CB750K7 Cafe Racer Build

[Doctor Jones]

Hi all.

Here I have a stock CB750K7 (UK Model) that looks a whole lot better than it really is. I had a mind to restore the bike but the more I looked at it, the more I was drawn to stripping it and building my take on a Cafe Racer. I'll try to be sympathetic and, wherever possible, keep it Honda. If parts are beyond refurb' then they'll be replaced. To add a little 'period' aging to the bike I'll use accents to take it back to that era we all aspire to. That said, it's a CB750 SOHC and I'd like to think its origin would be recognisable when we get to the end. If I rant because I've been let down by a supplier then please excuse me. If you have any questions or comments, both positive and negative, I'm happy to listen. If I can help with anything technical just ask but if I don't know I won't BS you. I hope the enjoyment I get while doing this kind of project shines through.

Anyway, here goes nothin'......

 

[Doctor Jones]

Frame is stripped and next we'll start work on the motor.

 

[Doctor Jones]

Bottom end is nice and tight with pretty low millage so that'll be left alone. Everything else will be re-built.

 

[andycafe]

Nice mate, I'm interested in this already I see you have an accomplice (taking pic's) do you, like me have the occasional visit wife? Keep up with the posts I look forward to your progress

 

[Doctor Jones]

Hi andycafe. Dr. H is my accomplice and wing-man. He's just better with a spanner than a camera. Ride safe. Dr. J.

 

[Doctor Jones]

I'll detail the head work for a while. I hope I don't overdo it and it gets boring. Let me know if there is too much detail. Thanks. :-X

 

[Finnigan]

sub'd

 

[Doctor Jones]

Sub'd?

 

[Doctor Jones]

Many hours spent cleaning and prepping the crankcases but I hope it'll make a difference.

 

[Finnigan]

Sub'd?

Subscribed to your thread

 

[Doctor Jones]

Here's one I prepared earlier.

 

[SaltCityCafe]

I'm in! Looks like its going to get good

 

[Doctor Jones]

Doh! Sorry Finigan and hello. Senior moment there.....

 

[Doctor Jones]

Head just had a light skim and its off with the barrels to powder-coat so, more tomorrow.

 

[SaltCityCafe]

I will be doing a big engine cleaning and prep like yours very soon...I think mine is dirtier to start with though...definitely not looking forward to it.

 

[Finnigan]

not a problem, keep up the strong work

 

[Doctor Jones]

If I could have done one thing differently before I stripped this bike, I would have steam-cleaned the motor. Let's face it, what could possibly hurt it (don't stick it up anywhere dainty of course)? I kid-you-not, it took 16 hours to clean and prep that motor ready for paint. Now, if you need to get out of the house for that amount of time....well, that's a different story.
Make sure it is so clean you can lick it before you start rattling those paint cans. You could spray brake cleaner all over it once you've done the hard bit but that stuff is so expensive I'd take my time and wipe it over with cellulose thinner.......twice! Careful what you do with the rags afterwards, though.

 

[Doctor Jones]

This is for Salt Lake: To ease the pain just get 12 of your favourite albums together and press >PLAY. Me, I started with Stevie Ray Vaughan.

 

[SaltCityCafe]

This is for Salt Lake: To ease the pain just get 12 of your favourite albums together and press >PLAY. Me, I started with Stevie Ray Vaughan.

LOL thats sound advice right there. I don't think I am going to go quite as indepth as you however, I think I want a little more of a weathered look

 

[Doctor Jones]

Think I'll go for shiney with the bike as I have the weathered look myself! Now, where did I put my face cream?