Topic: Hardtail, which frame

[750K]

I have access to two cb750's for a hardtail build in the springtime, one is a 72 the other a 78. I've found weld on hardtails for both years, both at the same price. Which year would you pick if given the choice? The 72 is stock and complete, motor turns although it hasn't run in 15yrs. The 78 is in parts with a seized motor minus tank and side covers, not that I'll need those. 

[Rigid]

The 72.....everything is more common and simpler than that 78.  They have different swingarm widths if you plan to use the stock rear wheel and hardware.  I assume both are K models?  The F is a pain to hardtail.  A brake pivot has to be added along with a K model hub with drum brake, unless you fab that rear disc setup into the hardtail.

[Freaky1]

At first I'd say the '78 for the reason that if your welding on a hard tail then adding a brake pivot wouldn't be that difficult. My opinion on hard tails is they look better with wire wheels so in that respect, I'd go with the '72 for the reason Rigid said.

[750K]

I'm was leaning more to the 72 as well, Both are K's. Both have spoked wheels, I'd say over all the 78 is in better shape as well as already in pieces. I have to jump through the same hoops to get a title registered in my name for both bikes, so one is the same as the other really. Using the 72 would let me keep the 78 as a parts bike for my 77k which would be good, anyways thanks for the opinions. 

[754]

 I would hardtail the 78 frame.. not as valuable ...IMO
 78 motor hass more offset on front sprocket, better for chopper ..imo..
 Would have a hard time cutting a good 72 frame..

[Rigid]

I cafe the nicer bikes, hardtail the junk ones.  It makes better business sense.  Waaaaay less labor in a cafe build than a rigid.

[nixonwylie9]

Off and on the subject.  I have a 73 350f that i was thinkin about puttin a hardtail on anybody got any ideas on the hardtail, the best, where to get it etc. 
It would be nice if i could bolt on and weld the top.

[splitt]

I put a Cycleone Manufacturing hardtail on my bobber. They can also be custom made for whatever stretch you wish to have.

http://www.cycleonemanufacturing.com/id227.html

They are weld-on only.

[nixonwylie9]

Thanks Splitt
I will check it out

Dig your bobber!

[Rigid]

That is a good price installed, but add shipping, additional tabs for seat and oil cooler, fwd, controls, etc   it adds up.  It actually adds up to the point that you can buy a small MIG welder with all the steel to do the job yourself.  That way it is your unique creation.  Tabs and mounts can be added and removed as you change your mind or make mistakes.  Dig in, it takes me about 6 hours to do a complete SOHC hardtail with all the welding and bending.  I use CNC plasma cut axle plates that retain the factory wheel mount hardware.  No, I don't paint or weld for anyone else.  This is no sales pitch, just the experience of doing 16 of them.  Rock on.

[nixonwylie9]

Thanks rigid i was planning on doing it all myself, well all the welding anyways.  Ive got a buddy with a shop and experience welding.  I found a universal hard tail kit from Tc choppers any thoughts on it.  the price looks good.
Also any thoughts on jigs for welding the hard tail together. 
I'm a complete newb so any little bit of info would help

Thank ya

[Rigid]

TC Bros. price is right.  It should install without a jig if you carefully measure as you go.  I have included a couple of frame pics so you can get some ideas on mounting locations and tabs.  The plate at the bottom is not just a battery tray, it helps take the load off the bottom tube attach points. 

[750K]

Thanks Rigid, great to see pics as well as input.