Motorcycle GB: Honda CB900F – Tamiya 1/12
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Good day everyone!
Today, I'd like to share my most recent completion, which has been an enjoyable labor for the last few weeks. Having been bitten by the motorcycle building bug, this marks two in a row that I have now finished. While enjoyable, I may jump back to finishing up some aircraft after this... or perhaps a car, not sure.
Anyhow, today's completion is a slightly older kit from Tamiya, their "Honda CB750F - Custom Tuned" version. This version includes some additions to the base kit, which allow the builder to show custom engine covers, rear shocks, larger oil cooler, exhaust, handlebar/mirror setup, and a different decal sheet. All the original parts from the kit are provided (sans decals).
Being an older Tamiya kit, many of the parts had mold lines that needed to be delicately filed/sanded away. Taking time to do this is worth while, and really this is the only gripe I could find with the kit, other than the flat head screws for the axles and such.
I added some detailed bits to the build, some of which I've detailed in my build thread in the motorcycle GB page.
Most of the paint applied is Tamiya, Gunze Mr 1500 primer, all thinned with leveling thinner, and coated with different Tamiya clears for intended sheen. The metallic colors are mostly Vallejo or Molotow liquid chrome. Some adhesive aluminum foil tape was cut in stripes and used in various locations (gauge bezels, clamps, etc).
I really like Honda bikes and these early '81-'82 CB are some of my favorite UJMs. I was content to build the kit as the intended CB750F, but since the kit also included decals for the CB900F badge, I used those instead. I hope you like!
PS: Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow American iModelers!
Really nice, Andrew (@pb_legend). I didn't appreciate how difficult these motorcycles are to build until I started building one for the motorcycle group. Well done on a great looking build.
Thanks George! It's an excellent change of pace, but building a motorcycle out of plastic can be very "fiddly" at times.
Ditto Andrew @pb_legend. Killer trio you have here.
Thanks Eric!
This result clearly shows you had an enjoyable time, Andrew @pb_legend
Very nice result.
Thank you, John, indeed it was a fun and smooth build.
It looks fantastic, Andrew @pb_legend, the extra detailing and modifications you made have really paid off, nice photographs as well.
Much appreciated George!
A wonderful result indeed, Andrew! Your job is superb all over!
I'm glad you're able to note an ounce of consistency. It's far from perfect, but I'm happy with the results at least. 🙂
This is just beautiful!
I love these old Tamiya kits.
It brings a lot of memories.
Martin, I'm glad this posting has invoked happy memories for you. 🙂 Have you built motorcycles in the past?
Realistic to the max! Great work.
Thanks Rob!
Great build. Thanks for sharing.
I appreciate the kind words, Matt.
Great job Andrew... that era of bikes were so pretty. I am fortunate to own a full size 1100f which I am busy restoring.
Wow ! a 900f would set us drooling back in the 80's a real super bike and super cool looks, a noisy 4 into 1 exhaust and some K and N's really finished this baby off, they go for silly silly money nowadays,
A Tamiya 1/12 is the only way I'll get one now, well done by the way on a terrific build Andy.
Awesome triplete, you've created man, look amazing, such clean and precise work.