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Author Topic: 1985 K75 Cafe custom  (Read 56254 times)

Offline Doc_69

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1985 K75 Cafe custom
« on: October 16, 2014, 04:42:43 PM »
Hi All

Today I took delivery of a 1985 K75c i bought on eBay for £300. As you would expect at that price this is no show piece. it was fitted with a fairing and screen from an RT (if anyone wants one let me know). I like my bikes the same way i like ... ...naked! im keen to get it stripped down and on the road ASAP, so this will be a 2-stage build:

1, Rough and ready with a basic seat and no paint or plastics. I just want something functional to ride through winter.
2, Once it is functioning as it should i will treat it to paint/powdercoat etc s.s fastners etc. and at that point i'll add back the side covers and a tail hump.

I have a a few projects on the go so this might be slow going but bear with me.

My immediate to-do list:
  • replace the instrument panel with new electronic one
  • give the whole bike a through jet washing
    • free up the bound front breaks and service front breaking system (Master cylinder piston is also seized)
    • fit new head and tail lights, turn signals, relocate horn
    • possibly strip the paint off the tank and go with the bare aluminium look

    i learned today that the bike won't start without the instrument panel attached so the first search i will be doing is trying to find advice on how to get that digital speedo connected.

    Wish me luck and please contribute freely

    Doc
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In my garage:
2013 Harley Fat-Bob, the daily rider
1982 suzuki GS550e, commuter scooter turned cafe racer!
198x Suzuki GS550l, nasty cruiser being morphed into a dirt bike
1985 K75c - the current object of my obsession

Offline johnny

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #1 on: October 16, 2014, 05:15:04 PM »
greetings doc_69...

welcome to motobrick.com...

there is a mod to fixt that no cluster no start issue...

j o
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Offline Doc_69

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #2 on: October 16, 2014, 05:54:11 PM »
Thanks J O, would you mind pointing me to that mod please. I think that will be a task for the weekend or tomorrow evening.

Here is a pic of the new gauge, can't wait to get it on.
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In my garage:
2013 Harley Fat-Bob, the daily rider
1982 suzuki GS550e, commuter scooter turned cafe racer!
198x Suzuki GS550l, nasty cruiser being morphed into a dirt bike
1985 K75c - the current object of my obsession

Offline rbm

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #3 on: October 16, 2014, 06:05:31 PM »
Aftermarket Gear indicator/Neutral indicator board & 3-circuit Fuse block

This will give you back the start enable feature.  In the meantime, just pull in the clutch  to start the bike.
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  • Regards, Robert
Toronto, Ontario

1987 K75 - Build Blog @http://k75retro.blogspot.ca/

Offline Doc_69

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #4 on: October 17, 2014, 07:13:08 AM »
What a Muppet! I didn't realise I could just pull the clutch. That solves the problem as far as I'm concerned. It sounds like a security upgrade to me.
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In my garage:
2013 Harley Fat-Bob, the daily rider
1982 suzuki GS550e, commuter scooter turned cafe racer!
198x Suzuki GS550l, nasty cruiser being morphed into a dirt bike
1985 K75c - the current object of my obsession

Offline Doc_69

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #5 on: October 17, 2014, 06:00:41 PM »
So I sorted the brakes out, the left caliper was binding and the master cylinder's piston was stuck. Both are now free and appear to be fully functional. I will replace the hoses before putting it back on the road, the top hose is pretty perished and with a rear drum I think it will be a worthy upgrade up front.

I also stripped the body work, I need to get a spring clip for one of the side panels and 3 rubbers for the tool tray the frame has a lot of surface rust but it will be bathed in WD40 until I get round to. Doing the 2nd phase of the build.

I am planning on using the stock tail section as my "cafe hump" and modifying the  original seat to fit. Let's face it, it is never going to be a sports bike so this will be more of a Cafe sofa than racer.


I've mocked it up so you can see where I am going here. One comment though, that is the heaviest tail section I have ever come across. I understand why though
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In my garage:
2013 Harley Fat-Bob, the daily rider
1982 suzuki GS550e, commuter scooter turned cafe racer!
198x Suzuki GS550l, nasty cruiser being morphed into a dirt bike
1985 K75c - the current object of my obsession

Offline The Mighty Gryphon

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #6 on: October 18, 2014, 08:40:35 AM »
"Cafe Sofa"...

