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SOHC.co.uk Forums => Project Board => Topic started by: J.P on April 04, 2016, 01:27:39 PM

Title: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on April 04, 2016, 01:27:39 PM
Good afternoon guys,
 I joined the forum a while back and have been simply amazed at the amount of knowledge that the collective has here. A real gold mine of information and very interesting to read though the various posts.

 Unlike a lot of the members here, I have very little mechanical or practical skill, or interest for that matter, to do my own build. I know plenty of friends who are well into years of restoring the same bike and not really closer to an end product. Fun for them but not actually a useable build. so I decided to just pay someone a lot of money and have them build me a bike.
 I chose a CB750 as it was a bike my dad had in the late 70's and I remember it as a young child. And given the history of builds and knowledge out there, I thought you could do a lot worse. :D

 Its been around 6 months since first discussion with a two-Brother team in Southend called, 'Autofabrica', and we're progressing along nicely with a rolling chassis.

This is what we started with, a donor bike found in Aberdeen I think.
(http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u404/JustinPhotis/31F43C4C-B720-4756-9FF0-D89307CB6941_zpsweqecze9.jpg)
 
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on April 04, 2016, 01:35:20 PM
I am not going for originality, that really doesn't interest me. I want form, and function.
 Then it was onto the design stage which I really enjoyed, back and forth over a few months of fine tuning to get more of a finished idea to work with. One of the brothers is a automotive/industrial designer by training. Their bikes are very much part of the new scene of custom bikes in Europe at the moment.

(http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u404/JustinPhotis/D949A39F-D706-4BEB-92FD-6610D3F6610B_zpspep5gn6t.jpg)
 
It'll be twin exhausts both sides, like the old RC161's.
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on April 04, 2016, 01:46:31 PM
Everything was stripped from the original bike and frame de-tabbed. Everything not necessary, or that could be discarded has been, or has been replaced.
 Hagon have done the rear suspension also a new set of spoked wheels.
 Front end has completely changed and forks replaced with a set of adjustable ones from a Yamaha XS650 with new race  internals. Front and rear discs thrown in favour of new lighters units and waiting for a set of Ducati Brembo calipers to fit I think.

 Engine rebuild is first rate, all blasted clean obviously but completely stripped and rebuilt with everything replaced if it was showing wear. We did give the engine a big bore kit from WISCO to stretch it out to 836 cc and it was gas flow optimised too to improve it a little more. A first class job all round, from a guy called Ash, who apparently is a part-time drag-bike builder. Cam-shaft rebuilt too.
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on April 04, 2016, 01:49:29 PM
So, this is where we are at the moment.

(http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u404/JustinPhotis/C9BB6D75-3269-42A3-91A0-BE79DBB2643A_zpseakhzplx.jpg)

Top yoke been shaved down and forks need cutting down some more too.
 Rear seat unit will house the oil reservoir which I saw on a Kott Motorcycle build at some point last year.
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: Green1 on April 04, 2016, 07:32:20 PM
Welcome glad your choping an F1 rather than a K  ;D
I met someone from The bike shed when they were first starting he offered good money for my bike but I just couldn't part with it knowing they were going to chop it.

Mick
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: yozzer74 on April 05, 2016, 04:43:16 AM
Looks very very nice ..
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: UK Pete on April 05, 2016, 06:59:24 AM
The f models make great cafes, i am liking  your project ,if i get my finger out i have two of them that need finishing
pete
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: MarkCR750 on April 06, 2016, 06:54:18 PM
Looking very promising , nice lines.
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: Liam on April 26, 2016, 09:31:22 PM
that looks really well…  The graphics smash it!!
I'm just about to start the long road back after tear down on my 750F cafe.  Engine should be going back in in a few weeks and then we're mocking it up quickly to make sure it all fits…  aiming to go to the Manx GP end of August…  we'll see.
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: mick on April 27, 2016, 07:48:02 AM
Great work so far JP keep up the good work and don't forget to post photos  ;) cheers Mick.
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on July 20, 2016, 12:51:12 PM
Been a little while since I put up some pictures but the build has been a bit slower than I hoped lately.
But the final stretch not as my builders are assembling.

