How much for a runner? Help appreciated.

[499bullet]

How much should I be looking to pay for a running bike that could later be turned into a café racer? I'm on the A2 licence, so nothing over 47bhp. It will be my first bike so I need it in good running order, but I don't want anything modern looking if possible.
The plan would be to buy a nice retro bike and ride it over the summer, then during the winter months make some changes. Nothing too drastic to begin with though, just the basics like handlebars and seat, but eventually have transformed it into a full café racer.

Have been thinking about the Suzuki GN model as I've seen some nice GN café projects online. Obviously I need a good running bike, but also for it to have the potential to be turned into a café.

Help greatly appreciated.

 

[Rich Ard]

You're in the UK? Probably a couple of half crumpets or something.

 

[499bullet]

From people in the UK please

 

[ApriliaBill]

This will depend on the market in your area. Pretty easy to tell, look at similar bikes and you'll see a pattern. 47 h.p. leaves quite a few options. You need to sit down and think about what you really need. A commuter? A weekend bomber? What is my realistic budget and does it leave $ for modifications, insurance and repairs? A lot of guys will buy something and as soon as they get it home, realize they don't have the time, talent or $ to finish the bike. My advice to a newbie is to find a bike as close to what you want and as complete as possible, especially if it's your daily transportation.

Now, if you're like a lot of these guys on this site and have tons of talent and tools, then by all means bring home buckets of parts and get to it. Also, try to make sure there is a source for parts. And the most important part, you've already done. Find a site with informative, knowledgeble people. These types of sites have dragged my bacon out of the fire more times than I can count...

 

[SONICJK]

You're in the UK? Probably a couple of half crumpets or something.

HAHAHA
making friends I see.

 

[Sonreir]

You're in the UK? Probably a couple of half crumpets or something.

That's with old money, mate.

 

[Rich Ard]

Re: Re: How much for a runner? Help appreciated.

HAHAHA
making friends I see.

Hey, we established a location, as a team. That's friendship.

 

[Pod70]

It does depend what you are after. Gsx250's are cheap and make a good cafe racer but only produce around 27 hp. It is probably better to decide what your budget is and find the best bike you can afford. What sort of budget are you thinking? £1000 will buy you a lot of 400cc bikes ripe for modifying.