Cafe racers

**degrom** · 22nd January 2007, 17:10

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** · 22nd January 2007, 17:41

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

**degrom** · 22nd January 2007, 17:51

Originally Posted by Bonez

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** · 22nd January 2007, 18:04

Originally Posted by degrom

Cool... So I can use my GN?

If you are so inclined, yes.

**Ixion** · 22nd January 2007, 18:07

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** · 22nd January 2007, 18:40

Originally Posted by 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.

Yes, a XS always looks neat!!!

**BAD DAD** · 22nd January 2007, 18:57

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** · 22nd January 2007, 19:07

Wakan 10 chars

**98tls** · 22nd January 2007, 19:09

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** · 22nd January 2007, 19:15

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

**Kickaha** · 22nd January 2007, 19:39

Originally Posted by 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.

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** · 22nd January 2007, 19:47

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/List...px?id=84818060

**Indiana_Jones** · 22nd January 2007, 19:52

just buy a Triumph thruxton lol

-Indy

**Bonez** · 22nd January 2007, 19:58

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..........