Arriving ignorant, hope to learn a lot

XS360 are neat and the KZ400 might be good candidates. GS450 is an awesome motor, but most you’ll find for cheap are the L model with a drop rear frame, not great for a cafe style without some modification.


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Try to stay away from low production number bikes. Parts can be very difficult to find and often over priced. The XS750 you mentioned had a 4 year run before it was updated to 850. An orphaned vintage bike is both frustrating and expensive.
 
I have a chance to pick up a 1980 Suzuki GN400 for cheap (free?) from family. Was running recently. Is this a good candidate for cafe build with my daughter? I like the simplicity of the single cylinder. Should make it easier to tune and cheaper to fix.
 
So, I got the Suzy GN400 for $50.

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A GN400 is a great bike to use. The frame geometry may pose a little issue for a cafe design since it's more of a cruiser, but I love that engine. Been looking for a cheap one near me.
 
irk miller said:
A GN400 is a great bike to use. The frame geometry may pose a little issue for a cafe design since it's more of a cruiser, but I love that engine. Been looking for a cheap one near me.
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I think the frame is fine, but I will be lowering the forks for sure. I like a nice level line under the gas tank and continuing to the back under the seat.
 
irk miller said:
A GN400 is a great bike to use. The frame geometry may pose a little issue for a cafe design since it's more of a cruiser, but I love that engine. Been looking for a cheap one near me.
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I was surprised that I couldn't find one at any price in metro Atlanta.
 
Maritime said:
Nice score. Change the tires for Avon Roadriders and that will be a perfect little Cafe.
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Thanks for the tip. I know nothing about motorcycle tires.

I am planning on re-lacing the wheels and powder-coating the rims (and hubs?). Does anyone have a source for quality spokes? Don't want chrome. Either satin steel or black. I see a bunch on Ebay from Thailand, but want to make sure I get quality (safety).
 
Untame said:
Thanks for the tip. I know nothing about motorcycle tires.

I am planning on re-lacing the wheels and powder-coating the rims (and hubs?). Does anyone have a source for quality spokes? Don't want chrome. Either satin steel or black. I see a bunch on Ebay from Thailand, but want to make sure I get quality (safety).
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Thailand would be ok. I used them for CB125 stuff as the bikes are way more popular there and some are still in production in those markets.
 
As for tires. stay away from the stupid vintage looks ones like firestones. They are terrible. Avons are usually available for the smaller bikes and are really sticky and handle excellent.
 
So, I didn't get a title with it, and Wisconsin will let me do a bonded title. I'm working on the paperwork, and I notice that the serial number on the bottom of the engine is different than the serial number on the frame tag. Should these match?
 
Untame said:
So, I didn't get a title with it, and Wisconsin will let me do a bonded title. I'm working on the paperwork, and I notice that the serial number on the bottom of the engine is different than the serial number on the frame tag. Should these match?
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no, most of the time they are not matching on the big Japanese brands. Sometimes they did early on but after the 70's they stopped matching on most bikes.
 
Maritime said:
no, most of the time they are not matching on the big Japanese brands. Sometimes they did early on but after the 70's they stopped matching on most bikes.
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Alright. Thanks.

The DMV said there are no records for my frame serial number. Nothing. Not reported stolen, no record of registration in 50 states. Said it wasn't that uncommon for older (Pre-VIN) registrations to never make the jump to the digital records.
 
Maritime said:
Nice score. Change the tires for Avon Roadriders and that will be a perfect little Cafe.
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So, the GN400 from the factory had 3.60-18 on the front and 4.60-16 on the back. With available Avon Roadriders sizes, how about the 100/90-18 on the front and 130/90 V 16 RF on the rear? (Don't think I need a reinforced tire, but it was only available in these dimensions reinforced.)
 
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