(http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u404/JustinPhotis/257A57A1-F668-42F4-8365-047C11F8E1BD_zpscqdmkwzx.jpg) (http://s1066.photobucket.com/user/JustinPhotis/media/257A57A1-F668-42F4-8365-047C11F8E1BD_zpscqdmkwzx.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on July 20, 2016, 12:52:34 PM
(http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u404/JustinPhotis/900C49F9-7C18-4318-A893-597A635F8CD1_zpsqfij997u.jpg) (http://s1066.photobucket.com/user/JustinPhotis/media/900C49F9-7C18-4318-A893-597A635F8CD1_zpsqfij997u.jpg.html)

(http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u404/JustinPhotis/BF7009FB-6F83-44D6-A364-591040A820D9_zpspus5uei0.jpg) (http://s1066.photobucket.com/user/JustinPhotis/media/BF7009FB-6F83-44D6-A364-591040A820D9_zpspus5uei0.jpg.html)

(http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u404/JustinPhotis/BFB2A0FA-9D78-4F04-90EE-6AE8EE338847_zpsgrc5xyuw.jpg) (http://s1066.photobucket.com/user/JustinPhotis/media/BFB2A0FA-9D78-4F04-90EE-6AE8EE338847_zpsgrc5xyuw.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: yozzer74 on July 20, 2016, 06:03:04 PM
Tidy
Bet that's costing a bit
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on July 20, 2016, 06:04:14 PM
Just a bit more than a bit actually. :)
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on August 08, 2016, 10:46:48 AM
And So after 9 months of design and planning and building, my bike has been finished.
 I have done none of this myself.  :D

(http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u404/JustinPhotis/8bec451b-1738-4792-83d2-3b48eeedecdf_zpskzg2ns73.jpg)
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: yozzer74 on August 08, 2016, 12:10:44 PM
Is she up & running
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: royhall on August 08, 2016, 12:30:37 PM
Silly question but where have they hidden the electrics and the oil? Looks the business.
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: Sgt.Pinback on August 08, 2016, 12:57:53 PM
Following the pipes oil tank is under the fuel tank.

Silly question: where may you ride it?
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: hairygit on August 08, 2016, 12:58:23 PM
I'm gugob the essing the fuel tank has an internal compartment that is the oil tank, and at a guess, the minimal wiring is hidden in the outer sleeve of the oil line.

Sent from my D2303 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: MarkCR750 on August 08, 2016, 05:32:05 PM
And So after 9 months of design and planning and building, my bike has been finished.
 I have done none of this myself.  :D

(http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u404/JustinPhotis/8bec451b-1738-4792-83d2-3b48eeedecdf_zpskzg2ns73.jpg)

Wow, what a superb looking machine, they have made a fantastic job of that, a real head turner, well done!
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: UK Pete on August 08, 2016, 05:35:33 PM
It looks great
pete
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on August 08, 2016, 05:53:31 PM
Thank you all.
 It took none of my sweat and tears, but great collaboration and design.

The oil tank is hidden on the inside of the right side of the petrol tank. A really nice bit of fabrication with a loss of fuel capacity, but lets not kid myself that this is a long distance tourer.
 Rear hump houses a new lithium battery.
 A motogadget M-Unit takes care of all the wiring for various devices and most of the wiring back to front is buried inside the frame tubing.
 It is , up close, once of the nicest custom builds I've ever seen, and that's not just because it's now mine.

The bike will be run for the first time this week and then off for its M.O.T and I'll be on it very soon.
Though as most of the engine is new inside it'll need some running on, especially as the crank shaft had to be remade.
 
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on August 08, 2016, 05:58:49 PM

Silly question: where may you ride it?

It's not a silly question at all. I'll ride it anywhere I like. Only the small seat will restrict me. :)
It's not a garage piece just to look at. It was always going to be fully functioning and road worthy.

The estimation is that the power output is up about 50% but can't fully sure until it's run in then put on a Dyno for a full test. Capacity went from 750 cc to 836 cc anyway.
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: Sgt.Pinback on August 09, 2016, 07:21:07 AM
So it is even street legal?

Best looking 750 cafe racer I have seen. Great you did not go for a ugly upside down fork and kept the old style.
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on August 09, 2016, 11:27:32 AM
Of course it's street legal.  :)
 I have a headlight, horn, indicators, registration, road tax, road tyres. Everything it needs.
There might be a question over the size of the number plate when it's fitted, but I'll distract the policeman by showing him the rest of my shiny bike.
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: Chris400F on August 09, 2016, 11:49:43 AM
The style is not my personal cup of tea but liking the clean uncluttered lines. Very neat.
Can you give us some more pics from different angles please so we can see more of the workmanship.
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: MarkCR750 on August 09, 2016, 07:26:00 PM
Of course it's street legal.  :)
 I have a headlight, horn, indicators, registration, road tax, road tyres. Everything it needs.
There might be a question over the size of the number plate when it's fitted, but I'll distract the policeman by showing him the rest of my shiny bike.
You might have more of a problem with the noise! , I think this can be read as our bikes don't have noise limitations though, stick a copy under the seat 😄
Just highlight the misleading bits the average cop will fall for it !

