# Maxwell's '74 cb450 cafe build. **URL:** \ **Category:** Builds\ **Created:** [January 8, 2013, 10:35am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067 "2013-01-08T10:35:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2013, 6:21am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/101 "2013-01-17T06:21:15Z")
I did a bunch more research last night. I should be fine with a 120/90/18 out back and the 100/90/19 up front. I’m going to order these tonight! ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2013, 3:44pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/102 "2013-01-17T15:44:44Z")
Item Sku Avon “Road Runner/Rider” AM26 Cafe Racer Preferred Universal 18" Tire (120/90V18) 20-4280 1 Avon “Road Runner/Rider” AM26 Cafe Racer Preferred Universal 19" Tire - (100/90V19) 20-4310 1 Legendary Motorcycles “Brass” Cafe Racer Seat Select Cushion Type None SP1413 1 Intake Side OE Honda Keihin Carburetor Clamp, OE# 95018-50250 - (Fits: CB/CL360, CB/CL450, CB500T, CB650 & CB750F/K) 95018-50250 2 Slim Smoked LED Cats Eye Taillight - (Light Only) 225-1005SM 1 At a stand still so I ordered a few more things. I should be able to really dig in now and get this frame finished once I sort out what I would like to do with the tail section. This should be able to get me to the point of riding and tuning this thing, and anything in the future (slim gauges, inverted forks, etc) can be dealt with when I want to. I’m in for about 2grand including the cost of the bike and some tools I purchased along the way. :tup: ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2013, 4:45pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/103 "2013-01-19T16:45:47Z")
see how fast it all adds up when you really get into making one of these “your own”? LOL. I’m trying so hard not to spend money on bigger upgrades to avoid going over $1k investment haha ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2013, 4:49pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/104 "2013-01-21T16:49:19Z")
> [@focusinprogress](#): > > see how fast it all adds up when you really get into making one of these “your own”? LOL. I’m trying so hard not to spend money on bigger upgrades to avoid going over $1k investment haha LOL, yep. I’m totally happy with the cost so far, though. I mean shit, I could have called it a day after we got it buttoned up last fall and just re-jetted it, but this is something i’ve been wanting to do for a while so i’m happy that i’m spending a bit more on some stuff. Speaking of which, I just got back from VT and package 1 was on my doorstep. They even threw in a pretty cool t-shirt. ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/25D78177-4E86-456E-8F6C-977E98D512CD-144-0000000AFCBA4053.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/1/1/11cfa92a058bebd72a994e14d6b6e15a76622222.jpeg) ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/2CF6CF7D-AA3F-4F67-BD80-0FE025B5FBAC-144-0000000B04E50DD0.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/d/6/d62c07d3e0e335036bef51e280a5f50caf4bac2e.jpeg) I’ve been to a bunch of NE mountains but never Smugglers Notch. With a bit more snow it would have really been amazing, but it was a great time none-the-less. -Paul ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2013, 5:35pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/105 "2013-01-21T17:35:21Z")
Are you going to cut open your coil to do the wires? Don’t use the lame NGK wire extenders. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2013, 7:16pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/106 "2013-01-21T19:16:27Z")
I bought these, so I won’t cutting up the old coil. ![http://www.dimecitycycles.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1//9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/i/si-47-vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-electronic-ignition-parts-universal-12-volt-ignition-coil-7.jpg](http://www.dimecitycycles.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1//9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/s/i/si-47-vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-electronic-ignition-parts-universal-12-volt-ignition-coil-7.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2013, 9:02pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/107 "2013-01-21T21:02:28Z")
Ah ok. I had great results with modifying my cb coils for new Wires. ---
**Author:** ![Cornercarver82](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/cornercarver82/32/6241_2.png) [@Cornercarver82](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Cornercarver82)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2013, 9:23pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/108 "2013-01-21T21:23:48Z")
Lovin the build, hopin I can come up with something cool to do with my bike this season ---
