Is Building Custom Bikes Worth It?? My Next High-Dollar Build - CB750 EP01

I'm an idiot with very little self control. I already have two large ongoing projects, the CT70 Dax Micro-Chopper, and the recently begun custom frame build for that free Suzuki GS750. So why did I go and spend a big chunk of money on a bunch of parts for yet another motorcycle? Because when a good deal comes up, you gotta sit down and think about your priorities.
I know that the two projects listed above are not going to be my last, so in the long term this move will save me some scratch. It just might mean it'll take more time to finish the other bikes since I have so many new shiny toys to mess with.
I've owned this 1975 Honda CB750F for many years, and owned several other CB750 motorcycles before that. I don't think I'll ever not have one! Some of you may wrinkle your nose at the idea of changing this bike from it's factory finish, but I've already had my hands in it and it's suffering from some wear and tear, anyway. Just take a look at the oxidized finish on the engine and exhaust. As it sits, it's something I'm happy to ride, just not proudly.
This bike has already been modified, most obviously that it's riding on a set of Suzuki mag wheels! The front forks are also Suzuki and have been fitted up with a set of Brembo calipers off a Ducati Monster. Now though, we are going a whole lot further!
The parts lot I just picked up has some pretty choice bits. Most eye-catching is the pair of Yamaha R6 forks that will be paired with a set of CNC-machined triple trees from Cognito Moto. I also got a set of custom spoked wheels with wider rims from Cognito, designed to fit the R6 forks and brakes but still retaining that vintage vibe. I'll be pairing that setup with a set of Ohlins Streetline shocks out back and I'm toying with building a beefy aluminum swingarm.
The electronics are also a big ticket item. We've got a Motogadget M-unit Blue, which is packed with a ton of features such as programmable turn signals, an alarm and remote locking. It doesn't necessarily make re-wiring a bike easier, just different. I'll also use a pair of their mo.Switch button clusters and some M.blaze turn signals on a set of Woodcraft clip ons. We'll also throw on some new lighting, front and rear, and a tiny lithium battery with a charging system upgrade to match.
There's so much more to talk about but I've already spent 2000 characters on it, so if you'd like to know more, you'll have to wait for the next video :)
Finally, I know this video has a bit of a philosophical bent to it. Why say many word when few word do trick? I have a lot of ideas in my head and a need to get them out, and video serves to do that in different realms than what I can express with bike building.
Thanks for watching. Thanks for reading... Let me know if you think I should shut up and get some work done already, or if you want to see more business-casual pseudo-intellectualism.
I'm on Instagram @roodlum / roodlum

[@mithunmukherjee]

You’re taking that story telling and video editing to the next level. Love it, Rich! I’m taking tips and inspiration from you.

[@roodlum]

Thanks Mithun! Lets do some adv riding this spring!

[@darryljones215]

It takes an artist to turn a concept into a reality. You are fortunate to have the many skill sets that it takes to accomplish building very desirable motorcycles. Looking forward to the Honda when done…..

[@roodlum]

Thanks man. I am definitely grateful for all the opportunity life has thrown my way. This one should be (relatively) fabrication-lite so should come together quick!

[@petermosdell580]

I love your bikes and your videos. You have a very zen like approach with a subtle sense of humour. Good skills and a good eye too 😉

[@roodlum]

Thank you! Being funny is pretty hard, so I usually just stick to chill instead :)

[@chrissnatchko7795]

Not if you expect to resell them. I just had my 1983 Suzuki GS450 featured in cafe racer magazine’s most recent issue. During the photo shoot the owner of the magazine said exactly what you are reiterating. He said that in the past few years almost all of the custom bike builders (cafe mostly) have gone under. Because like you said, for a high level bike build, you would need at least $25,000 for the bike. The demographic of people willing to buy bikes like this are very small. He said mostly actors and musicians, or business owners looking for a build to represent their business. I’m building a cb750 at the moment, I recently made the mistake of totaling up the receipts, (the ones that I saved) and up to this point, I have $11,423 worth of parts. That’s most of the parts but not all of them. Couldn’t have said it better than you did on this topic.

[@roodlum]

Exactly. I have seen a lot of builders shifting focus into developing a line of parts, which I think is great. It's still made small-batch so while it's not a one-off item, the parts are still pretty unique AND it puts dollars into the hands of ordinary folks. I'm happy to spend a little extra for that.

[@ughidontcareok]

I liked the part where you said "I love cool bikes"

[@AZ-qn3xq]

It is true! Love the process to build ! I am working on my Honda!

