[TrialsRider]

The CBX from The Netherlands photos, but no worries, you can control click on them and open them in a new tab or window.

 

[Stephen J]

That soy post has to be the longest post ever. Didn't read it but there must be an index and chapters to that novel.

 

[Stephen J]

Which pic links didn't display? Thanks for the heads up!

-S.

Are you sure there's nothing you want to add?

 

[o1marc]

Maybe he can explain how he put a 18" rim on a 19" wheel?

 

[SoyBoySigh]

If you flip back a page, you'll see that I've re-posted those pic links - and yeah, dead on you CAUGHT it - the 18" version of the 19" wheel - an entirely superfluous mod as I've just explained.

Damn though - Haven't been able to ditch the "attached images" from that last post, so I guess I'd better explain 'em! Ha-ha.

First, an abortive attempt at using a CB750C/CB900C Hondaline OEM fairing bracket to fit the "Duck Bevel-Bubble" onto the "CB900K0 Bol Bomber" project.

("916", aka "The Cockblockin' KID" being a derivation from the "96" aka "The Beastly Back-To-Back" - in itself, derivative of "69" aka "The Beast With Two Backs" - While the latter seems to enjoy common usage in the fairing #'s milieu, I thought I'd give it a twist like the way older couples or parents could relate to!)

The latter is a detail from the "KZ440LOL" project, my teenage Ex-Daughter's bike.

(((Alas it won't be ready before she goes off on a year's trip to India, South-East Asia, and "parts unknown" ... ALONE, mind you - in one month's time. I'm sure a lot of youngsters yap about these things, ah but this one you've gotta take seriously. Not only 'cause she's bought a plane ticket and filed her visa applications - Nah, it's more about the summer she spent in Costa Rica, ALONE - when she was just 16. Ah, but she rented a bike & toured around crossed up into Nicaragua - She'll be doing the same over there, too.)))

(((Makes you think though: ... What's OUR excuse, you & me??? I mean yeah - So you're bike project isn't finished? Yeah - neither is her's!)))

But yeah, the "Attached Images" #2 - "KZ440LOL" flipped upside-down "Superbike" handlebar on CB900F fork, GT750J 4LS type brake perch, (to go with the 4LS drum in 3.00x16" Borrani rim, pic in my Avatar - for 110/70-16 & 140/70-16 low-profile MAXI-SCOOTER tires) paired with some stainless steel reproduction cable-adjusters from the '59 Honda CB92 Benly Super-Sport - they make 'em in Thailand IIRC - paired with vintage NOS "Star-'Juster" locking "nuts" - these were originally meant to be used on MX-ers in the '70s, were intended for fast cable adjustments "on the fly" without having to remove one's gloves. Of course, they're normally too large to pair up together on the Suzuki 4LS perch - So I "chucked 'em" in my drill & spun 'em down with a file, then polished 'em with sand-paper in various grits. The same style but probably 50%-75% bigger diameter, is used on the clutch perch - on both the "KZ440LOL" AND the "CB900K0 Bol Bomber" - They're pretty flashy, I guess. And no, they ain't cheap either. But I dig 'em.


-S.

 

[SoyBoySigh]

Ya'll haven't left me enough time to up-link the rest of those images, so I guess I'll do 'em here:

More of that Flyin' Dutchman's CBX, re-built widened (& re-sized!) COMSTAR wheels with Akront "NERVI" rims:

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/...NERVI kosman comstar rims 228_zpsiullo92e.jpg

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/...vi kosman comstar widened 227_zps1j6mfabt.jpg

Again, from the collection of Akront profile diagrams I've absconded with, I BELIEVE this rear wheel to be a pretty wide one, likely 5.00" rather than 4.25" - perhaps even 5.75" though it's tough to say. And heck the whole thing could also hide another optical illusion. Like I say, there are spokes/blades/petals of the 17" type which could've been swapped to this hub. Too bad there's no straight-on profile pic!

-Sigh.


POST SCRIPT:

Has anybody managed to squint & read any tire sizes from these pics? That should help a bit. But note how straight the side-walls. I suspect these are the same sport-touring radials I'm looking at for the Bol Bomber's 3.00x18" & 4.25x18" wire-spoke rims. (Though that's not the first set I'm assembling - 3.50x16" & 4.25x18" or perhaps even 2.50x18" & 3.50x18", will get some time on the bike before that 3.00x18" wheel's ready to go - 'Cause of the crazy hub idea - the GL1500 wire-spoke converted "Faux-Leading-Shoe" that is.)

