Honda Cb650 - Trying to decide how to finish tail

[andrew90]

This is my honda cb650. Currently in the process of trying to figure out how to finish off the tail end of the bike and make it look like it belongs there. Because the seat is shaped the way it is (made a custom seat pan) I have somewhat of a bulge at the end of the bike. Any suggestions on how to finish the tail off and make it look good?

I have considered many things such as building a modified fender, shaping and building a box, etc.

 

[plagrone]

That's such a unique looking seat that I think you're going to need a unique solution. Maybe some kind of rounded bodywork (and I mean round, like a half sphere) coming off the back of the seat with a short fender under it. Hard to describe what I'm seeing in my minds eye. I'll try to draw something later

 

[plagrone]

Like a low round cafe-style tail, the top of which sits flush with the top of the seat, round tail light?

I think that might be cool...

or something squared off that sweeps upwards a little?

Just spit-ballin'

 

[jungalist]

or something squared off that sweeps upwards a little?

that would be perfect i think but wouldn't suit the tank... try mocking up some ideas with cardboard?

 

[Hutch]

Why not a cowl mounted to the fender brace sort of like this...

 

[sprocket2cog]

maybe something like this would work

 

[Hutch]

I'm working on a cb650, cut off the rear fender brace and remounted flush to the frame. Created a seat pan that follows the bend in the frame to run a brat seat. I don't have any pics accept when I was just starting the mock up (not trimmed to size at this point). I'll add a rear bobbed fender mounted to the re-positioned brace and the holes in the back of the frame which will also be used for turn signals.

 

[Hutch]

Here's an example of what I'm talking about, only with a rear hoop. Quite frankly your seat detracts from an otherwise very nice bike. If you want to keep the fender brace in tact, consider creating or trimming your existing seat pan along the bottom edge to follow the lines of the frame. I had a number of ideas mocked up, the rear cowl on the existing fender brace was the most appealing, but I opted for a longer seat instead. With the cowl you could hide the taillight or finish the back and flush mount.

Great bike, can't wait to see it complete, I'll be following the thread.

 

[jungalist]

maybe something like this would work

not bad at all

 

[Hutch]

Sorry to mislead, the white one is not mine, but close to what I'm doing. I chose to keep the frame in tact with the exception of lowering the rear fender brace and trimming a few tabs. Also removed the large frame stand and mounts in favor of the side stand only. This was done mainly for weight.

I personally like to work within the perimeters of the frame when possible, plus the 650 frame has some built in mounting options for signals, tail light, license plate bracket, rear fender IMO. I have an '82 CB650SC with a tank from a '80 CB650C. I feel the 650's are a great platform to build from, with great power to weight and a pleasure to ride.

 

[Bozz]

Well, a cx500 deluxe tail light/cowl would match that seat fairly closely.
It may not be the style you were after, though...

 

[andrew90]

Here's an example of what I'm talking about, only with a rear hoop. Quite frankly your seat detracts from an otherwise very nice bike. If you want to keep the fender brace in tact, consider creating or trimming your existing seat pan along the bottom edge to follow the lines of the frame. I had a number of ideas mocked up, the rear cowl on the existing fender brace was the most appealing, but I opted for a longer seat instead. With the cowl you could hide the taillight or finish the back and flush mount.

Great bike, can't wait to see it complete, I'll be following the thread.

The picture of the white cb750 is almost exactly the look Im going for on the seat and the rear fender. Would you recommend modifying the seat pan I have or just starting a new one from scratch. If I start a new one, money will be lost, but its more important to me that I get the look I m going for.

Anyone have any suggestions on how I could take the current seat and make it look like what I want. I think it may just be to high off the frame. If I could find a hoop kit to go on the back that curved up and came more level with the back of the seat, then I feel I could make something that looked decent, but still isn't what I was originally going for.