Honda CB750K '79 Cafe Racer EVO -project from Finland

[Macce88]

A New Milestone Reached in the Project!​

More garage days have been spent, and the project is progressing brilliantly.

The rear cowl is now finished — handcrafted from aluminum by Tomi’s Custom Garage (https://www.tomiscustomgarage.com/garage/index.htm) — not a paid ad!
I’m extremely happy with how it turned out and how precisely Tomi managed to bring my vision to life based on my description.
A huge shoutout to Tomi’s Custom Garage for the outstanding craftsmanship.

The rear cowl is now mounted with bolts, ensuring a perfect 100% fit exactly where it should be.
The bolts are neatly hidden under the seat and at the base of the electronics box — a clean and tidy setup all around!


The cables have been tested and fit well. The clutch cable is a bit on the tight side but works perfectly.
Venhill did an excellent job — all cables are now finalized and routed neatly around the tank, front end, and the other custom parts.

Cable passthroughs were made for the Motogadget handlebar buttons directly into the clip-ons (carefully drilled at the thickest point to ensure no structural weakening).

The front fairing was also modified to achieve the perfect fit I wanted.
A slot was made for the clutch cable, and a small upper section was trimmed to make the gauge cluster fully visible in the riding position — while still acting as a sunshade for the instruments.

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Current Project Status​

Today marks the beginning of the full teardown — the bike is coming apart down to the last bolt.

• Every single part will be inspected, sanded, and prepped → then packed into boxes for a specific type of paint job.
• Every bolt, nut, and washer will be bagged → and replaced with new hardware.

Painting quotes have already been requested, and some are already agreed upon.
The goal is to have all parts painted by early December, so the reassembly can finally begin!

The project log will stay active — and it’s really starting to look like this thing is actually going to be finished!

 

[Nunya Bidnes]

Nice bike porn! Keep those pictures coming.

 

[Macce88]

Disassembly Phase Started — and Almost Completed​

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Day 1

• Disassembly began and reached roughly 50% completion.

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Day 2

• Disassembly and the cleaning/prepping of parts reached about 75% completion.

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Day 3

• Disassembly completed 100%.
• Still finishing and preparing the parts before paint — everything is scattered around and every single piece still needs to be checked.

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Day 4

• Parts cleaned, bagged, and sorted. Almost all paint-bound components have been reviewed and cleared for the paint shops.
• Replacement bolts have been bagged.

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Identification Plates

• Custom identification plates have been completed — and they turned out excellent!
  Still deciding which ones will be mounted on the bike.

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What’s Next?

• Final finishing of the frame and a few other parts before they go for painting
• Paint job requests sent out; most parts will likely head to the painters next week
• Colors have been decided
• Replacement of all bolts over the coming weeks
• A few larger bolts need custom machining, as the originals are slightly bent
• Cleaning and painting the engine and carburetors

 

[Macce88]

The Project is Moving Forward on Schedule!​

Several parts have been ordered…
Bearings removed from the swingarm and wheels…
Axles and adapters machined at a workshop…
Parts cleaned for painting like maniac…

The last welding jobs were also completed (good thing I spotted the need before everything went to paint!)

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Painting Process Has Begun​

The tank and rear cowl have been delivered to the painter, and the color has been chosen.
The one requirement for the paint job: a show-quality “glass finish”.

The frame, wheels, brake calipers, swingarm, and several other components have been sent for powder coating — colors decided as well.

Painting has also begun on the engine and carburetor components.
Parts have been cleaned, lightly sanded, and finished.
Several hours spent to ensure a perfect final result.

Protective masking done as carefully as possible to guarantee a top-notch result.

Carburetors disassembled → hand-cleaned and ultrasonic cleaned → masked for paint.

A “paint booth” was built in the garage — with as much effort put into it as possible to prevent overspray and provide good painting conditions.

An engine hoist was rented to hang the engine, making painting much easier.

