Choosing Bike for Brat Style Build

[andreas_boman@hotmail.com]

With not nearly enough grease under my fingernails and with no experience at all in regards to building bikes I've planned to build/rebuild a brat bike looking something like the pic attached. Now I am studying which bike is the best choice in regards to how easily it would be to change seat etc.

Manufacturers and models I've found:

- Honda CB
- Kawasaki KZ
- Yamaha TX

The most "easy" way would be to remove the old seat, but my question is if there is some of these bikes that has got a straight frame, or one that is easier to modify without welding? This since I'm not an expert... All tips would be appreciated!

 

[locOleoN]

SR500 is the way to go if you are going to build a Brat-style bike..

 

[andreas_boman@hotmail.com]

OK, is that since the SR is a typical brat?

If I was more into getting the style as the Kaw has on the pic, or as pic attached (Honda SB750). What would you say was the better choice? trying to get a crip of how to fix the seat.

 

[shamus]

I don't really understand the question. Are you basing your bike purchase on how the seat can be modified?

 

[andreas_boman@hotmail.com]

Sorry for the misunderstanding, the question might be a bit unexplanatory. Not really basing, but due to lack of experience I base it on how to get the best result with less cutting and welding. I've studied videos and pictures and the two bikes I like the best is the Kaw & SB (tank etc). Do you think these are ones to get a go on or am I just stupid believing it's "easily" done?

Planned start with a few mods: Handlebar, change seat, fenders, lights & color. And I guess that the frame is the thing being hard to fix?

 

[nixon]

I think I get you.. if the stock bikes frame is flat or in line with the tank, your half way know there, if the sub frame needs to be shortened, don't worry if you cant weld, someone can do it for not much cash.

 

[notlob]

cant think of any that could have the style of seat you want without any cutting or welding. Have a look here to see whats involved in doing a CB750
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bwfc59/sets/72157629388923309/

 

[andreas_boman@hotmail.com]

Great link! Thanks! That's almost exactly the kind of seat I would like to have, though without the up-swing furthest back. Do you know any good web shops where it is possible to order a sear similar to that one?

Also, do you have any preferences regarding the bikes? I have started to really like the Kawasaki SR 650 -79, but would you say a Honda CB or Suzuki XS is "better" to build?

 

[notlob]

I cant help with somewhere to get a seat made as I make my own and I am UK based so dont have any US connections. I sure someone on here will have though.
The yam SR and XS are quite expensive and hold their prices as they are wanted for custom builds the 79-82 CBs are probably the cheapest at the moment followed by the suzuki, either would need modification to get a flat seat. I believe the KZ may be more or less flat from the tank back so would be the best option if no fabrication is possible.

 

[andreas_boman@hotmail.com]

Ok, I am actually situated in Sweden... I am in Cali for the month, but the plan is to buy, and make the bike, in Sweden. So all info around Sweden, Copenhagen, UK etc. is greatly appreciated.

I've studied the frames from the CBs and KZs and it seems that they are more flat in the earlier years. Hopefully I'll find a Kaw SR 650 -79 with low mileage. That, or a CB 650-750.