So I'm wanting some ideas for a future CB. I was really wanting to go with a 550, but the 400/4 has the six speed thing going for it, and the 750 is where the displacement and aftermarket seems to be. Pretty much anything from a 350 to a 750 is open, but I want good power-to-weight and maneuverability above all. So first tell me which you'd go with, and we'll move on. This is mostly for an exercise in making the most out of old tech, even if it just means that it's sitting in a CB frame when it's all done.
Engine: Given your chosen model, what would you do to get the most out of the engine? Porting, boring, grinding, replacing, milling, and even crazy stuff like an extra cam or even gear driven ones are all acceptable. But if you know something that is already out there to work just as well, let's hear about it. Entire motor swaps are okay, but try to keep the frame unchopped.
Intake: How many carbs, or FI? What kind? Stacks, pods, or box? Nitrous is an open idea.
Exhaust: 4 into what? What materials? What coating? A turbo would be cool.
Cooling: Not that there would be much room in any case, but milling out for liquid cooling isn't entirely impossible yet, with the fitting of a pump. Oil coolers are also to be considered. Or more mild ideas such as fans & shrouding.
Ergonomics: Fairings, cowls, fenders, exhaust routing, rearsets, etc. For this I'm favorable towards cafe aesthetics, but aerodynamics don't favor it. How would you do it? Dragging elbows and still being upright when you're out of the corner is ideal.
Front end: What is out there that would give the best wheel (and thus tire) options, as well as braking? Suspension itself is also important, but more easily fixed.
Rear: What swingarm would you like to see? Because of this, monoshock or duals? Which wheels and brakes are coming in to play with it?
Lighting: Though performance is king here, all lights, as well as a horn, are hopefully retained. The bucket up front is fine, but how would you make it better? A lot of this has already been done, but your input is appreciated.
Charging: Maintaining lights and horn, what would you do to improve this? Lighter batteries, total loss, etc. are all valid.
Starting: Ideally kick and e-start are retained, but advice is cool.
Controls: Feet and hands, what would you go with? Clip-on or drag? GP shift or standard?
Weight: Fiberglass, billet, drilling holes, etc. Where would you get the weight down? Go crazy here.
As you can see, this is a bit exhaustive, and maybe silly. I apologize if it's been asked before, but I couldn't find it. Try to ignore competition rules and builder stigmas and brainstorm a bit if you care. It could take a long, long time, but credit will be given where credit is due if it's ever realized.
