1979 CB750K Cafe - Sold

Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

Nice score on the Hoop! I think you did good, most first timers don't take into account the wheel travel and put the hoop right at the highest point of the tire where it can contact over bumps.Yours will be fine. And looks like a smooth transition.
Good eye!
 
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

Hoosier Daddy said:
Nice score on the Hoop! I think you did good, most first timers don't take into account the wheel travel and put the hoop right at the highest point of the tire where it can contact over bumps.Yours will be fine. And looks like a smooth transition.
Good eye!
Click to expand...

Thanks HD. I did a mock up this weekend. I got the bike level, threw on the swing arm and rear wheel. Got it to about more or less how I want it to sit by measuring the distance between the upper and lower shock mounts and setting it at about 15" since I'm deciding between some DCC shocks at 14.5" and these shocks I've been eyeballing on eBay at 15.75". Looks like I won’t have any clearance issues.

Speaking of, if I can find these with eye to clevis, I really like them, they remind me of the CB900 shocks kind of, anyone think it's a terrible idea?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/15-3-4-Air-Shock-Absorber-Go-Kart-Quad-ATV-Motorcycle-/170646232212?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27bb4edc94&vxp=mtr
 
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

Hey all, just wanted to let everyone know what I've been up to. Been kind of a crazy month or so. Got down to HF to buy a 4.5" Angle Grinder and some cut off wheels and flap disks. Decided to de-tab the frame on my own. Since this is my first foray into grinding, it’s not too hard to say I learned some hard lessons. During my first few attempts, I removed the tabs quite easily. While trying to remove the seat lock tab, I cut right into the top rail of the frame, leaving a nice gash. I have some pictures and will post them when I have more to show. I was a bit embarrassed to post them here, but now that it's been repaired, I'll share them when I have time. I'm sure I'll still get some "smooth move ex-lax" type of responses, but that's OK. I basically shut down the garage until I could get this over to my buddy Paul who helped me with my rear hoop.

Finally got it to him this weekend, and he was not pleased at all. Not only do I have a lot to learn about using a cut off wheel, but I also have a lot to learn about using the flap wheels. He was able to patch the cut, but told me to ease off on the flap wheels and gave me a short lesson on proper grinding techniques. I took what I learned home and finished all of my grinding more or less and took great care not to ruin anything else.

I'm left with a few divots and flattened out spots on the frame from over grinding, but Paul informed me that I may be able to find some powder coats that can hide most flaws. Luckily, I didn’t do anything to damage the integrity of my frame.

So crisis averted...back to work.

Before I go over to the DOHC forum, which intimidates me with all of its rules, I was hoping for anyone's opinion:

The more I look at my motor, the more I think it would be cheaper to just find a running motor, or at least a complete motor with good compression, rather than trying to rebuild a bottom end and find all new parts. At least with a complete engine, I'll have everything. I'm thinking, if I do this, why not throw in either:

A) A DOHC CB900 Motor because hey, why not!
B) A SOHC CB750 Motor to give it that nostalgic kick start look.

Does anyone know if either one of these engines would drop right into my frame with little to no modification? Plug and Play is what I'm looking for. I have a feeling the CB750 and CB900 frames/platforms are pretty much identical. Thoughts?

Thanks again to Paul for his help/advice/grinding lesson. Check out his work at http://cb-town.com/ really cool stuff.
 
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

the 900f motor will, the 900c motor will not.
 
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

Glad to hear the frame structural integrity wasn't hurt, so you don't have to sweat the grinder f-up's.... everybody has to learn on sometime. Next time try just getting close and blending it with a hand file. easier to control and less likely to go overboard. ;)
Yep... like Yogi said. The 900C has a "hi-low" trans that gives gives you city and highway selection, if that makes sense... think of 10 speeds (or two 5's). Personally, I'd get a duplicate to the DOHC 750 you already have. That way you can use the parts from your original engine for "spares".
the DOHC forum, which intimidates me with all of its rules,
Click to expand...
Ain't that the truth... If I'm thinking of the same forum, there is two guys who have a Napoleon complex somethin FIERCE that somehow became admin. Gene's alright but his help can be A-HOLES!
 
