Author Topic: My CB350F Project - Seat Creation (Read 4085 times)

Owned · « **on:** February 21, 2009, 03:00:42 PM »

So now, I'm on to the seat section. I've picked up a couple fibreglass seat sections, only to be dissapointed in their overall shape/fitment. THE only way to really be satisfied is to completely custom make it your self. Well, I'll be honest in that it's really a buddy that's doing the job for me. Below are a couple of shots of the foam mock up. The plan will be to complete in alloy. I've seen his work and am really anxious to see the final result. When finished and upholstered, it will have a nice transition into the Benelli tank.

The tail light is right from the annals of British automotive history...straight off a Bugeye Sprite (many other cars for that matter). The lens is glass and I think has a nice shape.

Complete historical slideshow:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/indyrider/sets/72157610600474483/show/with/3085189645/

Toxic · « **Reply #1 on:** February 21, 2009, 03:38:37 PM »

Great slide show.

Keep us posted.

many408 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 21, 2009, 03:42:42 PM »

A) what's the travel on the rear suspension units?

B) what's the clearance between the tyre and the frame where you modified it?

If A is equal to or greater (or even only slightly less) than B and you hit a big bump you're going to fall off.

fastbroshi · « **Reply #3 on:** February 21, 2009, 05:00:29 PM »

What headlight is that??

547 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 21, 2009, 05:21:57 PM »

the battery box is pretty slick. is that an AGM battery?

Owned · « **Reply #5 on:** February 21, 2009, 06:48:15 PM »

Many408, Rear suspension travel is very minimal...Thanks for the input, but no chance it's going to interfere with the square bar. With my 180 lb frame and bouncing on the seat...there's still plenty wiggle room.

Fastbroshi, the headlight is a 7inch unit I picked up locally at CycleReCycle.

547, The battery box is nice. I had to ditch my original design (you can see from the early photo's in the slide show) and remake. My first attempt would interfere with the inner fender and was slightly too small for the AGM. The 2nd design allows me to slide the battery out on the right side if need be.

many408 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 22, 2009, 04:21:12 AM »

Quote from: Owned on February 21, 2009, 06:48:15 PM

Many408, Rear suspension travel is very minimal...Thanks for the input, but no chance it's going to interfere with the square bar. With my 180 lb frame and bouncing on the seat...there's still plenty wiggle room.

Good.

It's the things that you find out at 60 that you forgot that hurt the most.

luder · « **Reply #7 on:** February 22, 2009, 12:42:48 PM »

And again, great slide show, and great job...luder

silver fox · « **Reply #8 on:** February 23, 2009, 01:12:11 PM »

Nice build, can't wait to see that seat unit when it's complete. Keep posting the pics

Regards
SF

rachet · « **Reply #9 on:** February 23, 2009, 01:20:10 PM »

any updates on this seat?

Rach

Owned · « **Reply #10 on:** February 23, 2009, 02:22:46 PM »

Rachet, Sorry no. The foam mock up was where it stood going into the weekend. The top section has been hammered out, now working on the sides. When it get's tacked together, I'll have more to share.

I'm really stoked as the proj is getting closer to being completed. After this, turn signals, upholstery, paint and a tune up!

Owned · « **Reply #11 on:** March 21, 2009, 04:58:16 PM »

Well, here's the latest in the rebuild. The seat section is complete in alloy. I think it fits the lines of the tank very well. I've pressure tested the tank to be safe...good thing too as I found a small pin hole.

Does anyone know if it's possible to shorten up a tach cable? I need to get about 4 inches out of mine. I've center mounted a 550 gauge and now have too much slack.

Check out the slide show for more pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/indyrider/sets/72157610600474483/show/

MCRider · « **Reply #12 on:** March 21, 2009, 06:10:53 PM »

I just opened your thread and the colors and the seat caught me. And the pipes. Nice work. Fellow Hoosier.

I'd like to revisit the rear wheel travel. My suggestion, take it or leave it, is to remove the springs from the shocks (while on centerstand or such) and manually pull the wheel up to the top of the shock travel. That's the only real way to know you are OK.