The engine and carburetor parts are being painted using high-quality VHT paints.

l]


The painting process itself is quite labor-intensive when following the manufacturer’s instructions:

• Cleaning and sanding
• Masking
• Primer → then 7 days of drying
• Color coat → another 7 days of drying
• Finally, clear coat → again 7 days of drying

The initial respirator wasn’t sufficient, so a proper one was purchased — health first.

After applying the primer, the surface looks excellent — so next week the color coat can finally go on!

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What’s Next?​

• Finish painting the engine and carburetor components
• Pick up painted parts and install the new bearings
• Purchase replacement bolts
• After these steps: a full garage cleanup and the beginning of the reassembly phase

My self-imposed deadline is still holding strong, and progress suggests it’s still achievable.
More on that a bit later…

 

[Macce88]

PROGRESS CONTINUES…​

More time has once again been spent in the garage — and the same pace will continue over the coming weeks.

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Engine Painting Completed​

The engine has now been fully painted and clear-coated:

• Primer
• Color
• Clear coat

As an amateur builder and painter, I’m happy with the final result.
The painting conditions themselves weren’t exactly ideal, but the outcome still turned out well.

Next Steps for the Engine​

• Final external checks
• Installing new gaskets on all removed covers
• Cleaning and tidying up the engine wiring

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New Parts Ordered & Acquired​

New tires were purchased, as the old ones had hardened over time and wouldn’t have been safe to use — and they also looked their age.
I also had a laser-engraved plate made for the engine number to finalize the engine’s appearance (the original stamped number remains underneath, as the new plate is not officially approved).

New brake discs and a complete engine gasket set.

One of the plugs in the valve cover gasket had taken significant damage — and the perfectionist in me wouldn’t allow it to stay — so a new one was ordered.
The engine mounting shafts/bolts have returned from the machine shop.

The engine received a full set of brand-new bolts to replace the worn originals.

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One of the Most Anticipated Moments: Painted Parts Return​

Several boxes of parts returned from powder coating — along with the wheels and the frame.
Vannevelhot (Kerava) handled the powder coating, and the result is excellent.

Nurminen Carpaint (Kangasala) painted the tank and rear cowl.
The final color choice came from the Alfa Romeo / Fiat color chart:
VERDE VISCONTI (800/A, VE9958O).

Choosing the color was genuinely stressful.
“Was this really the right choice?”
“What if I don’t like it?”
“Will everything have to be repainted in a different color?”

In the end, the result was exactly what I was aiming for — a perfect hit once again!

Show-level gloss and finish!

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Reassembly Underway​

The brake calipers have been reassembled after painting, using entirely new components.

Carburetor assembly is in progress, with several old parts being replaced by new ones as well.

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From here on, the project should move forward at a good pace, as new parts can finally be installed and the bike starts to look more complete piece by piece.
The next few weeks will be full-on garage action — and the project log will stay active.

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DEADLINE​

A small clarification regarding the target schedule:

• DEADLINE 1 → Bike fully assembled externally (more details around mid-January)
• DEADLINE 2 → Bike completely finished, including electrics and carburetor tuning → TEST DRIVE

 

[Old_Crow]

Wow, you do excellent work. Nice job. Looking at the picture of the painted engine, I can't help but think how cool it would look if you filed the paint off the ends of the cooling fins. I think I'd start with the fins on the head and look at it before I decided to do the fins on the barrels.
I had 2 requirements when my tank and covers went to paint. A show quality shine and an exact replica of the 10th Anniversary paint job. My guy nailed it, too.

 

[Bo82CB]

I like your idea about raw aluminum fins, as you see I am biased. In his case I don't think it would look good since all of his engine parts are black, no contrast....

 

[Macce88]

Wow, you do excellent work. Nice job. Looking at the picture of the painted engine, I can't help but think how cool it would look if you filed the paint off the ends of the cooling fins. I think I'd start with the fins on the head and look at it before I decided to do the fins on the barrels.
I had 2 requirements when my tank and covers went to paint. A show quality shine and an exact replica of the 10th Anniversary paint job. My guy nailed it, too.

