Need a good starting point

B

bacarl

New Member
Hey all,
I've been lurking around here for a few months now. Really been enjoying reading various build threads and learning about the parts and styles that go into cafe bikes. I don't remember exactly how I found out about the style, but I've become quite fascinated with it. I've been considering starting a cafe project and occasionally peruse craigslist to see what's out there.

I've only been riding about a year (just over one season here in Michigan), and my first/current bike is an SV650. As far as modern bikes go it already has a smidge of cafe style, but I'm very intrigued by vintage bikes. What I've been wondering about is what I should start with, and what kind of performance I should expect from these older bikes.

Is doing the ton a stretch for some of these bikes? It has occured to me that something like a cb360 might feel weak even compared to a tame bike like my SV. Would a 500-something be more comparable? What about a cb750? I'm aware of the inherent differences between v-twin and i-4, but I don't know much about the charateristics of an i-2, for example.

I'm sure there's a full range of opinions out there but where should I focus my attention in looking for a project?

Thanks for the insight! Maybe I'll have my very own build thread someday :-)

Brian
 
Welcome to DTT Brian!

If you arent accustomed to working on bikes, you should definitely get something vintage. They are easy to work on, there are plenty of parts, plenty of people working on the same bike, and chances are if you get a great deal on it, everything will need work.

Being that you already have an SV650 (great bike btw) you can work on an older bike at your convenience. As far as power goes..... well, there probably wont be much of a comparison. But the thrill of riding a bike older than yourself and that has been lightened considerably is still a LOT of fun. Hope to see you start a project!
 
Thanks for the reply Rich!

What do people think of a cb450 as a starting point? Preferably an early 70's. There are a couple on clist although they're a little pricier. Are there uber parts for 450's?
 
I don't have one so I don't want to say they are everywhere, but I don't remember anybody saying parts were hard to come by.
 
Welcome man ! What part of Michigan? Good luck getting a project !
 
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