)
I wonder if they'll lighten and case harden a set for me before coating.

[AnthonyMichael]

After a good while with no updates and slow progress, my australian friend is back and is kicking this project into high gear, thank god.

Here's some photos:

[Tintop]

Starting to take shape.  The engine is looking really good with all those nice finned parts.  I really like your small turn indicators, where did you get them?

[AnthonyMichael]

Starting to take shape.  The engine is looking really good with all those nice finned parts.  I really like your small turn indicators, where did you get them?

Carpy.

[tango911]

bout time!!  looking good.   i still need a working caliper if you wanna get rid of one btw !!!!!

[scroggins5000]

Subscribed. Nice looking build so far. Also, I'm not sure how much Carpy charges for those blinkers, but I picked up a similar set on eBay pretty cheap.

[Tintop]

Subscribed. Nice looking build so far. Also, I'm not sure how much Carpy charges for those blinkers, but I picked up a similar set on eBay pretty cheap.

+1 on eBay for those.  Checked his site.   Did have a bobbed rear fender that looked interesting though.

[AnthonyMichael]

Subscribed. Nice looking build so far. Also, I'm not sure how much Carpy charges for those blinkers, but I picked up a similar set on eBay pretty cheap.

+1 on eBay for those.  Checked his site.   Did have a bobbed rear fender that looked interesting though.

Yeah he basically just resells a lot of parts but others he does and they are quality. I got the dresda boxed swing arm and I'm very happy, as well as the hand made front fender.

The bobbed fender does look good, but I'm not sure if it'd work with my setup.

I REALLY wanted a rear fender so I could basically have a place to put my plate and I had Benjie make me one but he said that it'd bottom out so no go on that.

[AnthonyMichael]

Also after doing research Brent, (the aussie) found out that if I'm removing the airbox and using K&N's as well as a 4/1 exhaust that I need to get the CR specials for this setup to run properly, so I ended up ordering a new carb package last night.

I'm going to have a lot of stuff to sell once this thing is over!

[scroggins5000]

Also after doing research Brent, (the aussie) found out that if I'm removing the airbox and using K&N's as well as a 4/1 exhaust that I need to get the CR specials for this setup to run properly, so I ended up ordering a new carb package last night.

I'm going to have a lot of stuff to sell once this thing is over!

If you haven't bought the K&N's yet, then you should check out Tintop's new Air Filter & Stacks combos. I would probably be getting a set if I didn't already order some pods a while back.

[AnthonyMichael]

Also after doing research Brent, (the aussie) found out that if I'm removing the airbox and using K&N's as well as a 4/1 exhaust that I need to get the CR specials for this setup to run properly, so I ended up ordering a new carb package last night.

I'm going to have a lot of stuff to sell once this thing is over!

If you haven't bought the K&N's yet, then you should check out Tintop's new Air Filter & Stacks combos. I would probably be getting a set if I didn't already order some pods a while back.

I saved some money by ordering it all from the same place so it comes with the K&Ns

[AnthonyMichael]

Currently we're focusing on rebuilding the wheels ourselves. We bought a bearing puller and are going to spoke and true the wheels, so that should be an interesting lesson to learn.

Got some new parts today heres some photos:

NOS starter, really happy with this piece. Cost me $100 but I saved considering the left switch I bought for cheap



New throttle sleeve. I had to replace this for two reasons. The old one had a crack in it and I'm using clear brown grips so a clean new one is almost necessary for cosmetic reasons



Clamps I bought for the carb boots. These won't cut the rubber like the ones at the hardware store.



CR Special carbs with K&N airfilters, after a lot of research this is what I had to go with considering I'm ditching the airbox and adding a 4/1 exhaust



New Seat/tail light from Benjie. Decided I didn't want just the leather seat I originally had as I wouldn't have a proper place to put a light, let alone a plate. PLUS I can paint this to match the tank which is going to tie it in more. I'll be selling the other leather seat once the project is finished.



Replacing the stock turn signal/horn switch on the left for a brand new switch off another Honda. A NOS switch for the 750 was like $220 which is ridiculous, so I bought this switch on the right for $14.99 off eBay and IMO it looks better and is have the size.

[scroggins5000]

Nice looking stuff! Where did you pick up the CR's, dynoman?

[AnthonyMichael]

Nice looking stuff! Where did you pick up the CR's, dynoman?

Yessir

[Roach Carver]

what a thread highjack, anyway.....


subscribed

[AnthonyMichael]

Assembled the right throttle and new tube, cleaned the metal that screws in below, removed all the rust, looks new:



Put on the CR Special Carbs. Totally learned why you guys care about the boots being soft as it's not easy at all to get on all four at the same time, left off the air filters as we need room to finish the build:

[hapakev]

What is that left side switch off of? If you dont mind me asking.

[ransack]

What is that left side switch off of? If you dont mind me asking.

its universal off ebay.  just search motorcycle controls or something of the sort.