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So, I have been working on my cafe build...which started as a 72 CL350 (and still is). As the build has evolved, I have decided that I am just going to basically design my own bike using a hodge podge of parts. (I will create a build thread as it progresses)
This leaves me wide open for a variety of engine choices. What do you guys recommend, and why? I have the Cl350 engine that I can use, but to bring the power up can cost alot more than just buying a bigger used engine.
I would like to stick with a "vintage looking" motor that has decent bhp stock, and preferably not super expensive. So let me know what the dream engine is.
Does this mean you are building your own frame? Theres a million bits of info that anyone would need to know before they could recommend something like the motor... A hodge podge of parts doesnt tell us much. ???. If you want vintage looks with a killer motor id say use a Harley knucklehead. Its the best looking vintage motor ever built imo. Unless your building a cafe, than its big and bulky and awkward. Or how about a CB450? Or xs650, or a unit Triumph, or a vintage Ducati... Unless ya have a bigger, clearer idea of the finished project, its hard to guess what would work.
Sorry, I should have been a little more specific. I will be building my own frame, so the floor is wide open for accomodating a motor (size and mounts). It will be a cafe, and I would like to stick with something not too exotic and probably Japanese (mostly for the availability and low cost.)
I kind of like the idea of the XS650. To be honest, I don't know much about that bike but just from what I have seen on this site. What do you guys think?
I would use an XS650 with big bore kit or a CB360, but I have a few of both ;D
If I was looking for a motor to build something, I would probably try and get an old Honda XL/XR500, pre RFVC, Yamaha XT500/600, or as someone here is doing, Suzuki SP/DR370~400 or the rarer SP/DR500 (nice looking motor, all cylinder )
First choice would be BSA B50 but will be hard to find and expensive.
Classic looking motor originally designed in late 50's as 250cc C15, but, it kept growing which makes it smaller than something originally designed as a 500.
Your cl can be enhanced on the cheap,,,overbore to 65-65.5 bore tech, kz 440 67mm ,gpz 750 66mm,circumference of dome must be machined not to interfere with the head, as well a oversize head gasket fitted,,,,,,,SCRAP the stock cv's for vm's,,,,what's your budget??? save the frame building,,,stuff it in a cb500-550 frame, there was a nice example of that at mosport last summer...or buy a bigger bike :
Todd probably has best plan, build what you already have, sell it to fund next build which is what you really want.
you will learn a lot and do things different 'next time' ;D
I've been keen to build something around a Suzuki DR650 or Yamaha TT600. Apparently theres also a DR800, which is a stroked and bored DR650 - still a single cylinder - although this may have only been available in limited markets.
Anywho, the larger aircooled trail bikes have engines that looks the part and put out a fair bit of grunt as well. They're easy to find parts for and if you use their original frame the whole thing will be very light and almost indestructable, as thats a major design concern for the trail sector.
My plan would be to ditch all the original bodywork and find a tank that has good lines. Fit the tank and a seat, stiffen the suspension and lower it at the same time. Attach clip-ons and rear-sets, fit some road tyres, and you're away! Now if only I had the money...
I think DR800 may have been Europe only?
It had limited sales most places because at the time insurance companies went by engine capacity instead of power. (at least in Britain)
I think we only sold 3 or 4 total, comapred to 5~6 Gixxers/FZR a day
Suzuki sold the DR750 over here in Australia for a few years. They were not very popular as they were pretty heavy for a dirt bike, and not really comfy as a road bike. The engine was tuned for low down torque and wasn't very willing to rev (I think redline was 5K ??).
One of the tuning tricks was to get a set of GSXR1100 carbs, cut them in half and bolt them on (the DR had twin inlet ports the same spacing as the GSXR). Apparently that would pep them up a bit for the road
Cheers for that guys, I have to admit I've never seen a DR800 or 750. I suspect they're the same thing, as the DR800 had an actual capacity of 780cc? Anywho, tuning tricks are what I live for - that carby swap seems like a good idea on many of the older dirt bikes...hmmm...
Anywho, I'd probably use whatever I could find that was cheap and reliable so the 600 series dirt bikes would be more than enough I reckon. The DRZ400 would be a good bet as it has quite nice engine characteristics, but I don't go much on the water-cooled engines for cafes.
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