Cafe racers

[degrom]

Hi.

I was looking at Cafe racers the other day. They are in the same class as the American Bobbers but are only from Europe.

Do they make there own frames or do they use the old frame?

I would like to make my own frames one day,but I am not really that keen on choppers because they don't handle. I found a Shit load of plan's for chopper frames but can't find any for cafe racers or better handling bikes.(Anyone know of a site with plan's for cafe racer frames?)

Thanks.

[Bonez]

Pick a bike, preferably "old school looking" and customise to suit your definition of a Kaff Racer. Done.

[degrom]

Pick a bike, preferably "old school looking" and customise to suit your definition of a Kaff Racer. Done.

Cool... So I can use my GN?

[Bonez]

Cool... So I can use my GN?If you are so inclined, yes.

[Ixion]

I am old school. I reckon a true cafe racer has to have wire wheels and drum brakes. But, whatever rocks 'ya boat.

Frames are almost always more or less standard, maybe a reinforcing gusset or two welded in.

Suspension is often highly modded (off some other machine).

I think for the "look" it prolly needs to be a twin or single , m'self.

[degrom]

I am old school. I reckon a true cafe racer has to have wire wheels and drum brakes. But, whatever rocks 'ya boat.

Frames are almost always more or less standard, maybe a reinforcing gusset or two welded in.

Suspension is often highly modded (off some other machine).

I think for the "look" it prolly needs to be a twin or single , m'self.

Yes, a XS always looks neat!!!

[BAD DAD]

yEARS AGo I had what at the time I thought was a cafe racer. Basically a Yammy TX650 twin motor & running gear wedged into a modified TX750 frame which had extra bracing and semi decent shocks, CDI ignition ,ect. Any extra shit was biffed to keep things nice and lean. A good mate bought it then had some extra long forks made for it to give it a slightl chopper look/handling. My point is : whatever the "label" it is really up to your own interpretation and your sense of style....and so endth the lesson

[McJim]

Wakan 10 chars

[98tls]

Although expensive i have seen frames for sale all set up for norton or similar motors.........have been trying to find the mag but cant......was a bike mart mag anyway...........

[BAD DAD]

This has got the makings of a good thread. I like it.

[Kickaha]

I am old school. I reckon a true cafe racer has to have wire wheels and drum brakes. But, whatever rocks 'ya boat.

Frames are almost always more or less standard, maybe a reinforcing gusset or two welded in.

Suspension is often highly modded (off some other machine).

I think for the "look" it prolly needs to be a twin or single , m'self.

Well I am starting on a four, using a XJ550 as a starting point, it will have wire wheels,although it will probably have dics brakes front and rear

[shaneh]

I've list this bike on TM on behalf of a friend selling it.
Apparently it's a cafe racer.
Moto Morini
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=84818060

[Indiana_Jones]

just buy a Triumph thruxton lol :D

<img src="http://www.bikez.com/pictures/triumph/2005/22048_0_1_2_thruxton%20900_Image%20credits%20-%20Triumph.jpg">

-Indy

[Bonez]

The GB satisfies my Cafe itch at the mo. Few on trademe at the mo. There's a nice GB500 over in Masterton up for grabs too I believe.

The CB550 is on it's way to a mild Cafe job. Having done over 147,000kms it's overdue for a little tittlating. Trying to convince myself to rerim it with alloy spoked rims..........

[Bonez]

just buy a Triumph thruxton lol :D

-IndyMaybe when they graduate to lockable fuel caps.

Edit-Oh and come with centre stands as standard.

[Spyked]

Drop bars, rearsets, fettled motor, open pipes (Dunstalls were hot) and as Ixion said a single or twin.
But twas always open to interpretation.

