My Completed GL500 Cafe Racer
- Thread starter Chayanin
- Start date
Chayanin said:
Yes, a lot of our opinions are just that. Opinions and that means they are subjective. And you are correct that different bikes suit different riding conditions. for example I would not want to ride across country on a race bike or try to race on a Goldwing.
Suitability is partly subjective, but functionality is more objective. You may be comfortable on a particular bike, for example that might have me feeling most uncomfortable, and I may like a suspension set up that you hate. We agree totally on that.
You did ask a really relevant question and that is whether those tires would be OK for your conditions. I suspect that they would be adequate under most circumstances, but i believe that when they wear out of go hard, or you decide to change, that you will find other tires that are much better.
In the final analysis, there is no perfect tire for all circumstances that will never slip or slide. It's all about finding the most suitable for you.
teazer said:Wrenchmonkees build hipster bikes that are designed to appeal to people who know nothing about bikes or how a motorcycle is designed to work. They are very capable builders of a commercial product. That doesn't not mean that they know the first thing about designing a functional motorcycle. It doesn't mean that they don't either
Wrenchmonkees aesthetics are not my particular cup of tea, but I can see why they appeal to some people. Winning awards and trophies has very little to do with how functional the bike is unless it has been awarded after considerable testing and comparison to other motorcycles. After all, this is all relative. There are very few absolutes here.
Going back to those tires. Are those tires bad in the sense that they are completely useless and slide out at walking pace? Of course not. Are they really poor tread, carcass and construction design compared to tires from mainstream tire manufacturers? Yes. Are they the worst on the market? Probably, or close to it.
Quite correct teaser
Busted Knuckles
Been Around the Block
Chayanin said:Thank you for your opinion
I will keep that in mind
Still won't be able to ride it much as both carburetors need to be changed :/
I know a guy who specializes in CX/GL bikes. He wrote a book on rebuilding the carbs on them! His name is Larry, I'd he happy to put you in contact with him.
Ah, Utopia! When you find this magical place, please let everyone else know where it isChayanin said:
Play Russian Roulette much? Because that statement is just like saying "It's cool when the gun goes 'Click', but I hope it never goes 'Bang'?"notlob said:
Redbird said:
Taken out of context with the rest of the post without mentioning the style of riding, 2deg temp and damp road surface, you have a point.
Then again Russian roulette is played whenever you throw a leg over your bike, more so in the OP's native Bangkok, I've been there and rode the city streets and its quite intimidating.
Whether you minimize or increase those risks with your choices is up to the individual, after all if we are all honest about it the risk is what puts the enjoyment into most of our riding.
Yes, motorcycles are dangerous. However, anyone who is aware of the risks, and chooses to ignore and/or purposely increase those risks, is a fool.
You know what you never hear? A skydiver saying "Fuck that safety 'chute. It's bulky and it slows me down. Besides, I never use it anyway." Or a pro racer saying "I don't need those leathers. They're bulky and heavy and I don't plan on crashing."
That's the difference between someone who takes what they're doing seriously, and someone who does not.
You know what you never hear? A skydiver saying "Fuck that safety 'chute. It's bulky and it slows me down. Besides, I never use it anyway." Or a pro racer saying "I don't need those leathers. They're bulky and heavy and I don't plan on crashing."
That's the difference between someone who takes what they're doing seriously, and someone who does not.
Redbird said:
So you wear the latest Daytona evosport boots when you ride, or the best custom made to fit leather suit with airbag? Perhaps you car does not have the latest crash test safety rating. If not your a fool for purposely increasing the your risk of injury.
We can both use the most extreme instances to support an argument and it could run and run
Just inform the user that in your opinion they may not be making the correct call on their choice of equipment, without the hyerbole. Then let them make the call themselves.
someone who takes what they are doing seriously, collates the information studies the information and makes a decision based on their circumstances. Not someone else's.Redbird said:
Apologies to the OP for hijacking the original thread.
But this tyre malarky has been played out long and hard for quite a while now and is wearing a bit thin.
notlob said:
Your opinion I guess, but if it was me, I'd want to get all the opinions and info I could on something as crucial as tires. If you're "tired of tire talk", don't participate.
Chayanin doesn't seem to mind the discussion. 8)And now... let's move this thread to an appropriate location, eh Tim??
