1980 cb 750c CAFE?

K

korndog12

Active Member
Picked up this bike recently and have to decided if I want to go.

1. All out cafe
2. slightly cafe
3. Clean up and sell and get a K or F.


Engine currently runs pretty strong but the bike is very loud at highway speed. It probably needs a new exhaust and the p.o.s. clamp on straight exhaust on the bike now is annoyingly loud. After about 2 hrs of purple power and tolietbowl cleaner the engine is actually looking pretty good. It had a nasty front end assembly that I ripped off and am currently looking for headlight ears at a good price and a new front light.

Here is the pictures as I bought it and as it sits now.
IMG_0064.jpg

IMG_0099.jpg

IMG_0103.jpg

IMG_0101.jpg

Input appreciated.

Thanks.
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

It has potential, but that's a hard platform to work with. Ask me how I know ::) The DOHC engine is a good motor. Mine has been turn key the majority of the time I've had it and I've put about 22000 miles on it.


PS: WTF is up with that seat?!
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

Yeah, the "Custom" addition makes Cafe conversion a bit more difficult, specifically in making a cafe style seat. The frame rises over the rear wheel so its nigh impossible to have a straight seat. Not impossible by any means, just more difficult. It looks like someone tried their hand at custom fabbing a cafe seat, but didn't quite get it dialed down right.

It looks to be a pretty clean bike overall, so that's good. It also already has pods on it and, from what I can tell, aftermarket carbs. If they are already tuned right, then half the restoration is already over!! Haha, I exaggerate a little. Any idea what make they are?

My opinion. Make it as "Cafe" as you want. Do whatever you want to do to it. Depending on how in depth you want to get, you could:
1. Put on new handlebars and mirrors
2. Get a new, simplified dash kit,
3. Rewire the electrical to make it as hidden as possible(my personal preference there)
4. Move the battery,
5. Try and make/buy a new seat,
6. Paint the engine/wheels/frame/tank
7. Cut the fenders and replace brake lights/turn signals
8. Get rearsets
9. Oh, and of course, put on a turbo. All Cafes HAVE to have a turbo or else no one will even look at it...

I'm sure others will chime in with their more experienced thoughts, but I think that might set you on the right road

One thing I'd say, is pick a stand. Either center stand or kickstand. Easy way to start shedding some extraneous parts.
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

From what I can tell the seat is just the original padding rewrapped in a piece of leather halfassed done. When I bought it the guy made a big deal about it and I gave him the eye roll. As far as how far to cafe it I was thinking about just a few basics, clubmans, barends, seat and chop the fenders. I think I may just try and make the bike sellable and find a k.

It does have the potential however.

Anyone know where to source a cheap set of headlight ears?
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

Fox said:
Yeah, the "Custom" addition makes Cafe conversion a bit more difficult, specifically in making a cafe style seat. The frame rises over the rear wheel so its nigh impossible to have a straight seat. Not impossible by any means, just more difficult. It looks like someone tried their hand at custom fabbing a cafe seat, but didn't quite get it dialed down right.

It looks to be a pretty clean bike overall, so that's good. It also already has pods on it and, from what I can tell, aftermarket carbs. If they are already tuned right, then half the restoration is already over!! Haha, I exaggerate a little. Any idea what make they are?

My opinion. Make it as "Cafe" as you want. Do whatever you want to do to it. Depending on how in depth you want to get, you could:
1. Put on new handlebars and mirrors
2. Get a new, simplified dash kit,
3. Rewire the electrical to make it as hidden as possible(my personal preference there)
4. Move the battery,
5. Try and make/buy a new seat,
6. Paint the engine/wheels/frame/tank
7. Cut the fenders and replace brake lights/turn signals
8. Get rearsets
9. Oh, and of course, put on a turbo. All Cafes HAVE to have a turbo or else no one will even look at it...

I'm sure others will chime in with their more experienced thoughts, but I think that might set you on the right road

One thing I'd say, is pick a stand. Either center stand or kickstand. Easy way to start shedding some extraneous parts.
Click to expand...