I like your idea about raw aluminum fins, as you see I am biased. In his case I don't think it would look good since all of his engine parts are black, no contrast....

Thanks guys for your comments and ideas.
Actually I have been thinking about this and just like Old-Crow wrote first just the fins on the head and most likely only the fins on the head.

My consern was first that everything else is black, so how would it look.
But now when I didn't get all black bolts to the engine, this might work.
I think I'm going to assembly bike together first and maybe do couple photoshops to see how will it look. I can file those fins when the engine is on the bike (I think)...

 

[Macce88]

Time to Open Up About the Deadlines​

Maybe now it’s finally safe to talk a bit more openly about the deadlines.
In the past, whenever I’ve publicly shared target schedules, they haven’t quite been met — but this time things are looking good enough that I dare to do it again

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DEADLINE 1​

The bike has been registered and accepted for the MP 2026 Motorcycle Show, traditionally held from January 30 to February 1, 2026, at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. The largest motorcycle event in the Nordics.
(Link to the homepage of the show)

By that point, the project will be brought to a stage where the bike is essentially complete, with only the electrical system still missing.

• The bike will be on display live at the show

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DEADLINE 2​

Final finishing work — including the electrics and engine/carburetor tuning — will be completed after the MP 2026 Motorcycle Show.
The goal is to have the bike 100% finished by the start of the riding season.

At this stage, there may still be a few small cosmetic tweaks if needed, and a full project summary will be created — including technical specifications and an overview of how much the bike has evolved from its original form.

 

[Old_Crow]

​

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DEADLINE 1​

The bike has been registered and accepted for the MP 2026 Motorcycle Show, traditionally held from January 30 to February 1, 2026, at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. The largest motorcycle event in the Nordics.
(Link to the homepage of the show)

By that point, the project will be brought to a stage where the bike is essentially complete, with only the electrical system still missing.

• The bike will be on display live at the show.

Ah, in this country that would be referred to as a "SEMA build". It refers to the practice of sending cars/bikes/trucks to the SEMA show in the not-quite-complete state. I've got nothing against it, I've won the "under construction" class 2 different times at our local car show. No, not with the same car.

I think, after looking at Bo82CB's picture that I'd just do the fins on the head. Kinda hard to tell and I, too might wait until it was back together just to make sure. Wouldn't be too difficult to use an artists brush to reapply the paint if you didn't like the result.
My old Shovelhead had iron barrels and aluminum heads and I always liked the contrast of polished rocker boxes, raw aluminum heads, black cylinders and polished engine cases on that one.

 

[Macce88]

I understand what you are talking about.
At least the bike is more complete (almost fully complete) than last time 2018 when it was in the same show

 

[Macce88]

Easy and Fun…​

Assembly is moving forward at a fast pace, and right now it looks like we’re progressing on a solid schedule.
There are 15 days left to get the bike fully assembled before heading to the show — so “plenty of time,” right?

A mistake happened during carburetor assembly and a special bolt snapped.
However, as of writing this, a replacement bolt has already been sourced from Germany and carb assembly can continue.
Otherwise, major setbacks have mostly been avoided — aside from the usual pain of installing the engine into the frame, which is never fun.

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Chassis & Structural Work​

A new VIN / type plate has been installed on the frame, and I fabricated carbon fiber covers for the swingarm linkage area to hide an otherwise ugly opening.

Extra hands were recruited from home to pre-sort all the bolts — saving time and avoiding constant searching for the right bolt or nut.

The “ignition switch” (tag terminal) has been installed, grommets fitted, and wiring routed according to plan.

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Front & Rear End Assembly​

Front end installed — bearings pressed into the steering stem and the correct number of spacers fitted.
Rear end installed — swingarm, shock, and rear wheel.

The fork tubes were also serviced, so everything up front is now in safe and reliable condition.
Wheel installed with a new tire, new brake discs, and freshly painted brake calipers.

The rear shock was serviced as well and now works perfectly.
A strap was fabricated to secure the battery.

