[speed2xs]

Hi guys,

I've been active here a couple weeks now, so I figured I'd post my projects.

My primary project is my 81 CB125S. I got this 2 years ago but only recently have I had the space or time to start looking at it. Unfortunately I'm pretty short on funds, so I'm just planning. The tank is a 71 cb350 twin tank, and the seat is from a guy in WA who sells on ebay.

My 71 or 72 CB500F I purchased about 8 years ago or so. The former owner told me it was purchased for racing purposes originally, somewhere in the mid-west, maybe WI? It had been streeted for a short time afterward then garaged. It has been in this state since I acquired it, and eventually plan to restore it to it's race configuration considering it's past.

Lastly, is my former daily, the SV650. I purchased this new in 01 because I wanted a cafe but couldnt finance a real one, and I(formerly) hated sportbikes, and especially disliked cruisers (still do). So, I bought this because it was relatively cheap for a new motorcycle, less ugly than most, and liked it's potential. Since purchasing I rebuilt the front end with cartridge emulators, penske read adj shock, vortex clipons, woodcraft 3 piece rear sets, custom headlight.. blah blah blah. I havent ridden this in over two years after detonating a coulpe of disks in my neck. Thats why I bought the cb125. I thought I'd get it going quicker... hahah, right.

Thanks for viewing!


Laurence

'71 Honda CB500/4
'81 Honda CB125S
'01 Suzuki SV650
---------------------
www.SoCal86.com

 

[catboy]

that 500F is awesome! ...cable actuated brake. killer! if it were mine, somewhere down the road, i'd look into other tank options but that just personal preference. cheers!

"Better a cruel truth than a comfortable delusion." -Edward Abbey

 

[catboy]

that 500F is awesome! ...cable actuated brake. killer! if it were mine, somewhere down the road, i'd look into other tank options but that just personal preference. cheers!

"Better a cruel truth than a comfortable delusion." -Edward Abbey

 

[speed2xs]

Thanks. I love this bike... Right now it is still beyond my skills in repair, but I will get after it sometime, sooner than later. At one time it had the big full fairing, but that left before I got it. As far as the tank goes, I don't know what will become of it. I think there are better looking options, but as this was a purpose built bike back in the day, the Kawi tank served it's purposes well. It looks as if it is comfortable to lean over. From what Ive read here it has cb750 forks, since it has dual brakes up front. And I'm curious to see what, if any, engine work has been done.

Anyway, I'll get this going again someday

'71 Honda CB500/4
'81 Honda CB125S
'01 Suzuki SV650
---------------------
http://www.SoCal86.com

 

[speed2xs]

Thanks. I love this bike... Right now it is still beyond my skills in repair, but I will get after it sometime, sooner than later. At one time it had the big full fairing, but that left before I got it. As far as the tank goes, I don't know what will become of it. I think there are better looking options, but as this was a purpose built bike back in the day, the Kawi tank served it's purposes well. It looks as if it is comfortable to lean over. From what Ive read here it has cb750 forks, since it has dual brakes up front. And I'm curious to see what, if any, engine work has been done.

Anyway, I'll get this going again someday

'71 Honda CB500/4
'81 Honda CB125S
'01 Suzuki SV650
---------------------
http://www.SoCal86.com

 

[coolatula]

Neat projects!
A few more and you'll be up with me!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Kill the tank on the CB as the LTD style tank doesn't look right for that bike. They slope/angle down in the rear too much which looks good with a LTD seat,but not a thin Race/Cafe style seat.

A larger stock tank with dented-in knee inserts or CX500 tank(if it's large enough and matches up)would look killer.

Do the knee inserts to the CB125 also. A few guys on here have done it and it looks awesome when done right.

Don't know but a stock,front CB350 wheel may fit your CB125?
I'm putting one on my CB200T and ditching the horrid mechanical disc set-up that's on it for now at least.





Edited by - coolatula on Dec 15 2007 08:33:00 AM

 

[coolatula]

Neat projects!
A few more and you'll be up with me!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Kill the tank on the CB as the LTD style tank doesn't look right for that bike. They slope/angle down in the rear too much which looks good with a LTD seat,but not a thin Race/Cafe style seat.

A larger stock tank with dented-in knee inserts or CX500 tank(if it's large enough and matches up)would look killer.

Do the knee inserts to the CB125 also. A few guys on here have done it and it looks awesome when done right.

Don't know but a stock,front CB350 wheel may fit your CB125?
I'm putting one on my CB200T and ditching the horrid mechanical disc set-up that's on it for now at least.





