From CB450 Racer to Bobber

[hallin222]

In order to keep the original registration of the bike I can't extend the wheelbase of it, therefore the angle of the top rails is different to that of the backbone, otherwise it would be too long...

Is that some weird Dutch law?  I think that here in the US, if you have the original numbers visible on the frame and/or motor, it's still considered the same model of bike, regardless of what you do to the frame.

Do you have inspectors actually measuring your wheelbase and comparing it to Honda's original specification from 30+ years ago?

[RevheadR]

Guys, your comments are much appreciated!

It is indeed some weird Dutch law. When you modify your frame and the wheelbase changes by more than 6cm (shorter or longer) the registration needs to be amended, with all kinds of paperwork and inspections to go through. Not worth the hassle in my opinion.

If you do change the wheelbase and don't get it documented officially, you could lose the registration if you get stopped and it gets investigated. Doesn't happen very often, but would be a shame after all the work that has gone in...   

Another week of travelling ahead, so new updates as of next weekend!

[freedomgli]

It looks decent as garage art but you went from a seriously cool and proper race bike to a machine that is for all intents and purposes unrideable due to the terrible ergonomics. Please tell me you're fixing that with some new handlebars.

[RevheadR]

Not sure why you think the ergonomics are terrible, but please give me some pointers if I am missing something. 

The relative position of the seat, footrests and handlebars/clip-ons is not to far off from an original CB450. All three are just lower and the clip-ons are of course narrower. The seating position is similar to a standard bike with flatbars.

When I'm back I'll take a picture sat on the bike, so you can see what it looks like.

And hey, if it doesn't ride well, I'll just change it until it does

[rays650cafe]

Or, he could buid his bike his way, and you yours.

[Tim]

Awesome looking so far.  I like the removable plate/brake light mounts.  Now, if you could somehow magically get the wiring into the tubes and have it connect/disconnect inside...

If you ever want to trade your Grimeca for a GT750 4LS brake, just let me know   It would look great on my XS!

[damarble]

Could maybe pull it off with a cigarette lighter socket. It would be damn cool.

[RevheadR]

I'll keep that in mind, Tim.

The idea of a hidden connector for the rear light was something I thought about as well... Can't do a cigarette lighter socket, as I need to run three wires to it (ground, rear light and brake light). Maybe a magnetic connector, like the chargeport on a Macbook?

It will probably be a bit more conventional though. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

[damarble]

Remember your frame itself can be your ground, so the other plain receiver tube could handle that duty.

[RevheadR]

And your absolutely right. I'll give it a bit more thought.

[Swagger]

A two pin weatherpack connector should snuggle into the frame tubes, just leave enough wire to work with. Also, a Dean's connector set would works well.

[rattpunk]

This is awesome. 
Subscribed

[RevheadR]

I normally work with Superseal connectors (very similar to the Weatherpack stuff). Will definitely try to fit a two-pin connector in the frametube.

Then leaves a bunch of other wires to be run through the frame as well (front lighting, horn, ignition, etc.)

As I never took that in account when the frame was build, that will be a massive challenge (most tubes are closed of at their respective ends). I'll look into it, but not sure yet whether to go that route.

[75xl350]

nice build.

[damarble]

Drill and fish tape will be your friend.

The Weatherpack type connector would be the easiest route. I have a tendency to over engineer and go for the wow factor, hence my recommendation of the cig lighter.