Nighthawk CB750 cafe

[JRK5892]

well we got a good deal on a nighthawk 750 so we added that to our build sheet while we are waiting on parts for the 350... here is where we are so far.

on the lift


trying to figure out what direction to go




we decided to go with a vintage cafe set up that i have been stashing for a CB750 just always pictured it on a vintage one! hahaha so now to make it work... first back of the frame was removed to drop the seat low






then we had to get the tank lower... so sectioned out part of the back bone... this will all be re welded and supported with 3/8" plate so it is just as strong if not stronger than the original set up... will basicly turn it into a slugged I beam






tank sits lower




then she lost some weight


what we will use from the stock pipe


came across this for inspiration on the build


shot some sample bottles of colors we think we may go with


then some more mods to get the tank as far forward and get the smooth line that this bike needs to hold the vintage look on a newer bike




more weight loss

[Swapmeet Louie]

I'm not a huge fan of that tail section, but, with a seat that resembles the tank, I think it'll be dope!

[JRK5892]

ya i am not 100% sold on it... we still may reglass the back section... we will see how it looks as the bike comes together more. it is a vintage fiberglass set so i really do not want to cut it up... i think the plan is to run an undertail exhaust on it so maybe that will help finish the back end. it is one of those things where one time you look at it you like it the next you hate it!

[Swapmeet Louie]

I hear ya.

[JRK5892]

so we got some more done last night on the scoot... decided we are going to shave the front of the seat 1 inch, recut and shaved the foam to round it off a bit, then re cover the seat... run an under tail exhaust, got our build plan finalized, and mocked up the rear set location so the mounts can be welded into the frame... also started the back bone support





spot welded into the frame front and rear... went about 3 inches into the front angle support and little less with the rear but still pretty deep into it





the brace was made very long so that it could tie into the factory bracing



once the motor is pulled more welds will come from the under side... and the plate will be final welded in all the way around





then worked on our rear set location... temp just drilled them in to see where we wanted them...

[Hoosier Daddy]

On board for the ride Joe... Glad to see your feeling better, nothin like a little build time for therapy.
That's some trick shit with the backbone, and the tank and seat combo remind me of a vintage Drag Bike.
Whatchya go in mind for the exhaust?

[JRK5892]

goign to run it up thought he swing arm, and out the under tail of the fairing... we really want to have a vintage throwback cafe feel with  all newer suspension and well... bike... this fit the bill perfect

[DeusExMaxima]

I generally like your project.  Im partial to nighthawks since I own an 85 700S.  The tail would look better in my opinion if the rear part matched the rear part of the tank.  Also, I think it would look better if it was raised up a bit.  A quick MSPaint of your bike shows a decent idea of what Im talking about:

[JRK5892]

worked on the rear sets a bit...









then relocated the whole joint to the underside for cleaner shifting

[Bert Jan]

sweet action with the backbone. I wouldn't have taken on such an bike to cafe it, so props for doing it!
Question about the shifer linkage: i dont think it'll work the way you've set it up right now, i suppose you're gonna change the angle of the primary shift arm?

[JRK5892]

we where able to cycle her though all the gears over and over super smooooooth... this is alot like i have done the last 5 rear sets i have done on bikes... works great and is a clean strait line so it does not really stand out like an eye sore

[jfman]

Any updates on this?

[JRK5892]

this bike is our shop bike, durring the winter months we are so busy wiht customer stuff that this gets put on hold. Mid summer we will get it finished up.

[serpaco]

Hi there Im really interested in learning more about your build since i also want to tackle one.  Anything you can share. Images don't seem to be popping up in the thread.  Wondering if you could email me at alanserpa@gmail.com

Cheers

Alan