New guy from Texas

[ichabod]

Hey everyone, thought I would introduce myself.

I have always been intrigued by cafe racer culture, bikes, everything since I was young just never knew that there was a culture or even a name for what it was that I liked.

Anyway, I have always wanted a bike, never been able to get one. My father in law has always had bikes and got himself a 74 Honda CL450 that he has completely disassembled with the intention of rebuilding it as a cafe racer. He is big into the whole rocker and mod scene. Also big into bikes, he has an old triumph that he built into a bobber also, along with two other harley's...but anyway, the other day he called me into his office (we work together currently, actually today is my last day here) and just gives me his honda, signing the title over to me and everything, knowing that I love the style, love the bikes, am very detail oriented and has good faith that I have the ability and determination to "do it right"

Well, I do...I just need help so I found this place! I am pretty excited to get started, but sadly cannot for a couple weeks now. The wife and I are moving tomorrow, 2 hours away. I will have to come back in a couple weeks to pick up my bike and bring it home. I just can't wait.

I have already ordered a Clymer manual to get me started...is there anything else I should read up on?

Probably dumb questions but I have never built a bike before and really don't know where to begin...I know what I like and have read some threads and such...just a total noob.

 

[VonYinzer]

Honestly man, just start reading through as many of the builds here as you can. You'll learn everything you need to know. And start your own build thread so you have a place to ask questions. Speaking of which, ask away. No matter how stupid you may think it is, ask. Its better to ask than it is to have to replace broken parts.

Make sure you have a plan. Itll save you tons of headaches. Decide on the look, and the parts you'll need to achieve that.

If you plan on any performance mods, also make sure you plan them out properly. That stuff can get real expensive, and it sucks to have to sit an wait with a motor torn down because you dont have money for one part.

Keep a folder in you PC full of pics of bikes that get your pants tight. A "dream bike folder" can really help you to get the design out of your head and into the garage.

Good luck man, and I look forward to seeing pics of the 450!

Oh, and welcome to DTT!

-Mike

 

[DirtyFrank]

Where in Texas are you?

 

[ichabod]

Thanks VonTinzer for the welcome and the tips. I've been reading the boards and have bookmarked several threads, tons of great information here!

About pictures, we are going to go have dinner with my wife's parents tonight, I might be able to snap a couple shots of it as it sits now, but no promises.

DirtyFrank, we are moving to Nacogdoches tomorrow, East Texas. Don't know if there is that big of a following around the area.