New here and looking for a project in michigan. I come from a dirt bike background but theres somehting about the cafe style bikes that really catch my eye. Look like a blast to ride and there not a dime a dozen on the road like a harley or rocket. I need to know what models to look for that make good cafe bikes. It seems the honda cb models are a good place to start. are there any other? and what about parts companies?
New here
- Thread starter Ryan66
- Start date
Durgam_K
Been Around the Block
Welcome. Im In Lansing. Cb's are a good start. 350's, 500's and 750's. Parts are plentiful. Another good choice, is a Yamaha XS 650. Im building one right now. They make great cafe bikes, as well as bobbers or any other chop.
randakks is a good honda parts depot, and MikesXS is great for the XS650's.
Have fun, Kris
randakks is a good honda parts depot, and MikesXS is great for the XS650's.
Have fun, Kris
VonYinzer
Over 10,000 Posts
Welcome to DTT.
As far as a good bike to start with, it depends on a few things.
1. How much can you afford?
2. How mechanically inclined are you?
3. What end result are you looking for? Full on custom cafe racer, or just a good solid bike with a few changes stylistically?
4. How will the bike be used? Short trips around town? Long weekend rides? Daily rider?
You definitly want a running bike, thats as complete as you can find to start. If you cant afford that, at least make sure its titled, doesnt have any major engine issues, and the expensive to replace bits are there (wheels, exhaust, carbs, etc...)
The Honda CB twin line (60's through the mid 70's) are terrific. The 160, 175, 200, 350, etc... All have a great aftermarket and are still affordable.
the XS650 is a badass bike. Aftermarket is as strong as the Hondas, and the amount of info out there in regards to customizing them is immense. They tend to be a bit more expensive though. Also, they are a taller bike, so for a short guy, who hasnt ridden on the street much, they can be a little tough to handle in stock trim.
There are lots of other great bikes out there though. Any of the Yamaha RD two strokes, or the Suzuki T250 and T500 are terrific bikes, though they are a little more rare so they'll cost more if you find one in good shape.
Another option, depending on you abilitly to fabricate and "build" parts is to go with something completely off the wall. There have been some really cool "cafe" interpretations built from vintage Harleys (big money), 70s and 80s era dirtbikes, etc...
Now, if money is no option, and you consider yourself a traditionalist of sorts, the Brit bikes are the way to go. Triumph, BSA, Norton, etc.
They will all cost a good deal more than any of the above bikes, as well as be more expensive when it comes to sourcing parts. They are some beautiful bikes though, and not to be dismissed. Hell, they were the cafe racers long before most of us were born.
Hope that helps. I just barely scratched the surface of whats possible. It all comes down to imagination, ability, and of course money.
Spend time doing research. Find finished racers that you really like. Search around this and other sites (but mostly this one
) and see what guys/gals are doing with their bikes.
Most importantly, dont bite off more that you can chew. Start small, with things youre comfortable doing to the bike and learn as you go. Nothing sucks more than staring at a dissasembled bike and thinking, "shit, what now?"
Good luck man! And if you find a bike, but are unsure whether its the right fit, just ask. We're here to help get ya on the road.
-Mike
As far as a good bike to start with, it depends on a few things.
1. How much can you afford?
2. How mechanically inclined are you?
3. What end result are you looking for? Full on custom cafe racer, or just a good solid bike with a few changes stylistically?
4. How will the bike be used? Short trips around town? Long weekend rides? Daily rider?
You definitly want a running bike, thats as complete as you can find to start. If you cant afford that, at least make sure its titled, doesnt have any major engine issues, and the expensive to replace bits are there (wheels, exhaust, carbs, etc...)
The Honda CB twin line (60's through the mid 70's) are terrific. The 160, 175, 200, 350, etc... All have a great aftermarket and are still affordable.
the XS650 is a badass bike. Aftermarket is as strong as the Hondas, and the amount of info out there in regards to customizing them is immense. They tend to be a bit more expensive though. Also, they are a taller bike, so for a short guy, who hasnt ridden on the street much, they can be a little tough to handle in stock trim.
There are lots of other great bikes out there though. Any of the Yamaha RD two strokes, or the Suzuki T250 and T500 are terrific bikes, though they are a little more rare so they'll cost more if you find one in good shape.