It is my opinion and its what most on here are on here for the collective opinions.Drewski said:
As I said in the previous post, collect the info, appraise and then take whats best for what you are building and its intended use.
I would never dream of fitting those tyres to my supermoto as they are totally unsuited to the application even if they did come in the right sizes.
I'm so confused...
Sidi Vertigos actually. And I have a full set of Alpinestars leathers, but that's for trackdays. For the street I have boots, kevlar reinforced "Draggin Jeans", a variety of quality reinforced and padded jackets (ranging from textile to leather), leather gloves, and a full face helmet.notlob said:
All of which are more than adequate for the situations they are used in, as well as any "surprises" they may encounter. Let me restate that in case you missed it... they're more than adequate.
What I don't have is a spiffy vintage looking Members Only jacket that I wear because it "looks cool", but I'd be afraid to "test it's limits in an emergency situation".
Killianf1
will put pick of honda up when I have a good one
two things... 1. That's a cx 500 custom, not a gl500 silverwing. gl has a monoshock. unless that was replaced in the build. regardless, that's an awesome bike.
2. If you are constantly riding, every day, using your bike as your primary mode of transportation, then those tires aren't the right choice. If you are using your bike as a toy, past-time, or fashion statement, those tires are just fine. If you are on this website, your bike is probably the second choice. Anyone who wants a fast bike can pick up a 2000's era 600cc sportbike and smoke these old vintage hondas/yamahas/etc on a track. Anyone who wants a commuter would leave the old handlebars on and never touch the basic suspension (stock geometry is usually safer).
to get into the arguement of reliability/useablility on a cafe racer site? Hate hipster bike owners? probably not the best place for you. these bikes are more art than actual usability. IMO.
2. If you are constantly riding, every day, using your bike as your primary mode of transportation, then those tires aren't the right choice. If you are using your bike as a toy, past-time, or fashion statement, those tires are just fine. If you are on this website, your bike is probably the second choice. Anyone who wants a fast bike can pick up a 2000's era 600cc sportbike and smoke these old vintage hondas/yamahas/etc on a track. Anyone who wants a commuter would leave the old handlebars on and never touch the basic suspension (stock geometry is usually safer).
to get into the arguement of reliability/useablility on a cafe racer site? Hate hipster bike owners? probably not the best place for you. these bikes are more art than actual usability. IMO.
Killianf1
will put pick of honda up when I have a good one
forgot to ask why I got wrapped up in this in the first place.
What size are those tires actually? the rear looks really close to the swing arm on the inside. I'm trying a bobber version, and want to fit a fender in that gap too, so want to know exactly what size your rolling on there. Thanks.
What size are those tires actually? the rear looks really close to the swing arm on the inside. I'm trying a bobber version, and want to fit a fender in that gap too, so want to know exactly what size your rolling on there. Thanks.
Mine aren't. And I would guesstimate that the majority of people on here build their bikes to be ridden more than showpieces.Killianf1 said:
But Art and Functionality don't have to be mutually exclusive. A prime example, that I have seen firsthand, is Willow (a bike that's been featured in print and on "builder" sites all over the 'net). This is a well thought out, and well executed bike that can, and is, considered by many to be a "showbike". However, Troy rides the fuck outta her. And there are plenty of other builds on here that have that same story.
If you believe this site is about Fashion over Function... than perhaps this is probably not the best place for you.
Killianf1
will put pick of honda up when I have a good one
missed my point. my appologies if i was unclear. To categorize any person not riding every day all day as a "hipster" or poser, or whatever you want to call it is unfair and unrealistic. a bit like the guy who brags that he doesn't own a t.v. The fact is motorcycles are not the best, safest, most efficient mode of transportation available. They're just fun as hell. (and yes, I realize in some cases they are more time and money effective but I'm talking in generalities)
Bikes are fashion statements, like it or not. otherwise they would all be plastic and stainless steel. Why chrome anything? (harley wouldn't sell a single bike if it wasn't fashion...you can get faster, more reliable, more efficient bikes from a number of manufacturers) And frankly, clip ons and clubmans aren't all that comfortable unless your belly is resting on the tank. IMO, if you're "cafe"ing your ride, you aren't all that concerned with cross country rides, high mpg, comfort, etc, You are either a hopeless nostalgic or your seeing how fast you can make a 1977 cb550 go. And yes, it has evolved into a style...dare I say...a fashion.
