1978 Honda CX500 Cafe Build

[downtown809]

I was thinking more along these lines though..

 

[madmatt1]

Hmm.. if you lived closer to me, I'd be a potential customer for the GS! I think that bike in the picture is pretty cool- minus some of the more "gaudy" touches, such as CAFE emblazoned on the tank. If it were me, I'd be more inclined to put a big bore kit, some cams, carbs, etc. in it, and leave it as close to stock looking as I could. My 2 cents. I have to agree, that bike is a factory cafe bike. It looks as cool as the other side of the pillow, in stock form. Maybe a modern suspension / brake conversion to go along with go-fast goodies, but those bikes are bad ass already.

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

It's a beautiful bike just like it is. Why fuck it up?

It's got low bars. Not clip ons, but really, MORE comfortable to actually ride just like it is. It's got rearsets, and a modest cafe style seat/tail that still accommodates the occasional fender fluff. I wouldn't even necessarily do pods. Remove the flame arrester screen in the airbox, remove the intake snorkel, install a K&N high flow filter in the stock airbox, rejet, and that thing is a fuckin' rocket.

 

[downtown809]

It had pods and the 4 to 1 exhaust when I got it. I am thinking these are drag bars as a stock fairing wouldn't fit.

 

[AlphaDogChoppers]

Ah. I didn't notice it already had pods.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

That GS needs her own thread.
Here is a parts source to get you thinking... http://gszone.biz/
and www.theGSRecources.com for info
8)

 

[downtown809]

so on to mounting the seat/fender hanger bracket. Before anyone states the close clearance between fender and tire the answer is time will tell.. The location is just where I wanted it but longer shocks might be in order.

 

[downtown809]

So now that I have the bracket made I am of the mind that the frame shows and it is too hi. The reason it is hi is so the lines in front line up. So to leave it hi or lower it a bit to cover up those spot weld marks in the frame? Sarah says to lower it..

 

[MotorbikeBruno]

If you like it high, you could try to make some sort of filler piece there...

 

[downtown809]

With spring just around the corner and this project so close to being done I thought I would beat the rush and secure my next project. It is a 1978 CB750 and will be another Cafe Racer.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Nice!
Did you sell the Zook?

 

[onetruepunk87]

Love what you did with the CX500. I just picked up a 1977 CB750K last week, looking forward to see what you do with yours.

 

[downtown809]

Getting calls on the Zook, still have it though. I couldn't bring myself to tear into such an original classic so I will keep trying to sell. Thanks for the kind words. The CX is getting the seat/fender bracket welded on so I am spinning my wheels thinking about wheel direction on the CB.

 

[onetruepunk87]

Just curious, how is the quality on the seat from hondaclassic31? I know there have been a couple threads on here about the Vietnam eBay seats in the past that had mixed reviews. I've been looking at one of the cb750 seats he has posted but have been leary about pulling the trigger on it.

 

[downtown809]

On the seat from Honda classics, time will tell. It is nice fabric but their meaning of dark brown missed the mark. The foam is firm and just enough of it to provide comfort but other than sitting on it in the garage we haven't been for a ride as of yet. My thought was if the fabric doesn't last we will have it recovered locally. The custom seat pan and foam are worth the price in my mind, the fact that it is upholstered is a bonus.

 

[onetruepunk87]

Thanks for the info! I'll probably order a cover and foam at some point, my seat pan's really good but my cover is ripped up. New tires will have to come first. I need to get her to pass inspection before I pretty her up.

 

[cb 400 t]

Honda classic where do I find his seats? Is it on eBay or some other place. Your tank is sweet.

 

[downtown809]

This is the seat I bought off Ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/181062120675?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I searched through their listings and picked dark brown, what I got is about the color of the new K & N pods so be warned on their interpretation of color. It is a great seat and a good value.

 

[downtown809]

Nice!
Did you sell the Zook?

Sold the Suzuki for asking, sweet..

 

[downtown809]

I got the seat/fender bracket welded on. Waiting for the final welding on the battery box and tail light/plate bracket. Won't be long now..