2 questions from T.O. newbie.

[Holiday]

Hi all. Always wanted to custom or otherwise build my own bike. I've been into Cafe Racers for sometime. I have two initial questions:

1) For a non-mechanic who wants to learn but who is also on a budget which is better: a late 70's Honda CB750K in poor to average condition at a few hundred bucks or a late 70's Suzuki GS 550 in excellent condition for $1700? Essentially I am looking for a winter long project to be finished in time for mid spring. Don't mind putting the work in but don't want to get in over my head off the bat.

2) Anyone know where one could find a garage workspace to rent in Toronto relatively inexpensively? I have no garage and I live in a 3rd floor apt.

Really would love to build my own Cafe Racer for next year.

Thanks

 

[mojomoto]

CB750- Has the "look" and history. Tons of them and parts out and about. How rough is rough? Eazier to find some cafe parts like seats and tanks...$$$ Big and Heavy (not bashing cb750s. Thats what my cafe is and have owned 3 others including a crazy three wheeler . So..)
GS550- Probably just a fast as a cb750. They actually handle. Might be hard finding cafed examples and people who know what fits a GS. You may be saving money buying a well taken care of motorcycle than a mystery motorcycle. The GS line was tough (I had a GS1150ES).

If i were you id go for the GS because... If you are not a mechanic the money you saved buying a cheaper but poor or non running motorcycle will evaporate quickly. Basicly a mystery motorcycle can nickle and dime you to death but..... If you buy the Honda you should do all your engine/frame work before your build. Less chance of making scratches in nice new paint. Since you wont be taking it for a quick spin in February to check repairs out.....excellent GS550 sounds like a good clean slate. Do one change at a time starting with the eaziest projects. Be sure to finish one change before you begin another. It can get overwelming if you try to do everything at once especially if youve never done anything like this before.

This is just my opinion though. Good luck!

 

[Ben]

know where one could find a garage workspace to rent in Toronto relatively inexpensively? I have no garage and I live in a 3rd floor apt.

I'd be into sharing a garage rental for winter, I'm in the west end. maybe a shitty studio space or something?

Let me know if you'd want to look into this as a group.

ben

 

[Holiday]

Hey thanks guys. The CB750 got sold (at $200 too) so I'm looking at a few other bikes, more expensive but in better shape. Yeah, I think I'm going to start with an easy project and go from there.

To Ben: Yeah I'd be into that. Just looking to spend a few hours here and there each week over the winter to build a bike Cafe style. I live central west.