You can't bottom the shock bouncing on it, I don't think. And sooner or later you will bottom it riding it.

Believe me.

masonryman · « **Reply #13 on:** March 21, 2009, 07:56:58 PM »

pretty slick so far, how was the seat formed, use a roll and wheel, plenishing hammer or just a hammer. Any of the above is a lot of work.

I would'nt worry about striping the bottom, It's not like you can go 2 up on that

Cool build
Mark

FunJimmy · « **Reply #14 on:** March 21, 2009, 09:19:56 PM »

Bikes looking great.
You can have Motion Pro build a custom length tach cable.
I had a special 20" cable made and it's great.

Cheers
FJ

aussie · « **Reply #15 on:** March 22, 2009, 01:44:47 AM »

Wow that looks great, i like the way you exposed the frame along the seat.You dont mind if i steel that idea do you?.

cheers

Owned · « **Reply #16 on:** March 22, 2009, 11:39:19 AM »

Thanks guys. Yes, the tail was made with a planishing hammer as well as an english wheel.

Hope to have it done in the next 30 days. This bike will be at MidOhio Vintage Days in July for sure...hope to run into you local guys.

eurban · « **Reply #17 on:** March 22, 2009, 12:02:19 PM »

Nice work; the seat and tank combo should be unique, setting you apart from the more cliched cafe racer builds. One critique though (hope you don't mind!) . . .To my eye the head light and ears detract from the quality of the rest of your build. The bucket seems a bit large and chromey and the holey flat brackets just look cheap. A set of smooth alloy ears (like MikesXs site sells) or something home grown with a smaller bucket and a nice lens would do your build more justice IMHO. Anyways, nice work and presentation!

Owned · « **Reply #18 on:** March 22, 2009, 06:22:16 PM »

I'll agree with you on the headlight mounts, not on the headlight. I looked at MikesXs but his mount doesn't go down to 33mm...If I can find a good billet mount I'll pull the trigger.

Talked to a painter tonight and should have something lined up for the week after next. Pics to follow...

MCRider · « **Reply #19 on:** March 22, 2009, 06:38:30 PM »

Quote from: Owned on March 22, 2009, 06:22:16 PM

I'll agree with you on the headlight mounts, not on the headlight. I looked at MikesXs but his mount doesn't go down to 33mm...If I can find a good billet mount I'll pull the trigger.

Talked to a painter tonight and should have something lined up for the week after next. Pics to follow...

I'm using the same headlight on my project CB750, got it at CRC2 as well. I got the billet aluminum headlight mounts from eBay, don't know if they go to 33mm. They are polished aluminum. Had to have them chromed to match the shell. Mines more of a standard custom. Not a cafe. But those shells are really nice.

I can see where Eurban is coming from, and I can see Owned as well.

Owned · « **Reply #20 on:** April 19, 2009, 05:38:10 AM »

Hello again! Thought I'd post a few pictures of the bike now that it's in paint. Bike's not running yet, I'm hoping that I may have time yet today to work on it. The only items remaining are seat upholstery, final wiring of brake/tail light, and tune up.

masonryman · « **Reply #21 on:** April 19, 2009, 07:49:39 AM »

I like silver and red, I have been on the fence, red frame silver thank or silver frame and red tank.
I like what you have done.

Mark

silver fox · « **Reply #22 on:** April 19, 2009, 12:49:05 PM »

Awesome looking bike there, in fact, one of the nicest builds i've seen for a while, well done

What are those pipes? Like the 4into4 look, but those 4into2's look sweet.

Kind regards
SF

Owned · « **Reply #23 on:** April 19, 2009, 05:35:30 PM »

Thanks SF. The pipes were purchased in new condition from a fellow SOHCer on eBbay. I'm not certain, but I believe them to be from MC Engineering. I've never found an official website. All I can tell you is they are made in Japan. I agree with you on the 4 into 4, but the price was right for this set!

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Author Topic: My CB350F Project - Seat Creation (Read 4085 times)

masonryman

masonryman