Topic: 1974 Honda CB750

[chaskijr]

Hey folks, i have a 74 CB750 k4 and wanting to make it into a cafe racer. was wondering what forks i would need or what i need to do with the stock forks to give it the cafe look.
Thanks!

[Scott S]

 Is it just me or does it look like that front end has been raked out?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

It looks that way to me, too.

[chaskijr]

That is how it was when I bought it, I have no idea what takes out means. New to this motorcycle terms. Could you please explain?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

In motorcycles, the steering axis angle is called the rake angle or just rake and is measured from the vertical. So a 0° rake is completely vertical.

The photograph of your motorcycle looks like someone MAY have modified the rake to increase the angle from stock.  If so, it will affect the handling of the bike (making it more difficult to steer/corner).  Evidence of such a modification might be visible by looking at the welds where the steering stem joins the frame tubes.  If there appear to be repaired cuts and additional welds extending where the frame meets the bottom of the steering stem and/or shortening where the frame meets the top of the steering stem, that would be a tell-tale sign.

[calj737]

For kicks and giggles, grab a tape measure and measure the distance from the front axle to the rear. Then we can determine the overall length and know whether yours has been “raked”

[754]

It looks raked great for  the drags, not for cornering.   You can se the distance fro  oil filtefvto tire is more.
 You may want to consider another frame or a swap.
 Listing your location would be a huge help..

[BPellerine]

bike looks good the way it is,old school,lowering blocks on the rear?cafe bike would have a steeper fork angle,if you want it to corner ,bill

[seanbarney41]

It also has extended fork tubes (not good for cafe racer) and a nice dual disc conversion (very good for cafe racer)

[jamesw]

I waa going to say what Sean said....dual disc up front and disc in the back...someone did a conversion. Can't tell if your master cylinder is a K or F.

[seanbarney41]

yep, didn't even catch that...has f model swingarm, rear wheel, and brakes.

chaskijr, are you just interested in looking like a cafe racer, or you actually want to improve handleing?

[Stev-o]

For kicks and giggles, grab a tape measure and measure the distance from the front axle to the rear. Then we can determine the overall length and know whether yours has been “raked”

My [stock] K4 is 58"

[chaskijr]

Mainly looking to make it look like a cafe racer!

[calj737]

We get that. BUT, it appears the prior owner may have modified the bike from stock (steering neck change) in a way that you will first have to “restore” THEN convert your forks. Making a cafe bike from a frame that’s raked is a non-starter from a safety and handling perspective.

We are trying to verify something so that we can counsel you correctly. (Since you asked for input) 

[754]

 I disagree with above post. IT IS A typical common mod for street racing or track use.
 They ride Ok if you don't put canyon carving above all else.
With the right pipes and side stand relocated, 3 or 4 inches can come off the front if desired.
 It could easily be a cafe styled streetracer, could be what the guy wants.

 BTW when I lowered the back of my stretched 73, it of course increased the rake a bit.. and I like the way it tracked and could be ridden no hands.. like from 50 mph down to about 15mph..  that part I liked.

[754]

Like I said post your location.. someone may want to trade frames.

 In 87 I rode to Sturgis and back with a buddy with a similarly raked frame.. it was fine. We both ran our bikes at the drags there, the  rode them back. 

[calj737]

A straight line bike is what you like, Frank. Fine, but the OP asked about a fork change and a cafe bike and the “look”. That does not connote board tracker to me (which is what you’re describing).

The bike looks to be in very nice shape outside the raked forks. A frame swap or neck angle change and he’s good to go.

[754]

Mainly looking to make it look like a cafe racer!

Right here he states, going after the look, not the handling..
 I am thinking he probably has ridden it and it's not bothering him.
 Leave the boardtrackers out of it, they don't use increased rake.
 
I try not to be the dad on here.. you know like its not what I would ever do , so maybe you shouldn't. .
 I am more if a if you like that and it works for you.. do it..
 Btw I love custom and modified bikes..

[calj737]

Well if I was the “Dad” somebody would be getting a spanking 

[chaskijr]

In the louisville Kentucky area

[calj737]

How about posting a photo of what you’re trying to accomplish or mimic?

[Stev-o]

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Now that's a case study for why rear-sets are sometimes necessary.

[754]

Is the front half like this what you are after ?

[chaskijr]

This is more of the look I'm going for, i just want the front end tucked in a bit more.