Cafe Racer Mods and WOF

[crashalots]

Hey all. Sorry if this is covered elsewhere, I couldn’t find a thread. Share if you know of one.

I’m converting an old GSX twin into a cafe style and I have a list of “like to do’s”.

Would any or all of these mods fail a warrant of fitness to an already registered bike?

- forks lowered slightly by just extending above triple an inch or so.
- clipons added and old clamped bar milled flush
- rear frame shortened and hoop to support TT style hump
- rear-sets as a potential option. This will include removing the pillion pegs permanently.
- aftermarket headlight, indicators and brake lights.
- engine mods like a modded exhaust and pods (yes I’m jetting - I’m not a noob)

TIA



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[jellywrestler]

- engine mods like a modded exhaust and pods (yes I’m jetting - I’m not a noob)





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don't recall any of the twins coming out with slide carbs, all CV's. little more to it than jetting....
unless you're looking for 'truns heads everywhere' bike, which really means cunts are just shaking their heads in disbelief of it running like shit

[crashalots]

don't recall any of the twins coming out with slide carbs, all CV's. little more to it than jetting....
unless you're looking for 'truns heads everywhere' bike, which really means cunts are just shaking their heads in disbelief of it running like shit

Yup Mikuni BS34 CVs. Slightly more than the jets to modify, yes, but that wasn’t the question on the post was it?

I see you weighing in on several threads concerning stock certification. What do you know about the WOF stringency for Cafe mods?


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[OddDuck]

OK only the bits I can be sure of...

Forks - may introduce handling problems if taken too far, could be an issue for wof if tester knows this and is picky

Clipons - no probs but be sure about steering lock and working controls with gloved hands

Engine intake and exhaust mods - no probs as long as it passes noise tests however may (will?) raise LAMs issues.

Aftermarket headlight, indicators and brake lights - Depends. Purchasable doesn't guarantee it's legal. Even if it's legal, it's got to work in the real world (ie be seen and understood by dimwit cagers), I've seen tiny LED indicators disappear completely in afternoon sunshine for example.

Frame - could go very badly wrong, advise extreme caution here. Seek experience. I can't offer more than that sorry.

[sidecar bob]

A lot of that depends on the inspector knowing what a standard version of that model looks like in detail.
Best thing is to do the work well & keep your mouth shut when you go for a wof.
None of it sounds extreme. Huge difference between welding a hoop to the rear of the frame, and raking out the steering head.

[jellywrestler]

Yup Mikuni BS34 CVs. Slightly more than the jets to modify, yes, but that wasn’t the question on the post was it?

I see you weighing in on several threads concerning stock certification. What do you know about the WOF stringency for Cafe mods?


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maybe it wasn't the question, but the mistake has been made many times by people whose mate's bro has done it no worries.

A lot of the WOF people simply don't know their shit, there are certain angles indicators must be seen from for example, I see many bikes on the road that shouldn't get a warrant but they do.
My trailer got two warrants a year for eight years then they failed it on light position, even gave me a drawing 80degrees vision i think the drawing said, i asked for their measuring JIG, after all it's a non judgeable thing, they must have one, no just their eye.

check out the LVV codes and work to that, as one day the guy at the testing shop will not know, the next they'll pull you up. find someone that actually knows their shit, not a mate of a mate and talk to them simply. i've had to mod this to lvv specs but don't need to lvv it, but don't want someone at the warrant place being clver so went ahead and got shit bang on with the rules in front of me simply

[jellywrestler]

A lot of that depends on the inspector knowing what a standard version of that model looks like in detail.
Best thing is to do the work well & keep your mouth shut when you go for a wof.
None of it sounds extreme. Huge difference between welding a hoop to the rear of the frame, and raking out the steering head.

they'll get an idea it's not factory, as you say good workmanship is something that makes them a bit more comfortable. number plates for example must be within 15 degrees of vertical on new builds, how many on the road are like that?
is this bike in the system or not?

[F5 Dave]

Forks would have to have clearance on full compression.
Pillion pegs remove no drama as long as there's no pillion seat.
Modify the frame? I'd expect am LVV would be required. Got one for my braced frame but certifiers aren't easy to find.

