Project CB750C bobberratcafebike...

[gotdurt]

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i54/gotdurt/CB750C%20project/DSC_7950.jpg

To be continued... :trust:

[CBAT]

This should be interesting. :popcorn:

[dixonduke]

Subscribed :popcorn:

[gotdurt]

I don't know what it is about picking up project bikes for cheap (or in this case free :-P), then bringing them back to life, that gives me so much more satisfaction than just going out and buying a bike that's ready to go, but it does. I also have a thing for UJMs in particular...

It all began with my first bike 14 years ago, a Suzuki GS650G that I picked up for $50 in boxes. I was in college and knew absolutely nothing about bikes and doubted it would ever actually see the road (I didn't even know if the bike was complete), but figured it would be worth $50 to have something new to tinker with. Well, for the cost of some tires, a battery, a few cans of paint and carb cleaner and a little time, it did see the road, and even became my primary transportation for the next couple of years, with me puting nearly 20k abusive, but trouble free miles on the UJM. I finally sold it when a friend of mine went down on his bike incurring a few medical bills, but for a sweet $900 profit.

Since then I've been through a few similar "project bikes", including a KZ400, a Yammi XV250 (for GF at the time, and now wife), a KLR600, a GL1100 Aspencade (abandoned this one when I got it running and discovered it had tranny problems, but still fixed it up and turned it for a profit), an NX650, and a wrecked Triumph Daytona 955i. There were other bikes that probably qualified as 'projects' in others' eyes, but these were the ones that began as bikes that otherwise were headed for salvage yards.

I've always had a soft spot for UJMs, and have been wanting to build a bobber-ish custom... but, being as broke as I am, it wasn't going to happen anytime soon...

Enter my dad's friend, Kyle. Kyle has a few bikes, most in his friend Terry's garage, among them a CB750C. Kyle decided to liquidate his bikes (with a little prodding from Terry's wife ;)), and so in return for helping him sell a few of them, let me have the CB (which supposedly runs good) for free :mrgreen:. The tank, key, and seat weren't convenient at the time, so I'll pick them up over Thanksgiving holidays when I'm in Houston again.

Okay, enough set-up. Here's the bottom line... there's a lot of work to do to create my vision, and no money, so I'll have to be creative. The CB is a porker, much more so than my GS was, so it's going on a major diet. Items such as the gauges/instruments, factory lighting, fenders, bars, mirrors, exhaust, airbox, badging, excess wiring, stock seat and anything else I deem unnecessary or replaceable-with-something-better will go on ebay, which will help fund things like a 4-1 header, pod filters and other replacement odds-and-ends as I discover them... I'm also debating swapping the 'Comstar' wheels for a spoked variety, but that might come later. I still haven't settled on a paint scheme yet, but there's still time for that...

As for the look, it'll be something along these lines:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E15jc7J5CoU/R_nN4_ydySI/AAAAAAAAB28/Ca3Tg0p3w-I/s320/CB750-2.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E15jc7J5CoU/R_nN4_ydyRI/AAAAAAAAB20/BCKBsCLRdfg/s1600-h/CB750-1.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Uk_SrRK_t1Y/Sgh8Mx6DUKI/AAAAAAAAAS8/db2i4EIL5dA/S1600-R/Jap-bobbers-logo1.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/dp2275/downsized_04100912421.jpg

[jhansen]

:coffee::popcorn:

[psuedoarchon]

whenever i get out of college i plan on doing this, wanted to now but the lack of anywhere to put bike stuff causes issues there

[poser]

sweet! looking forward to seeing this one come along.

[Thunderchild]

I like example #3. Looks like a fun project. Lots of parts out there for the CB750's.

[Tim Kreitz]

I like example #3.

+1 :thumb:

[JacknTexas]

1 more vote for 3 here. Spokes, low and lean, very cool.

Looking fwd to your build.

[gotdurt]

Well, I won't be duplicating any of them, especially the last 2, since it's not really that era of bike, but I'll lean as far that way as I can within reason. However, since it is the exact same bike as #1, including the wheels, it'll look more like that one than the others. Maybe eventually, when I can afford it, I'll switch to spokes. I also plan to do away with 90% of the existing chrome. I plan lean toward the other two with respect to the lack of mufflers, a clean rear fender, controls/ergos, etc. I'd like to do a solo seat, but this will be a project for my sons to enjoy too, so there'll have to be some sort of pillion as well.

