LUCY: A CB750-based Cafe Racer
Updated 10/16/04This project started in my head sometime during the winter of 1999. I had been frequenting the local magazine stand to peruse the popular bike rags, looking to get back in touch with what was new, what was good and what I could afford!
At the same time, I continued the never-ending project to convince my wife that I really NEEDED to own a motorcycle, it was not just a passing fad, it was not the onset of a mid-life crisis. It is really just a part of who I am that could not be suppressed any longer.
I had owned a bike during my college years. A red 1974 CB360 twin purchased from my roommate's father. My second bike was purchased in the fall of 1988 at a local impound lot auction. It was a 1982 Honda Nighthawk 650 four cylinder. I was fairly open minded about what my next bike could-be, but I wanted to be a lot more deliberate about it. I wanted to make sure I got the RIGHT bike this time.
Eventually I narrowed it down to two bikes. It was going to be either a Harley Sportster, or a Honda CB750. They were classic designs that endured. There were plenty of parts available for both bikes, and prices would be somewhat competitive.
In December of 1999 I picked-up a copy of Motorcyclist Magazine, and I was deeply impressed when I read Patrick Bodden's account of building Big Benly - A CB750 based road racer that had won that years AHRMA race in Daytona. I later found out the historical significance of that event, along with the brilliance of Honda's breakthrough design and engineering. I think that article made my mind up. The CB750 had the quality, character and potential I had been looking for.
Soon after I struck gold, or more precisely: red and gold. While browsing through a local bone yard, a fellow biker approached me and mentioned he had a Honda 750 in his den that was gathering dust as a result of having too many projects. I eagerly followed him home to have a look, and there she was: a pristine 1971 Red and Gold CB750 with just over 6,000 miles on the clock that he had purchased from the original owner's father after it had sat under a tarp in a garage for about 15 years.
Tina was too good to be true. I owned her for two years, and I just could not bring myself to take her apart for a rebuild. I learned a ton about these bikes: Their power and handling characteristics, some basic wrenching techniques, and all about their place in the history of Motorcycle development. I researched the changes Honda had made to each model year(I still think the K1 is the best vintage) I read just about every magazine article ever written about them, and I began corresponding via e with Patrick Bodden and other CB750 enthusiasts at the SOHC4 club. The best bunch of gear-heads I could hope to tap into. THANK YOU LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!! Lucy would not be here if it weren't for your encouragement and advice.
I sold Tina for over 10 times what I paid for her. I could not resist, since I needed the money to finance Lucy's restoration. I found Lucy on E-bay, as part of a complicated transaction that involved storing a KO basket case for 6 months for an overseas buyer, and keeping an F2 junker that was part of the deal in exchange for the storage. I had already been purchasing parts in anticipation of this project, so when the offer was made I jumped at the chance. I wish I could have kept Tina, but I know if I had, Lucy would still be a dream and a pile of parts in my garage and basement.
This website is a record of the last 4 years. The vision, the process, the sources, the frustrations of restoring a 27 year old motorcycle, and building something special in the process.
I hope you enjoy this document and feel free to contact me with any comments, questions or suggestions (and by the way, she's NOT for sale at ANY price)
Sincerely,
Sixto Beltrandy