[Dodgyiti]

Did someone say cafe racer?
Cafe Racer Hall of Fame;
Ducati 750SS
Moto-Guzzi Mk1 LeMans
BSA Gold Star
Norton 750S
And anything else with rearsets and clipons that kills your body after an hour..
Some pics of mine, past & present plus a scan I like

[Richard Mc F]

hehehehehe...dream on all of you this is what it is for me S2900 loud,clip ons, rear sets,....sigh suppose i have to live with the trippple discs andFPS alloys

[nudemetalz]

Did someone say cafe racer?
Cafe Racer Hall of Fame;
Ducati 750SS
Moto-Guzzi Mk1 LeMans
BSA Gold Star
Norton 750S
And anything else with rearsets and clipons that kills your body after an hour..
Some pics of mine, past & present plus a scan I like

I love your "Guzzi-Influence" on your pics but I'm might be biased also..... ;)

[xwhatsit]

Typically you don't build a new frame -- most people keep what they've got, and just modify things like the seat and stuff. Of course, there was the Norvin et al; but that was using an existing frame and putting a different engine in it.

I'm really quite keen on café-ing up my CB250RS. I think there's a little bit of potential there -- it's a thumper, at least. First thing to do would be put a round headlight in. Where the real work lies is in the seat -- I would like to just put in a flat single seat, with the vinyl hump at the back, but the CB250RS frame has a pronounced dip where the seat is which would require a small subframe, I think. Get rid of the mudguard and tail section. The tank already looks passable. Sidecovers may need some work.

Could be fun -- if I could afford it.

[HenryDorsetCase]

there are some completely bitchin' CB750 cafe racers: there is an english guy in the states (Carpy Carpenter) who builds cool ones.

http://www.cb750cafe.com/

But if anyone has a Triton they want to sell me for $500 I would buy it.

[degrom]

there are some completely bitchin' CB750 cafe racers: there is an english guy in the states (Carpy Carpenter) who builds cool ones.

http://www.cb750cafe.com/

But if anyone has a Triton they want to sell me for $500 I would buy it.


Yes!!! I like this one the most...
http://www.cb750cafe.com/bikes.php?cat=1&id=10

[HenryDorsetCase]

oh, you've seen the disco volante, right?? note the "We could be tempted to build a street legal version" . mmmmmmmm

http://www.discovolantemoto.co.uk/viewpart.do?id=24

and there is a company in Aus that builds some cool stuff:

www.deus.com.au

oh yeah!!

[toebug]

Todays streetfighters are yesterdays cafe racers. Take any bike you like and just run amuck with your own custom ideas. see www.nzstreetfighters.com

[xwhatsit]

Todays streetfighters are yesterdays cafe racers. Take any bike you like and just run amuck with your own custom ideas. see www.nzstreetfighters.com

Not even close. Café racers were about getting rid of all the bullshit extra heavy stuff, lightening the bikes, making them handle better, making a more sportsbike-style seating position with rearsets and clipons.

On the other hand streetfighters seem to be about adding bling, making a more upright seating position more suited to commuting and wheelies/stoppies etc -- nothing to do with speed at all. How can you say one of those huge tails and ridiculous half-fairings does anything for lightness or speed? It's much more of a looks/style thing.

Completely different philosophy.

[xwhatsit]

oh, you've seen the disco volante, right?? note the "We could be tempted to build a street legal version" . mmmmmmmm

http://www.discovolantemoto.co.uk/viewpart.do?id=24

Ooooooooh mama....

Nup, hadn't seen one of those :gob:

[riffer]

Yes!!! I like this one the most...
http://www.cb750cafe.com/bikes.php?cat=1&id=10

You'd love the Irving Vincent then. This is my idea of a Lotto bike.

[bistard]

there are some completely bitchin' CB750 cafe racers: there is an english guy in the states (Carpy Carpenter) who builds cool ones.

http://www.cb750cafe.com/

But if anyone has a Triton they want to sell me for $500 I would buy it.

He does fantastic stuff
I would give my left bollock for that 810 Selley he has there,restored that would be a fine addition to any collection

[xwhatsit]

You'd love the Irving Vincent then. This is my idea of a Lotto bike.

Gorgeous... except for the exhaust. Where's the megaphones?

But yeah, that is a very pretty bike. Luxurious seat, too ;)

[Motu]

Vincent's never had megaphones - straight open pipes on a Vincent.A very distinctive sound.

[The Pastor]

Not even close. Café racers were about getting rid of all the bullshit extra heavy stuff, lightening the bikes, making them handle better, making a more sportsbike-style seating position with rearsets and clipons.

