Rare 1987 305 Cafe Project

Hello DTT,
I just picked up a 87 305 LTD. Only one owner, less than 20K and it looks great. now to make it even better! I have always wanted to build a cafe racer and finally have time for a project. Problem is the KZ305 has a 'step up' frame. Kind of a cruiser feel and I'm not sure how to get the stance of the bike to look more cafe. I was thinking of sliding the forks up a bit and adding clip-ons. then changing the tires to match up. Problem is do I go smaller in the front, bigger in the rear, change them both out.... I don't know. If the stance is wrong the project wont look right. To make this even more of a challenge this build is a gift to my tiny 5' 1'' Girlfriend. What should I do????

Take a look at the RYCA cafe kits for some inspiration. www.rycamotors.com

Does your girlfriend know how to ride already or is this her first bike? If it's her first, maybe leave the bike as it is - clip-ons and rearsets suck to learn on.

I like the look of the RYCA.. Does anyone know if its a step up frame? hum...

hillsy- this is her first bike. So, no rear sets no need since she is so short. However as for the handle bar its got to be clip-ons or clubman bars. Figured clip-ons would look good on the thin frame.

Bolting a set of clip-ons onto a cruiser is probably the worst thing you can do as far as making the bike easy to handle/ride for a learner rider.

Just sayin'

hillsy said:

Bolting a set of clip-ons onto a cruiser is probably the worst thing you can do as far as making the bike easy to handle/ride for a learner rider.

Just sayin'

Click to expand...

They are harder for a newer rider that is for sure. just my 2 cents worth.

hmm... OK. no clip ons, What should I do about the tire? I got a PM suggesting Not to put on a big tire in the front. so what about same size tires front and back? or only slightly different...?

Look she wants a cafe racer bike and that's what I'm going to give her. What I need now is how to make sure my gift is safe and fun. so how do I turn this bike into the best cafe gift ever?