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First off, I'd like to re-introduce myself to the forum as it's been several years since I've posted or owned any projects. Name's Brent and I live here in good 'ol North Florida (Jacksonville). About a year ago I aquired a 1974 CB750K from a friend of mine. It was in really bad shape, didn't run, wire harness was partially burnt and someone who has no business with a welder had previously owned it. I was going to fix all the small things just to get it rolling again but the more I tore into it the more I couldn't help myself. I now have the motor out, the frame is bare and I'm going full blown cafe with this one, but with a little modern flare. It's a budget build for sure, so time and money are my enemy. But here is where it stands as of last week. Figured I'd share...
I've taken a good bit of my time cleaning up the frame's welds, tabs etc. It has a "period correct" extended swingarm on it. From what I can see it was done really well, so that part of the bike is staying as is (it was not done by the previous owner, haha). I have a 2006 GSXR750 front end (minus the wheel) that's going on it soon, after I machine the stock steering stem a bit. The cylinder walls were pretty scored so it's getting a Cycle X 850cc bore kit, cam and I'm having the cylinder head worked a bit. I'd love to do more to the motor but I'm trying to keep the build somewhat down on cost.
Re: The Everlasting CB750 Project - Cafe w/ Modern Flare
Ya as far as I know it's a K. The bike was actually given to me because my friend who thought he wanted a motorcycle lost all interest in it real fast. As far as the bore kit costing me a lot, the 850cc piston kit really didn't cost me much more than a set of oversize pistons and since the cylinder walls were heavily scored I didn't have much option. After a set of cams and some minor head work it shouldn't be too bad. More cost is going into other components as most of the bike was heavily damaged or needed replacing. But when the cost of the bike is FREE, I can't complain. I actually work for Harley-Davidson and very few of my fellow employees understand my obsession with old Hondas. The nice part is I have a lot of resources at my fingertips... a good powdercoating source, paint, machining etc. I actually plan on doing the cylinder boring and other stuff, like machining/modifying the steering stem myself.
Re: The Everlasting CB750 Project - Cafe w/ Modern Flare
I'm hoping to drop off my cylinder and cylinder head to Tacyhon, a local automotive machine shop here in Jacksonville that does some work for us here at Harley from time to time. The guys there are going to walk me through their process and sort of give me a schooling or "how-to" more or less on working the head and boring the cylinders out. I hope to also get time this weekend to machine out my steering stem so I can get the GSXR front-end mocked up.
I'm getting really excited about this build. As I stated earlier it's been a while since I've been on this forum and to see how much it's grown and how many people have projects rolling, it makes me all the more eager to get mine going strong.
Re: The Everlasting CB750 Project - Cafe w/ Modern Flare
So I didn't get too much done this weekend but with my schedule baby steps is how this project seems to be paced...
The rear wheel needed some major attention, so I quickly took my frustration out on the spokes. After getting the rotted and rusty tire off I cleaned up the hub (below) a bit and inspected the bearings (needs new bearings and seals, ordered and on their way from Dime City). I tried to salvage the rim itself but it looks like I'll be scavenging for a Harley 18" rim up at work to powder and lace into the Honda hub.
I've had my fun polishing aluminum before, so this time around I'm possibly taking it to FINN's Brass & Silver Polishing here in Jacksonville.
One of the first pictures I posted was of the seat mock-up. Well Friday night I spent some more time getting the front portion of the seat to fit better with the rear Sportster fender. It's fitting pretty snug and now I'm just waiting on a magical weld fairy to appear and do the rest (I don't have a welder nor have I ever welded - which needs to change real quick). I have another piece cut for the actual seat pan. All of it will be attached accordingly to a pivot hinge up at the front where it meets the tank. I plan on using air-craft style quick release pins on the back cross bracket so you can easily access the electricals with a flip of the seat.
On another note... as a beginner what's a good welder to start off with? I can't drop a ton of money by any means and I'll only be using it to do minor frame brackets and welding like you see on the seat. Keep in mind I know next to nothing so talk to me like a 10 year old.
im interested in how you did the knee dents. bike looks cool. if you are not planning on doing extensive welds for long periods of time i would suggest a Millermatic 180 im not a certified welder nor have i used all different kinds i only MIG weld self taught and am pretty descent. you will get pretty good fast with a lot of practice because we all know how much grinding crappy welds is
@beartoothblackcat For the tank I honestly just used a ball peen hammer and a rough sketch of the outline wher I wanted the knee dents. I just took my time and made sure I was hitting where I wanted. I've seen other methods but the tank is going to need work in a few other spots anyways so I knew NO bodywork was out of the question.
As for the welder... Unless I can find a used one at a pawn shop, that's probably still out of my price range for now. Later on when I have a house and garage of my own I'll probably bite down on a better welder, I just need something somewhat inexpensive now. I hate to say this because I truly believe in quality tools (I own mostly SnapOn or Craftsman). Even if I could tac a few spots and then take it to my friend across town to put nice welds on it. It's just hard for me to commute with a frame and seat in hand. Thanks for your input though!
i saw the snapon box so i figured u believe in quality. imho i would not buy anything less than a miller and wouldnt go smaller than a 160 cause i believe they are a 2% duty cycle which means u can weld for 2 minutes every 10 minutes. but i understand that funds dictate the tools and i am in the same boat thats why i am on the payment plan from the matco dealer
i saw the snapon box so i figured u believe in quality. imho i would not buy anything less than a miller and wouldnt go smaller than a 160 cause i believe they are a 2% duty cycle which means u can weld for 2 minutes every 10 minutes. but i understand that funds dictate the tools and i am in the same boat thats why i am on the payment plan from the matco dealer
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