On the other hand streetfighters seem to be about adding bling, making a more upright seating position more suited to commuting and wheelies/stoppies etc -- nothing to do with speed at all. How can you say one of those huge tails and ridiculous half-fairings does anything for lightness or speed? It's much more of a looks/style thing.

Completely different philosophy.


Wrong.

Street fighters were (and still are) sports bikes that got binned but the owner didnt have the money to replace the plastic fairings so they did what they could to get the bike legal again.

Althing else is gay and not street fighter.

[Back Fire]

+1 ^^

10 characters

[xwhatsit]

Wrong.

Street fighters were (and still are) sports bikes that got binned but the owner didnt have the money to replace the plastic fairings so they did what they could to get the bike legal again.

Althing else is gay and not street fighter.

Hmm still hardly a café racer philosophy though. I understand the origins of the styling -- twin headlights as fairings had built-in headlights which were expensive to replace, dirt-bike bars as clipons were expensive, naked because couldn't afford to replace fairings. But that's not café racer -- they were modified for speed, took standard bikes and modified them into road racers -- not for economy and getting the bike legal again. Taking the fairings off a sports bike is in all likelihood going to make it slower (at least in a straight line), and adding MX bars is not going to make the rider any more aerodynamic. Streetfighter != modern café racer.

[xwhatsit]

Vincent's never had megaphones - straight open pipes on a Vincent.A very distinctive sound.

I've never met a Vincent -- ought to go to that Classic meet on the homepage, looks like they'll have a few. Even so, that silencer `can' on that Irving Vincent doesn't quite work. Those Egli Vincents have much nicer looking exhausts (looks like a straight-through, the perforated tubing + glass fibre sort).

[The Pastor]

Hmm still hardly a café racer philosophy though. I understand the origins of the styling -- twin headlights as fairings had built-in headlights which were expensive to replace, dirt-bike bars as clipons were expensive, naked because couldn't afford to replace fairings. But that's not café racer -- they were modified for speed, took standard bikes and modified them into road racers -- not for economy and getting the bike legal again. Taking the fairings off a sports bike is in all likelihood going to make it slower (at least in a straight line), and adding MX bars is not going to make the rider any more aerodynamic. Streetfighter != modern café racer.

Yeah I didnt say that they are the same and you were wrong in that regard. Thanks for pointing out the obvious.

[Motu]

I've never met a Vincent -- ought to go to that Classic meet on the homepage,

The Irving Vincent was there last year....sounded gorgeous with open straight pipes like a Vincent should have.

[xwhatsit]

The Irving Vincent was there last year....sounded gorgeous with open straight pipes like a Vincent should have.

Gwaaahh... OK I'm definitely going if there's a chance one of those will show up! I bet it sounds sweet, with a straight pipe, and that big fat intake horn on the end of the carb (despite aesthetics of said silencer).

As I discussed with Mr GiJoe1313 the other night, I am definitely part `romantic' (as far as Mr Pirsig's definition goes) -- one of the best bits about bikes is the peculiar music they make.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Speaking of Vincents, I SAW one theother day ... the pushrod tubes are pretty unmistakeable.

[degrom]

Hi.

I was looking at Cafe racers the other day. They are in the same class as the American Bobbers but are only from Europe.

Do they make there own frames or do they use the old frame?

I would like to make my own frames one day,but I am not really that keen on choppers because they don't handle. I found a Shit load of plan's for chopper frames but can't find any for cafe racers or better handling bikes.(Anyone know of a site with plan's for cafe racer frames?)

Thanks.

Now this is what I would love to build!!! (Picture below... It's a RC51)

http://www.tobefast.com/custombikes.htm

I think cafe-racer's are being replaced by these...

[Bonez]

Now this is what I would love to build!!! (Picture below... It's a RC51)

http://www.tobefast.com/custombikes.htm

I think cafe-racer's are being replaced by these...Nup Nader Wrong!!:innocent:

[degrom]

Nup Nader Wrong!!:innocent:

What's in the past,will always be there... But the future is today.

The harder it gets to get old bike parts, the more people will start to use proper modern bikes for there customs... Even HD is starting to use new technology... (even if it took them for ever to figure out how a radiator works!!!)