Everything at the rear is now mounted — footpegs, brake lines, and reservoir.

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Drivetrain & Details​

Chain shortened and tensioned into place.

The taillight has also found its place and has been tested — still looks just as good as it did years ago when first tested.

The engine has been lifted into position, with final assembly still ahead.

I’m extremely happy with the brake discs — they look fantastic and add a distinctly modern, more technical feel to the bike.

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The project log continues — and I know exactly where I’ll be spending the next two weeks: in the garage!

 

[Macce88]

Step by Step Toward a Finished Result​

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Controls & Cockpit​

Installation of the handlebar controls is underway.
Motogadget buttons, clutch lever with cable, and grip have been installed.
The carbon fiber plate for the gauge cluster and the gauge itself are now in place, as well as the “name plate”.

A setback was encountered with the mirrors and turn signals — new adapters need to be machined to get the fit just right.
The adapters will be completed today, thanks to Sorvaamo Robek Oy.

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Electrical System​

All components have been arranged and mounted inside the electrical box.
A mat will still be added to the bottom, which will be installed next week.

Taillight wiring pass-through.

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Engine Fully Installed​

The engine is now fully assembled and mounted in the frame.
We managed to avoid any major damage or unwanted contact during installation.

All side covers and cases have been installed using new bolts — which actually looks even better than having fully black bolts everywhere.

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Front Lighting​

Headlight brackets have been installed and the headlight position is being finalized.

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Everything is starting to look really good, and we’re actually slightly ahead of schedule.
There shouldn’t be any last-minute rush to get the bike ready for the show.


We’ll continue the story again next week — and of course, the weekend will be spent in the garage!

 

[MarcinMMz]

Respect! Looks really great! Huge amount of work and effort you have placed; congrats!

 

[Macce88]

Almost There…​

A lot of hours have been spent in the garage, and assembly is surprisingly time-consuming — even though most of the work is fairly straightforward bolt-on stuff.
That said, the situation is excellent and the bike is now very close to being finished.
Just final detailing and the last parts to install — then it’s DONE (for the show at least).

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Final Assembly & Details​

A mat was added to the bottom of the electrical box.
It looks better and should also help dampen vibration slightly (at least in theory).

The front fender has been installed, along with a few individual carbon fiber pieces that I remade.

Brake Lines​

Now that the bike is fully assembled, a few issues became apparent:

• One of the front brake lines is slightly too tight
• One banjo fitting sits at a poor angle
• The rear brake line makes contact with the exhaust, which is not acceptable

→ These lines will be replaced later.

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Fuel Tank & Badging​

A new fuel cap and petcock have been installed on the tank.

Custom emblems were mounted on the sides, and a Honda badge was added to the tank to break up the large surface visually.

The shift linkage and clutch cable are now installed.

A few small carburetor parts have been ordered and will be replaced after the show to ensure the carbs are 100% dialed in.

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Controls & Front End​

All controls are now installed: Motogadget buttons, levers, grips, mirrors, and turn signals.
The newly machined adapters worked perfectly and everything fits beautifully.

This time, the measurements and mirror choice were spot on — the handlebars can turn fully lock-to-lock without hitting the tank or trapping fingers.

The front fairing was repainted once more and finished in glossy black.
In my opinion, it looks absolutely spot-on — and the shine came out beautifully.

The front-end look is perfect.

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Exhaust & Show Prep​

The “dirty” appearance around the exhaust welds started to bother me, so the system was sent out for Cerakote coating via express service.
The exhaust should return by next Tuesday, leaving a comfortable two days to install it.

For the show, a carbon fiber plate was made to replace the license plate, complete with decals — show spec.

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To-Do List for Early Next Week​

• Exhaust back from coating and installed
• Install iridium spark plugs
• Install carburetors
• Install fuel lines
• Tidy up wiring
• Install tank, rear cowl, and seat
• Final polishing and detailing

On Thursday, it’s time to head toward Helsinki — and on Friday, the MP 2026 Show begins.
One final status update coming next week before the show.

