Honda CB900 Cafè Racer in chili sauce

All began with a picture:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwGaSCrgRXQ/UEtk8KNvUoI/AAAAAAAADE4/M3QTU1iIcuc/s640/Frase-Serbatoio.JPG

I was struck by it, later I discover that the real bike has a stupid plastic cover over..... that hide such wild beauty.....

BTW, when the "monkey" attack my brain ther's nothing to do.... I must do it, in a way or in another I must develop the vision in to the reality.... in scale....

Is now the time for the old school, it would be a low tech build, no PE, no 3D, no prototyping.... in fact... I start sitting at my 3D software LOL!!!! But at least I would get a printed draw ;)

After some attempt I come to a decent 3D shape of the fuel tank, the size fit well the Honda CB900 frame, the model choosen is the Academy CB in 1/8 scale, it's huuuuuuuge!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/img066_zps5cd49640.jpg

My software was so kind that gave me in two seconds a full plain development of the shape, and so I built quickly a paperboard prototype to test geometry and size:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/DSC_0727_zpsc4a90f7a.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/DSC_0726_zpscabb01af.jpg

Was so time to define a layout working in 1/8 scale starting by the instruction's blueprint profiles:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/img065_zpsb5c2f6cd.jpg

It would be a "homemade garage" custom Cafè Racer, with some goodies!

Since the paperboard experiment went succesful, I cut it on 0.5mm plastic, was not so difficult to achieve the shape I imagined in my vision.... Inside edges was reinforced with cyano glue and microballons, and as last step I built the seams using a 0.6mm stirene rod, and simulated the TIg seams with a warm cutter

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/DSC_0725_zps99c70f6e.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/DSC_0724_zps249e21ba.jpg

I have to see...... it's so huge.....I'm so used to the 1/12 scale (still big for our 1/24 guys....)

A kind tip: I reinforced the inner side of the fuel tank with poliuretanic resin, those you'll use with sylicon molds: I just tried the "XYZ axis rolling" technique used to cast face mask on a open face mold, just flushing the wet resin around rolling the mold until it start to dry..... very fun.... what I got was a second "silk" and now the part is quite strong. Once a time I sprinkled some microballons on the almost dry resin to improove the rigidity

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/DSC_0804.jpg

We got a tail also.... looks decent to me: simple but not too squared as the tank, make a difference with some "armony".... we'll see...

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/DSC_0801.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/DSC_0803.jpg

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/DSC_0802.jpg

Overall look for the mechs would be the "preserved but not restored" patina look, with hars signs of ab-usage.... :) good times for my weathering gears :D

Oh boy, hang on to something everyone! Here we go again! I just can't wait to see where this is going.

Gio! Great to see you back! This looks like a very cool build, great work on the fuel tank! I can't wait to see more!

I'm with Les, I will sit next to him and hold tight :)

maybe connection from tank to seat/tail part...to have some kind of fluid line or you will do something with seat cover fabric.

Anyhow, I am hooked :)

Thanks guys: Sasa I think it is part of the kind design of this bike to have a broken outline between tank and seat: in full honesty if it were a real bike I would cover the sharp tank with sponge and leather in few points... at least around balls and belly :D

I'm not planning to put all efforts spent on the harley (I have to confess... I taken the gold medal this sunday at Brescia contest :D, efforts deserve sometimes :D) but I'm going forward, alu rims almost ready to latching :)

Sasa I joint a modeling club, they usually go Mosom any year.... I guess next year is the good one to meet old friends :D, trip is managed and not so expencive like going alone ;) :D

Sasa I joint a modeling club, they usually go Mosom any year.... I guess next year is the good one to meet old friends :D, trip is managed and not so expencive like going alone ;) :D

Niiiiiceee, drinking and eating....yeeeah :D I look forward, I am bringing some croatian plavac and you can take some chianti...or prosecco...or... :)

Update gentlemen!

I decided to downgrade my CB900R to a drum brake system. A racing drum kit indeed! A good insiration was the Max Hazan site http://hazanmotorworks.com/

Hubs!!!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/tamburocb2_zps5852282f.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/tamburocb2_zps5852282f.jpg.html)

Like you see the pad surface is just simulated, I'll do just waht you see trough the air vents on side caps.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/tamburoCB_zpsbe22e1eb.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/tamburoCB_zpsbe22e1eb.jpg.html)

Nipples!!!! They're cutted with the file on a modified (square cap insthead hex.) pin vise

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0672_zps3397f913.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0672_zps3397f913.jpg.html)

Centering tool

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0671_zpsdc1ef172.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0671_zpsdc1ef172.jpg.html)

Next one latching wire spokes!!!! Thanks anyone!

http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/29800000/We-re-Watching-You-penguins-of-madagascar-29858067-994-572.jpg

watching for more of this! :)

Very interesting!!! Can't wait to see more.

Looking really good Gio! Rims will be great!