I love it.
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  • In my garage in Marilla, NY
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Current:
'91 K100RS16V "Moby Brick Too"

Past:
'94 K75RT "Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS"
'92 K100RS16V "Moby Brick" (RIP, deceased in a vehicular assault)
'94 K75S Special Edition Dakar Yellow "Cheetos"
'89 K100RS Special Edition "Special Ed"

Offline Doc_69

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #7 on: October 20, 2014, 02:35:30 AM »
I only had a couple of hours to play about this weekend, so I shortened and raised the angle of the rear of the frame, keeping the stock metal. I also cut the tail piece to the correct shape. The left side panel is missing the spring clip and the mount itself is broken so some repair needed there.

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In my garage:
2013 Harley Fat-Bob, the daily rider
1982 suzuki GS550e, commuter scooter turned cafe racer!
198x Suzuki GS550l, nasty cruiser being morphed into a dirt bike
1985 K75c - the current object of my obsession

Offline Doc_69

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #8 on: October 20, 2014, 02:41:17 AM »
I also amputated the stock silencer, now I need to find someone who can fabricate a respectable muffler from the stump.
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In my garage:
2013 Harley Fat-Bob, the daily rider
1982 suzuki GS550e, commuter scooter turned cafe racer!
198x Suzuki GS550l, nasty cruiser being morphed into a dirt bike
1985 K75c - the current object of my obsession

Offline beachcomber

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #9 on: October 20, 2014, 07:07:27 AM »
Quote from: Doc_69 on October 17, 2014, 06:00:41 PM


I am planning on using the stock tail section as my "cafe hump" and modifying the  original seat to fit. Let's face it, it is never going to be a sports bike so this will be more of a Cafe sofa than racer.

There's quite a few of us that would disagree with that statement .........here's Ben Kingham's 155mph B.E.A.R.S. championship winning bike. My road bike's not far behind with 145mph performance.

 
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Offline Doc_69

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #10 on: October 20, 2014, 07:32:19 AM »
No offence intended, meant only to imply that my particular K75 is never going to be a propper sports bike.

I think the stock setup will be more than quick enough for me, I just want it to look a bit more the part.
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In my garage:
2013 Harley Fat-Bob, the daily rider
1982 suzuki GS550e, commuter scooter turned cafe racer!
198x Suzuki GS550l, nasty cruiser being morphed into a dirt bike
1985 K75c - the current object of my obsession

Offline beachcomber

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #11 on: October 20, 2014, 10:08:22 AM »
Quote from: Doc_69 on October 20, 2014, 07:32:19 AM
No offence intended, meant only to imply that my particular K75 is never going to be a propper sports bike.

I think the stock setup will be more than quick enough for me, I just want it to look a bit more the part.

No offence taken - what we call tongue in cheek !!!!!!!!!!!!

That said - I saw a wicked K75 when I was out in Saxony for my summer break - very similar in appearance to Ben's bike. One of those occassions that I didn't have my camera with me. I invited him to call round our house for our annual Pig Roast weekend, but unfortunately he couldn't make it.

I really like Kay triples [ all triplea actually ] and have often said if I can get one cheap enough, I'll build it similar to my Streetfighter, but as a Cafe Racer
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Offline Doc_69

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #12 on: October 20, 2014, 10:48:50 AM »


I know what you mean, I like anything with 2 wheels and an engine.  I have been looking for a Brick for a while now so when I saw this one I knew it had to be mine, but my bid ceiling on any project bike is capped at £300, parts are a different story :). But all this one really needs to be back on the road is the shock (which arrives today) some inlet rubbers and and a little TLC. The rest is just plain fun factor.