But yeah - from the angled rear shot, this SEEMS to me a 160/60ZR18 rear, likely paired with 110/80ZR18 aka 120/70ZR18 nominal on the front. Whereas a bias-ply fat tire on say a 3.50x18" rear wheel, well that's gonna be more "pinched" - at least, if it's at all wider than a 140/70-18 - and I've got that on the 900 right now. It looks SKINNY after having stared at these fat rims & sport-touring radial tires all night long.

I suppose it's possible that this rear wheel is as wide as 5.75x18" - pretty sure these pics predate that eBay gem I mentioned - and the profiles seem quite different too, don't they? Well - if the tire's a 180/55ZR18 it doesn't show it - I'm comparing these rear wheels to the "Weld-Widened" 5.00x18" Comstar wheel that was passed from hand-to-hand on the DOHC 'F-orums (www.cb750c.com & then www.cb1100f.net) and wound up on a CB1000C engine retrofitted CB900F belonging to one "MELCHRO" - Whom anybody familiar with re-built COMSTAR wheels should recognize his name all too well!

The angle's deceptive though - if you're familiar with CBX's & DOHC-4's that have been all frigg'd up with 17" 3-spoke Cast/Mag rims, then you'll know that the OEM full-length plastic rear fender is of immeasurable help in sizing up a rear wheel on these bikes. Like I say, a side-on silhouette pic would clarify everything. But it's entirely possible that this IS indeed a 17" rear wheel. Gotta dig up some other Comstar pics for best comparison. The oblong holes in the spokes/blades/petals are indicative of diameter as well. Just too lazy to dig through the bike-porn collection just now - thought I'd put it to YOU for digestion. Can anybody else "eye-ball" a rim & tire size on this stuff?

-S.

 

[Farmer_John]

Can somebody let Whitworth back in?

 

[o1marc]

Can somebody let Whitworth back in?

I'd relish that idea if we could lock the 2 in their own thread and not allow them out.

 

[Ews]

I like the factory look of the 900f, its clean and simple. Personally not a fan of all the fairings and crap on new sport bikes. If I were buying a new sport bike id buy a SV650 most likely. But I like this CB900f

 

[TrialsRider]

Go easy on the man, I've been to Lethbridge, it's a long way between people and you can't drink the water there :|

 

[Ews]

Hey, I know all about picking an ugly ass bike to build. I mean I am rocking an LTD lol

 

[SoyBoySigh]

Hey, I know all about picking an ugly ass bike to build. I mean I am rocking an LTD lol

Well then YOU of all people should understand my "KZ440LOL" project! That's the front wheel in my avatar pic.

But hey - they don't HAVE to be such butt-fugly bikes. The main problem is the boat-anchor heavy 7-spoke cast-mag wheels. I've re-purposed one as a new stand for a broken office swivel-chair. Sitting in it right now - Am planning to mod the foot-stool using the matching 16" rear wheel, ah but then I've got two whole sets from these bikes. Guess I could make a floor-lamp, and perhaps a table with the others?

The wire-spoke wheels from KZ400 are about the cheapest items on eBay motors, and plentiful as well. 36-spoke OR 40-spoke rear drums, 40-spoke front disc or 40-spoke front drum? I've paid as little as $25ea for really cool rims to use on hubs such as these, $50ea for other rims just as cool on a bike like this - What's more, a lot of the sizes & spoke counts suitable for this are inappropriate for the models you'd normally have to compete with. KZ400 normally used 1.60x18" & 1.85x18" so you'd get away with that, plus 1.85x19" & 2.50x16" are the stock sizes of the cast wheels - the rear is far too skinny for the OEM tire, goes completely out of the range of manufacturer's recommended tire to rim matches - Kawasaki did that all over the KZ map! I'd suggest scrapping those sizes altogether, and if you're INTO the "Chopperette" look then go with 3.00x16" or 3.50x16" rear, with perhaps a 2.15x18" front. 2.15x18" & 2.50x18" would look really beefy on these bikes but I suppose if you used 'em for skinnier tires laid out flat & broad with a straighter side-wall, that would be very "race-spec" - Truth be told, 1.85x18" & 2.15x18" would be about spot-on for that type of set-up. THIS particular wire-wheel swap uses 3.00x16" Borrani rims for 110/70-16 & 140/70-16 MAXI-SCOOTER spec tires, available radial or bias-ply. But these are the same size of tires the BUELL BLAST people upgrade with, on their 2.15x16" & 2.50x16" rims - or perhaps it was 2.50x16" & 2.75x16" IIRC? Well - there are very affordable rims from "Mike's XS" which are drilled for 36-spoke 200mm-ish drums, such that one could use the T500 Titan or CB72 Hawk 200mm front 2LS drums, as a decent upgrade over the KZ400S 40-spoke front drum which was something like 180mm or less, 160mm perhaps? IIRC it was 180mm. Shouldn't be a big deal to lace up the smaller 36-spoke drum from the KZ all the same. Now THAT would save some weight on a bike such as this. And simplify the handlebar perches, using cable instead of hydraulics. A lower flatter bar, a flat seat, perhaps a tank swap to the KZ400 unit - And some half-assed rear-set pegs? The KZ440LTD could make for a very cool little bike!