 

[Macce88]

DEADLINE 1 REACHED

The schedule held and the bike is fully assembled.
We even had about 1.5 days to spare.

I have to say at this point that when this project started back in 2015, the original plan was for it to take roughly 1–1.5 years. Ambition and a touch of madness kicked in hard, and the scope of the build completely exploded.
Along the way I went through five (5) different daily rider bikes, while this one spent several years sitting in the corner of the garage, waiting for its “better day”.

Now, 10 years later, the bike is finally truly complete. I’m extremely proud of the result and of how much I’ve learned about motorcycles in general – and especially about many processes I had absolutely no prior experience with. Most of those lessons came through trial and error, but in the end the work has truly paid off.

What makes this project even more special is that completing it together with my father, from the very starting point to this moment, has been an incredible journey.

Yesterday was all about final detailing to get the bike show-ready.

The engine wiring was completely redone to match the overall quality of the build.
New connectors, sleeving, heat shrink, and proper wire mounts throughout.

The exhaust was sent last Thursday to Cerakote Palvelut in Viitasaari for coating. After a few phone calls, they promised a fast turnaround so we could still make the show deadline – and they delivered. The coated exhaust was back with me on Monday.
Big thanks to Cerakote Palvelut.

The chosen color is C-Series C-7700 Glacier Silver, rated to remain stable in both color and surface finish up to nearly 1000°C. To my eye it works perfectly – going all black would have been a bit too much.
The carburetors and free-flow filters were also installed at the same time.

As mentioned a couple of times already, the bike is ready for the show. But being the “marketing-minded” person that I am, here’s just a small teaser for now. The final result will be revealed at MP 2026 Motorcycle Show in Helsinki this coming weekend (Fri–Sat).

Proper photos will be posted next week here in the project thread.

 

[Bo82CB]

Congrats, bike is looking very nice.
What makes this project so special is you did it with your father. Memories will stay with you for rest of your life!

 

[Macce88]

MP 2026 Motorcycle Show

Before the show, I made an information board to place next to the bike, so even those not deeply familiar with motorcycles could understand the starting point of the project and how far it has come.

Bike loaded up and off to the show.

And then the actual show – and the public debut of the “finished” bike.
The feedback, especially from fellow builders, was very positive, and to my own surprise the project also received quite a lot of attention overall.

Below are my own photos from the show. We’re still waiting for the professional photos.
Personally, I completely fell in love with the bike when viewed from the rear angle. The lines and overall stance are exactly what I had envisioned in my head throughout the build.

And then came the surprise.

The overall level of the competition was extremely high, but my project was selected as Best in Class – Classic (1st place). A truly meaningful honor and a great recognition of all the work put into this build.

And as the biggest surprise of all, I had the chance to walk up once more to receive a trophy for Best Bike of the Show.
Out of all the custom-built motorcycles on display, this bike received the highest number of votes.

A huge thank you to everyone!

That said, the project is still not 100% complete.
Next, the focus shifts back to finishing the electrical system, getting the bike fully road-ready, and making a few small visual refinements.

The feedback was so encouraging that I’ve already received inquiries about participating in upcoming shows. So it’s very likely the bike will be on display later this spring at least in three shows, followed by the Helsinki Bike Show in the summer.

The story continues…

 

[MarcinMMz]

Congratulations! You deserve this award in 100%!
Great story, great bike; I think you have inspired many of us as a great example to start new projects ones again :-D

 

[Macce88]

Congratulations! You deserve this award in 100%!
Great story, great bike; I think you have inspired many of us as a great example to start new projects ones again :-D

Thanks! I’m still not sure I really deserved this Best of the Best trophy, because there were so many truly special and perfectly executed custom builds on display — but on the other hand, I really do deserve it

If I’ve inspired even one of you, or anyone who has seen this project or followed it from the beginning (or somewhere along the way) — that’s amazing!
I read so many project threads before and during this build to keep my motivation and inspiration going - So I know how important it could be

Thanks again!