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In my garage:
2013 Harley Fat-Bob, the daily rider
1982 suzuki GS550e, commuter scooter turned cafe racer!
198x Suzuki GS550l, nasty cruiser being morphed into a dirt bike
1985 K75c - the current object of my obsession

Offline thedutchrockstar

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #13 on: October 20, 2014, 11:54:25 AM »
That's already starting to look real nice, I'll be following this build closely ;)
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Offline Doc_69

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #14 on: October 21, 2014, 06:58:26 PM »
 :2thumbup:
Right, so some new parts arrived today, new progressive 421, indicator number plate light bolt combos, and a cool LED tail/stop light. I have also ordered a strobe unit for the stoplight, anyone know if they are legal in the UK? I also got some bar-end mirrors, seat foam and the digital dash. The headlight, LED resistors, strap-ons and some other bits are still on order

With all the above, the parts now cost more than the bike +delivery so I need to calm down on the ordering I think.
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In my garage:
2013 Harley Fat-Bob, the daily rider
1982 suzuki GS550e, commuter scooter turned cafe racer!
198x Suzuki GS550l, nasty cruiser being morphed into a dirt bike
1985 K75c - the current object of my obsession

Offline beachcomber

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #15 on: October 22, 2014, 04:08:15 AM »
Quote from: Doc_69 on October 21, 2014, 06:58:26 PM
:2thumbup:
Right, so some new parts arrived today, new progressive 421, indicator number plate light bolt combos, and a cool LED tail/stop light. I have also ordered a strobe unit for the stoplight, anyone know if they are legal in the UK? I also got some bar-end mirrors, seat foam and the digital dash. The headlight, LED resistors, strap-ons and some other bits are still on order

With all the above, the parts now cost more than the bike +delivery so I need to calm down on the ordering I think.

Just realised you are in the UK !!!

I have got the remains of 4 or 5 Kays - all 100 and 1100, but a lot of the cycle parts etc are interchangeable. Give me a shout if you need a spare wurzlegrommetvalve - I might just have one.

My pal does have some wicked 8mm Hi-Po plug lead sets for 75s. [  www.ramshox.com. ]
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Offline rbm

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #16 on: October 22, 2014, 08:55:13 AM »
Just throwing out an idea.  For the tailpiece, you may want to neglect to replace the grab handles, fill in the voids with fibreglass and do some body filling to smooth over the tail.  It changes the character of the backend.

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  • Regards, Robert
Toronto, Ontario

1987 K75 - Build Blog @http://k75retro.blogspot.ca/

Offline Doc_69

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #17 on: October 26, 2014, 05:59:04 PM »
Thanks beachcomber, I am slowly seeing the parts list growing every time I look at the K. So far I just seem to need frame rubbers, side panel and tank retention clips, brake hoses and inlet manifold rubbers. With a bit of luck I can take the kinks out of the brake drum rod thing without damaging the threads.

If you can spare some rubbers that support the tool box or if you have a collection of random clips, then let' discuss prices. That would apply to good inlet rubbers too :)

On the HT cables, I'll keep that in mind. First priority is to get it running again, then I'll definately look at getting it running well!
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In my garage:
2013 Harley Fat-Bob, the daily rider
1982 suzuki GS550e, commuter scooter turned cafe racer!
198x Suzuki GS550l, nasty cruiser being morphed into a dirt bike
1985 K75c - the current object of my obsession

Offline Doc_69

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #18 on: October 26, 2014, 06:14:36 PM »
Quote from: rbm on October 22, 2014, 08:55:13 AM
Just throwing out an idea.  For the tailpiece, you may want to neglect to replace the grab handles, fill in the voids with fibreglass and do some body filling to smooth over the tail.  It changes the character of the backend.

Thanks Robert. My original plan was actually to build something like this

But I seem to keep coming back to hiding batteries and electronics behind plastic. One of the first thoughts I had as to smooth the hump off, but I think the handles and dimples add character that you don't seem to get on any other tail piece so I'm thinking that I might lose the handles but keep the dimples? For now though they will all stay, I'll invest time in the cosmetics when I get round to doing the full strip and spray. Thanks for the thought though, much appreciated.
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In my garage:
2013 Harley Fat-Bob, the daily rider
1982 suzuki GS550e, commuter scooter turned cafe racer!
198x Suzuki GS550l, nasty cruiser being morphed into a dirt bike
1985 K75c - the current object of my obsession

Offline beachcomber

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #19 on: October 27, 2014, 05:34:19 AM »
Quote from: Doc_69 on October 26, 2014, 05:59:04 PM
Thanks beachcomber, I am slowly seeing the parts list growing every time I look at the K. So far I just seem to need frame rubbers, side panel and tank retention clips, brake hoses and inlet manifold rubbers. With a bit of luck I can take the kinks out of the brake drum rod thing without damaging the threads.