Another option, depending on you abilitly to fabricate and "build" parts is to go with something completely off the wall. There have been some really cool "cafe" interpretations built from vintage Harleys (big money), 70s and 80s era dirtbikes, etc...
Now, if money is no option, and you consider yourself a traditionalist of sorts, the Brit bikes are the way to go. Triumph, BSA, Norton, etc.
They will all cost a good deal more than any of the above bikes, as well as be more expensive when it comes to sourcing parts. They are some beautiful bikes though, and not to be dismissed. Hell, they were the cafe racers long before most of us were born.
Hope that helps. I just barely scratched the surface of whats possible. It all comes down to imagination, ability, and of course money.
Spend time doing research. Find finished racers that you really like. Search around this and other sites (but mostly this one
) and see what guys/gals are doing with their bikes.Most importantly, dont bite off more that you can chew. Start small, with things youre comfortable doing to the bike and learn as you go. Nothing sucks more than staring at a dissasembled bike and thinking, "shit, what now?"
Good luck man! And if you find a bike, but are unsure whether its the right fit, just ask. We're here to help get ya on the road.
-Mike
Ive been doing my homework. I have a 7 page noob thread going on caferacer. Suprisingly those guys have been helpful. From what ive been told they dont welcome noobs like myself with open arms. Ive found a non running cb750 for $250 only needs minor items to run. Been in inside storage for 3 years. Found a running one also for $500 but i think its in rougher shape. Havent found any kz's and no xs's. I like the xs but just cant find one. Im not in a super rush i def want a good starter bike. Im 6'1 205 so i need a bigger bike. Im thinking at least a 550 or bigger. As for build im gonna strip it and do it right. Try and make everything i can except maybe the seat. I work at ford in the safety lab so i have access to a full machine shop and welder.
VonYinzer
Over 10,000 Posts
Well, shit. If you have access to all that equipment youre ahead of the game.
The 750 is an awesome bike. Just remember though, four cylinders means four of everything else. It can get costly. That said though, its hard to beat the power and performance of the cb750, unless you can find a cb550. Nearly as powerful as the 750, wet sump so no oil tank to mess with, lighter, and better handling out of the box.
The 750 is an awesome bike. Just remember though, four cylinders means four of everything else. It can get costly. That said though, its hard to beat the power and performance of the cb750, unless you can find a cb550. Nearly as powerful as the 750, wet sump so no oil tank to mess with, lighter, and better handling out of the box.
I def dont want an oil tank i love the open triangle look on the frame back there. Im not going for a hp power so if i can tool down the freeway at 65mph then im happy. And yes i agree with the four cylinder four of everything which is why id like a twin if i can find one. Didnt cb550 come in a twin then it was a four? But damn the fours sound good with an exhaust and tuned right!
So im told the bike doesnt have a title. Owner says all i need is a bill of sale and the VIN for sec of state. Im thinking its just not that easy is it? If he had the title and lost it he can get a replacement correct? But if he never had a title what can be done to obtain one? thanks
ProSimex
RUN SCREAMING!!!
Also dont dismiss the smaller bikes out of hand. I'm 6'1 210 and I fit on a CB350 really comfortably. 35hp might not sound like much but you would be suprised at how much fun they are. And with some tweaking to reduce weight and improve HP they can be really impressive. Just saying is all.
I actually just picked this up yesterday. $250. Everything is there. No rust in the tank in fact only rust on the bike is on the rear spokes. Original title 18k on the clock. Motor is free even has oil in it still. Brand new rear tire. Just needs some general items then itll get chopped up
kneedragger74
Been Around the Block
Welcome to DTT Michigan! Congrats on a good find. Looks like a good scoot. By the way, I'm Dan from Battle Creek.
Durgam_K
Been Around the Block
Nice start!!!, Let me know whebn your ready for rearsets, and a billet upper clamp for it. Ill hook you up!!
Or any other advice for that matter. I have built a couple bikes, and am doing my third now. Im not a pro, but any input can be turned to something positive!
Or any other advice for that matter. I have built a couple bikes, and am doing my third now. Im not a pro, but any input can be turned to something positive!
