Bike for cafe/brat build,

L

Lantern_Nick

New Member
There are a few bikes in my area I would like to see, about making a café/brat build from, probably more of a brat. There’s an ’80 KZ750 LTD and there’s a ’79 gs550e. I’m looking for a bike that’s going to be a little easier to work with. I’m new to this, but I’ve been wanting one forever. Looking for parts availability also. I don’t want a bike that’s going to be impossible to work with or find parts for. Any help would be appreciated. I know a honda cb550 would be ideal ha, but in Des Moines, IA, they’re just not available. They get scooped up pretty quickly. Thanks.

Nick
 
What parts are you expecting to find for a brat bike? There's no brat seat that's a bolt on fit for any bike that I know of, and everything else apart from engine stuff is generic.


Go with a bike that is running and ready to ride rather than something that's in boxes.


I'd suggest the LTD, Suzuki L, Honda C or Yamaha Special / Maxim as they are generally cheaper to buy into and no one cares if you cut them up.
 
Parts are pretty available for what you've listed. I just did a mild refresh on a GS550L, and all the charging components are available as well as a lot of factory parts from Suzuki. Nice bikes, just prepare yourself mentally for dealing with a four carb gang.


Sent from my iPhone using DO THE TON
 
I feel like, I can do a google search for Honda CB cafe parts and get a much greater list of parts for it than I could for the others. I would like a unique tank. Nothing custom, but something different than the stock tank sanded down and repainted. There doesn't seem to be much market for more unique parts for the others. I'm new to this still. I want a part? I google it and see whats there. If I google KZ750 cafe tank, and nothing terribly specific comes up, I worry that the bike will be come a money pit. I like the idea of the GS550e. On some of the forums I've read, the 550l's have a problem with, either the seat fitment or tank, I forget. But the 550e is more favored. Thanks for your answers. I really do appreciate it. This, build, is a little outside my comfort zone. But, you know what they say, “If you always do what is easy and choose the path of least resistance, you never step outside your comfort zone. Great things don’t come from comfort zones.”
 
You might find a lot more Google results with CB parts....but that doesn't mean they're a bolt on fit.


Most sub-frames on these bikes need to be cut / welded to allow cafe / brat seats to me mounted. It isn't usually straight forward.


You are right about the cruiser models having lower seat rails and higher tanks but you'll find most of the standard model tanks of the same vintage will mount up with minimal modifications.


But that's the thing - you need to be able to modify stuff to fit with these builds and it's not always easy.
 
So, ultimately, I'm still in for the ride of my life ;D. But they sound more like, classy rat bikes. My exwife had a 76 cb550, and that bike had so many aftermarket parts for a cafe racer. I do have some friends who do shop work, and one who does build cafe racers. I'll bite on the GS550e, and go from there. Work is work, and it's more rewarding when it get's finished. thanks again.
 
OK - good luck with it...and have fun!


Rule number one is buy a running bike. Don't forget that one because you'll have more than enough work on your hands with the cosmetic mods as it is ;)
 
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