Introduction

[bunnyman]

Hey!!!

I am just getting into the world of motorcycles in general. I have a mechanically excellent Honda CM 250C that I will be picking up soon. I know these are not generally the base of a good cafe racer, but I am just starting with the cleanest and most economical example of a bike available to me at the present.

I have read on another forum that one could make the stance a bit better by lowering the fork in the triples and using a longer shock in the rear; has anyone done that? I also plan on fitting a nifty little flyscreen and a new seat. As far as tanks go- does anyone know what would be a direct, bolt-on sportier replacement for the cruiser-style tank for this frame? How 'bout rearsets?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

 

[isolato]

I can't speak for the cm250, but many of the late 70's and early 80's "cruisers" had basically the same frame configurations as earlier standard models. often the cruiser look was achieved with smaller rear wheels, stepped seat, short shocks and goofy body work. prop it up straight in the garage and strip the body off, and maybe the bars, grab a beer and just sit and look at it for awhile. the line will present itself.
I can't add anything to 'what fits' on that model. welcome to the forum, post some pics!

 

[bunnyman]

I can't speak for the cm250, but many of the late 70's and early 80's "cruisers" had basically the same frame configurations as earlier standard models. often the cruiser look was achieved with smaller rear wheels, stepped seat, short shocks and goofy body work. prop it up straight in the garage and strip the body off, and maybe the bars, grab a beer and just sit and look at it for awhile. the line will present itself.
I can't add anything to 'what fits' on that model. welcome to the forum, post some pics!

I won't have posesion of it for a month or so. I get to take a good look at it about four times per week. Yes- I have it in lay away. This is a very mechanically excellent example with very low miles. I am certain some purists would scream if they knew what I was to do with this bike...

What I have noticed is that the head tube is quite relaxed, so it would probably take quite a bit of lowering to make it nervous. I do know a thing or two about bicycle geometry (as I have built a few bike frames), but I will consult with an expert before making any mods to the ride height. I know going with an inch longer rear shock would do wonders for the weird stance.

I am waiting for a CB175 tank that I bought from the 'bay. I am also going to put on a funky streetfighter headlight/fairing that will be further modified. I have ideas of what it will end up looking like in the end. Here's the light: http://www.bikeit.co.uk/headlights_product.asp?ID=140
I will probably put an old-school fairing over it and cut out for the shape of the headlamp. That's how I plan to tie the old with the new.

Pics will come soon. Thanks for your reply.