Reddy
Old enough to know better
Last week I was lucky enough to win an auction for a T500. It is a very clean and well maintained unrestored original which will now be the basis for my first REAL cafe motorcyle. I say first real because I have been riding a slightly modified Ducati Monster which I have always thought of as "sort of" cafe style. I have been a biker forever but never a builder. My fabrication skills will be rudimentary at best. We will hope for the best.
I see the bike as an old school cafe. My plans may change and evolve as the build progresses.
1. Gas Tank: New tank will be basically rectangular and longer than stock. I want a narrow tank but also a large fuel supply. 3 gallon size. 4 would be better. Using Dunstall Slimline.
2. Seat: Clubman or Manx style. Shorter but still well padded single person seat w/ leather rear hump. Has oil filler cutout.
3. Engine: Existing engine was recently re-built and runs well. Engine may or may not be re-painted. At least some additional polishing will be done. Existing engine looks and runs pretty good so will not be torn down.K&N Pod air cleaners will be used. Stainless expansion chambers. Titan Performance exhaust pipes.
4. Fenders: Original chrome fenders will be used. Fenders may or may not be modified will be cut down front and rear and may be moved.
5. Does anyone actually read all this crap?
6. Wheels and tires: Existing to be used for now. Tires are clunky but new and steel rims are straight with good chrome. The existing tires look like they came off a tractor so we will be getting Avon Roadriders.
7. Brakes: I will be using the stock brakes. They look good and I do not feel they are dangerous. Yes, they are much weaker than any modern brakes. Rider will need to allow for longer stopping distances and drive responsibly. Or I may change them. That decision can be put on hold for months.
8. Foot Pegs: Passenger rests will obviously be eliminated and polished rearsets will be used. Rearsets by Titan Performance.
9. Controls: Stock levers and switches will be polished and used on clip-ons.
10. Oil Tank and Battery: Stock tank and battery carrier will be eliminated. New tank and integral battery box will be fabricated in area under seat. Exact size and location to be determined after seat and gas tank are installed. Seat will be hinged to accessoil filler and battery. Seat will be Norton Manx style with oil filler hole at front edge.
11. Gauges: Single electronic. Mounted low and offset to right slightly above headlight. Acewell.
12. Lights: Small turn signals to be determined (see Wingspan). New 7" headlight andpainted chrome bucket. New headlight carriers mounted to forks. Smaller probably round oval tail light with license plate bracket mounted on rear fender.
13. Wiring: All new.
14. Suspension: Stock forks. Mods?New rear shocks. Existing rear shocks to be used.
15. Paint: Frame and tanks to be Ducati red. Other red items to be determined(such as rear shocks). Bike will be all red and chrome/polished with some minor black like tires, grips, fork gators, and wiring.
My current ride. I love the red.
This is what the T500 looked like when I got her home.
Starting tear down. These are the parts we will keep.
The engine is already pretty damn clean.
Salvage.
This will not be a super quick build. Frankly, I don't have the scratch to finish this project all at once. I do have some parts ordered (rearsets, exhaust) and will be choosing more in the next couple of weeks. I would like to order the gas tank and seat soon.
Stay tuned.........
I see the bike as an old school cafe. My plans may change and evolve as the build progresses.
1. Gas Tank: New tank will be basically rectangular and longer than stock. I want a narrow tank but also a large fuel supply. 3 gallon size. 4 would be better. Using Dunstall Slimline.
2. Seat:
3. Engine: Existing engine was recently re-built and runs well. Engine may or may not be re-painted. At least some additional polishing will be done. Existing engine looks and runs pretty good so will not be torn down.
4. Fenders: Original chrome fenders will be used. Fenders
5. Does anyone actually read all this crap?
6. Wheels and tires: Existing to be used for now. Tires are clunky but new and steel rims are straight with good chrome. The existing tires look like they came off a tractor so we will be getting Avon Roadriders.
7. Brakes: I will be using the stock brakes. They look good and I do not feel they are dangerous. Yes, they are much weaker than any modern brakes. Rider will need to allow for longer stopping distances and drive responsibly. Or I may change them. That decision can be put on hold for months.
8. Foot Pegs: Passenger rests will obviously be eliminated and polished rearsets will be used. Rearsets by Titan Performance.
9. Controls: Stock levers and switches will be polished and used on clip-ons.
10. Oil Tank and Battery: Stock tank and battery carrier will be eliminated. New tank and integral battery box will be fabricated in area under seat. Exact size and location to be determined after seat and gas tank are installed. Seat will be hinged to access
11. Gauges: Single electronic. Mounted low and offset to right slightly above headlight. Acewell.
12. Lights: Small turn signals to be determined (see Wingspan). New 7" headlight and
13. Wiring: All new.
14. Suspension: Stock forks. Mods?
15. Paint: Frame and tanks to be Ducati red. Other red items to be determined
My current ride. I love the red.
This is what the T500 looked like when I got her home.
Starting tear down. These are the parts we will keep.
The engine is already pretty damn clean.
Salvage.
This will not be a super quick build. Frankly, I don't have the scratch to finish this project all at once. I do have some parts ordered (rearsets, exhaust) and will be choosing more in the next couple of weeks. I would like to order the gas tank and seat soon.
Stay tuned.........