After what seems forever trying to find a project i could get locally i have finally found a 1974 honda cb500 four which i am getting ready to turn into my first cafe racer. i have been a big fan of the style for many years but living in a small town miles from anything finding projects locally has been a nightmare. the thing is i am 6"5 and will probably need to do a lot of modifications to make the bike a bit more accommodating for my frame. I have toyed with the thought of fitting adjustable rear sets and ace bars for added comfort but i would still like some added ride hieght, does anyone know of any companies that sell longer rear shocks for this bike or any other modifications i may be able to make to help me out. thanks for any help you can give me.
tall person friendly
- Thread starter mozza
- Start date
my-79-750-k
Therapy is expensive. Riding is cheap. You decide.
I believe the CB750/900 factory shocks were longer than the 500/550s. Also, if you look into aftermarket companies like Ohlins or Progressive or any of the hundreds out there, many of them make longer overall length shocks for increasing the ride height instead of decreasing it. Good luck!
Big R
Heaven is so far away.
Welcome to DTT!
Check out Dime City Cycles (link at the top of the page)- they should have just about anything you may need.
If you look around enough, you may be able to make custom rear sets that put your feet a little further back. And www.roccitycafe.com makes adjustable clip ons too.
Check out Dime City Cycles (link at the top of the page)- they should have just about anything you may need.
If you look around enough, you may be able to make custom rear sets that put your feet a little further back. And www.roccitycafe.com makes adjustable clip ons too.
Thanks for the quick response guys. in regards to the cb750/900 shocks do you know if there would be any modifications needed to be made to the mounting points on the frame or swing arm to take them or would they bolt straight on? This bieng my first build project i need as much help as i can get and this site seemed like the best source of information i could find.
There are lots of different shocks you can use, lots of different prices, only a couple of different levels of quality. Most 750s came through with shocks about 12.5" long and you can find them pretty easily between 11.5 and 13.5. Once you get past about 13 inches you should start paying attention to clearance between the chain and swing-arm when the shock is fully extended.
As for the rearsets it starts to become problematic as a person gets taller. I'm going to have to pretty blunt about some of this - sorry about that. The basic problem is that you're about as tall as the bike is long, and so to get yourself situated on the bike you have to assume something close to a prone position if the bike is to be built in the common Cafe style. The way it works out pegs gotta go backward, bars gotta go forward, and all the while you getting stretched out in the middle. Well, picture yourself as being sort of a See/Saw (children's playground implement) and in your mind's eye picture that as you're out there see-sawin' just what part of your anatomy is everything pivoting on? Unless you plan to name the bike The Nutcrusher Special you might want to consider either a larger bike to build or a more upright seating position than normally seen on a Cafe style bike.
As for the rearsets it starts to become problematic as a person gets taller. I'm going to have to pretty blunt about some of this - sorry about that. The basic problem is that you're about as tall as the bike is long, and so to get yourself situated on the bike you have to assume something close to a prone position if the bike is to be built in the common Cafe style. The way it works out pegs gotta go backward, bars gotta go forward, and all the while you getting stretched out in the middle. Well, picture yourself as being sort of a See/Saw (children's playground implement) and in your mind's eye picture that as you're out there see-sawin' just what part of your anatomy is everything pivoting on? Unless you plan to name the bike The Nutcrusher Special you might want to consider either a larger bike to build or a more upright seating position than normally seen on a Cafe style bike.
Ha i don't look completely ridiculous on it it's pretty comfortable actually it came with a cafe style seat already (crudely) attached and I have mocked up some bars already and it feels fine, maybe not for long journeys but that's not what it's for I'm just looking for a bit of a jack up in ride height and some space for my big feet other than that I feel good on it even though it's only a 500.