[Hairsmith]

Sounds like your looking forward to this. It is your bike and your project, but if that old sucker was mine It would be a sidecar tug in a heart beat !
Longer shocks on the back to rase ground clearance and steepen the fork angle and Find a car tire to fit the rear wheel.
0 wait,,,, this is your project..... Carry on !:clap:

[disbanded]

Very cool. I like the first one.

[rad3766]

............and Find a car tire to fit the rear wheel.



:eek2: :eek2: :flip:



Should be a fun build; I like all the sample pics :mrgreen:

[Seb656]

Once I have the money and the tools I plan on building a CB750 bobber. They are so awsome and can be built for next to nothing. If you aren't already there check out:
http://www.hondachopper.com/
http://www.thechopperunderground.com/forum/

There are a few on hondachopper that I would love to have.

If you want to have a spring solo seat you have to make it hardtail (otherwise it will just look retarded). If you do go the hardtail route TC Bros makes an awsome weld on piece for about $250, unless of course your brave enough to custom fab.

[plugeye]

Well, I won't be duplicating any of them, .

thats a reassuring statement. there arent any rules, do it your way.
the posting title says it all...
best of luck & love to see photos & hear the details of the progression.
cheers

[bushwhacker]

I like this one -

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E15jc7J5CoU/R_nN4_ydyRI/AAAAAAAAB20/BCKBsCLRdfg/s1600-h/CB750-1.jpg

[gotdurt]

I like this one -

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E15jc7J5CoU/R_nN4_ydyRI/AAAAAAAAB20/BCKBsCLRdfg/s1600-h/CB750-1.jpg

:lol2: I actually posted that one... it's actually #2 in a group of 4, but for some reason I couldn't get it to show up. If you quote my post, you'll see the line.

[SRADkneedragger]

I should have NEVER looked at this thread! I just bought a VERY nice '77 CB750 that is a runner and driver thinking just to resale it and clear a few bucks. Now after reading this thread:doh:
SRAD

[SRADkneedragger]

OMG! thats what I want! Probably never happen just too many irons in the fire
SRAD

[bushwhacker]

:lol2: I actually posted that one... it's actually #2 in a group of 4, but for some reason I couldn't get it to show up. If you quote my post, you'll see the line.

I know. That's How I got it. I was just indicating my favorite of the ones you posted.

[Tim Kreitz]

Yeah, that's all you need, Carl -- another project. :mrgreen:

[gotdurt]

I know. That's How I got it. I was just indicating my favorite of the ones you posted.
Curious, could you see it in my post, or did you just happen upon the line in a quote?

Anyway, I was hoping that since I have the week off, and that since we're not leaving on or trip 'til tomorrow that I'd have time to take some more detailed photos and discuss my plans, but alas, my wife had other plans for me :doh:

I should be picking up the tank et al later this week.

[CB750TODD]

I was thinking of making my '72 CB750 into a cafe.... it just takes time, which I haven't had much of lately!

[el_chupo_]

A bit on topic, a bit more eye candy...
My dad sold a 79 CB750K a few months ago, and we just got an update on the bike:

Before: (not his bike, his was the same anniversary edition, but with floor boards and luggage)

http://www.davesmotorcycles.com/1979%20cb750%202/1979%20cb750k%20full%20left%20side%20large.jpg

After: (note the floorboards)
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs011.snc3/11836_177855176900_598311900_3419849_4665938_n.jpg

[bushwhacker]

Curious, could you see it in my post, or did you just happen upon the line in a quote?

Anyway, I was hoping that since I have the week off, and that since we're not leaving on or trip 'til tomorrow that I'd have time to take some more detailed photos and discuss my plans, but alas, my wife had other plans for me :doh:

I should be picking up the tank et al later this week.

I saw a red x and being the nosey type I clicked quote and then copied and pasted the URL in a new window.

[gotdurt]

OMG! thats what I want! Probably never happen just too many irons in the fire
SRAD
:huh2: Uh... that's uh, not what I had in mind :-P Not the trike, anyway ;-)


After: (note the floorboards)
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs011.snc3/11836_177855176900_598311900_3419849_4665938_n.jpg
I've thought about going the hard tail route, in fact I'm still thinking it, but I want it lower with the seat closer to the tire... However, I still want to be able to toss some bags on and head for AR or NM should I desire, so I'm thinking of making it convertible... I once saw an old Suzuki GS drag bike that replaced the rear shocks with shorter, rigid bolt-on bars. This way I could swap the shocks back on for longer rides.

