Cafe racer type of bikes

**Urban_Lounger** · 05-11-2006, 04:37 PM

I love my SS, but I just hate getting the back door treatment from insurance company. I have seen a couple of cafe racers at one of the meets. I find them very interesting. Having very little knowledge of this type of motorcycles, what are some of the more recent and popular ones. I came across a 600SRX and thought it is a pretty cool bike despite its lack of power. Any other recommendations?

**Rob MacLennan** · 05-11-2006, 04:42 PM

If you're talking old school, then you could look at the Triumph Bonnevilles. More modern styling would be their Speed Triple.

TheToeCutter · 05-11-2006, 04:49 PM

MMMMMMMMM, Speed Triple..........

Don't know how much of a break you'll get on insurance though. Most insurance companies consider my Sprint a super sport.

**Urban_Lounger** · 05-11-2006, 04:56 PM

Im actually looking for something with a retro look to it. The Bonneville would certain fit the bill.

**Rob MacLennan** · 05-11-2006, 05:03 PM

OK, then you might want to see if Kawasaki has any W650s left in crates.

http://www.ianchadwick.com/motorcycles/w650/links.html

Jesse · 05-11-2006, 05:06 PM

get a 70's honda CB750. they make awsome cafe racers.

this ones more modified with a custom tank and "tail"

**RetroGrouch** · 05-11-2006, 07:17 PM

Yeah you can buy the Triumph Truxton which is a factory cafe but that kinda defeats the purpose. Cafe racers are meant to be built or at least modified from stock by the owner. Insurance is dirt cheap on old bikes.

**mihnea** · 05-11-2006, 07:34 PM

the new thruxton is just looks, no go. get the ducati classic supersport... or a 72 cb450

http://www.idgrid.org/mihnea/cb450/cb450.32_.jpe

RR Rudebwoy · 05-11-2006, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by Jesse

get a 70's honda CB750. they make awsome cafe racers.

this ones more modified with a custom tank and "tail"

That is pure tittts!!

**Dino Z** · 05-11-2006, 10:30 PM

Check out www.cb750cafe.com

I'd like to start a winter 2006-07 project myself

Start with an early honda 750 and you can get some of that chaps accesories.

And when I'm finished building, I'll be looking to get the full gear to go with the look including googles and half helmet.

Now all we have to do is find an Ace Cafe and we're set

**lost** · 05-12-2006, 11:42 AM

My dad has an 81 Yamaha Exciter that I want to use to ride to the Go Station as I don't feel comfortable leaveing my bike there. It's so fugly though. lol. and I'd be interested in turning it into a cafe style bike.

Is it as easy as changing the handle bars, seat, tank etc.??

**Riceburner** · 05-12-2006, 11:51 AM

who's gonna steal an Exciter????? chain it to a post.

**lost** · 05-12-2006, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by Riceburner

who's gonna steal an Exciter????? chain it to a post.

lol. NO ONE!!!!

hence I want to drive it to the station.

I said I dont' feel comfortable leaveing my BIKE THERE.

It's too Ugly at the moment, and it feels so cramped, but if I changed the handle bars to a more straight style, and Made a seat with the rear hump, while modding the tank to flaten it out, I'd love to drive it.

**Riceburner** · 05-12-2006, 12:05 PM

ah..you mean "MY" bike as in the Buell.

..then again who'd want a Buell????

yeah...I don't like leaving my bike too far from me either.

**el kabong** · 05-12-2006, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by lost

I'd be interested in turning it into a cafe style bike.

Is it as easy as changing the handle bars, seat, tank etc.??

it IS that easy if you're starting off with a nice frame. the 1970 hondas had a nice long horizontal top frame member that was a perfect foundation for the cafe racer look. the early factory custom/LTD/chopper bikes in the late 1970s used high bars, pudgy tanks and stepped seats, but still used the same frame as the standard road bike.

but in the 1980s the factories started making separate dedicated frames for the custom/LTD models with more swoopy lines for the seat and tank. not a great starting point if your goal is a classic cafe racer.

TheToeCutter · 05-12-2006, 02:36 PM

I'd love to make one out of a Kawi 750 triple 2smoke. The ultimate sleeper....

(The ultimate death-rocket as well

)

**Cafe Racer** · 05-12-2006, 03:12 PM

theres a 76 KH400 triple for sale on the auto trader this week. I might go take a look at it. $1700 seems to be in very good condition.

Just for a cafe project. .. But i'm torn between that and a Honda CB750.

**lost** · 05-12-2006, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by Cafe Racer

theres a 76 KH400 triple for sale on the auto trader this week. I might go take a look at it. $1700 seems to be in very good condition.

Just for a cafe project. .. But i'm torn between that and a Honda CB750.

http://toronto.craigslist.org/mcy/159593325.html

was on craigslist and saw these. 2 running for $1,100

Would seem to be good project bikes for this type of thing?? wouldnt' they.