Don't get me wrong, I love the bikes on this site and hope to replicate the skill and attention to detail on display. But I hate when someone gets on here and hates on a guy for a cosmetic based decision...cause otherwise everyone would have the battery and electrics under the seat and nice side covers to protect them. But we customize. cause we can. Cause we want unique rides that are about us....not what honda or harley decide to sell us. So roll on fat tires if that's what you want.
Bikes are fashion statements, like it or not. otherwise they would all be plastic and stainless steel. Why chrome anything? (harley wouldn't sell a single bike if it wasn't fashion...you can get faster, more reliable, more efficient bikes from a number of manufacturers) And frankly, clip ons and clubmans aren't all that comfortable unless your belly is resting on the tank.
IMO, if you're "cafe"ing your ride, you aren't all that concerned with cross country rides, high mpg, comfort, etc, You are either a hopeless nostalgic or your seeing how fast you can make a 1977 cb550 go. And yes, it has evolved into a style...dare I say...a fashion. Don't get me wrong, I love the bikes on this site and hope to replicate the skill and attention to detail on display. But I hate when someone gets on here and hates on a guy for a cosmetic based decision...cause otherwise everyone would have the battery and electrics under the seat and nice side covers to protect them. But we customize. cause we can. Cause we want unique rides that are about us....not what honda or harley decide to sell us. So roll on fat tires if that's what you want.
VonYinzer
Over 10,000 Posts
Well...
That's a load of rubbish. Sorry man. Nothing personal. Sure, looks matter with these bikes, but the main goal for the majority of the folks here is ultimately performance first and looks second.
You mention chrome. Yes chrome looks nice, but its also a practical metal treatment that resists rust and wear. The looks are an added benefit.
Moving the battery and electrics to under the seat hump or anywhere else is not only an aesthetic decision, but when building a custom electrical system it allows you to organize and locate (the usually smaller and more efficient aftermarket pieces) in a more compact and clean fashion than the factory did.
Harley sells bike because they build a product that fills a niche. Not everyone finds appeal in the looks, ergonomics and performance capabilities of other styles of bikes. And its a misconception that most HDs are slow lumbering machines. Sure, they're no R6 or CBR but they're not supposed to be.
Its also completely possible to build a mildly comfortable cafe bike that's ready to ride all day. There's a difference between a streetable cafe racer and a full on track bike.
The tires in question are junk. I've ridden on them. I never will again. They provide nearly no traction and instantly reduce the bikes ability to perform safely. That's a fact. They were designed to be used on bikes 80 years ago. They stopped using them decades ago for a reason. The only people that use them care more about looks than function. Also a fact.
Nobody is hating on anyone for a "cosmetic bad decision". People are trying to point out a safety issue. Plain and simple.
That's a load of rubbish. Sorry man. Nothing personal. Sure, looks matter with these bikes, but the main goal for the majority of the folks here is ultimately performance first and looks second.
You mention chrome. Yes chrome looks nice, but its also a practical metal treatment that resists rust and wear. The looks are an added benefit.
Moving the battery and electrics to under the seat hump or anywhere else is not only an aesthetic decision, but when building a custom electrical system it allows you to organize and locate (the usually smaller and more efficient aftermarket pieces) in a more compact and clean fashion than the factory did.
Harley sells bike because they build a product that fills a niche. Not everyone finds appeal in the looks, ergonomics and performance capabilities of other styles of bikes. And its a misconception that most HDs are slow lumbering machines. Sure, they're no R6 or CBR but they're not supposed to be.
Its also completely possible to build a mildly comfortable cafe bike that's ready to ride all day. There's a difference between a streetable cafe racer and a full on track bike.
The tires in question are junk. I've ridden on them. I never will again. They provide nearly no traction and instantly reduce the bikes ability to perform safely. That's a fact. They were designed to be used on bikes 80 years ago. They stopped using them decades ago for a reason. The only people that use them care more about looks than function. Also a fact.
Nobody is hating on anyone for a "cosmetic bad decision". People are trying to point out a safety issue. Plain and simple.