I saw a red x and being the nosey type I clicked quote and then copied and pasted the URL in a new window.

Ah, ok, I'm not even seeing a red x, just nothing at all, as if there are only 3 bikes.

[Seb656]

I've thought about going the hard tail route, in fact I'm still thinking it, but I want it lower with the seat closer to the tire... However, I still want to be able to toss some bags on and head for AR or NM should I desire, so I'm thinking of making it convertible... I once saw an old Suzuki GS drag bike that replaced the rear shocks with shorter, rigid bolt-on bars. This way I could swap the shocks back on for longer rides.



That rigid bars gives all of the pain of hardtail with none of the looks. If you want something comfortable for long rides I would definitely go with a softail or "brat" bobber.

[gotdurt]

That rigid bars gives all of the pain of hardtail with none of the looks. If you want something comfortable for long rides I would definitely go with a softail or "brat" bobber.

The idea is to tuck the rear wheel up into the fender with minimal clearance, and to get the belly as close to the ground as possible; this will have enough affect on the appearance... then have the ability to reverse it within minutes for long rides with full travel. As for looks, I'm not going for a chopper look, but more of a drag look, while remaining in the bounds of practicality.

[bushwhacker]

Ah, ok, I'm not even seeing a red x, just nothing at all, as if there are only 3 bikes.

Click Tools, Internet Options, then pick the Advanced tab and put a check by the line that says "Show Image Download Placeholders".

[gotdurt]

The idea is to tuck the rear wheel up into the fender with minimal clearance, and to get the belly as close to the ground as possible; this will have enough affect on the appearance... then have the ability to reverse it within minutes for long rides with full travel. As for looks, I'm not going for a chopper look, but more of a drag look, while remaining in the bounds of practicality.

Went to the Houston Autorama today, there was a bike there with rigid bars similar to what I'm talking about. His were billet though (get past the incredibly tacky paint job ;-))
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i54/gotdurt/CB750C%20project/DSC_8891.jpg

To my eye, they add to the tough, utilitarian, purpose-built machine look that I'm going for, rather than the typical swoopy-flowy chopper look that was rampant at the show. I'd rather have shortened shocks just for ride quality purposes, but that would cost too much right now.

[el_chupo_]

I'd rather have shortened shocks just for ride quality purposes, but that would cost too much right now.

A pretty common swap on XS650's (I dont know if they will fit the CB's) is a Honda Rebel shock. They are 10.5" eye-to-eye, if I remember correctly.

Plus, they go for about 25 bucks a pair on ebay when I looked at em.

[gotdurt]

Well, I now have the tank, key and title (or at least my dad does until he drops them by), but no seat... the owner couldn't find it :scratch: Not sure how you lose a big, blocky 1980 Honda seat, but okay. I planned to make my own anyway, was just hoping to base it on the stock pan.

It appears someone before me thought it would be a good idea to detail the bike with a wire brush, particularly on the motor... steel+alum=scratches :argh:... so I'll be doing some blasting. It's okay though, I planned on painting everything anyway, and blasted texture looks nice.

A pretty common swap on XS650's (I dont know if they will fit the CB's) is a Honda Rebel shock. They are 10.5" eye-to-eye, if I remember correctly.

Plus, they go for about 25 bucks a pair on ebay when I looked at em.

I've heard that, but I'm skeptical about them on this bike, given the +/-150lb weight difference. I'll look into it a little more though, as well as other possibilities.

[Captcha]

el_chupo: Do you happen know where the new buyer bought that fender and tank? That bike is just :drool: looking.

Also, has anyone had experience riding a hard tail similar to that one? How does it ride?

[Chirpy]

There's lots of stock Harley shocks floating around in the 10.5 inch range. Could probably be shimmed to fit if needed. Since they are Showa shocks, it wouldn't surprise me if they fit just fine as is.

Can't imagine they'd sell for much.

[el_chupo_]

el_chupo: Do you happen know where the new buyer bought that fender and tank? That bike is just :drool: looking.

