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1981 Honda

DON'T DO IT!!!! Sell the pipes if you want but don't go and cut them up. I'm sure you could bring in good $$$ for them. I wouldn't cut anything on that bike myself. Those Honda's bring in better bucks then our GS's do today. If you want to cafe a bike, then start with something that's not in as pristine condition. Maybe someone here would be willing to take that one off your hands in trade for a better cafe project bike. Possibly some bucks on the side to boot. If I lived closer I would do a partial trade for my GS850 but, since I live in Georgia, it's probably not an option.
 
GS1150Pilot said:
As someone has observed, VMass seems to be taking the p1ss here.
Click to expand...

Lol, stay calm. My son does in fact want to caf? this bike. He wants to build a tribute bike to his best friend that he lost a year ago. Some of you may remember that we auctioned off the Kevin Schwantz bike in his name.

Anyway, I am with all you guys and this will certainly not be the one.
 
Vmass said:
The pipes are in near perfect shape, but a bit long for my liking. I am simply going to cut them off just in front of the rear shocks. That should give me the look I am after, plus those useless baffles should fall out at that point.

Does anyone have any suggestions for the best hammer to use in order to get those nice tank indents?
Click to expand...

I'm going to send you my keyboard for cleaning...I just spit coke out all over it!! :)
 
My first new bike was a '79 "Limited Edition", i rode that puppy all over South Dakota. Was at '80 and '81 Sturgis rallies with it. Sold to my uncle to buy my ES.
 
Besides a set of lower bars, the only other mods I would even consider for that bike would be to swap on an 18" rear wheel and drop the forks in the triple clamps a bit to level out the stance. It would still look totally factory, but a little less "L" model-like. That was right at the end of the K model's run. You can see the heritage from the 70's K models in it, and yet it would go away with the introduction of the V4s coming in the next couple of years. That bike is really an heirloom.
 
It seems like I'd clean it up and sell it, then use the profit towards building the Caf? style bike. That Honda is really too nice to modify.
 
Sorry, Rich.
I posted the wrong pic.
Hopefully you have already taken the Sawzall to the pipes because this Kustom K should be the inspiration for your son.

 
steve murdoch said:
Sorry, Rich.
I posted the wrong pic.
Hopefully you have already taken the Sawzall to the pipes because this Kustom K should be the inspiration for your son.

Click to expand...

I am sure everyone agrees that if Get Back Whips were to be added to this bike it would be nothing short of perfection.
 
I am a bit surprised over the love this K bike is receiving here. It is settled at this point and this bike will remain 100% stock. And if I might add, you guys kinda know I don't cut *h*t up, right?

Anyway, as much as I like stock, I also respect other peoples thoughts, including my son's idea of building a tribute bike in honor of his friend. Caf? is a thing, like it or not!

So, I have this other idea but I am hesitant to bring it up.......



Lighten up!!! I am thinking he can do some mild changes to make this a really cool looking bike and all of it can be returned to stock if desired.
 
Vmass said:
The pipes are in near perfect shape, but a bit long for my liking. I am simply going to cut them off just in front of the rear shocks. That should give me the look I am after, plus those useless baffles should fall out at that point.

Does anyone have any suggestions for the best hammer to use in order to get those nice tank indents?
Click to expand...

I don't believe any of that crap. You're just looking to get a rise outta' people. LOL
 
steve murdoch said:
Sorry, Rich.
I posted the wrong pic.
Hopefully you have already taken the Sawzall to the pipes because this Kustom K should be the inspiration for your son.

Click to expand...

Inspirational........ ;) good on your son for wanting to remember his friend that way, real honorable, and I think he should be supported in any way he wants/see's to make that happen.
 
Vmass said:
I am a bit surprised over the love this K bike is receiving here. It is settled at this point and this bike will remain 100% stock. And if I might add, you guys kinda know I don't cut *h*t up, right?

Anyway, as much as I like stock, I also respect other peoples thoughts, including my son's idea of building a tribute bike in honor of his friend. Caf? is a thing, like it or not!

So, I have this other idea but I am hesitant to bring it up.......



Lighten up!!! I am thinking he can do some mild changes to make this a really cool looking bike and all of it can be returned to stock if desired.
Click to expand...

That's the same bike I learned on, only it was olive green and gold and black.
That too is a nice one.
 
On a serious note, Rich, I remember you posting about the situation with you son's friend. His intent to honor him with a bike build is wonderful. Some things are more important than an antique mass produced thing, no matter how nice it may be. Whatever bike he chooses its for good reason. I wish him and you well on this endavor, and hope you do a thread here even if its not a GS.
 
The 750 is just not the right platform for a cafe' bike..even if it was thrashed. The 450 would make a much better cafe'..even as nice as it is, too. It's got the perfect stance, body work, and the fact that it's a twin like all the best old British cafe's are. Like you said, do nothing that couldn't be returned to stock. Bars, pipes, maybe a bump seat, all parts available very reasonably..cha-ching..perfect cafe'.
 
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Thanks for all the kind words! I didn't expect this thread to head in this direction, but I am good with it. Ya, the loss of my sons best friend has been a tough one. However, I am amazed at the strength my son has drawn from his friend. He has done some amazing things since his friends passing, including excelling academically as he enters his senior year in college.

My son and his life long friend used to be big into Bmx biking. They went to Woodward a couple times a year and made great friends around the world. When his friend passed, his bike was placed next to his casket as it was a part of who he was. The way these kids set up these bikes did not make them safe for the average rider, no brakes etc.

Anyway, following the funeral, my son took his bike, went through it and made the bike street safe while keeping the bike in it's true " Emmett" form and presented it to Emmett's 10 year old sister. The smile on that girls face was priceless.

Back to business... I agree, the 450 has great potential as a caf?. As Larry suggested, parts are readily available to get the job done.
 
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