Advice for First Cafe Build? Type of Bike?

Tyler Jay

Tyler Jay

Wanna drag for some beers?
ME PERSONALLY:
I have some experience in riding motorcycles.
Complete noob to building them, however I am resourceful and willing to make my eyes sore researching/reading what needs to be done.


NEEDED:
I'm looking for some guidance in what to look for as far as year-make-model. I'm looking for a 4-day-aweek highway bike and all around city and country cruising.


WHAT I KNOW SO FAR:
Engine-wise, a twin is less parts to wrench on. However Honda CBs only make up to 450cc in twins? Therefore I like Yamaha, especially the few years they made the squared tank as seen below. Although I read this second-hand information about the XS:
"the bike wins the award for the most complicated mousetrap because it was a dry sump with 3 oil pumps, one to pump it up tothe valves, one to pump it back to the oil tank, counterbalance shafts since the crankpins were 180-degrees out apart, DOHC, lots of oil leaks and generally just way too complicated."
How much of that statement is true?
Also did they ever made the XS/TX 650 with the square tank? Seeing as how the 650 is easier to find than a 400/500, perhaps I could fit a a square tank to a 650?


This is a photoshop concoction of what I ideally want cosmetically minus the paint-job. Stock/Custom
tx500-stock-vs-custom.jpg
 
Twin cylinder bikes might have less parts to wrench, but 4 cyl bikes are generally more powerful, robust and durable.


Generally speaking, of course ;)


So if I were you I wouldn't rule out a mid sized 4 cyl (CB550, KZ650, GS550/650, XJ550). They are a lot of fun when you get close to the red zone on the tach ;D
 
I can't speak for the XS's, but in general a Yamaha tank will fit another model Yamaha easier than a Honda. Just like Suzuki tanks fit better on other Suzukis, etc.

There are large followings for just about any bike you choose. In general, twins aren't actually "easier" to work on- there's just half as many cylinders to work on than a 4 cylinder. Food for thought.

How big of a guy are you? That may be a factor in what bike you want/need. Suzuki made the GR650 twin but their next size down is the GS450 (not counting the "modern" GS500). Are you looking for a "able to reach highway speed" kind of bike or a "hour a day on the highway" kind of bike?
 
I'm 6' 155lb. Thin fella, so I assume twins are lighter and easier to maneuver. Still not ruling out CBs, I just really dig the squared tanks on yammys.


I'll be on the HWY 2 hours a day and would definitely like to hit highway speeds comfortably.
 
like this on a XS500?
 

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Tyler Jay said:
I'm 6' 155lb. Thin fella, so I assume twins are lighter and easier to maneuver. Still not ruling out CBs, I just really dig the squared tanks on yammys.


I'll be on the HWY 2 hours a day and would definitely like to hit highway speeds comfortably.
Click to expand...

You're 6 foot tall and doing a 2 hour highway commute? If I were you, I wouldn't be looking at anything under 750cc. It can get pretty tiring riding smaller bikes at highway speeds (not only will you kill a smaller bike quicker, but the buzzing / vibration will annoy the crap out of you).

And if you must have a square tank, get a Z1R ;)
 
DreadRock said:
like this on a XS500?
Click to expand...


/drool


hillsy said:
You're 6 foot tall and doing a 2 hour highway commute? If I were you, I wouldn't be looking at anything under 750cc. It can get pretty tiring riding smaller bikes at highway speeds (not only will you kill a smaller bike quicker, but the buzzing / vibration will annoy the crap out of you).

And if you must have a square tank, get a Z1R ;)
Click to expand...


Thanks for the tip!
 
Anyone know what years yamaha made the 650 with the square tank? Im currently on the hunt for the info.
 
Looked through all the manuals of the 650, doesnt appear to ever have used the square tank. It was used on certain models of the 360/400/500. If I find a cheap 650, i'll definitely be swapping for one of those tanks!
 
hillsy is right, get some a bit bigger if you are doing two hours on the highway.

I had a cx500 and that thing actually did wonderful on the highway for long drives, but it was a bit heavier.

My 360 however is a different story. It has clip-ons and one time i tried to do 70-75 on a windy day for a 40 minute drive to eat with my family. I almost threw up inside my helmet because of the vibration. Getting extremely nauseous at high speeds on a motorcycle is no fun.

You are tall enough, so look at 650 and above for reliability with daily highway driving.

I am not a huge fan of the styling, but everyone i know who has a Yamaha seems to like the reliability.
 
hillsy said:
And if you must have a square tank, get a Z1R ;)
Click to expand...


I dig the Z1R tanks, however I looked for some country-wide on craigslist and they are few, far, and expensive!
 
that style of tank is off a later year XS500. from everything ive looked at most of the RD,TX,XS have parts you can use. my bike has a 76-78 XS tank with a 75 XS frame and motor with 77 RD wheels and swingarm. with lil mods most yam stuff will work if not bolt right up ! ok as of how tall you are im only 5'10 175lb and my 500 is small to me . im thinking everyone is right you might want to find a 650 or bigger bike . but it always comes down to what you want and how its build !
 
fwiw, certain years of the XS750 triple had the squared off tank you're looking for.

They are rare birds, but can be much fun in competent hands...
 
2 hours on the highway 4 days a week - get a Bandit or SV650. Forget old bikes unless you are a great mechanic and really understand them. That's not to say that they can't do that time, but it's a crime to try.

Or find a cheap CBR600F2/F3 or something similar. EX500/GS500 might work but it's that's a lot of hard work each day.
 
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