Here is my 78 cafe resto...

[Kyle M.]

I am a new guy here so I figured I would show you guys what I am working on. I think I am going to be spending some time on here to get this project wrapped up. What I have is a 78 GS750. I got this about 4 years ago for $50 100% complete stock bike. The motor was stuck from sitting so I brought it home, shot some WD40 done the cylinders, got it loose and went on to getting it started. After a new set of points and condensers it was running pretty well. SO at that point I decided to start modifying it into a caf? racer style. So out came the saws all and I cut the rear seat area off, from the tank back. After that I started building it back up. I relocated the shocks/springs a little forward to give it more of an aggressive look. Then I made a seat area for it(not too bad either....) I also raised up the back of the tank about 1" and lowered the front end about 2". Then I started tearing it apart. I stripped it down to bare frame, sandblasted it, finished welding it, smooth it then painted it all red. I replaced all the bearings(wheels and such) painted the rims red too. I lower the head light, smooth the triple clamp of the cluster mounting tabs and remove the key. Rebuilt the front forks,turned the rotors, put on a drag bar then put it back together. now that all brings us up to about 2 months ago...

So I decided I wanted to get it going, so on to ebay I went and ordered a carb rebuild kit and some air pods. In the mean time I fabbed up some nifty side cover plates, my off the side license place holder and a inner fender that my battery is mounted on under the seat. I also ran all new wires, new key switch(lawn mower key) So I rebuilt the carbs and got it to run alright. So now that that hurdle is jumped, I just ordered 2 new tires, a 530 chain and sprockets. Once I get those it is off to my brothers house to get some custom work done to the tank, a new one off tail piece made out of sheet metal, and a seat pan.


Anyway, if you are still with me after that ramble, here are a couple pics of my bike. I want to update this thread with progress pictures. I plan on having it painted sometime this year yet. Thanks for reading, let me know what you think of my hot rod low buck build

[luc8421]

are those cheap emgo pod filters or k&n? you're going to have some issues with the carbs fueling the engine properly if they're k&n filters, and you'll have even less luck if they're emgo's, which are usually too restrictive.

that being said, its looking pretty good for a $50 bike! sounds like you've got the right idea for a cafe racer. dunno if you've thought about it, but spoked wheels would look amazing. imo.

[TheCafeKid]

are those cheap emgo pod filters or k&n? you're going to have some issues with the carbs fueling the engine properly if they're k&n filters, and you'll have even less luck if they're emgo's, which are usually too restrictive.

that being said, its looking pretty good for a $50 bike! sounds like you've got the right idea for a cafe racer. dunno if you've thought about it, but spoked wheels would look amazing. imo.

EMGOs too restictive?? What filters you been buying? EMGOs couldnt stop ANYTHING from moving thru them. They are practicly like running no filters at all.

Having said that, You ARE going to have to rejet those carbs, both for the pods AND the pipe (and yes, those are EMGOs, not K&Ns)

[Craiger]

Very cool! Looks like a fun project.

[Loose Seal]

I see some spokes in that first pic.

Nice build you have going, keep us updated. Love the work.

[Kyle M.]

EMGOs too restictive?? What filters you been buying? EMGOs couldnt stop ANYTHING from moving thru them. They are practicly like running no filters at all.

Having said that, You ARE going to have to rejet those carbs, both for the pods AND the pipe (and yes, those are EMGOs, not K&Ns)

What jets should I use? The bike runs really well, may be a little lean...nothing to cause issues yet.


To others, I have have thought about spoked wheels, but I think the mags looks pretty sweet. I am going to polish the lips on them....maybe that will sell ya a little more.

[Guest]

Nice job so far.
Keep the mags, they look great.
What color scheme you're going with on the tank/ seat/ tail?

[Joe C]

Nice work! I'm diggin' it. I say keep the mags.

[Craiger]

I say keep the mags.

Yeah, me too. I like 'em.

[Baatfam]

I like it!

[TheCafeKid]

Hard telling on the jets with that exhaust set up. I would guess somewhere between 127.5 and 132.5 on the mains, needle in the forth or 5th clip from the top. These are just guesses, as you really will have to do tests on it to get an accurate reading on the plugs with an unknown backpressure value using those pipes.

[Kyle M.]

Nice job so far.
Keep the mags, they look great.
What color scheme you're going with on the tank/ seat/ tail?

The plan is to do a black tank, seat, and tail section with a 3" wide red stripe down the middle with thin ones along the side, or a wide stripe offset to one side with a smaller one right next to it. The tail section will basically look just ike the last 4" or 5" of the tank. Then the seat will will be about 2" thick in the front then will arch up to top of the tail section...at least that is how I imagine it will be.

[midnightcafe]

great build! Mag wheels are great. IMO red ignition wires would suit your bike