Oh dear, what have I done... Off Topic

[KS]

I'm gonna get into 'trouble' for this, but just couldn't resist. So typical of the bikes my mates had when I was in sixth form or at college/uni (I was 19 when this bike was built in 1973). Classic 1970s café racer details: clip-ons, Dresda rear sets, cutaway fuel tank, Amal concentrics and, of course, TLS drum brake! Buried in a barn since mid-90s. £700 seems fair to me...

[revo]

I think that front brake cable may be a tad too long. Looks the business though should be fun

[KS]

Think you could be right about the cable!

[Kneeslider]

Nice!

I would keep it looking just as it is. Give the mechanicals a going over, and don't even wash it! Love the petrol stain where the carb floats have been sticking, and dripping fuel over the sprocket cover.

Think you have done well there, it won't lose money.

[KS]

I know what you mean - it's 'honest' (OK, an honest mess). Prices being asked for Honda café racers are crazy right now. Now to sell my 1939 Monet & Goyon...

[911hillclimber]

Brilliant find, good luck with whatever direction you take.
Lots of these being built in the USA, join HondaTwins forum

Spares from David Silver in Somerset!

Can you resist to strip it and make it your own?

[KS]

Of course not! I've still got some gold paint left over...

Thanks for the spares tip – already subscribed to the forum. Another time-waster!

[911hillclimber]

[KS]

Speaking to the vendors (a bike spares place in Kent), the bike was built by a young guy who then abandoned it in his father's garage/workshop. The father was having a clear out and the bike had to go. Hopefully I'll eventually find out more (if there is anything worth knowing) when I get the paperwork and can trace former owners.

Gotta love a 'barn find'... (and a rear tyre fitted the wrong way round)


What secrets lie within? It's not seized but how bad/good is it?


I think I can improve on the instrument mounting plate...


Registration number is OK, too...


I see a pair of 'bacon slicers' in my life soon...

[911hillclimber]

FAR better condition than mine was/is.

You will enjoy doing it. I feel very converted to 2 wheels at the moment, so easy, so cheap.

This could be you balance between Journey and Destination?

[KS]

And it's a joy to find how refreshingly inexpensive parts are, too, in comparison.

I love my Porsche now I've got 1800 mile on it and hope the bike will be a less frustrating exercise!
I know exactly what I want it to look like, so let's see if I head off track along the way (as is usually the case).

[Bewildebeest]

What model is that Keith ? I've had a K4 and a G5 but there's hardly enough original stuff left to recognise.

That rear brake rod - looks like a very dubious modification to me. Am I seeing what I think I'm seeing ? (It's S shaped ?!?)

And how long were the pillion riders legs to fit those pegs ?

I may have some relevant bits still kicking around - they're yours (or Graham's) next time I find them.

Andrew

[KS]

It's a K3 or K4 - not sure until I can check frame/engine number. First registered September 1973. The rear brake 'rod' is in fact a cable, but all that will be changed anyway. As for the rear pillion pegs, have you looked at modern sports bikes? Jeez, the pillions must be aliens...

Never wanted an original bike as my plans have been to do a café racer - the prices being asked for standard 1970s Honda 250s and the like are crazy, so for £700 I was delighted. It's being delivered tomorrow – Ramsgate in Kent to Lostwithiel in Cornwall for £80. Can't complain at that.

[Bewildebeest]

It's a K3 or K4

Well my K4 was an L reg (LNV 158L where are you now ?) so logically yours being an 'M' should be a K4 as well.



I haven't got any pics of the LHS to compare.

Be interesting to see what transpires - can't remember the last time I saw any Honda of that era.

[911hillclimber]

Rear brake is a cable I think.
Thanks for the offer, I'm doing my cb175 K6 bog standard.
It is much easier to convert to a cafe racer, parts to original spec are murder to find in the UK.