Just wondering why...........?

I grew up with my Mom owning a tricked out for the time 69 Honda 750. It was all we had for grocery getting and basic transportation. I have fond memories of the Honda 750 and I am sure others do to, just like the Kaw.

Since the SOHC Honda was topped by the DOHC Kawi upon arrival on the market the Honda was second fiddle. Since the Honda was not the fastest it was made to be the coolest by the diehards.

Old Man Rock wrote: Gorgeous.... :blink:

Now for the 1000 dollar question, anyone really give a rats ass... Naw...

Fast forward this pic straight to Chit Chat. Baby OMR's got a new ride!

Who here can dig up the article that shows that Kawasaki had a delayed introduction back in 1969 when Honda released the CB750 just before Kawasaki released their Z2?? (Trick Question)

And not wanting to be One Upped by Honda, released the Reworked Z2, as a Z1 903cc in 1973.

Who here remembers when APE Jay was Knocking out +6 Over front ends for CB750's and starting out the in the Motorcycle Parts Manufacturing industry, converting from the Aerospace/Aviation industry?

Who here has seen the Bike of the Month actually get changed on a Monthly basis?

Click----> SOHC

A few things:

As far as CBs being the most prevalent bikes with the cafe' set well thats not entirely true. Some people think that every cafe racer out there is a CB750 but nothing could be further from the truth. The 750s tend to be revered for the most part and most are restored to original or mildly modified. I happened across a little 73 550k last spring and it became one of the coolest projects that I ever tackled . In looking for parts and advice, I delved pretty deep into the whole cafe scene and I'm amazed at how diverse the bikes and styles are, with small bore bikes (under 500cc) being the most common project. You'll see CB, KZ, CL, CX, XS, GL, RD, KH, XL, XR, TT, etc etc etc. Just about every bike you can imagine.

No matter what flavor bike you fancy, it all comes down to the passion of the whole motorcycling experience. I've had my KZ for close to 30 years and I love it but I also love my little CB for it's light weight, amazing handling and baddass cool looks.......just the way I built it!

Nice!

Kraz1 wrote: Who here has seen the Bike of the Month actually get changed on a Monthly basis?

That's a trick question! Everyone knows that it is actually "Bike of the Year"! :laugh:

roy-b-boy-b wrote: Nice!

Very! Thanks for those pics. Great looking bike.

I just bought my first kz. I'm glad I did too. It's a 1980 kz550 and it is a fast little dude. Although I like the cafe builds mine is set upwith Harley parts for a cruiser style. Either way I believe these vintage laws are superior to the hondas!

TerryK wrote: A few things:

As far as CBs being the most prevalent bikes with the cafe' set well thats not entirely true. Some people think that every cafe racer out there is a CB750 but nothing could be further from the truth. The 750s tend to be revered for the most part and most are restored to original or mildly modified. I happened across a little 73 550k last spring and it became one of the coolest projects that I ever tackled . In looking for parts and advice, I delved pretty deep into the whole cafe scene and I'm amazed at how diverse the bikes and styles are, with small bore bikes (under 500cc) being the most common project. You'll see CB, KZ, CL, CX, XS, GL, RD, KH, XL, XR, TT, etc etc etc. Just about every bike you can imagine.

No matter what flavor bike you fancy, it all comes down to the passion of the whole motorcycling experience. I've had my KZ for close to 30 years and I love it but I also love my little CB for it's light weight, amazing handling and baddass cool looks.......just the way I built it!

really nice lookin' bike Terry! ...really dig that exhaust and original tank paint scheme. Here's mine

I like all the old bikes except Harley or anything that reminds me of one, however Cafe racer is just another word for junk, wrecked and otherwise abused to me. Why mutilate a KZ, why mutilate a CB, why a GS suzuki? why an old H2? Seems like most are broke beyond bringing back to a useful life so transformed into the "cafe". Real joke to me. I'd be 10x happier to see them in the salvage yard than looking the way they do. Sorry, opinions vary I suppose. Not in the happy mood tonight I'm afraid so appologys in advance to all that enjoy mutilating equipment, whether it a Ford, Toyota, John Deere, Kawasaki or anything else out there x1000.

Recently, (last 5 years or so) I've been seeing a lot of 70's and 80's Goldwings cafe'd out. Now that is a sight to see. I know Ron won't like it, but I think it puts a very new perspective on the Goldwing, because for once, the motor is very visible, and becomes the prominent feature of the bike. I'm not a huge Goldwing fan, but that motor sure does look nice when it's got it's makeup on.

Ron wakes up on the wrong side of the Bed some days, and just doesn't like himself either... :laugh: