sebwiers
New Member
Folks from CustomFighters or XJBikes might recognize this build. Figured I'd post here because while not a traditional cafe bike (hence the 'Special' category, hats off for having that) the cafe look was a pretty big influence on its inception and I might do for some advice in keeping that flavor in the mix. Been wanting to do a custom bike for... maybe 20 years, but this is my first, and seems a neck-deep plunge! Engine, wheels, and brakes are staying stock, because of cost and because I want to get riding sometimes this year (hopefully early summer), but suspension and controls (and obviously body work) are changing radically. Hopefully once I get past that and have some confidence in the build, I'll start improving other aspects (moar horsepower, lighter wheels, better brakes).
An idea what the bike looked like stock- very '80s techno-UJM.
Current project status and planned front end are summed up pretty well in this photo. Body work was done last winter, tank is from a Yahmaha Virago, was given to me by seller to replace rusted out stock tank (which now lives out back as the cowl / fender). Seat and tail light come from GSX600, rear shock from BMW Montauk. Am looking at doing some glass work to cover the space between seat and frame, and smooth the tank / seat / fender flow.
Engine is in decent shape, want to do some external polishing and etching. Planning to etch this design (based on original Yamaha logo from 1812) into the clutch cover, using a laser cutter to burn away a plasti-dip mask and then acid etch & paint, then pull off the mask. Will also get a 4-1 system with under-body muffler and a custom air box (stock one won't fit due to rear shock location, hear bad things about pods and this bike's carbs, and I want the airbox for looks - clear plexi with a big automotive 'pod')
Other accents in mind include some brass inverted levers I picked up. Yep, the old Seca has its got CABLE ACTUATED dual discs up front (or certain years do at least, via cable aactuated remote cylinder) -
Combined with red anno aluminum and carbon fiber (rods will be used as steering linkages for the Hossack) -
Here's a mockup of the upright design, and some steel I've bent to build the working model (iteration 1)
An idea what the bike looked like stock- very '80s techno-UJM.
Current project status and planned front end are summed up pretty well in this photo. Body work was done last winter, tank is from a Yahmaha Virago, was given to me by seller to replace rusted out stock tank (which now lives out back as the cowl / fender). Seat and tail light come from GSX600, rear shock from BMW Montauk. Am looking at doing some glass work to cover the space between seat and frame, and smooth the tank / seat / fender flow.
Engine is in decent shape, want to do some external polishing and etching. Planning to etch this design (based on original Yamaha logo from 1812) into the clutch cover, using a laser cutter to burn away a plasti-dip mask and then acid etch & paint, then pull off the mask. Will also get a 4-1 system with under-body muffler and a custom air box (stock one won't fit due to rear shock location, hear bad things about pods and this bike's carbs, and I want the airbox for looks - clear plexi with a big automotive 'pod')
Other accents in mind include some brass inverted levers I picked up. Yep, the old Seca has its got CABLE ACTUATED dual discs up front (or certain years do at least, via cable aactuated remote cylinder) -
Combined with red anno aluminum and carbon fiber (rods will be used as steering linkages for the Hossack) -
Here's a mockup of the upright design, and some steel I've bent to build the working model (iteration 1)