Oh boy! This is gonna be great. I LOVE that tank. There is something magical about motorcycles that can't be done in cars. I can't wait.

I should stay away from your inspiration references- this is temptation that I do not need! :runaround:

Looks fantastic, but i know I've said that.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0672_zps3397f913.jpg

Wow, that's a lot of hand work.



Can't wait to see how it looks all wired up. But I fear that maybe I shouldn't look...! Bright, shiny machined metal, woven wires- :uhoh::uhoh:

And 1/8 is HUGE!

Say, I need some good detail pics of a Vespa, for the 1/9 Italeri kit. Does anyone have a daughter that has a Vespa?

Beautiful machine work on the hub, Gman. Glad to see this project fired up again! :)

I must subscribe to some good work now and then. So here I go :biggrin:

Nice job on the tank and the wheels so far.

Thanks a lot guys

Yes someone here gifted a '72 vespa to his daughther that someone other from the other side of the ocean lurked in his workshop and since the daughter doesn't use it , he (me at this point to avoid any trouble LOL) have to ride it now or then :D, I'll ship there and you may try to come back here riding next summer, after all reference job :D

First wheel RTR!

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0674_zpsbbd9a5ac.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0674_zpsbbd9a5ac.jpg.html)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0675_zps0d1494be.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0675_zps0d1494be.jpg.html)

:worshippy

superb job

FANTASTIC!!

It almost doesn't matter if you build the rest of the bike with it- it looks great just on it's own. (The only problem is the text on the tyre- "DUNLOP GOLD SEAF"??!! :rolleyes:)


I'll ship there and you may try to come back here riding next summer, after all reference job :D

When we come we'll take the fenders off, and to timed trials to the gelato shop! :sunglasse

When we come we'll take the fenders off, and to timed trials to the gelato shop! :sunglasse

http://sorentoimports.biz/ShopSorento/images/Gelato_cart.jpg

OMG This is awesome Steve! I'll paint the vespa in pistacchio green and the side-car cream............ I have to start it this night!!!!!! :D

We call this sensation "the monkey" :D

Ooooh no- this is just not right.

I don't need this kind of temptation from you guys!

Ooooh no- this is just not right.

I don't need this kind of temptation from you guys!

Yep it's fair enough: think that she is a Transformer, one of those badass transformers... and it is required for the group build the full functionality between gelatomobile and war robot..... plenty of ice-cream weapons coming.... :D

I don't need this kind of temptation from you guys!
Sweet payback! :rofl: ;)

... full functionality between gelatomobile and war robot..... plenty of ice-cream weapons coming.... :D

Sometihng Like Magnum Force

http://www.angloamerican.free-online.co.uk/magnum1.JPG

...or a quiver full of these-

http://www.longisland70skid.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Bomb-Pops.jpg

Ladies and gentlemen the Thrio is back on track in full shape :D

If I may bring the topic back to that rear wheel of yours
...WooooooooooooW! :)

If I may bring the topic back to that rear wheel of yours

I suppose if we must...

Ladies and gentlemen the Thrio is back on track in full shape


It's good to be back, isn't it? I've missed you guys here!

Ladies and gentlemen the Thrio is back on track in full shape

It's good to be back, isn't it? I've missed you guys here!

The days of "on topic" are numbered…..:iceslolan

Great wheel Gio! If you get the trio back on track perhaps the other two gentlemen will help us kick some life into the motorcycle section. Seems like its days been counted for years...

to permit myself a very last off-topic deviation: I think you lot are looking for a motorized version of this:

http://s145.photobucket.com/user/db114/library/Ice%20Cycle%20-%20AMT_ERTL?sort=3&page=1

It's just a matter of finding a completely crazed engine to fit under it. :grinyes:

to permit myself a very last off-topic deviation: I think you lot are looking for a motorized version of this:

It's just a matter of finding a completely crazed engine to fit under it. :grinyes:

Fantastic!! :worshippy

The concept and that name (the IceCycle :rofl: ) are both so…cool :D

Bet it would look good with wired wheels.

Just sayin'.

Since you breaks the ball all the day with off topic stuff :D my revenge is that, to show you next bike job ;)...

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/DSC_0680_zpsa5af4f8a.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/DSC_0680_zpsa5af4f8a.jpg.html)

it's 1/43 so if the two partners want to join the group build they have to choose something in the 1/43 size....

and following where the bike (a gilera 500, abandoned by italians and used and customized by the RAF pilot) would be glued...

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/DSC_0682_zpse385f77c.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/DSC_0682_zpse385f77c.jpg.html)

:D, happy saturday night friends :D

I'm guessing the Spit is 1/48th? Looks fab - I can't even see 1/43rd models!:crying:

Sorry...... wrong typing..... the gilera is 1/35 and the spit 1/32 :D

Sorry...... wrong typing..... the gilera is 1/35 and the spit 1/32 :D

both look great in either scale :)

Looks like you have already started on the gilera? or were those springs part of the kit?