**Author:** ![GV1390](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/gv1390/32/5432_2.png) [@GV1390](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/GV1390)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2013, 5:08am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/109 "2013-01-22T05:08:51Z")
> [@focusinprogress](#): > > see how fast it all adds up when you really get into making one of these “your own”? LOL. I’m trying so hard not to spend money on bigger upgrades to avoid going over $1k investment haha I already spent half that on one order last night lol. Maxwell, I ended up ordering a “brat style” seat from Dimecity. I can let you know how it looks and turns out once it comes in, even for future reference if you want to order one from them. Hopefully my luck is better this time around and I don’t get aids. ![http://www.dimecitycycles.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/d/c/dcc-bratlcc-r-vintage-brat-style-chassis-seat-parts-ribbed-black-leather-wrapped-dcc-originals-large-cc-seat-1.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/5/5/559c7e85082e4772d820d8464b684501879510b9.jpeg) [http://www.dimecitycycles.com/cafe-racer-parts/vintage-universal-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-parts/vintage-universal-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-parts/vintage-brat-style-chassis-seat-parts-ribbed-black-leather-wrapped-dcc-origina.html](http://www.dimecitycycles.com/cafe-racer-parts/vintage-universal-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-parts/vintage-universal-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-parts/vintage-brat-style-chassis-seat-parts-ribbed-black-leather-wrapped-dcc-origina.html) I figured even starting from scratch or obtaining a seat pan from them I’d still have to pay to get it covered since I don’t know anyone with an “industrial” sewing machine that I’d be able to use. This one was not THAT pricey and it already has the sweep and style I’m looking for. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2013, 5:28am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/110 "2013-01-22T05:28:13Z")
:tup: GV. I didn’t have access to one either and my girlfriends mom did not want me ruining another thing of hers. She’s mad enough about her daughter. > [@Cornercarver82](#): > > Lovin the build, hopin I can come up with something cool to do with my bike this season Thx dude. ---------- Post added at 08:28 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:26 AM ---------- > [@newman](#): > > Ah ok. I had great results with modifying my cb coils for new > Wires. I remember the post in your 550 thread, but everything was laggy last night so I couldn’t get to the thread. What sort of epoxy did you use again? ---
**Author:** ![GV1390](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/gv1390/32/5432_2.png) [@GV1390](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/GV1390)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2013, 5:31am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/111 "2013-01-22T05:31:30Z")
I’ll distract the mom so you can use the machine. ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2013, 5:34am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/112 "2013-01-22T05:34:07Z")
I just used regular 5 minute epoxy ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2013, 6:17am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/113 "2013-01-22T06:17:41Z")
> [@GV1390](#): > > I’ll distract the mom so you can use the machine. LOL, her moms a good looking woman, too. Always one of the first things I look for in a gf. You won’t be disappointed. > [@newman](#): > > I just used regular 5 minute epoxy Cool, good to know. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2013, 11:41am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/114 "2013-01-22T11:41:40Z")
I stopped home for lunch and the tires already came in. Tracking had them in Florida this morning, LOL. The tread on them looks great and the reviews were awesome. It’s hard to tell how sticky they are since they were sitting outside in single digit weather, lol. I also got the heavy duty springs on the progressive struts late last night. It was super easy. These things look and feel great as well. Very happy I went with these. ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/7261E69D-9A74-4480-A00B-BB1786A17C26-730-000000E098381A66.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/7261E69D-9A74-4480-A00B-BB1786A17C26-730-000000E098381A66.jpg) ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/5618F50F-E137-417E-BF35-D44C84F9FE68-730-000000E0935B9C41.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/5618F50F-E137-417E-BF35-D44C84F9FE68-730-000000E0935B9C41.jpg) -Paul ---
**Author:** ![GV1390](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/gv1390/32/5432_2.png) [@GV1390](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/GV1390)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2013, 11:47am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/115 "2013-01-22T11:47:23Z")
Nick must’ve convinced you to buy those struts, he really likes the word “progress” > [@maxwell](#): > > LOL, her moms a good looking woman, too. Always one of the first things I look for in a gf. You won’t be disappointed. In that case, lets make it happen this weekend 🙂 Have you been ordering all of your stuff from the same company? I’d like to get a taller sidewall tire for my bike and have been looking at a few places. I like the idea of not having a complete street tire but maybe something “dual purpose” but not knobby. Was looking at the Kenda K7671 Dual Sport tires. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2013, 12:53pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/116 "2013-01-22T12:53:39Z")
