Honda Rebel ...cafe.

Well, here's my opinion, and it is just that. The bike is too wrong for the cafe style as she is. The rear of the bike is too low...the sunken in seat/high rear fender destroy the lines that a cafe is after. And I agree, the tank is also wrong. That's a peanut tank style...mainly found on bobbers...that just doesn't suit the cafe look IMHO. This bike was designed to have a raked frame appearance i.e. high up front, and low in the rear which is the opposite of a cafe's lines. A cafe is higher in the rear and lower in the front. More of a reverse rake....of course that is just appearance wise the way that the tank and seat fit the frame.

This is a rebel frame, notice the rake:

Lara-after-frame.jpg


See how high it is up front compared to the rear of the bike?

This is a cafe frame (specifically from a Norton Commando, but most of us have similar setups)

norton_commando_frame.jpg


Just compare the two from the head tube to the rear of the frame and you'll see what I mean.

Granted there are some guys on here that have remedied the "squatted seat pan" problem by modifying the frame or building a seat to overcome it. I don't at all think that it isn't possible, I just feel like it is as stated above: a lot of work. I would start with the tank then attack the frame if I were going to cafe this bike.

That's why so many people suggested bobber though, this frame was made too resemble them, so it's all too easy to accomplish! Keep it up man, you're gonna make it cool no matter what!
 
Maybe with longer shocks in the rear, and some kind of custom made tank that buries that top tube, it could be done well. Though thetank maybe hang too low and hit the engine. Tough to say.
 
That would absolutely make a great brat!

+1 on longer rear shocks. That rear tire is way too far up into the "seat frame" as is, unless you go the bobber route, but anything else needs raised I think. I never realize until this thread how low those bikes were in the back.
 
If you decide to go with longer shocks and want to sell the stockers lmk!!!

I agree it would make a killer bob or brat, I'm sure it will look great however though!!!

Can't wait for pics!!
 
Wow, lots of bobber love on these here cafe boards. :P

Tore the seat off today to take measurements for a seat pan. I'll post some pictures of the layout here in a few days.
 
I'm no fabricating master hell I can't even weld, but I started with a suzuki L model which many will say is uncafeable, and they're close to being right without some pretty big mods. Mine isn't a cafe or bobber or brat it's what trial and error came up with and that I liked. just keep trying things until you like what you see. cardboard and cereal boxes are your friend when doing this. your creation doesn't have to fall under a label.
 
gser425 said:
cardboard and cereal boxes are your friend when doing this. your creation doesn't have to fall under a label.
Click to expand...

This is almost exactly how I feel about it. I was unhappy with the laid-back cruiser positioning and slow handling of my bike, and what it becomes will simply be an extension of that sentiment.

...and maybe the fact that I can't just leave anything alone.

But I hadn't thought about cardboard to mock things up. That will prove extremely helpful.
 
perattzi said:
heiwarebel01.jpg
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I was going to post the Heiwa Reb, but someone beat me to it. Looks/handling-wise, this is your best bet, but it's no cafe, my son, anymore than a Puch w/ clubmans and single seat is. My .02.
 
I think before going any further the bike should be simplified a little.

Smaller gauges, smaller seat, smaller signals, ditch the stickers, rear rests, reflectors, maybe paint the chrome accents on the tail and side covers flat or gloss black. Headlight could use paint as well. Basically, start with things that you can replace if necessary.

I'd really like to see the clubmans flipped upside down. I've seen it done before and it looks pretty rad.
 
I tore the turn signals and reflectors off today, and raised the rear end of the tank slightly to level it out. Allowed me to pull the bars back some and still make contact in the indents.

To Pheller: Rear sets are already there ;D

As a ridiculously long side-note, this project will not end up looking like the usually cafe-conversion. I spent way too much time trying to work all the period-correct bullshit into some sort of rebel based triton copycat. Too much work for something that would look like every other "cafe racer" on the internet.
 
Don't listen to anyone but yourself, even though these cats are trying to help.
regarding your worry about the front end rake, take a look at the old Seely race bikes for a great look at just how raked they were.

I will agree that you should swap the tank, but dig around CL or a local wrecking yard adn find some nifty old 70's metal dirtbike tank. Good lines for a small bike and the perfect simple aesthetic. Longer shocks will do wonders for the stance over all but you'll probably want to add a steering stabilizer as the steering will be much quicker.

You should be able to take the stock tank and chop the rear off of it for a seat cowl and use the stock seat since it's there, fits the frame and it already upholstered.

As you stated, it's not going ot make a good knockoff triton but you can certainly create something that'll pay homage..
 
Well you sure have our attention and we are eagerly waiting to see what you come up with. Snap some pics while you’re working/mocking-up and show us how it’s going and what you’re thinking!
Cheers!
 
+1 ro Swagger's idea of the dirt bike tank, wish I thought of that one myself, it would like pretty dope if the frame and wiring is cleaned up really well
 
i always thought the yamaha dt tanks were cool looking. kida looks like some of those gravel crew stly tanks. i used a 71' islo enuro tank on my bobber. it was a bike made in mexico so they are kinda rare. but looks similar to a wassel once you trim the stamped steel lip off the front. here a pic of it mounted to my bike.


http://dotheton.com/index.php?topic=10959.0
 
Spacejunk that bobber is rad. I may have to look into this whole old dirt bike tank thing.

Getting down to some serious mockup work on thursday, so I'll post some pictures that night.
 
Taxadermist Now said:
Spacejunk that bobber is rad. I may have to look into this whole old dirt bike tank thing.

Getting down to some serious mockup work on thursday, so I'll post some pictures that night.
Click to expand...

thanks man, do you live near a salvage yard by any chance. its nice to see one hands on rather than ebay pics. its hard to tell just how big or small they actually are and tunnel width and depth is pretyy important too...prior to landing the islo tank i was looking at old honda 3 wheeler tanks just cause they were so different looking..
 
I actually live down the street from AIMS (http://www.archwayintl.com/) But they have really strange hours and I haven't had a chance to go looking.
 
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