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

Hoosier Daddy said:
.Ain't that the truth... If I'm thinking of the same forum, there is two guys who have a Napoleon complex somethin FIERCE that somehow became admin. Gene's alright but his help can be A-HOLES!
Click to expand...

you hit the nail on the head.
 
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

silky, there are also big bore kits for both the DOHC 750 and 900 motors available.
 
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

Oh Oh... and 900 cams in a 750. I'm watchin out for a set of them...
 
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

Yeah, wish I had the bank to have done a big bore kit or even cams. Oh well, maybe my next DOHC project! Oh yeah, the DOHC site. Kind of a buzz kill. :D Good luck with your build. $150 Can't beat that, brother.
 
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

I'm hoping fate will step in and show me the right engine and options at the right time. Sort of how this whole thing fell into my lap in the first place!!!
 
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

OK. Time to put myself on the line ready for the harsh criticisms ::)

Just wanted to show the final product of rear hoop after final grinding first:

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Now to show my mistake. Trying to use a cut off wheel to remove the lock that held the stock seat on. First time using the wheel and I guess I went a bit overboard...whoops:

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Pretty nice chop. I know, I know. Well, took it back to my buddy Paul who did my hoop. He was not happy, but was able to fix it and then instructed me to never touch that area again:

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Good as new...well maybe not...good enough? Here are some pictures of all the tabs removed. Learning how to grind is really hard, but I'm glad I tried something new.

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I removed the ignition lock as well, it was all bent if you recall from earlier in my thread.

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Yes, my garage floor was disgusting. PO was quite a slob and I haven't had time to clean it...until this last weekend. Scrubbed the floor hospital clean and bought some lumber to build a work bench. Pictures of that coming soon. Never built a work bench either, so it's slow going. It's amazing how things seem simple in theory, but are actually quite difficult in practice.

Do have a question. I want to basically finish off my swing arm, blast, powder and replace all bearings and get it ready, then packed away someplace safe. Are there extra tabs on this thing I don't need. I feel like these two tabs on the top are for the chain guard, which I won't be running. Can I take those off?

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Now to these tabs. I don't really want a center stand, this bike is way too heavy for me to ever use a center stand. Can I remove these with no complications? It's the two things sticking out near the top of the picture.

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Thanks for tuning in. I'll have some pictures of the work bench by this weekend!
 
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

Dang, Bra! Did that thing get away from you or what? :-D I've posted before on one of my build threads that a grinder with a cut off wheel is not exactly a finesse tool. Try putting a buffing wheel on one. It's a wild ride, baby!
 
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

(Ok Hoosier....remain calm.... be positive, and supportive)
DAMN DUDE!!! WTF??
LOL... no realy... LOL
There, now that that's over.... In all honesty, if you were going to fuck up, that is a good place to do it. The brace thats welded to the frame tube there is not only along both sides of your cut, but top and bottom. That gives it strength and held it straight. Shit happens and it is kinda easy to not realize what all the wheel is hitting when your concentrating on a certian piece. Remember this experiance and learn ftom your mistakes... I think that's the definition of "wisdom" ;)


Personally I keep the center stand mounts on but leave off the big iron horse-shoe, just tape the spring to it and throw it under the work-bench. There are times in bike maitenance you will want it. Removing a wheel, changing a rear tire, adjusting or replacing the chain, setting the preload on your shocks... etc.
If you have trouble putting the bike on the center stand your doing it wrong. If my skinny ass can put the GoldWing on it everytime I park it, you can do a 750. It's all in the technique. You'll never do it mounted on the bike. Stand on the left side of the bike facing it, left hand on the handlebar, right hand on the frame under the seat. Take your right foot and put it on the lever of the stand and bring it down. Gently rock the bike side to side and you can feel when both feet of the stand are on the ground. Then shift your body weight from your left foot to your right and the bike will pop right up... watch this... he uses the grab rail for his right hand but not all bikes have that, go to the frame tube under the seat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hem08a355w

Now, there are three tabs in your swing arm pic. Two are for the chain gaurd and I cut those off mine... this time make sure nothing else will get cut into, leave a little of the tab when you cut it, then go back and carefully grind them flush. They are A and B in this pic.
 