Also, has anyone had experience riding a hard tail similar to that one? How does it ride?


I do not know or know how to find out:giveup:. My dad was selling the bike on consignment at a local shop. The shop owner got the new pictures and forwarded them to my dad and myself.

[poser]

el_chupo: Do you happen know where the new buyer bought that fender and tank? That bike is just :drool: looking.

Also, has anyone had experience riding a hard tail similar to that one? How does it ride?

you know the tank looks like an old sportster tank, something you can find in the JP cycles catalog.

And the rear fender looks kind of like a trailer fender :shrug:

[Pumper54]

Captcha
Back in 1980 I was running a set of "hard tail" struts (shocks blew out and no money) on my Harley and they will make you pee blood on a long trip. But people will notice you.

gotdurt
Have you given any thought to mounting the rear fender to the swing arm and run a couple of struts from the axle adjusters up to support the back end of it. That way the fender will ride real close to the tire but you can move it a bit as needed for chain wear. Mount a solo seat to the frame using a pivot block and a couple of rear springs to make the ride a bit easier. Use a "lick and stick" if you want to pack the ol'lady with you. Also you can shorten shocks by taking off the springs then cutting the shock rod where it joins the mounting ring, drill out the rod in the ring, slide the rod back into the ring and weld it up. You can cut off as much rod as you need but don't over do it. Re assemble the shocks and go for it.
Looks like a fun build ahead for you.
Tom

[gotdurt]

Have you given any thought to mounting the rear fender to the swing arm and run a couple of struts from the axle adjusters up to support the back end of it. That way the fender will ride real close to the tire but you can move it a bit as needed for chain wear. Mount a solo seat to the frame using a pivot block and a couple of rear springs to make the ride a bit easier.

Thanks for the suggestion... at first attaching the fender to the swingarm sounded like a good idea, but part of the look I'm going for is to have the seat close to the fender, fender close to the tire (See the examples on the 1st page...), which will also result in a nice, low belly (I'm thinking2-3" ground clearance).

...you can shorten shocks by taking off the springs then cutting the shock rod where it joins the mounting ring, drill out the rod in the ring, slide the rod back into the ring and weld it up. You can cut off as much rod as you need but don't over do it. Re assemble the shocks and go for it.
Looks like a fun build ahead for you.
Tom
I'm not entirely sure these shocks can be disassembled... if they can I definitely pull them apart and see what it will take to shorten them, but I'm not sure how useful they'll be; the shafts appear to be rusted pretty bad. Probably best to start over... however, it would be nice to know that I could shorten whatever I end up getting, if necessary.

Last weekend I took some detail photos of what I'm up against, I hope to get them posted during my vacation...

[Pumper54]

gotdurt,
If you are looking to change out the shocks look at Progressives, I swapped out the shocks on both my Harley's to Progressives and they are great. Different lengths as needed. Check out there website for info.
http://www.progressivesuspension.com/

Tom

[Pumper54]

Stole this from the shovelheadUS site, gives more info on cutting the shocks down:

"I have had MUCH better results by shortening my own shocks 3/4". This is very easy too, if you have the ability to take the springs off the shock and do a teeny bit of welding. Here's how:

Take shocks apart...cut the top "eye" off from the shock rod...cut it off flush at the outside edge of the "eye".

Drill a hole in the shock eye, all the way through to the center, so it will slip back down on the rod.

Cut 1/2" off the end of the shock rod.

Some shocks have a rubber "snub" slipped over the rod, to keep the shock from fully bottoming out metal to metal...if your shock has this, use a bench grinder to shorten it 1/2" to 3/4"...it's hard rubber, it grinds easy.

Slip the eye back on the rod so the top of the rod is just below flush with the inside edge of the eye. Weld it from the inside of the eye. The eye material is approximately 1/4" thick...you cut 1/2" off the rod, then you inserted it 1/4" into the eye...total amount of shortening is 3/4"

Put the shock back together. Be aware that with that shorter rod, the springs will be stiffer...not a big deal, just leave the adjustment on the "softest" setting and it will be about the same as if they were on the "stiff" setting before.

Put 'em on and enjoy the ride. "

Ride safe
Tom

[gotdurt]

I started a project report on my website, cb750.clfrycreative.com (http://www.clfrycreative.com/cb750c/index.html), with some pictures etc.