Blackbomber
New Member
Well not exactly. I've been into old Hondas since my first "real" motorcycle (compared to mopeds and dirtbikes), a green CL200, back in 1993. I won't go through the entire list of 19 bikes I've owned in my 37 years. My screen name comes from my favorite of them all, a 1965 CB450. It was daily transportation for quite a while, and I would never hesitate to take it anywhere. I'd have it forever, except that it was stolen about 8 years ago. Anyway, at about that time, I got itching to do something in the Cafe style. Keep in mind, at that time, there wasn't this "cafe anything" mentality, no TV or mainstream magazines or really even internet sites for this. I had plans for a '67 Scrambler I already owned. After months of back and forth, I decided that I didn't want to ruin a good bike (even I realize this is bastardazation), so I won a $50.00 CB350 on eBay from a guy who found it in a field. I have photos somewhere that I hope to find to scan in this basket case. Engine seized, but all there. Surprisingly, it was not too difficult to tear down. Lots of PB blaster and patience. I think I only ruined one bolt. I cut my teeth on an angle grinder, and shaved all the pressed steel lips, and welded the seams. I also shaved the centerstand mounts (was using two into one that eliminated the stand), and neck lock. I did some really cool work to the top fork clamp. I shaved the bungs for the handlebar risers, plugged them with billet, and fully polished it. I had some Dunstall replica clip ons I was going to use. Some other cool things, then life happened, and I lost interest. Fast forward to this week, when I decided to get back on it. I found your forum through an image search I did for ideas, and here I am. I'm in the process of a home purchase, and will be getting married in September, so I'll likely not do anything until winter. But I figured I'd hang out here a bit for inspiration, so thought I should introduce myself.