They're possibly the most maligned bikes on the classic scene, but in a sense that's a whole big chunk of the appeal! I know I get a perverse pleasure in sinking $$$ into such a project. But it could definitely have been a much much cheaper build, if I were doing it up for myself, rather than for my teenage Ex-Daughter as her first step up to a "proper" motorcycle. She wanted a bigger scooter - hence the clown-shoe wheels & scooter-sized rubber on this one.

Just give it some thought, before you go and spend $$$ on another set of new tires on the heavy-assed 7-spoke mag wheels once again, would you? The 'LTD has a lot going for it. Not a lot of other classics which had a belt-drive option. NOS belts & pulleys are often listed at ridiculous prices, but I got my two sets for cheaper than I'd have paid for chain & sprockets. You've just gotta keep your eyes peeled.

The classic bike scene has it's white elephants and it's black sheep. Some really great bikes out there which nobody else values. So try and think of the KZ440 as a bigger version of the CB350K - and know that it isn't quite as fugly as say, a Honda CM400 or CB400T etc. Yeah, it's got some crazy heavy ballast weight in stock trim. But who wants a stock bike anyhow? Stock sucks! If one were saddled with any other middle-weight twin from the same period, the spares etc are gonna set you back a LOT more $$$ than if it's a KZ400/KZ440 - And look how many of 'em have survived on little to no TLC - Yeah that might well be 'cause they're so damn FUGLY that nobody wanted to ride 'em past 5-years after their production date. But the fact they might have sat in the garage un-used & un-loved for 20-30yrs is a GOOD thing. It COULD mean some low mileage survivors are still out there. IIRC, there was a KZ400 at a bike show some years back, which had never turned a wheel in anger. I'd hazard a guess it's because nobody found it sexy enough! Ha-ha. Well, maybe that'll change?

I half expect the '80s "Factory Custom" Chopperette thing to be "the next big thing" in trendy collectible motorcycles. Simply 'cause so many of 'em have been chewed up as donor bikes for custom builds in recent years. Not necessarily as the foundation for a custom build, but for a motor swap let's say. Gotta wonder how many of 'em still soldier on as intact survivors. The wheels of fate & the wheels of retro fashion turn and churn, dredging up fresh/ripe cheeses from the depths of the ID.

Mark my words - Give it 10-20yrs, nobody will wanna be seen dead on anything BUT a cheesy chopperette clad in concho buckles & leather fringe....

-S.

 

[steveo]

I had nothing better to do today so spent a good part of it searching for CB1100R repilcas.
Came across this thread and got me thinking how sad it is that the forum has gone badly tits up recently.
Anyway also found this body kit for a CB1100. I'd love to have a go but at about £4500 for the kit and about the same for a doner bike it's way out of my league. DOREMI COLLECTION : Type R Basic Full Package Set [23100]

 

[woodsman]

I had nothing better to do today so spent a good part of it searching for CB1100R repilcas.
Came across this thread and got me thinking how sad it is that the forum has gone badly tits up recently.
Anyway also found this body kit for a CB1100. I'd love to have a go but at about £4500 for the kit and about the same for a doner bike it's way out of my league. DOREMI COLLECTION : Type R Basic Full Package Set [23100] View attachment 104020

That's such a pretty bike.

We have been thinking of putting an ST3 kit bike together. Have you run across this guy's products?