And although a turbo would be sick. I have this bike if I want to go fast

IMG_0003.jpg
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

no they are not aftermarket carbs. they are stock. I have a couple links for you korndog. I'll see if I can find them.
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

DOHCs will make a better brat or bobber, IMHO. Take a look at Brat Style, Wrench Monkees or Cafe Racer Dreams bikes to see what I'm talking about. They've all made DOHC bikes that look fantastic. Unless you're a skilled fabricator or don't mind spending a lot on aftermarket parts, there's just not much you can do with that frame if you're looking to build a cafe. Especially on the custom, because the subframe for the seat dips lower than it does on the K/F models.

This is, of course, just my opinion. I was dead set on turning my bike ('79 CB750L) into a cafe until I started realizing that I either had to compromise the style I was after, or modify the frame more than I was comfortable with. I've always liked the brat style anyway, so there's no reason for me to go out of my way to build something I'm not 100% satisfied with.
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

flatcurve said:
Unless you're a skilled fabricator or don't mind spending a lot on aftermarket parts, there's just not much you can do with that frame if you're looking to build a cafe. Especially on the custom, because the subframe for the seat dips lower than it does on the K/F models.
Click to expand...

True. The K is a better option. Check this one out from a dotheton member http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=9860.0;attach=41529;image
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

korndog, here's a link to biker_reject's build thread: http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=9860.0 Def a good read
Are you looking for an OEM seat or something different? I think I have a link for a seat manufacturer in Vietnam that sells bolt on flat or cafe seats for your bike.
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

Looking for a cafe type seat bolt on would be nice. Just want to sport it up a bit more then it currently is. A cross cafe bobber type look wouldnt be too bad on the eyes.
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

Just ordered a headlight and put a bid on some ears. Next in line is to try and get the seat situation taken care of. Also removed the nasty rear hugger and taillight assembly. Will look into getting a flexible led strip with a cafe type tail. If I can find a seatpan and cushion that fit the bike this project will be on the right track. Needs to be flat then angled however to fit the current subframe.
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

Something I just noticed is that it looks like you have the Cycle-X 4-2-1 header with the unbaffled exhaust tip. That's a $360 piece of kit. Nice score.

http://www.cyclexchange.net

You should be able to put a slip-on on there to replace that tip, no problem.
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

I have this exact bike. I'm trying to figure out which direction to go with it too. I really like the idea of a brat. You can fit a passenger and/or some camping gear if you wanted. It seems a little more functional to me.
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

So here she is without the seat and ugly fender.

I was looking at a set of side covers that were on ebay that ended up going for 130 with shipping. I didnt feel like dumping that much into a set of sidecovers so its looking like I am going to relocate a lot of the electronic junk to under the seat hump. Or construct a more appealing looking battery box.

As it stands.

IMG_0116.jpg


The exhaust does seem to resemble the cycle x. It has also a mac looking rear slipon that can be put on and is not as loud. I am contemplating ideas as far as how I want to change that.

Finally I can envision a thick seat on top a seat pan with a bump that will give the bike much more cafe like lines along with being more comfortable.
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

Maybe use a seat like this http://www.cb750cafe.com/parts.php?id=10 and have to modify a little bit due to the C frame.
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

If you don't win the headlight ears on eBay, try treatland.com. It's a scooter parts site, but they have ears for 33, 35 and 37mm forks, has all the 750's covered. You could still do a cafe style seat with that hump of a frame, it would just take some fabrication. The seat area would have to sit lower than the hump, then just weld them to a piece of angle steel and have the hump come back over the rear frame rails. Cut that passenger seat bracket support out and either weld in a hoop or some pieces of flat bar in between the rear rails to tighten the rear end up. Check out my build in my signature to see it on a K model. Either way, good luck with it whichever way you go.
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

Got the ears and headlight in along with some wrinkle paint for some of the side covers. Exhaust wrap and coating too. Also new battery and about to order some bars.

1 clubmans
2 flat bars

Not sure any ideas. Also where is a cheap place to score either clubmans or flat bars.


Found those links yet yogi? Still looking for seat options.

Thanks
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

Thoughts on this seat?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1980-1982-Honda-CB750C-CB750-C-cafe-seat-cover-foam-/400258028644?_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D6083565954376376130#ht_1225wt_952
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

Looks pretty good. Pricey though.
 
Re: 1980 cb 750c Need input

korndog12 said:
Thoughts on this seat?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1980-1982-Honda-CB750C-CB750-C-cafe-seat-cover-foam-/400258028644?_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D6083565954376376130#ht_1225wt_952
Click to expand...


That's the seller I was going to provide the link for. I think he has flat seats as well
 
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