Author Topic: Which one and why? (Read 2879 times)

d1000rr · « **on:** September 26, 2011, 05:03:20 PM »

If you had the choice between picking up a 79 CB650 or a 79 CB750 and your plan was to build a Cafe Racer, which would you pick and why?

I'm torn between the two. There's a guy selling a the 650 and he's only a few minutes away from me. On the other hand, I found a 750 which is a little more expensive and about an hour drive.

The latter sounds more appealing because of the bigger engine but really, I already own a 06 CBR1000RR so if I wanted to ride something fast, I'd just hop on my bike.

HELP!!

orkid1989 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 26, 2011, 05:12:47 PM »

if i had to choose i would say the cb750. not as fond of the dohc though

WhyNot2 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 26, 2011, 05:23:03 PM »

750.........fooooooo sure......

bjatwood · « **Reply #3 on:** September 26, 2011, 05:24:44 PM »

Sounds to me like you want the 650. Smaller size and easier control with the Cafe Racer style of bike you want to build.

coldwave007 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 26, 2011, 05:26:15 PM »

I know the CB650's frame geometry doesn't lend itself as easily to cafe'ing (too much cruiser in its blood), but it can be done. You'd have to do some modifications to make it work. Dunno about the DOHC750s since I've never looked at one in person.

KingCustomCycles.com · « **Reply #5 on:** September 26, 2011, 05:34:23 PM »

750 for the reason stated by coldwave. Cafe was all about cutting and shaping what was there, and what you could get your hands on cheap. Alot like the rat rod culture.

Patrick · « **Reply #6 on:** September 26, 2011, 05:43:59 PM »

The '79 DOHC was the first year of the DOHC 750. It was rushed into production because everybody else had DOHC bikes by then and that's what everybody wanted. It had issues.

Patrick

ekpent · « **Reply #7 on:** September 26, 2011, 06:33:35 PM »

Which on has the most cheapest,and available used and aftermarket parts support for your project,especially if you are doing it on a tight budget.Bet the 750,they are everywhere

d1000rr · « **Reply #8 on:** September 26, 2011, 07:18:42 PM »

great information and thanks for the quick replies fellas.

So the 650 frame is not the same as the 750...? Ahhhhhh
Excuse my ignorance but could you give me a quick break down of the differences? This may or may not make my decision easier. :/

Patrick · « **Reply #9 on:** September 26, 2011, 07:27:49 PM »

I think there are many on here who can tell you about 650s. For DOHC 750s, however, you probably ought to find a DOHC forum or try the Other Bikes section on this forum. Our expertise tends to be in the older, classic design.

Patrick

Gordon · « **Reply #10 on:** September 26, 2011, 09:32:01 PM »

Best reason, IMO, to go with the 650 is having this forum for support due to it having one less cam than the 750.

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #11 on:** September 26, 2011, 09:39:13 PM »

Early twin cam Honda's weren't much good anyway, crap engines....

d1000rr · « **Reply #12 on:** September 26, 2011, 09:55:57 PM »

See this is the stuff I want to hear.
I may pass on both bikes and look for something else now.
I have a lead on a 72 CB750.

Thanks for the info guys.

nate sere · « **Reply #13 on:** September 26, 2011, 10:06:54 PM »

a 650 has more rake in the neck.

I am building a 650 cafe that is pretty low to the ground. I went with cb450 front forks as they are shorter and race shocks in the back. the stance is sick IMO. Here is a pic of it almost done.

d1000rr · « **Reply #14 on:** September 27, 2011, 11:26:44 AM »

^^ Looking good....

I think what i'm going to do is look for an early 70's CB750.
Thanks all

d1000rr · « **Reply #15 on:** September 28, 2011, 07:43:27 AM »

As long as the guy doesn't flake on me, I pick this up on Thursday

MCRider · « **Reply #16 on:** September 28, 2011, 07:47:03 AM »

That is one odd duck. Looks like a lot of mis matched pieces.

d1000rr · « **Reply #17 on:** September 28, 2011, 08:39:23 AM »

I'm not to concerned as I'm looking to strip the entire bike and start from scratch.... but could you give me an idea of what parts aren't original? From what I understood the guy was also looking to build a project with this but has to many on the go so he's giving it up.

It's supposed to be a 72. I'm guessing the wheels aren't original....

ekpent · « **Reply #18 on:** September 28, 2011, 08:46:13 AM »

Its 1/2 K model and 1/2 F model.You will need some frame and engine serial numbers to start getting an idea as to what it all really is. Side cover looks like K1 with the red jewel. Its a 'bitsa bike' right now.

TrueSpin · « **Reply #19 on:** September 28, 2011, 08:49:14 AM »

Wheels are probably F2, looks like the swingarm has been swapped too, but the rear master cylinder isn't there.

Definitely a K oiltank, fender, seat, tank...

Probably a K, with F2 swinger/wheels/forks.

ekpent · « **Reply #20 on:** September 28, 2011, 08:55:15 AM »

The rear engine mount by the oil tank does not look like a K though

MCRider · « **Reply #21 on:** September 28, 2011, 09:00:46 AM »

Seems like I read another thread where somebody bot a bike with a rr disc conversion sans MC? Coincidence?

Patrick · « **Reply #22 on:** September 28, 2011, 10:05:55 AM »

Can you put those F rear passenger peg plates on a K frame?

Patrick

d1000rr · « **Reply #23 on:** September 28, 2011, 11:06:32 AM »

Thanks for your info guys.
I'm pretty mechanically inclined and I have a decent amount of tools to work with. I'm not afraid to strip the bike down to the frame and put it back together... the only thing I haven't really done is rebuild an engine (which I will attempt to do with some help from friends).

I'm not new to riding or bikes really for that matter, but I'm a complete newb with these older models and I'm wondering if this project is going to overwhelm me with all the mis-matched parts on this bike...?

Quote from: MCRider on September 28, 2011, 09:00:46 AM

Seems like I read another thread where somebody bot a bike with a rr disc conversion sans MC? Coincidence?

link?

Silverback · « **Reply #24 on:** September 28, 2011, 12:01:01 PM »

That is an 77/78F rolling chassis with K tank, rear fender, seat, side covers and oil tank. Different motor (not such a bad thing), also; unless somebody painted the stock black motor. Numbers will tell all as mentioned. Keep in mind that spoke wheels must be adapted from other bikes to fit with the F swingarm and forks, or just keep the comstars. Swingarm and forks are wider! Keep that in mind when fitting the engine to the chassis due to the different chain offset. I have seen many K motors in F bikes without the correct chain alignment. Not good! I like the F as a starting chassis due to its 3 disk brake system and stiffer forks compared to the K bikes. Overall, a better performing chassis.

My next racer will be a DOHC cb750F simply because I want to, and the fact that the frame is very easy to clean up (No oil tank!). Also, performance parts seem to be easier to come by, if I don't make them. There is a stunning picture of one in Cafe Racer magazine (The issue with Lossa Engineering on the front).

Here ya go: http://anatomyofacaferacer.blogspot.com/

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Author Topic: Which one and why? (Read 2879 times)

KingCustomCycles.com