1981 Honda

[GS1150Pilot]

My eyes!!! Can't see anything now ...

[Vmass]

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.

I am sure everyone agrees that if Get Back Whips were to be added to this bike it would be nothing short of perfection.

[Vmass]

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. Café 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.

[GS1150Pilot]

YES-cafe THAT one!!!

[JJ]

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?

I don't believe any of that crap. You're just looking to get a rise outta' people. LOL

[azr]

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.

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.

[AMK]

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. Café 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.

That's the same bike I learned on, only it was olive green and gold and black.
That too is a nice one.

[dorkburger]

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.

[nvr2old]

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'.

[Vmass]

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 café. As Larry suggested, parts are readily available to get the job done.

[GS1150Pilot]

You have one hell of a great family. I admire that immensely.

[dorkburger]

Rich if you son is still into BMX, or just feeling nostalgic have him check out BMX museum.com.
Interesting stuff there, and a big demand for old parts. I sold couple of old parts I had laying around from the late 80- early 90s ridiculously fast.

http://bmxmuseum.com

[Vmass]

Rich if you son is still into BMX, or just feeling nostalgic have him check out BMX museum.com.
Interesting stuff there, and a big demand for old parts. I sold couple of old parts I had laying around from the late 80- early 90s ridiculously fast.
http://bmxmuseum.com

Thanks for the link, I will pass it on to him. He still has his prized possession but it doesn't get much use, understandably. But he does like to wheel and deal, not sure where he got that from . I am sure he will appreciate that site if he is not already aware of it.

[Vmass]

You have one hell of a great family. I admire that immensely.

Very nice of you to say, but we simply consider it as just doing our part. And it's pretty cool when you have a hobby that you can make some good come out of it!