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200304/ldlwa/40525wa1.pdf
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: Erling on August 10, 2016, 10:02:02 AM
No electric starter?
Hence a kickstart!
Erling.
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on August 10, 2016, 10:13:07 AM
It is an electric start. The Kickstarter is kept for looks
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: Bryanj on August 10, 2016, 04:59:13 PM
No matter what the parliamentary document says the MOT book says it must be as quiet as a machine with standard exhaust system in reasonable condition------another case where construction and use differ from MOT
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on August 16, 2016, 03:33:14 PM
Don't care what the government document says about noise. I have my M.O.T now.

Here's a small write up on the bike launch via BIKEEXIF
http://www.bikeexif.com/honda-custom-auto-fabrica

Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: Chris400F on August 16, 2016, 03:53:56 PM
I have my M.O.T now.
Great stuff. Now you can get out and use the bike!

Here's a small write up on the bike launch via BIKEEXIF
http://www.bikeexif.com/honda-custom-auto-fabrica
That's an interesting read - the builders seem to have enjoyed the job. A couple of queries ....
1. Where is the oil filler? I'm guessing under the fuel filler flap.
2. Where will the number plate go?
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on August 16, 2016, 04:03:11 PM
It was only delivered late on Sunday and this damned thing called a day job has kept me busy for a couple of days, but tomorrow I'm taking the day off for as many miles as I can muster on it.

The Oil filler is in the top of the new oil reservoir , which is hidden under the tank. So petrol tank removal to get at it.

And the number plate is now fixed on a special bracket that was bolted to the bottom of the right rear suspension support, just not for these photo's
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: UK Pete on August 16, 2016, 09:28:42 PM
i enjoyed reading that its an awesome bike 10/10
pete
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: Laverda Dave on August 17, 2016, 05:19:17 PM
Fantastic build and great write up. Enjoy it :)
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: Mace53 on September 24, 2016, 04:32:53 AM
Gorgeous bike there. If you get a chance to post a video of her running, please do. I'm loving the exhaust by the way.

Sent from my E2303 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: Spitfire on September 24, 2016, 08:48:31 AM
That's a beauty, would love to hear it run up.

Cheers

Dennis
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on October 17, 2016, 10:31:29 AM
Yes, remiss of me not to have posted a video yes but I'll get round to it.
It's been running in very well so far, but having a oil drip from a couple of bolts underneath, one of the sump plug but what's this other one ??? On the left had side.


(http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/u404/JustinPhotis/D74C0948-7C15-49F3-8B17-2521DEDC9E9C_zpsny1qrgki.jpg) (http://s1066.photobucket.com/user/JustinPhotis/media/D74C0948-7C15-49F3-8B17-2521DEDC9E9C_zpsny1qrgki.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: Chris400F on October 17, 2016, 01:18:16 PM
Is it the part called Cap, Oil Path (part 5 on the diagram)?

Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: MrDavo on October 17, 2016, 03:43:51 PM
Its just a blanking plug, there's nothing above it. There should be an O ring, though.
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on October 18, 2016, 02:54:49 PM
Thanks Mr Davo,
 I was thinking there should be one too, like everywhere there's oil right ?
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: Chris400F on October 18, 2016, 03:19:22 PM
Whoops! Looking at this thread again I realised I put the wrong image in my last post.
Oh well, to err is human .... Try this one, it shows the part and the associated oil ring.

Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on October 18, 2016, 03:30:25 PM
ok thank you.
 Will discuss with the engine builders an find some. Cheers

Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on October 18, 2016, 04:39:56 PM
Oddjob, the sump plug did also have a drip so it could be from both.
 Will get them to have a good check over when it's back in for some remedial work around the bike.
Thanks everyone
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: MarkCR750 on October 18, 2016, 05:15:00 PM
Really looking forward to seeing the video of your bike JP (hint).
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on October 18, 2016, 05:16:26 PM
Haha.
 I have it on my facebook page but can't export it.
I'll find a way :)
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: yozzer74 on October 18, 2016, 05:29:58 PM
Put it on YouTube then copy link
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: J.P on October 18, 2016, 06:06:30 PM
ok, here it is.
I think it sounds lovely, 4-into-4 , with baffles in there so it isn't massively noisy at all.

https://youtu.be/LaFyrkWD_yg

Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: MarkCR750 on October 18, 2016, 07:13:08 PM
Sounds really good, crisp and as you say not overly loud, great job!.
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: Spitfire on October 18, 2016, 07:16:38 PM
That's a really nice sound.

Cheers

Dennis
Title: Re: 1976 CB750 Cafe Racer Build
Post by: Johnwebley on October 18, 2016, 08:27:41 PM
Sounds really good, crisp and as you say not overly loud, great job!.

  sounds very sweet !!
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