[crashalots]

they'll get an idea it's not factory, as you say good workmanship is something that makes them a bit more comfortable. number plates for example must be within 15 degrees of vertical on new builds, how many on the road are like that?
is this bike in the system or not?

Yeah bike in the system and on hold.

I can guarantee the workmanship will be immaculate so that’s ok I guess (that’s what I am good at)

I called a custom bike mod place today and had a long chat. He said don’t touch the brakes, forks, and primary frame and any other mods are allowed - as long as they conform to general rules (I guess like your indicator example)

He said in many years doing mods the only LVVs he’d sought was for full custom chopper builds and 1 time he changed the rake on a standard bikes forks.




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[crashalots]

OK only the bits I can be sure of...

Forks - may introduce handling problems if taken too far, could be an issue for wof if tester knows this and is picky

Clipons - no probs but be sure about steering lock and working controls with gloved hands

Engine intake and exhaust mods - no probs as long as it passes noise tests however may (will?) raise LAMs issues.

Aftermarket headlight, indicators and brake lights - Depends. Purchasable doesn't guarantee it's legal. Even if it's legal, it's got to work in the real world (ie be seen and understood by dimwit cagers), I've seen tiny LED indicators disappear completely in afternoon sunshine for example.

Frame - could go very badly wrong, advise extreme caution here. Seek experience. I can't offer more than that sorry.

Ok thanks OddDuck. Some good info. Same mentioned at custom mod shop today so you are spot on.


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[crashalots]

A lot of that depends on the inspector knowing what a standard version of that model looks like in detail.
Best thing is to do the work well & keep your mouth shut when you go for a wof.
None of it sounds extreme. Huge difference between welding a hoop to the rear of the frame, and raking out the steering head.

Ok yes, the only real ‘mod’ will be the shortened tail subframe which should be mostly obscured by the seat hump. All others mostly cosmetic.

I’m pretty confident of pushing forward.

Thanks for the help.


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[Bonez]

An issue with clips-ons or drop bars is at lock to lock the switch blocks could bash into the tank.

[F5 Dave]

Get the rules, read them. Indicators etc need to have correct lettering on them, DOT or whatever. A rereg will pick that up, you local bikeshop may let it slide.

[crashalots]

An issue with clips-ons is at lock to lock the switch blocks could bash into the tank.

Haha I saw a really good YouTube video of a guy talking about bad cafe mods.
He said (angrily)“if I ever see another cafe with dents in tank from the clipons slapping it, I’ll give them a blood nose”

I’ll trial a set above and below the triple clamp and see how they fit.

Worst case I use clubmans ... but I’m not a fan.


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[crashalots]

Get the rules, read them. Indicators etc need to have correct lettering on them, DOT or whatever. A rereg will pick that up, you local bikeshop may let it slide.

First rule about modding motorcycles:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200227/c7477484aa19f90f56440a50695870f7.jpg


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[jellywrestler]

An issue with clips-ons or drop bars is at lock to lock the switch blocks could bash into the tank.

that's when you stick your thumbs in between to stop damage

[Bonez]

You get use to clubmans. If you are lanky like me they put you in a less cramped riding position.

[crashalots]

You get use to clubmans. If you are lanky like me they put you in a less cramped riding position.

If they are super comfy I’d be happy I guess. Just not so keen on aesthetics of them folding down off the triple clamp. Looks like an afterthought sometimes.




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[crashalots]

If they are super comfy I’d be happy I guess. Just not so keen on aesthetics of them folding down off the triple clamp. Looks like an afterthought sometimes.




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I’ve got a spare upper clamp so if I mod it and don’t like it I can swap back.


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[Bonez]

that's when you stick your thumbs in between to stop damageIs that where the term thumb drive came from?
It's only useful if you are a knuckle dragger with thick thumbs anyway.

[layton]

I believe the short answer is if you put heat to the frame questions start being asked, any mods to the frame past the rear shocks questions are asked.. if you have a pillion seat you must have pegs.