I do have some 1/43s.. I've always wanted to try that scale :evillol:

Spoked wheels in 1/35... Cool bike but I'm with cinqster as I some time have trouble gluing stuff onto my 1/12 builds :-)

Well those are just some PE spokes.... and the result isn't as good as I thought, I need more practice :D
Yes Steve, or better not: springs are custom made, it's a good resin model from Model Victoria that an awesome military modeler, Stefano Badalucco, gifted me to fill the space in the spit's base :)

TOPIC TOPIC TOPIC!

Rear weel is latched, a new fork is machined... time for the verrrry first fitting test.... it would be useful to set the lenght for the new back shocks.... I guess a couple millimeter taller wouldn't be bad?

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0683_zps4fb3a186.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0683_zps4fb3a186.jpg.html)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0684_zpsae988120.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0684_zpsae988120.jpg.html)

Well I guess someone has to bring it back to topic. Can't be me, I'm not building it!

The wheels and shocks look fantastic. Ride height looks good. Now, I am looking forward to seeing the engine! :naughty:


(It is difficult to tell how big it is. Could you maybe put a familiar household item behind it for scale- like possibly a bottle of good Scotch, or a half kg of Grana?)

I have not a "brand new" 1/2Kg slice of cheese now but a couple shapes you'll find familiar (BTW ever "those" bottle... still have some :D looks like I didn't drunk much scoth this winter, at least not this one LOL!). Doing set up jobs on shocks-ride height... looks better now to me.... may be I take in consideration the option of a monocross back sunspension....

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0686_zps148f8711.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0686_zps148f8711.jpg.html)

Ha! Excellent, now I can well relate! :rofl:

(That IS big.)

It must be a lot of fun to work in this scale. (I have always been afraid to try- maybe I wouldn't be able to stop myself from doing working pistons, or other stupid stuff.) But with some good Islay single, maybe it is not so frightening?

Also, I see now that you use a tripod when photographing good whisky. This seems very wise.

Hic! very nicsh.. hic! :cheers:

Height in second picture looks much better!

Great project !!!

Incredibile
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a99/quadzero/rocky.gif (http://s9.photobucket.com/user/quadzero/media/rocky.gif.html)
That rim is closer to being on a real bike then on a model. Just amazing.

Thanks guys, thanks Les, too much!!!

New shock, new cantilever configuration back.... new bike at last...

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0692_zps4054964d.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0692_zps4054964d.jpg.html)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0691_zps21a3fcfd.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0691_zps21a3fcfd.jpg.html)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0689_zps1188e8de.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0689_zps1188e8de.jpg.html)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0690_zps85858ff3.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0690_zps85858ff3.jpg.html)

:eek: :eek2::eek2::eek2: :worshippy:

I'm quitting again! ;)

Very nice work with the lathe!

I'm quitting again! ;)

Noooo!

After all my efforts to get you posting and building again??!! I'll send you a machined shock of your own if it would help.



With both of you building again for the first time in years, it has me beginning to wonder- where did I park that F40...? :sly:

Marvellous!:smokin:

Something I forgot to update last week:

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0762_zps3c76155a.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0762_zps3c76155a.jpg.html)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0763_zpsd8d0d7b8.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0763_zpsd8d0d7b8.jpg.html)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0764_zps43400d4b.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0764_zps43400d4b.jpg.html)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0765_zpsda95719b.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0765_zpsda95719b.jpg.html)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0767_zps0290a72d.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0767_zps0290a72d.jpg.html)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0766_zps12d7362f.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0766_zps12d7362f.jpg.html)

And ... well... following is the way I introduced "Gina" at Moson show, "completing" ... it at 3.30 AM a couple hours before leave Italy for Hungary: I have to replace the rapid prototyped chain with a decent PE one and to do some minor jobs on brake pedal set up and stuff, it should be in perfect shape for next shows :)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0780_zps043b85e6.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0780_zps043b85e6.jpg.html)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0785_zps9122e334.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0785_zps9122e334.jpg.html)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0783_zpsd61d7f72.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0783_zpsd61d7f72.jpg.html)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0781_zpsf62e9f7b.jpg (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/gionc/media/boardtracker/honda%20CB900/DSC_0781_zpsf62e9f7b.jpg.html)

holy s**t :eek2:


no words…...

:worshippy

holy s**t :eek2:


no words…...

:worshippy

Holy sh**tastic Gman! I'm gonna take up knitting!:crying:

holy s**t :eek2:


no words…...

:worshippy

one word: FANTASTIC !!

I especially find the wheels and the buddy very impressive!
Thanks for sharing this great work.

@cinqster: I think I will join you. Fancy starting a club? :biggrin:

Thanks guys you're too good, like ever!

@cinqster: you would be helpful so since I start to need something to dress a 1/8 female biker for the next one :D

Oh yes!
I saw it last Sunday in Mosonmgyarovár and it is stunning.

Very nice job, congratulations