[degrom]

Shit... That Gregg guy that built that bike is freaking amazing!!!

The tank on that bike was his first try at building tanks!!! and his only 27...
(He worked with Jesse James for a few months,but two strong personallities don't work.)

[Bonez]

What's in the past,will always be there... But the future is today.

The harder it gets to get old bike parts, the more people will start to use proper modern bikes for there customs... Even HD is starting to use new technology... (even if it took them for ever to figure out how a radiator works!!!)
The future is tomorrow IIRC. Nit picking I know. Cafe Racers are a class of there own just as are the current streetfighers. Nice work in the above site though, I must admit. Btw parts for older bikes have never been easier to get. Still tonnes of after market stuff available. The internet has enhanced this availability no end.

[degrom]

The future is tomorrow IIRC. Nit picking I know. Cafe Racers are a class of there own just as are the current streetfighers. Btw parts for older bikes have never been easier to get. Still tonnes of after market stuff available.

Mmmm... Today I am learning a new abbreviation. (What's IIRC?)

(Do you know of a place where I can get an old CB750 SOHC motor?)

[avgas]

Drop bars, rearsets, fettled motor, open pipes (Dunstalls were hot) and as Ixion said a single or twin.
But twas always open to interpretation.
I was a big dunstall fan - even looking for some for the XS850.....but now i am a convert to 2 companies : Custom Chambers (good ol KIwi) and SupperTrapp (very nice how much)

[Bonez]

Mmmm... Today I am learning a new abbreviation. (What's IIRC?)

(Do you know of a place where I can get an old CB750 SOHC motor?)If I Recall Correctly. Google is your freind.

[avgas]

Mmmm... Today I am learning a new abbreviation. (What's IIRC?)

(Do you know of a place where I can get an old CB750 SOHC motor?)
The good ol fella at Honda in Kingsland has a drop dead gorgeous CB750 sitting in his workshop, strapped into a lovely featherbed style frame......as cafe' as you can get. Even has koni rears, and not a spot of billet on her.
Its prob still there if you want a completed project - just needs a clean. Looks like a 72'.
remember seeing it when i went and saw him about advise on my gb.

[Bonez]

I was a big dunstall fan - even looking for some for the XS850.....but now i am a convert to 2 companies : Custom Chambers (good ol KIwi) and SupperTrapp (very nice how much)WFO make Dunstall reverse cone replicas at around $120 a pop available through EMGO. Mate has a pair on his Darmah and I have one on my cb550f. I prepped mine inside before fitting and they seem to be lasting well.
http://street.parts-unlimited.com/8/1275/2528282

[degrom]

If I Recall Correctly. Google is your freind.

Google said it was "Interactive Illinois Report Card" so I said he should F-off!!!

[Bonez]

You could buy this- http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-85526417.htm

Funny how prices have risen since they where deemed bike of the centry.

[degrom]

You could buy this- http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-85526417.htm

Funny how prices have risen since they where deemed bike of the centry.

Yes... I have noticed that. I have also noticed that that 650 and down goes for very cheap and it's a wet clutch,so it's perfect for a first bike build...

[degrom]

You could buy this- http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-85526417.htm

Funny how prices have risen since they where deemed bike of the centry.

$12'000 for a '75 Honda CB750... Good luck Mate!!!

I would rather buy a brand spanking new SV1000...

[98tls]

Shit i wouldnt..............:shutup:

[avgas]

You could buy this- http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-85526417.htm

Funny how prices have risen since they where deemed bike of the centry.
Shit thats interesting?
Do they have a slipon for the GB? i see another project comming along.

[Bonez]

Yes... I have noticed that. I have also noticed that that 650 and down goes for very cheap and it's a wet clutch,so it's perfect for a first bike build...Yes. And they are lighter and handle better as well. I've owned my '76 550F 20 years now and paid a wopping around a $750 back then. Parts haven't been a problem. In fact the bike has been bloody reliable with the odd curve ball thrown in now and again. One thing I've learnt in owning older bikes is not to be impatient. Most bits and bobs have been gotten via Trademe, internet, wreckers and one man band m/c outfits.

Motocycle doesn't have to cost the earth.