Most of the stuff I have ordered, tires included have been from DCC, but some stuff has been from BikeBandit. A couple of the dudes at DCC have been hooking me up with 10% off and they have thrown in some free shit like the t-shirt too. DCC has some really cool classic looking tires, kind of like what you are looking for, and I have found there pricing to be very aggressive. LOL, nick actually wanted me to go with the chinese knnockoffs like he had on his bike, but i’m 6/4" and 225 so I just really didnt feel comfy doing that. (Yes, I know… I am going to look ridiculous on this bike, lol) ---------- Post added at 03:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:04 PM ---------- > [@GV1390](#): > > Was looking at the Kenda K7671 Dual Sport tires. Nice SNKY edit. I like those. ![http://www.dimecitycycles.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1//9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/v/i/vintage-cafe-racer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-tire-110-80-18-kenda-k761-dual-sport-2_1_1_1_1_1.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/5/5/559c7e85082e4772d820d8464b684501879510b9.jpeg) ---------- Post added at 03:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:38 PM ---------- GV, what exactly do you have that you are working on? I heard about and saw the FS thread on your cafe. What’s the new toy? ---
**Author:** ![GV1390](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/gv1390/32/5432_2.png) [@GV1390](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/GV1390)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2013, 12:57pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/117 "2013-01-22T12:57:03Z")
Ha, yeah. I’m heading over to “clean” the damn thing tonight since its filthy. I may hold off until everything else falls into place, after all its in no rush anyways. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2013, 11:30am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/118 "2013-01-24T11:30:15Z")
More pictures, no actual progress. :roll2: It’s too fucking cold to be working on anything right now. I wish I had a connected, temp controlled garage… but helll… I wish I had a lot of things. ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/35AD47A8-ABBC-4315-8652-6DF192843ECF-2274-00000229E4097FC9.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/35AD47A8-ABBC-4315-8652-6DF192843ECF-2274-00000229E4097FC9.jpg) ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/78B71FD1-B5AC-4DF8-855F-9AEC9F302644-2274-00000229F85F2A62.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/78B71FD1-B5AC-4DF8-855F-9AEC9F302644-2274-00000229F85F2A62.jpg) ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/23555AEA-69EA-4B3B-BEE5-687AB46C7868-2274-00000229F219B359.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/23555AEA-69EA-4B3B-BEE5-687AB46C7868-2274-00000229F219B359.jpg) I can safely say that I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it either. I’ll have to cut and modify a few things, but overall it rides the line of the frame really nicely. I’ll probably cut up the stock seat pan to use as a base. Hopefully I can get some shit done this weekend. We’ll see. ![http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/C73C7B03-F0CB-49B6-8B83-644719C37DB6-2274-00000229D5DDB524.jpg](http://i1064.photobucket.com/albums/u375/pmaxwellh/C73C7B03-F0CB-49B6-8B83-644719C37DB6-2274-00000229D5DDB524.jpg) I love this comparison shot. Even though the stock 12 1/2" showas weren’t terrible, look how much nicer these progressive shocks are. With these, the cb550 front forks, and the tires, it will certainly make me feel a lot better about leaning into a corner more aggressively. -Paul ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2013, 12:42pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/119 "2013-01-24T12:42:16Z")
ugh, that seat you bought is driving me NUTS lol. I don’t know if it does/will bother YOU, but I can’t stand it when the bottom line of a cafe seat isn’t along the same plane as the bottom edge of the gas tank. it’s a weird offset thing to me, and drives me insane. might be worth cutting the sides right off and riveting that to the existing seat pan. DON’T CUT ANYTHING YET! lol. however, those shocks and tires look BEAUTY ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2013, 12:53pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/120 "2013-01-24T12:53:36Z")
> [@focusinprogress](#): > > ugh, that seat you bought is driving me NUTS lol. I don’t know if it does/will bother YOU, but I can’t stand it when the bottom line of a cafe seat isn’t along the same plane as the bottom edge of the gas tank. it’s a weird offset thing to me, and drives me insane. might be worth cutting the sides right off and riveting that to the existing seat pan. DON’T CUT ANYTHING YET! lol. > > however, those shocks and tires look BEAUTY The sides will most certainly be trimmed down at least an inch, and I’d like to take the silverish trim from the stock seat and find a way to mimick it on the cafe tail somehow, to re-enforce that line. I agree, it’s not turrible, but I really don’t love it. I will say though, the tail has a similar shape to the curve on the tank, so that’s nice. Can you link me to a decent rivet tool, too… if you don’t mind? [Previous page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067.md?page=5) [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067.md?page=7)