1978 HONDA CB750 F2 CAFE RACER

When I was growing up and nagging my parents to let me take my CBT, which would allow me to ride a 50cc bike at the age of 16, the answer was always "NO!".
I grew up in a household with a strong motorcycling background. Both my parents rode bikes, my dad more so than my mum, but they were bikers. With my age still in single digits, I vividly remember my dads BSA Bantam restoration project, well, the boxes of bits that gradually came together when I was in bed. It was a beauty. Eventually sold when they were in need of cash, but then bought back just a few years ago.
When I was 17 I learned to drive, passed my test, got a car, and eventually started working in motorsport. 4 wheels had taken over my life. My Renault Clio became an MGF, which became a Peugeot 307 when the head gasket failed, which then became a Mazda MX-5 (I have to blame my grandad for the love of 2 seater sports cars, a.k.a. hairdressers cars).
And then in my mid-twenties I moved to the Netherlands. Sold my car. I only needed 2 wheels over there, with pedal power being the best method of transport. It was during this period that I started dreaming of bikes again, and an obsession with wanting to build something as cool as a Mr. Martini Triumph took hold.
A few months later I had my license, and the keys to a 1978 Honda CB750 F2, which was only ever destined for one thing, the chop.
The original Comstar wheels had to go, so the front end from 70's GL1000 Goldwing was brought in to allow spoked wheels whilst retaining the twin disc braking set up on the front. In the back, a hub from an F1 was sourced in the USA, to allow a spoked wheel with disc brake on the rear.
The carbs were overhauled completely, including re-jetting to match the Yoshimura replica pipes and different air box. The engine ran sweet, so only a cosmetic job was needed there. I (somewhat foolishly) wrinkle finish blacked out the whole engine, you live and learn!
The frame was cut down to allow for a custom aluminium and leather seat unit, and the electronics were brought up to date with an electronic ignition, single regulator/rectifier, and Dyna coils.
Braking was also brought up to more modern standards, with the use of Brembo master cylinders front and rear, size matched to the twin caliper set-up, complete with EBC floating discs and EBC pads.
Clip-on bars were matched up with some modern switchgear and Biltwell grips, whilst Joker Machine rear sets were bolted on to custom made laser cut brackets for the foot controls.
A simple and stealthy all black colour scheme was painted by a local bodyshop, with only the classic Honda wing logos adorning either side of the tank.
I learned so much from this old girl, both good and bad, but had so much fun building her. She was a blast to ride also!