[BAD DAD]

That Carpy Carlson's Honda site is a real eye opener. Never really been a Honda fan of any note in the past, but this guy really throws new light on things. Cheers HDC for showing it.

[Bonez]

This blog may be of interest to some-

http://caferacersreturn.blogspot.com/2006/03/cafe-comparison-buyers-guide-to-3.html

[jonbuoy]

Yes... I have noticed that. I have also noticed that that 650 and down goes for very cheap and it's a wet clutch,so it's perfect for a first bike build...

The other good thing about the 650 below is you don't have to pull the motor out of the frame to get the rocker cover off. 750 is a bloody tight fit, bitch to get out without scratching the hell out of everything. Gotta make sure you get it right the first time as all you can do is adjust valves through inspection caps once its fitted. I've seen some bloody nice 650 and 400 cafe's done. There are a couple of 750's on trade me at the moment.

[Paul in NZ]

I'm not 100% convinced a bike built with a jap il4 is a cafe racer in the strictest sense of the term. Only because they are slightly out of era. I'm not sure exactly what to call them though because they are not race replica's either so I suppose - Cafe racer is close enough.

I struggle to call these Cafe racers too but I know for sure most old time rockers would have creamed their britches over em and if had the $$ to waste I'd have one just to gaze at...

[jonbuoy]

Yeah not strictly a true brit cafe, I don't feel so bad about changing a CB750 as there are so many originals around. And with Brit bikes being fairly costly in comparison both to run and buy bits for, A jappa is a practicle alternative. I bought mine for less than a grand, not many Triumphs or Nortons going for that money.

[Paul in NZ]

Yeah not strictly a true brit cafe, I don't feel so bad about changing a CB750 as there are so many originals around. And with Brit bikes being fairly costly in comparison both to run and buy bits for, A jappa is a practicle alternative. I bought mine for less than a grand, not many Triumphs or Nortons going for that money.

And that (to me) is what a Cafe racer is all about. Taking something 'cheapish' and making into something else..

Cool stuff...

There was an article in Classic bike a few years back about a guy that put a CB750 into a late 50's BSA frame and called it a Rocket 4. It had a full fairing so it was not real obvious. Upset a few of the purists but thats what the original rockers did anyway (up set people)

[jonbuoy]

Was cheapish to buy but finding myself getting a bit carried away at times with the budget. "I've replaced this so I might as well do that now I have it in bits blah blah...."

[Paul in NZ]

Was cheapish to buy but finding myself getting a bit carried away at times with the budget. "I've replaced this so I might as well do that now I have it in bits blah blah...."

Oh I know how that goes... The purchase price is just the deposit...

[Dodgyiti]

Oh I know how that goes... The purchase price is just the deposit...

Oh lordy ain't that the truth!
After what you spend on the actual purchase can only be spoken in whispers least SHE hears...

Nice pics posted back there Paul, that Norton gave me a chubby.
Years ago my mate had a full Dunstall 950 Commando in safety yellow, now that was a cafe racer.:Punk:
I think he sold it to Des down your way, and bought a Mk5 straight out of the crate, so I forgave him...eventually.:shutup:

[HenryDorsetCase]

OK, I'm resurrecting this thread. I bought the latest (in NZ) Classic Bikes last night and theres a story on Msr Godet from France. Just hit the link and look at the (in my view) complete ultimate cafe racer "If I won Big Wednesday you could stick your range rover up your bum I want one of these".

Its just amazing. Check out his other stuff also.

http://www.godet-motorcycles.com/egli/egli03.htm

[Gonzo TR1]

yEARS AGo I had what at the time I thought was a cafe racer. Basically a Yammy TX650 twin motor & running gear wedged into a modified TX750 frame which had extra bracing and semi decent shocks, CDI ignition ,ect. Any extra shit was biffed to keep things nice and lean. A good mate bought it then had some extra long forks made for it to give it a slightl chopper look/handling. My point is : whatever the "label" it is really up to your own interpretation and your sense of style....and so endth the lesson

Old thread...but , I was looking for an old TX650 Cafe-racer from the Whangarei-area, that an older Engineer had created . I saw your mention of thisTX, I built one tears ago exactly the same in the Manawatu . It worked well .