GT750 Cafe Project?

A

Aces Up

Active Member
Greetings all...I am a newbie to the board...luv all the cafed out bikes hanging out here...tonnes of inspirational ideas. I just got back into riding and currently have a 98' CBR900RR. I am looking at buying a 75' Suzuki GT750 as a cafe racer project. I like the idea that it is a triple two-stroke and I think the motors on these machines look and sound great...especially with chambers!

Here are a couple of that have inspired me to pick the GT750 to cafe...the first is Ron Moolenaar (Netherlands) machine, and the second is from OMARs site. The last pic is my project GT750.

What do you guys think of the GT750 and it's potential as a cafe racer?
 
my buddy is this very minute trying to decide whether to restore an old water buffalo or race bike it (like a barry sheene racer).i say caff it.they were very strong,solid 2 strokes.
 
Welcome aboard! :D

I say, "Go 4 it!!" 8)

The "kettle" is a little on the heavy side, but I think it'd make a really cool Cafe! There are tons of examples of nice custom GT750's all over the world! 8)

Where are you?? :eek:
 
Drewski said:
Welcome aboard! :D

I say, "Go 4 it!!" 8)

The "kettle" is a little on the heavy side, but I think it'd make a really cool Cafe! There are tons of examples of nice custom GT750's all over the world! 8)

Where are you?? :eek:
Click to expand...

Hey...thanks for the encouragement....this will be my first cafe project. I pondered a lot of different bikes prior to deciding that the "Water Buffalo" was the one for me. I know that it may not fit into the mold of a typical cafe racer (heavy, touring type m/c) but, when I saw a few examples of these beasts done up on YouTube I couldn't resist. Enjoy....!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfJ4dfC97Rc&feature=related

These "smokers" sound great! I think that these classics are getting harder to find...I have never seen one around here on the street. The guy that I bought the GT from is the 2nd owner - he had it since 1977! It's been sitting around his garage for the last 5 years. I want to get it running again before I start stripping her down this winter. Also trying to figure on some design ideas for the cafe...all comments are welcome!

Cheers...from Waterloo, ON
 
Brought my GT home today sans fairing... :) Previous owner kept fairing, and I saved a few bucks.

It has been sitting for a few years and is currently not running. I am the third owner...the fellow I bought it from had it since 1977!

1975 Suzuki GT750 "Water Buffalo"/"Kettle"
2-Stroke
18000 mi.

$700.00

My goal for now is to get her running and tuned up; run it for the rest of the summer and then start the cafe retro this winter...(build thread to follow).

PS Anyone need some saddle bags or Vetter trunk?? ;D
 
Very nice! Have a ball with it! ;D

I've got a '74 H2 750 Kawasaki to go along with my KZ1000 and I know a fellow here in Mississauge that's really into GT750's. I think he owns 3 of them! :eek:

If you need bits or advice, check out reproductiondecal.com in London, ON. Andre has tons of experience and I believe he has a "Water Buffalo" too! I know he has around 40 old bikes in his fleet! :eek: They're all amazing too! 8)

Later! :D
 
My Dad had one when I was 16ish that I used to ride alot. They're kinda heavy, but they'll go!

CC
 
Here is a very ruff pic of my '75 Buffalo. I bought this beast painted gold and black from a farmer in the back woods of South Carolina. His son built it as a cafe about 9 years ago, lucky for me the state decided he needed to become a part of our wonderful prison system. So his dad put it up on eBay. It wasn't running, all flat tires, gunked up carbs, brakes not working. Hell lets face it, it was a cool looking paper weight. Fast forward to present day. I just finished cleaning all the rust out of the tank and repainting her. I will post some pics soon. For now, here is the pics from the day I picked her up.
 
deadlandxtreme said:
Here is a very ruff pic of my '75 Buffalo. I bought this beast painted gold and black from a farmer in the back woods of South Carolina. His son built it as a cafe about 9 years ago, lucky for me the state decided he needed to become a part of our wonderful prison system. So his dad put it up on eBay. It wasn't running, all flat tires, gunked up carbs, brakes not working. Hell lets face it, it was a cool looking paper weight. Fast forward to present day. I just finished cleaning all the rust out of the tank and repainting her. I will post some pics soon. For now, here is the pics from the day I picked her up.
Click to expand...

Keep the pics coming..... 8)

I am just in the process of cleaning out the tank on mine (rusty bucket)...using the electrolysis method to get the rust out. Also, rebuilding the petcock and the carbs. I want to get her running first and ride it....let her tell me what else she needs.

What kind of pipes are those?

Any other plans for the 'paper weight'? ;D
 
My tank is getting a little acid, a little high pressure hose, and some river rocks. It has been one hell of a process but it looks pretty good inside. Just have to get the badge mounts filled in and smooth for paint. Crossing my fingers that I can at least get that done today.

Good luck with your tank and pet. I was lucky enough to have the previous owner include a brand new petcock and he had rebuilt the carbs as part of terms of the sale. Before I stripped her down for paint, she was a screamer.

As for the pipes, those are stock GT750 pipes that have been some what bent and flared out. I could go with a 3-in-1, but with the four stockers and no baffles inside, makes it sound and look like something out of Thunderdome.

I will try and get some more pics up today if weather permits (oh the joys of working on a bike without a garage!). Plans for this creepy buffalo, well basically I want to pull it up to some local bike nights and have people try and figure the old girl out. Before the strip down, I couldn't take it down the road without people stopping me at lights to ask what it is or to tell me that it looks like its burning oil. All I could do is smile and say "that is a good thing!".
 
"...that is a good thing!"

I can't wait to burn some oil! :D :D :D

I have a petcock kit and a set of new floats from the local Suzuki shop arriving Friday!

Good luck with your project..I will post more pics as things move along...
 
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