CB750 Internal fork lowering_MF

This is a pretty common mod to lower the front end without sliding the forks through the trees, or at least not as much.

-Step one was to machine 3 inch spacers the OD of the valve seal and ID of valve body. Since it covers the stock damper holes I re-drilled the holes 3 inches lower (length of spacer) so to not limit fluid flow.

-Then simply cut springs to desired length, less spring you cut compared to spacer, the stiffer the front end becomes. I cut 1.5 inches off out of 3 and reinstalled. It is very stiff however so I think I will take a total of two out of the spring leaving an overall 2in shorter spring with a three inch spacer.

Machined upper tree_MF

Since I have clipons now I wanted to clean up my upper tree. I will finish the old mount off with a cap, as I will still be using the threaded holes to mount my new gauge bracket.

blasted Showa CB1100F shocks_MF

These will look great and give er' a little more rake. A little before and after...I love media blasting!

Back at it_MF

I have waited so long to post anything. It's been hard to get back in the shop with the holidays and work.

So here is the lowdown-
-after many Craigslist searches I found a good pair of CB1100F external reservoir shocks, which I blasted and will repaint.
-Side covers from a 81(ish) CB750, which fit nearly perfect to my Kawasaki 550 tank.
-I machined my bar mounts and gauge mounts off the upper triple tree as I want to mount mini gauges and tuck them close to the tree.
-I finished my internal shock mod. To lower the front end 3".
-I got my VRod headlight mounted.
-I for my first manly tool box I can put stickers on.

So still have Lots to do, but with some time and energy she will be ready to ride by the time the sun warms the lake!

This is what I've been doing alot of in the time meantime...

New Shop_MF

The Moto itch has spread and now we have 4 bikes in the shop, CB550, my CB750, a Yamaha 360 and a Honda 350....

Here are some randoms from the removal of an awful spider web paint job, to the rewiring of my CB.

Off of the bench_MF

Man I can't believe 3 months has gone by since my last post...a lot of news to share...

For starters, she's off the bench!

Tail fairing fabrication_MF

Clay model, paper template, transfer to metal...just like work

New bike rack for my truck_MF

Here is my dad and I's fathers day project

SUV_MF

Sometimes you just gotta step back_MF

These last two weeks building have been frustrating, I've became so passionate about getting this done by the designer carshow on July 20th that I was getting myself worked up about not getting thigs done for the deadline.

I took 3 days off, put some trust in people and went back at er.....

I got the tail section clay modeled, and tires in...bike won't sit this low but as low as possible.

The lines are starting to match up...the fire is burning again!

hero_MF

I don't have many heros but Sunday I met one of them, chatted and got to know a really inspiring person when it comes to design and philosophy. I met him and his amazing creations, the Confederate Wraith and the Hellcat at Eyes on Design show 2012.

His name is Matt Chambers of Confederate Motorcycles.

www.Confederate.com

Parts are ready for paint_MF

Two weeks of polishing...to get here and this pic doesn't include the motor. The wheels and hubs are finished and ready to be laced today!

Virago_MF

Back in November2011 I bought this 81' yami virago920 with 1800 miles for 1000 bucks...yes a good deal if you ask me...at first glance they don't yell hey make me coll! But venture on over to classifiedmoto.com or google zero cafe, and you will see some very cool viragos that have been morphed into the realms of coolness....

Monoshock rear suspension, single backbone frame...all stripped down, these terribly starting machines are way cool.

So once the cb is done and winter hits I'll rip into that one, until then...I gotta put some miles on it!

I took it up north and gave my mother as father rides, my mother said she hadn't been on a bike since she was 18 and riding with her Harley bf...haha what an image that is!

New tail_MF

My new tank rules and there is a centerline highlight on it that I want to capture on the tail, so I am beginning mocking I up in foam and then I will clay it. This will give me a template build a steel one from.

Will be shaving much more off I think. I want a skinner tail section.

New tank_MF

I shouldn't have waited so long to post because I have had way to much happen to post all at once!

I went to bearing burners swap meet at gm about a month ago and got me a new tank...it's just what I needed, as I war a more boxy look to my cafe.

Now I'm exploring with different tail fairings too match.