Two wheel nerd (Louisiana)

3xross

New Member
Hi all.
I've been riding on two wheels since I was 10. I'm 29 now and spent the last 10 years riding sport bikes. I have owned each of the big 4's liter bikes as well as other sizes. Right now I'm not riding anything. I have an 03 cr250r that is perfect but I never use it. I recently got a '75 xl250 in a barn find and have it torn down to start restoring pieces here and there. I'm in no rush on that one.
My mechanic skills are sub par but what little I know came from pulling shit apart and figuring it out myself. I find myself sponging all types of information to become a better and more well rounded motorcyclist.

So, what am I doing here?
I can't tell you when or where I saw my first cafe but I do know that my two wheeled horizons have forever changed since. I was, for a very long time, interested solely in sport bikes but have come to have an affinity and appreciation for many other types and styles...including bobbers and streetfighters.
But there is just something about cafes that appeals to me in a way that none of the others do. I mostly love that every single one is very different! I have always been a fan of 50's and early 60's everything so that has a lot to do with my fascination as well I'm sure.

As of right now I am still researching and deciding what bike will be best for me to start with and I look forward to interacting with all of you. Many, many NOOB questions/statements to follow.
 
Well, I've been looking constantly and keep coming up empty. My only criteria is that the bike must be legal and run....still, not much coming my way. Especially for the right price. It seems that the cafe scene may becoming a fad because prices are skyrocketing!

Here are some that I have come across:

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/mcy/2919138023.html
I like this one because it is so incredibly CLEAN but the engine size is keeping me from pulling the trigger...

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/mcy/2968405325.html
Again, engine size...also price.

http://neworleans.craigslist.org/mcy/2970091282.html
Seems solid....how's that price?

thoughts, opinions, etc. welcome!
 
In all honesty all of those prices are ridiculous.

Also, any reason you are looking only at pristine bikes? If you're going to be building and don't have a timeframe buy something that needs some work. More opportunity to learn.
If you buy a perfect bike out of the gate you'll end up tossing on a seat and calling it a day, whereas if you buy an old clunker you will get the satisfaction and knowledge that comes from tearing it down and making it your own.

And your only criteria should change to turns over and has a title IMO.
 
SONICJK said:
In all honesty all of those prices are ridiculous.

Also, any reason you are looking only at pristine bikes? If you're going to be building and don't have a timeframe buy something that needs some work. More opportunity to learn.
If you buy a perfect bike out of the gate you'll end up tossing on a seat and calling it a day, whereas if you buy an old clunker you will get the satisfaction and knowledge that comes from tearing it down and making it your own.

And your only criteria should change to turns over and has a title IMO.

Yeah, the prices are crazy...and they are only going up.
I am not necessarily insistent on pristine bikes. (That cb125 is the best I've ever seen)
It's just that right now, I am not looking for something to tinker with. I wanna ride!
Cosmetics are not important. My cafe build will be a long, drawn out process. Piece by piece situation.
My resources are very limited right now. I just need SOMETHING to start with.
Otherwise I agree with your criteria change 100%
 
Ahh I missed the part about wanting it to ride right now.

In that case you're just gonna have to be patient. Good deals still pop up but they are becoming more an more scarce.
I've seen 300 dollar bikes going for 2500+ around here and there really isn't even a market. It's getting stupid.

Just hang in there and check Craigslist RELIGIOUSLY.
I have it on my phone and probably check it 10 times per day. I see deals once every couple weeks.
 
SONICJK said:
Ahh I missed the part about wanting it to ride right now.

In that case you're just gonna have to be patient. Good deals still pop up but they are becoming more an more scarce.
I've seen 300 dollar bikes going for 2500+ around here and there really isn't even a market. It's getting stupid.

Just hang in there and check Craigslist RELIGIOUSLY.
I have it on my phone and probably check it 10 times per day. I see deals once every couple weeks.

That's totally my routine. I have the app that notifies when new posts are made according to my search specifics.
I'm going on several trips this year and may be able to pick something up on the road.
I'm really looking forward to the Vintage Festival at Barber Motorsports Park in October. They have auctions!

Thanks for the words bud.
 
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