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Hey guys been checking out this forum for a while before I decided to make an account. Im really interested in getting into the cafe racer thing, but I was wondering where the hell do i start, im only 20 years old dont have that much money to spend, im just looking for something to fool around with to learn about bikes. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks a lot.
yeah first bike period. i dont understand how you guys do it... do you fix them up yourselves? or bring them to mechanics and what not... i dont know a thing about fixing a bike myself need some guidance.
Go find a cheap cb, or cl 350, cb or cl360 a ton of smart people on the board have them and they made billions, make sure you get one with a title. jump in head first with a hundred dollar hot mess and make it happen. It may take awhile but when its finally done YOU did it for better or for worse. no one hear will let a good question go unanwsered. welcome to dtt
I think most of us here pride ourselves on never taking our bikes to a mechanic for engine work when we have perfectly useful hands and the drive to make something work. Besides, we are all broke and sometimes can't even afford anvil change. Check out the big arse projects section, there's plenty of examples of do it yourself and do it right in there. And welcome to do the ton, now get some oil on yer hands!
I agree with the Honda twin theory. While it wasn't my first bike, my CL350 was my first "project".
Where are you located? Most of us on here are always checking out craigslist multiple times a day. It might be nice for to have someone from the forum in your area to help you look out for good bikes.
I live in North Jersey... not really ANY vintage bike shops around me to my dismay.. and I dont even know anyone to mentor me... i guess my best bet is what you guys are saying: purchase an old beat up CB and attempt to do things to it. the thing is i have no idea what i have to do to get a bike thats not running up and running. sorry if im asking a lot of questions- just wanna learn as much as possible to get things up and going! thanks for the help guys.
Well the desire to learn is a huge part of it. Just remember there are no short cuts and no instant gratification. You have to bloody your knuckles, do a lot of swearing, and more the likely fire a few tools across the garage in pure anger. They'll be more then a few nights where you just say fuck it and go get drunk, but there's always the next day to try again. In the end when you have a running and ridable bike you get the elation that you can accomplish anything. That's your moment to be king of the world. Now rinse and repeat because one is never enough. This shit is an addiction.
That said. You came to a good forum. We like new wrenches seeking wisdom. Find your bike, use the search feature here, and post your questions when you can't find what you need. Welcome to Do The Ton. You are about to learn how deep this rabbit hole goes. we await your project thread.
Go to vintage bike events, or bike-nights at restaurants etc. and find an older, experienced, maybe retired/semi-retired guy. Volunteer to do A LOT of heavy lifting, scrubbing, polishing etc work for him. In return ask to be shown how stuff works.
Not to have stuff done for you!
Just guidance to keep you from screwing something up or hurting yourself.
AFTER you get one project of his finished, THEN buy a cheap starter bike. A single cylinder or a twin. I always recommend a dual-sport/enduro for a first bike. It's easier to learn to ride in the dirt, before having to think about dodging people who are trying to run over you.
Edited to add: If you put your location in your profile, one of us assholes fine gentlemen may volunteer to mentor you.
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