Edited by - coolatula on Dec 15 2007 08:33:00 AM

 

[Bret]

Hey Speed,
Drop the other projects and get to work on that CB500. What you have there is a real rarity and diamond in the rough in the world of original Cafe Racers. That my friend, is a Read Titan kitted CB500. Read Titan was a shop in England that specialized in Cafe Racers during the late 60's and into the 70's. Just like Dunstall and Gus Kuhn, you could buy complete kitted bikes, or the pieces to assemble your own. Your seat, front fender, rear sets and possibly the exhaust and clip-ons, are all Read Titan. Here are a couple scans from one of their 1974 catalogs. The catalog I have is more than 50 pages of various Cafe goodies, price lists, order form, and other fun stuff. Let me know if you'd like a copy on CD.
Cheers, Bret @ Glass from the Past

Cheers, Bret @ Glass from the Past

Edited by - Bret on Dec 15 2007 12:40:43 PM

 

[Bret]

Hey Speed,
Drop the other projects and get to work on that CB500. What you have there is a real rarity and diamond in the rough in the world of original Cafe Racers. That my friend, is a Read Titan kitted CB500. Read Titan was a shop in England that specialized in Cafe Racers during the late 60's and into the 70's. Just like Dunstall and Gus Kuhn, you could buy complete kitted bikes, or the pieces to assemble your own. Your seat, front fender, rear sets and possibly the exhaust and clip-ons, are all Read Titan. Here are a couple scans from one of their 1974 catalogs. The catalog I have is more than 50 pages of various Cafe goodies, price lists, order form, and other fun stuff. Let me know if you'd like a copy on CD.
Cheers, Bret @ Glass from the Past

Cheers, Bret @ Glass from the Past

Edited by - Bret on Dec 15 2007 12:40:43 PM

 

[speed2xs]

quote:
Neat projects!
A few more and you'll be up with me!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Kill the tank on the CB as the LTD style tank doesn't look right for that bike. They slope/angle down in the rear too much which looks good with a LTD seat,but not a thin Race/Cafe style seat.

A larger stock tank with dented-in knee inserts or CX500 tank(if it's large enough and matches up)would look killer.

Do the knee inserts to the CB125 also. A few guys on here have done it and it looks awesome when done right.

Don't know but a stock,front CB350 wheel may fit your CB125?
I'm putting one on my CB200T and ditching the horrid mechanical disc set-up that's on it for now at least.

I appreciate your comments. I would love to do the dented tank with inserts on my projects. Are there any "How to's" on this process? Is the cb350 front wheel a 17? That would be nice.

'71 Honda CB500/4
'81 Honda CB125S
'01 Suzuki SV650
---------------------
http://www.SoCal86.com

 

[speed2xs]

quote:
Neat projects!
A few more and you'll be up with me!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Kill the tank on the CB as the LTD style tank doesn't look right for that bike. They slope/angle down in the rear too much which looks good with a LTD seat,but not a thin Race/Cafe style seat.

A larger stock tank with dented-in knee inserts or CX500 tank(if it's large enough and matches up)would look killer.

Do the knee inserts to the CB125 also. A few guys on here have done it and it looks awesome when done right.

Don't know but a stock,front CB350 wheel may fit your CB125?
I'm putting one on my CB200T and ditching the horrid mechanical disc set-up that's on it for now at least.

I appreciate your comments. I would love to do the dented tank with inserts on my projects. Are there any "How to's" on this process? Is the cb350 front wheel a 17? That would be nice.

'71 Honda CB500/4
'81 Honda CB125S
'01 Suzuki SV650
---------------------
http://www.SoCal86.com

 

[speed2xs]

quote:
Hey Speed,
Drop the other projects and get to work on that CB500. What you have there is a real rarity and diamond in the rough in the world of original Cafe Racers. That my friend, is a Read Titan kitted CB500. Read Titan was a shop in England that specialized in Cafe Racers during the late 60's and into the 70's. Just like Dunstall and Gus Kuhn, you could buy complete kitted bikes, or the pieces to assemble your own. Your seat, front fender, rear sets and possibly the exhaust and clip-ons, are all Read Titan. Here are a couple scans from one of their 1974 catalogs. The catalog I have is more than 50 pages of various Cafe goodies, price lists, order form, and other fun stuff. Let me know if you'd like a copy on CD.
Cheers, Bret @ Glass from the Past

Cheers, Bret @ Glass from the Past

Bret, thanks for all the info. I would definately be interested in acquiring the info on CD. Please email me at [email protected] . I have a feeling there were some engine upgrades as well. I guess it all comes down to availability of funds, but I truly cant wait to get started on this one.


Laurence

'71 Honda CB500/4
'81 Honda CB125S
'01 Suzuki SV650
---------------------
http://www.SoCal86.com

 

[speed2xs]

quote:
Hey Speed,
Drop the other projects and get to work on that CB500. What you have there is a real rarity and diamond in the rough in the world of original Cafe Racers. That my friend, is a Read Titan kitted CB500. Read Titan was a shop in England that specialized in Cafe Racers during the late 60's and into the 70's. Just like Dunstall and Gus Kuhn, you could buy complete kitted bikes, or the pieces to assemble your own. Your seat, front fender, rear sets and possibly the exhaust and clip-ons, are all Read Titan. Here are a couple scans from one of their 1974 catalogs. The catalog I have is more than 50 pages of various Cafe goodies, price lists, order form, and other fun stuff. Let me know if you'd like a copy on CD.
Cheers, Bret @ Glass from the Past

Cheers, Bret @ Glass from the Past

Bret, thanks for all the info. I would definately be interested in acquiring the info on CD. Please email me at [email protected] . I have a feeling there were some engine upgrades as well. I guess it all comes down to availability of funds, but I truly cant wait to get started on this one.