Ducati ST Cafe-Racer Full Fairing Conversion/Modification Kit | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Ducati ST Cafe-Racer Full Fairing Conversion/Modification Kit at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.ca

 

[steveo]

Can't say I have Woodsman, although I vaguely remember seeing the ads on Uk ebay.
This site may be of interest to you.
TWC:Classic Ducati TT1 and TT2 Motorcycles

 

[brad black]

don't mind the front fairing, but it's all very bolt on without much integration looks wise from that back. the tail section on the st is a frame piece designed for a job of some strength and to be covered, not displayed. and the back of the tank needs some covering where the seat goes, and looks odd on display. needs tank mods, that sort of thing.

i like his monster front fairing and some of that kit, but other bits are a bit funky. he's designing bolt on kits, and that's hard. mounting a fairing with a wrap around bracket like a plumber or sparky would use is just a bit naff to me, but the options are more work or welding to the frame. like that gpx250 / ninja 250 kit you can buy in the usa - for what it is, it's pretty good.

possibly a good starting point when you're needing bits and don't mind cutting them up to get where you really want to go. sometimes the big bits are hard to find what you want, but you start with what you can get and the rest flows from there.

 

[steveo]

don't mind the front fairing, but it's all very bolt on without much integration looks wise from that back. the tail section on the st is a frame piece designed for a job of some strength and to be covered, not displayed. and the back of the tank needs some covering where the seat goes, and looks odd on display. needs tank mods, that sort of thing.

i like his monster front fairing and some of that kit, but other bits are a bit funky. he's designing bolt on kits, and that's hard. mounting a fairing with a wrap around bracket like a plumber or sparky would use is just a bit naff to me, but the options are more work or welding to the frame. like that gpx250 / ninja 250 kit you can buy in the usa - for what it is, it's pretty good.

possibly a good starting point when you're needing bits and don't mind cutting them up to get where you really want to go. sometimes the big bits are hard to find what you want, but you start with what you can get and the rest flows from there.

How's the latest Monster project going Brad?

 

[Teazer]

Woodsman,

That Tifoso kit has been around for a while as a sort of Sport Classic clone and as Brad Black mentioned, the hardware is a bit agricultural. Is that the look you are going for or are you looking to replace the stock bodywork with something less frumpy?

Airtech probably sell suitable fairings. I do like the idea of that Tifoso seat, but Radical Ducati killed that with their MANX seat and tank which look really nice. I made a seat out of carbon fiber because I couldn't find a seat that I liked. The Sport Classic or Paul Smart seat is really fat at the back. If you like fat bottom girls, that look can make the rockin world go round - with apologies to Freddie Mercury.

My ST3 arrived with every piece of plastic smashed or scratched, so I went the naked way - not me silly. The bike. Stylewise the big issue is that huge tank which dominated the appearance. I painted mine black on the lower edge to change the visuals and to work with the seat I fitted.

 

[woodsman]

Woodsman,

That Tifoso kit has been around for a while as a sort of Sport Classic clone and as Brad Black mentioned, the hardware is a bit agricultural. Is that the look you are going for or are you looking to replace the stock bodywork with something less frumpy?

Airtech probably sell suitable fairings. I do like the idea of that Tifoso seat, but Radical Ducati killed that with their MANX seat and tank which look really nice. I made a seat out of carbon fiber because I couldn't find a seat that I liked. The Sport Classic or Paul Smart seat is really fat at the back. If you like fat bottom girls, that look can make the rockin world go round - with apologies to Freddie Mercury.

My ST3 arrived with every piece of plastic smashed or scratched, so I went the naked way - not me silly. The bike. Stylewise the big issue is that huge tank which dominated the appearance. I painted mine black on the lower edge to change the visuals and to work with the seat I fitted.

What started this was seeing a 2007 st3 that was coming through the auction. The repair quote made it sound like a cosmetic write off with low miles, 19000km. I ended up buying it and it has turned out to be way to nice to mess with. I actually find the cans on it are the glaring ugliness, a Conti style with a little more upsweep would work better. I read they only built 1000 in 2007, poor sales not ltd production I'll post some pictures of it tomorrow on my thread.

Tanshanomi got a tail section for his Bultacastein from Airtech and was not impressed with the quality. Have you bought their stuff. That Manxter tail does have a nice shape to it.

My partner in buying these hitters has a sport classic, a VERY fat bottom girl seat.

 

[Teazer]

Nice tight little butt. Slight frame mods make it more like a monster rear end and save some weight that's not needed if you dump the panniers. The pannier frames also make the pipes lie lower.

Some alternative pipes to think about if you take a knife to the thing for cosmetic surgery.





I also spend a few long days and nights polishing the headers. Next time I should get some of that cafe racer pipe wrap stuff....