Going to start a winter project.

M

mdturner

New Member
Hey everyone.

So I'm looking to have a fun winter project I can work on in my spare time. I want to post in here to get some ideas on how to go about certain aspects, namely the rear end. This will be my first bike build. I am going to go for a hybrid of sorts? It will be leaning towards a bobber though.

So first up, I'm thinking of picking up a cb750c. They seem to be unpopular for a cafe because of frame shape but I like the lower seat and think it will match up better to my end goal.

This is the general shape I am going for. I want to keep the rear suspension though so here's my first question. I am definitely going to keep the rear fender on, if I want to put it close to the wheel like this though I'm suspecting I'll need to mount it to the swing arm. Can you point me to some builds/pics of people doing something similar? Or is this even possible? Does it come out hideous?

UB7IMm8.jpg


Also, I want to keep a front fender but not the way it is stock. Who's chopped theirs and what kind of problems did you run into?

I'm sure I'll have a ton of other questions so once I pick a bike up I'll be sure to start a build thread.

Right now I have my eye on two bikes. A 1980 cb750c with 33k miles, looks like it has been garaged most of its life, asking 1200 I'll try for 800-900. Is that a fair price? The second is a 1982 cb750c with 16k miles, doesn't look quite as clean, "New battery, runs but needs minor idle adjustment, and fuel tank petcock", asking 800 I'd offer 500. Is that fair? What's your input on the two?
 
Yes, you can do a "tire hugger" fender with fender struts fastened to the swingarm. The struts or fender sometimes fail from fatigue at some point due to the G forces they must endure.

Either of those bike's asking price is quite reasonable. Because you are going to chop it up and bastardize it, I suggest that you choose the one that is furthest from restoreable condition.
 
IMO, the DOHC CB750 C model is really under the radar for the moment. Excellent potential with the same engine as the F or K models that get much more attention. Even though it has rear drum of a K it has dual front disc brakes and that's a point in its favor. It also has the "Comstar" wheels of the F, many prefer spokes and that requires a K model.
Also the tank shape is unique. Some like it others don't. I fit a K model tank on my 81 C without any mods.. but find that was the exception to the rule. Most report having to relocate mounts to adapt the more sought after tank shape. Depending on your preferance you may want to keep the original teardrop shape.

If you are going to customize it I'd go for the cheaper runner with 16,000 miles. Even at $800 if it sounds decent... Who cares how clean it is, make sure the front forks aren't rusted and everthing works, brakes release when applied and so on, especially electrically (charges when reved up to 3500 rpm)... I think you'll do fine.
 
It's pretty tough to drop the rear frame like that hard tail and also keep rear suspension - how do you plan to pull that off?
 
If you guys can check this out and give me your input that would be awesome

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=26930192&cat=&lpid=3&search=honda%20cb&ad_cid=1

I talked to the guy, it hasn't run in years. It was seized in like '96 when he bought it and he was able to unseize it (by putting pb in the spark plug holes?) but it wouldn't run and he hasn't touched it since. Are there some common problems with this engine that cause it to seize? It's been for sale for a little while and I could probably get it for 600.
 
Rich Ard said:
It's pretty tough to drop the rear frame like that hard tail and also keep rear suspension - how do you plan to pull that off?
Click to expand...

That'll get ya close...

http://www.hondachopper.com/garage/konging/konging.html
 
i've always wondered... how is it riding a rigid frame like that? every two wheel machine i've been on has had shocks/monoshocks/etc. does the spring seat make it that much more comfortable?
 
Rich Ard said:
It's pretty tough to drop the rear frame like that hard tail and also keep rear suspension - how do you plan to pull that off?
Click to expand...

eventually I really want to see a bobber with a rear shock mounted in front of the engine connected with a few links
 
Roc City Cafe said:
eventually I really want to see a bobber with a rear shock mounted in front of the engine connected with a few links
Click to expand...

that would be interesting. quite the project and making it flush enough to clear your legs could be tricky. probably nothing more than a novelty but cool nonetheless
 
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