Like a hole in the head...

[dorkburger]

Ive been quietly watching your progresss. Absolutely impeccably done. I love it.

[rustybronco]

Ive been quietly watching your progresss. Absolutely impeccably done. I love it.

There's just no way any mere mortal could ever match this man's work...

The word stunning doesn't do it justice.

[Vmass]

I think you're in trouble, Larry.............. How are you going to top this one!

[Kiwi Canuck]

Wow

Just magnificent, brilliant.

Maybe you should take up painting for a living.

That is some nice work.

Cheers.

[nvr2old]

Thanks you guys. I'm always really flattered by the opinions of the ones I respect most when it comes to doing these projects. I've seen so many very cool bikes on this site, and it's always inspiration to do the next one.

[tkent02]

I am most definitely inspired.

[BigD_83]

I haven't looked in a couple of weeks, but what progress! Besides the paint, which of course we have come to expect from you, I see a number of little details that push this resto/mod into the uniquely beautiful category.

I think your concerns about the scalloped edges of the seat pan should be allieved by the finished product. They are hardly noticeable, and with the smooth lines of the tail and pan, they are definitely not out of place.

The hoods over the brake discs are a nice touch...reminds me of something, but I can't put my finger on it.

[nvr2old]

I was hoping those blisters over the seat hinges would sorta fade away with the paint and the seat, and I'm really happy with the way it turned out. What I like the most is how, from a side profile, the end of the tail section has practically the same exact line as the back of the tank. Who'd a thunk a Ducati piece would look so right on a Honda of the same year. It was a small gamble that turned out better then I expected. The brake rotor guard is stock, but it does give it a bit of swoopines..(is that even a word..?) It looks like one of those aero bicycle racing helmets.

[pete]

Sort of sums it up really... wow! Absolutely fantastic Larry! You have topped yourself again!

The whole bike flows so well front to back, and the details like the black line at the bottom of the tank, the black front mudguard support, and the black indicator mounts on the tail have really done an excellent job of allowing those things to blend in with the surrounding parts instead of standing out.

Just awesome as always and I love it!

Incidentally, I notice you have Avon RoadRiders on there as well, and I'm also a big fan of them!

[nvr2old]

Thanks, Pete..glad you like it and thanks for noticing the subtleties, too. Those were very important to me.

[pete]

Good stuff Larry, since rushing the completion of the 450 I've sort of regretted not having more attention to detail on it, but at least I'm enjoying it nearly every day.

Next project shouldn't be such a rush and I reckon I can do better with the details

Looking at builds like yours really make me take notice of that attention to detail and how it can really bring a whole project together.

[Flyboy]

Attention to detail is the understatement of the century, absolutely fantastic, I truly and honestly o not see how this one can be topped, ten fold the money would not buy you a nicer build.
Larry, you have most certainly out done yourself and put the bar way out of reach.
I too like the subtle nuances, like the rear sprocket guard and the minimalist style chain guard, very clever and in the spirit of what a true cafe was all about, shedding weight.
Also using black to hide a large portion of the front mudguard, it works so well.
You have successfully achieved the illusion of a light motorcycle yet kept the style.
No easy feat.

Take a well deserved bow.

[nvr2old]

Seriously, some of the nicest compliments I think I've ever had. You have no idea of how humbling it is to read your replies. I just like doing bikes, and if it can turn out like I see it in my head, then I'm a happy guy. This style 400 has been burning in my brain long before I got it. I had one back in the early 80's which had a full fairing, clip-ons, Kerker 4-into-1 pipe, rear sets, 450 Hawk tail, seat, and front fender. It was red with similar black stripes as this one. I raced it and rode it on the street for a couple of years. Great bike, and, sadly, I have no pictures of it. I sold it to get an '80 750F and every since, I've wanted to take the more subtle "what if Honda had made one of these..?" approach. It's nice after all these years to bring that to fruition. Better late then never, eh..?

Took it out for it's maiden voyage this afternoon, and everything worked as it should. The new shocks feel good, the seating position is comfortable, and it gladly zinged up to 80mph several times. These bikes aren't fast, but the way the power is delivered is just so smooth and fun to play with.

I'm glad I did this bike.

[steve murdoch]

They are a blast to ride with the high revs and 6 speed transmission.
As you know your left boot gets a good workout.

[nvr2old]

I was reveling in being done..for about 36 hrs. Then I got this Sprint fairing. A friend just gave it to me..jeez. It looks very similar to the Magni style fairing on the Ducati that the 400 has the tail section from..hmm..it even has the screen and a nice finished dash insert, too.. I held it up to the 400, and it looks pretty cool...









The interesting thing about it is that it's about 2/3 the size of the Ducati fairing. It's scaled down to look better on a smaller bike.

Maybe something to consider this winter.....