[@roodlum]

You got this 💪

[@WJP_W]

Man, really excited to see how this project goes. I'm nearing completion of my first build (BMW R65) and your previous videos helped tremendously, even as a morale boost. Please keep it up, and if you're ever in NZ, stop by!

[@roodlum]

Cheers! Glad I could help, lets see that BMW when it's done!

[@maurolandman]

Yess dude, hope you'll make it a full bulld series, just started the vid so hope you'll do 😁

[@roodlum]

That's the plan! I have more parts arriving as we speak.

[@milezero.racers]

Rich, this is the SHIT MAN. Hell yeah I’m so psyched for this build series and build. This summer is going to make for some insane rollers hahaha. Anyways, everything you said was dead on man. See the vision, push yourself to make the vision a reality, enjoy the process, and the best part…. Being able to ride and feel that creation under your ass. You my friend are in for a real treat once you’re able to ride that super sport where it sits with the vision you’ve had in your mind for years. I know you’re far more along than me in the world of building and knowledge but if at any point i can help with anything or you need to bounce an idea off me or simply just connect over the phone to catch up please do not hesitate. Cheers dude

[@roodlum]

Thanks man! I better get a move on if I want to get it done by summer, but I agree! And likewise, happy to brainstorm with ya. You're always welcome to stop by the studio when you're in town, too.

[@milezero.racers]

@@roodlum hell yeah I’d love to. Haven’t been since i popped over before i even started the build! Well, at least you don’t have to wait for parts to come in since you have most of them so that will save some time for sure

[@yardenl1998]

Fantastic video thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us

[@roodlum]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JohnRoss-ps4vh]

I understand completely what you mean about the process

[@roodlum]

a job well done is it's own reward. cheers!

[@JohnRoss-ps4vh]

Love your shop

[@roodlum]

Thanks. One of these days I wanna do a shop tour video

[@Dustytrailzzz]

I ask myself the same question when ever I play video games. I wish I was you…

[@roodlum]

eh I play games too (just check out the shelves in that last scene) To make good output you have to take in good input, aka inspiration. There's a lot of cool art in games to get inspired by. Just a matter of splitting your time between interests

[@meliquidlightning]

Hope you're doing great! :) Just a lil feedback, the change on audio from listening talking to the bike was very hard, maybe it's me being a sissy, anyhow, your videos are super high quality and I appreciate them very much :D Keep doing your thing ma'man!

[@roodlum]

Appreciate the feedback! I'm still pretty new to this whole thing so I am bound to make mistakes here and there. Getting good audio (especially in a shop environment) has been an ongoing lesson. Thanks for watching!

[@nathanlaidler9606]

Sub’d. I’ve asked myself that same grand question many, many times while bringing these artifacts from a bygone era back from the dead. Love the content and your approach. Can we be friends?

[@roodlum]

totally. cheers man, thanks for watching

[@Bai_360]

I found a 1979 honda cb750 in perfect running condition at $2850 do you think it's fare price with 17xxx miles ?

[@roodlum]

Honestly that seems pretty high to me but bike prices might be higher where you live. I wouldn't go over 2k for a dohc cb750 unless it was in exceptional condition.

[@ChunkehMunkeh]

Where are you at with this Rich? been a while...

[@roodlum]

Sure has! The day job has been keeping me busy. I'm in the process of editing the next video, but I'm not sure when I'll have it done.

[@ChunkehMunkeh]

@@roodlum I couldn't imagine what it's like. I get distracted enough taking images of my builds, never mind video, and then having to edit... Looking forward to your next release buddy.

[@jtreg]

OK, so here is where I am, I am 69, 'borrowed' a C50 Honda in a nuns convent when I was 11, started riding 17, never missed a day without owning and riding one. From Harleys to Yamaha Hondas Kawasakis, BMWs on and on. Currently I own a R80RT R1100RS and XT660z. My daily driver is the Yamaha. I personally do my own maintenance and am diligent about it. I refurb and renovate them. HOWEVER... I regard all this as a chore and ultimately love riding them, not messing about 'customising' them. I respect your ideas but personally the whole custom thing is pointless, like watching sport, not playing it. Motorcycles offer alternatives and open up possibilities and not just practicality but travel, discovery, testing ones own limits as well (optionally!)... anyway, good luck, we are very different people, vive la difference!

[@roodlum]

I can appreciate that perspective. I always have a bike that's just for riding, not messing with (right now it's my airhead BMW GSPD) At the end of the day I'm not sure any of it is more or less pointless than anything else. I figure as long as I'm getting enjoyment out of it, it's enough for me.

[@jtreg]

nice reply peace, bro@@roodlum