Dale
Coast to Coast
Hi guys
Been very busy over the last few months doing some restorations and builds etc, and just started a new Cafe Racer build, (even though my V50 project is still not complete :-/ ) but I figured, hey what the heck, I'll post it up. The feedback and critique here on DoTheTon is always invaluable, and its great to hear a whole bunch of opinions from a diverse group of people.
So let me get started: I picked this bike up for a song. Fully papered, running well, except for what initially seemed like a sprocket seal issue, and the gears are a little difficult to change - but once a gear is engaged - its all good - so maybe just some minor clutch issue (I hope). Its an open dry clutch and the motorcycle has been standing for over a year.
Other than that - a beafy, torquey 906cc L-Twin. Its got a set of nasty aftermarket cans on it, which are also getting thrown out.
Now she ain't pretty I can tell you that - just have a look at that 80's seat and fairing covering what was initially a beautiful piece of machinery. But, trends and fashion changes, and I bet this "look" will be the next big thing in a decade or so. But I'm not waiting for that - I want a stripped down, lowered and current looking version of this 24 year old Italian brute.
Its not what I would call quick, but its powerful and the torque as usual is great. And when you need the power, its there - there's definitely enough.
So here's my first take on what I'm thinking of doing...
Yesterday afternoon when I got it.
This morning removed the fairing and seat to see what we've got.
Ok, so what I've done here in Photoshop:
1. Lowered the forks by about 50mm.
2. Ducati Monster (or similar) headlight.
3. Moved clocks
4. New seat (I used an image from a seat the Union guys made for their 900ss. Love their stuff.
5. New cans
6. Cut some subframe off (50mm off rear)
7. Frame and wheels black.
And I think that's about all I'm going to do.
I really want to build this bike on a fixed budget. I'm thinking $2500.00 max (including purchase).
I want to do it in a fixed time period. I'm not going to get so precious over this machine - I'm just going to get it done.
Dale
Been very busy over the last few months doing some restorations and builds etc, and just started a new Cafe Racer build, (even though my V50 project is still not complete :-/ ) but I figured, hey what the heck, I'll post it up. The feedback and critique here on DoTheTon is always invaluable, and its great to hear a whole bunch of opinions from a diverse group of people.
So let me get started: I picked this bike up for a song. Fully papered, running well, except for what initially seemed like a sprocket seal issue, and the gears are a little difficult to change - but once a gear is engaged - its all good - so maybe just some minor clutch issue (I hope). Its an open dry clutch and the motorcycle has been standing for over a year.
Other than that - a beafy, torquey 906cc L-Twin. Its got a set of nasty aftermarket cans on it, which are also getting thrown out.
Now she ain't pretty I can tell you that - just have a look at that 80's seat and fairing covering what was initially a beautiful piece of machinery. But, trends and fashion changes, and I bet this "look" will be the next big thing in a decade or so. But I'm not waiting for that - I want a stripped down, lowered and current looking version of this 24 year old Italian brute.
Its not what I would call quick, but its powerful and the torque as usual is great. And when you need the power, its there - there's definitely enough.
So here's my first take on what I'm thinking of doing...
Yesterday afternoon when I got it.
This morning removed the fairing and seat to see what we've got.
Ok, so what I've done here in Photoshop:
1. Lowered the forks by about 50mm.
2. Ducati Monster (or similar) headlight.
3. Moved clocks
4. New seat (I used an image from a seat the Union guys made for their 900ss. Love their stuff.
5. New cans
6. Cut some subframe off (50mm off rear)
7. Frame and wheels black.
And I think that's about all I'm going to do.
I really want to build this bike on a fixed budget. I'm thinking $2500.00 max (including purchase).
I want to do it in a fixed time period. I'm not going to get so precious over this machine - I'm just going to get it done.
Dale