Laurence

'71 Honda CB500/4
'81 Honda CB125S
'01 Suzuki SV650
---------------------
http://www.SoCal86.com

 

[coolatula]

quote:

quote:
Neat projects!
A few more and you'll be up with me!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Kill the tank on the CB as the LTD style tank doesn't look right for that bike. They slope/angle down in the rear too much which looks good with a LTD seat,but not a thin Race/Cafe style seat.

A larger stock tank with dented-in knee inserts or CX500 tank(if it's large enough and matches up)would look killer.

Do the knee inserts to the CB125 also. A few guys on here have done it and it looks awesome when done right.

Don't know but a stock,front CB350 wheel may fit your CB125?
I'm putting one on my CB200T and ditching the horrid mechanical disc set-up that's on it for now at least.

I appreciate your comments. I would love to do the dented tank with inserts on my projects. Are there any "How to's" on this process? Is the cb350 front wheel a 17? That would be nice.

'71 Honda CB500/4
'81 Honda CB125S
'01 Suzuki SV650
---------------------
http://www.SoCal86.com

I think the CB350 wheel is about the same size as my CB200 wheel something like 1.60" wide and 19" dia. Sorry,but it will be hard to find a 17" vintage wheel size of course you could buy new 17" rims and lace them to your hubs.

Most stock sizes were 18",19",21" front and 16"(cruisers),18" or 19" rear. Mines in storage while I'm getting my garage insulated,so I can work out there this Winter.

For tank indents/knee reliefs try a search here on this forum and here > http://dotheton.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=ceac1389c37466852eda669502927a9d&board=19.0

This one came out real nice.
http://dotheton.com/index.php?topic=2388.0

You can also get more radical and cut them out so each piece is curved and switch them side to side and inside out,then weld the two pieces back in for a deeper insert pocket.








Edited by - coolatula on Dec 16 2007 4:18:43 PM

 

[coolatula]

quote:

quote:
Neat projects!
A few more and you'll be up with me!<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Kill the tank on the CB as the LTD style tank doesn't look right for that bike. They slope/angle down in the rear too much which looks good with a LTD seat,but not a thin Race/Cafe style seat.

A larger stock tank with dented-in knee inserts or CX500 tank(if it's large enough and matches up)would look killer.

Do the knee inserts to the CB125 also. A few guys on here have done it and it looks awesome when done right.

Don't know but a stock,front CB350 wheel may fit your CB125?
I'm putting one on my CB200T and ditching the horrid mechanical disc set-up that's on it for now at least.

I appreciate your comments. I would love to do the dented tank with inserts on my projects. Are there any "How to's" on this process? Is the cb350 front wheel a 17? That would be nice.

'71 Honda CB500/4
'81 Honda CB125S
'01 Suzuki SV650
---------------------
http://www.SoCal86.com

I think the CB350 wheel is about the same size as my CB200 wheel something like 1.60" wide and 19" dia. Sorry,but it will be hard to find a 17" vintage wheel size of course you could buy new 17" rims and lace them to your hubs.

Most stock sizes were 18",19",21" front and 16"(cruisers),18" or 19" rear. Mines in storage while I'm getting my garage insulated,so I can work out there this Winter.

For tank indents/knee reliefs try a search here on this forum and here > http://dotheton.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=ceac1389c37466852eda669502927a9d&board=19.0

This one came out real nice.
http://dotheton.com/index.php?topic=2388.0

You can also get more radical and cut them out so each piece is curved and switch them side to side and inside out,then weld the two pieces back in for a deeper insert pocket.








Edited by - coolatula on Dec 16 2007 4:18:43 PM

 

[Judeyramone]

cb350 wheel is 18" - cl350 is 19"

 

[Judeyramone]

cb350 wheel is 18" - cl350 is 19"

 

[mogu83]

The CB125S (74/75) has a narrow front fork, the widest wheel (hub size) that I could get into it was from a CB175 and I had to mill 3mm off each side. I tried a CB160 wheel but it was about 20mm too wide I can only assume that the CB350 hub is the same size or wider.

Maybe the fork on your 81 is wider than mine but the brake and front wheel look the same as the one on the CB100.

 

[mogu83]

The CB125S (74/75) has a narrow front fork, the widest wheel (hub size) that I could get into it was from a CB175 and I had to mill 3mm off each side. I tried a CB160 wheel but it was about 20mm too wide I can only assume that the CB350 hub is the same size or wider.

Maybe the fork on your 81 is wider than mine but the brake and front wheel look the same as the one on the CB100.

 

[coolatula]

quote:
The CB125S (74/75) has a narrow front fork, the widest wheel (hub size) that I could get into it was from a CB175 and I had to mill 3mm off each side. I tried a CB160 wheel but it was about 20mm too wide I can only assume that the CB350 hub is the same size or wider.

Maybe the fork on your 81 is wider than mine but the brake and front wheel look the same as the one on the CB100.

That's good info to know.
I wish this site had a sticky/data base/specs for all different types of rim/hub/axle sizes and the modifications(such as the above mentioned milling)that can be performed.