If you can spare some rubbers that support the tool box or if you have a collection of random clips, then let' discuss prices. That would apply to good inlet rubbers too :)

On the HT cables, I'll keep that in mind. First priority is to get it running again, then I'll definately look at getting it running well!

PM me a list with pix if possible ...... that's not you who contacted me on E-Bay for the inlet hoses was it !!!! ??
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Offline Grim

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #20 on: October 27, 2014, 08:16:26 PM »
Quote from: Doc_69 on October 26, 2014, 06:14:36 PM
Quote from: rbm on October 22, 2014, 08:55:13 AM
Just throwing out an idea.  For the tailpiece, you may want to neglect to replace the grab handles, fill in the voids with fibreglass and do some body filling to smooth over the tail.  It changes the character of the backend.

Thanks Robert. My original plan was actually to build something like this

But I seem to keep coming back to hiding batteries and electronics behind plastic. One of the first thoughts I had as to smooth the hump off, but I think the handles and dimples add character that you don't seem to get on any other tail piece so I'm thinking that I might lose the handles but keep the dimples? For now though they will all stay, I'll invest time in the cosmetics when I get round to doing the full strip and spray. Thanks for the thought though, much appreciated.
LT didn't use the handles. They have a filler peice that fits in place. ;)
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Offline retrorodent

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #21 on: October 28, 2014, 04:20:05 AM »
Hi,
That looks a comfy seat, Do you want to sell it?
Chris
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Offline Doc_69

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #22 on: October 30, 2014, 10:38:59 AM »
Quote from: retrorodent on October 28, 2014, 04:20:05 AM
Hi,
That looks a comfy seat, Do you want to sell it?
Chris

I suspect you are referring to the big sponge seat? I'm afraid that one is not mine to sell.
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In my garage:
2013 Harley Fat-Bob, the daily rider
1982 suzuki GS550e, commuter scooter turned cafe racer!
198x Suzuki GS550l, nasty cruiser being morphed into a dirt bike
1985 K75c - the current object of my obsession

Offline Doc_69

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #23 on: October 30, 2014, 11:24:01 AM »
Frame is now correct, a little more to do to get the rear cowl into place but it sits just where I want it.
 I have borrowed the battery from by suzuki, an 8-cell ballistic. This will live in the tool tray once I make a home for it, and get some frame rubbers.
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In my garage:
2013 Harley Fat-Bob, the daily rider
1982 suzuki GS550e, commuter scooter turned cafe racer!
198x Suzuki GS550l, nasty cruiser being morphed into a dirt bike
1985 K75c - the current object of my obsession

Offline Doc_69

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Re: 1985 K75 Cafe custom
« Reply #24 on: October 31, 2014, 06:38:25 PM »
Super exciting day today, my strap-ons  arrived. Had one hell of a week but could not wait for all the trick or treaters to go to bed so that o could get to the garage an get them on. All went together nice and easy except that I had to loosen  the top brake hose, so now that needs bleeding. The bars look fantastic btw, but there goes all comfort factor. I'll post pics  of  the bike asap.

Re the fount brake, I would really like to run simple brake hoses with banjo fittings from top to bottom and ditch the the whole weird hose to pipe to splitter to hose to pipe to caliper business. I can't imagine that this isn't possiblebut if anyone knows what size fittings and thread pitch works I would be most grateful.

Also, anyone got any suggestions on where to position the ignition?
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In my garage:
2013 Harley Fat-Bob, the daily rider
1982 suzuki GS550e, commuter scooter turned cafe racer!
198x Suzuki GS550l, nasty cruiser being morphed into a dirt bike
1985 K75c - the current object of my obsession
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