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Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

BR: Yes, it did get away from me. I think what did it was that I was still a bit unsure of how much pressure to put on it, combined with the sparks obscuring my vision and the odd position I had the bike in. My buddy who gave me a lesson on cutting and grinding also passed on the wise idea that I can actually move the frame around to different positions rather than me moving around it!! What was I thinking!

HD: I asked for a motorcycle lift from HF for X-Mas, I was hoping that would help me with any maintenance items I will need to perform. I'll take your advice into consideration though. Thanks for reassuring me on those tabs on the swing arm, I kind of figured those were the ones, but wanted to be 100% sure. I've never actually tried putting it on the center stand, but I've seen others post that they don't like trying...LOL. Thanks for the video though! Your responses are always the best. I was worried you'd be disappointed in my hack job, but once again your knowledge proves to be true. The guy who fixed it also said I'm lucky it was that spot and if I had cut any further or deeper, we'd be completely redoing that section of the frame...though then I almost asked him “well can we”? That would be fun! But he's a busy guy. LOL.

Almost done with my work bench! My poopy drill/driver just isn't up to par.
 
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

So, I know this isn't really bike related, but I finished my work bench and am pretty proud of myself considering it's the first I've ever built. Now I can start working on the smaller parts without having to sit on the garage floor. Took the tabs off my swing arm (no accidents this time) and got a quote for sandblast and powder @ $85 USD, which seems steep, but meh, I guess since it includes blast and powder. Got lots of recommendations for the place. One question, Clymer not really being helpful on this...how the eff do I get the old bushings out?

Lights off:

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Lights on:

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Yes, that's a congratulatory 'Stone. LOL.
 
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

Very nice bench, you got a lot of first time projects going on.. good for you!
As for the swinger bushings... sorry, no help here. Mine have always been fine. I even checked the Factory Service Manual chapter 14 rear suspension and even though it gave the spec and service limits for the bushings there was nothing on removal.
If I had to guess, I'd say a long drift passed through the center of one, and drive the opposite side out... similar to wheel or steering stem bearings.
 
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

Thanks for the work bench compliments. Not much going on. Followed your idea HD and got the bushings out. Getting ready to order all the parts I can replace using Bike Bandit. Most stuff looks OK, but I want to replace everything I can just because I'm anal like that.

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Was hoping for some advice on the bushings. I saw a kit that can convert the bushings to needle bearings. Though, for some reason, I feel like I'm losing my mind and can only find kits for 78 and older. I believe Honda went to needle bearings in 1980. Can I just order the needle bearings and inner pivot rod for a 1980? I don't know. I was also thinking just going with brass bushings. What's the difference? Should I just go with brass and call it a day?

Also, I was thinking since my grinding left some rough spots, that this bike is going to be mostly matte black to hide flaws and to kind of give it a grimy look. Since I'll be powder coating my swing arm soon, I thought I would use that as my test part. Then, throw some orange in certain spots, like the spokes, points cover, etc. I know it sounds like Halloween, but I was thinking something like safety orange, like a real bright orange to avoid looking like Halloween or a chair in a cheap pizza chain restaurant.
 
Re: 1979 CB750K Cafe Build - First Time Builder

Your color scheme might be not bad, but keep in mind that the day-glow colors all seem to fade very quickly (and thoroughly) in sunlight. I don't know what happens if you throw clear coat over them, though.
 
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