Author Topic: "Cafe Racers"  (Read 1985 times)

Offline bobv7

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Re: "Cafe Racers"
« Reply #15 on: October 25, 2020, 12:17:33 PM »
Who would be daft enough to ruin a perfectly good, useable bike?

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Offline Rozabikes Tim

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Re: "Cafe Racers"
« Reply #16 on: October 25, 2020, 09:14:51 PM »
One day I'll have the time to restore it, not just talk and dream....

Offline andy120t

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Re: "Cafe Racers"
« Reply #17 on: October 26, 2020, 05:53:01 AM »
That 400 -  'period mods 'thoough - it woule be more of a crime if someone had created it recently.

Clearly lots of bikes were chopped about at a time when theywere just old and plentiful. I'm a bg fan of modified bikes so long as they are well done - but it is a pity to do it to a complete bike, or make changes that can't be reversed. Far better to start with a wreck or a frame and build up from there. Restorations aren't everyones cup of tea and can cost a fortune.

I've been looking half-heartedly at old CG125's and similar tiddlers and it's a shame to see how many of those have become 'brat bikes' and are being touted for large sums purely based on not have a rear mudguard!
andy120t

CB550f/k
Zephyr 550
ZX6R G1
GSXR 7/11 - I need to sell it
Triumph 5TA - and this..

Offline Bryanj

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Re: "Cafe Racers"
« Reply #18 on: October 26, 2020, 05:59:32 AM »
The wheels on that 400 are worth the opening bid

Offline ka-ja

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Re: "Cafe Racers"
« Reply #19 on: October 26, 2020, 09:31:49 AM »
It still has indicators, the back ones look original.
nice bike,nothing in the bank

Offline Menno

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Re: "Cafe Racers"
« Reply #20 on: October 26, 2020, 01:12:03 PM »
I am a bit too young to remember the 70's but one of my best friends told me that he remembers rows and rows of 350 fours (mostly green) parked on the street.
Almost everyone would run to the shops to change the look of their bikes enough to make it 'special'. To have it stand out just a bit.
Original was boring and a different mirror or a white dirt flap on the back could already make enough difference.
However, if you were handy enough the four in fours were tossed because those make your bike look antique.
4 in one was the way to go. Making your bike up-to-date again.
A race seat was easy enough and racer looking steering bars almost a must.

Only old people (above 40 or so) would leave their bikes original.
Honda even had a complete series repainted in flashy 70's paint special for the Dutch market.
I have to say - this was in the Netherlands in the '70s...

I wouldn't buy a readily altered cafe although nowadays some really beautiful cafe's are being built.
Still, I think a front fender is a must to drive properly.

If you build a cafe just for yourself. It should be ridable - but you don't have to - and never sell it.
That can be really fun. And a bit strange as well, knowing this will never be turned back into an original...
It is comforting to know that sooooo many original bikes are being restored back to factory standard and I contribute to that actively, that I can 'destroy' one without feeling really guilty.. ;D



« Last Edit: October 26, 2020, 01:18:00 PM by Menno »

Offline Kelly E

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Re: "Cafe Racers"
« Reply #21 on: November 24, 2020, 03:10:47 PM »
I just finished building my 74' CB550 K0. I got it as a $500 roller with the motor on the floor and the top end in pieces. I wanted it to look more like a 70's build than current styles. I ain't riding on no ironing board. Most of the changes were for ride quality not style. In the front end I did tapered roller bearings in the steering head, Progressive springs and a Tarozzi fork brace. In the rear I did needle bearings in the swingarm and Hagon shocks. I also did the seat mods on the stock seat pan so it still uses the stock hinge and lock. I am still undecided about the exhaust. It came with the bike new in the box. Overall I am happy with the results.
The Rust Brothers Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB550 K0
1975 Honda CB400F Super Sport
1979 Honda CB750F Super Sport
1980 Suzuki GS1100E
1982 Honda CB900F Super Sport
1983 Honda CB1100F
1984 Honda VF700S Sabre
1984 Honda VF1000F Interceptor
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000 Le Mans
1994 Kawasaki Concours ZG1000
2006 Harley Davidson Fat Boy

Online K2-K6

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Re: "Cafe Racers"
« Reply #22 on: November 24, 2020, 03:28:17 PM »
Welcome to the forum Kelly E.

Nice bike and modifications there,  the other two also look interesting,  plus all the space as we have much less to play with here  :)

Offline Kelly E

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Re: "Cafe Racers"
« Reply #23 on: November 24, 2020, 03:44:17 PM »
Welcome to the forum Kelly E.

Nice bike and modifications there,  the other two also look interesting,  plus all the space as we have much less to play with here  :)

Thanks, then I won't tell you about my 1400sqft shop on 5 acres. 8)
The other two are the 79'750F that we finished this summer and the 90' Moto Guzzi 1000 Le Mans.
The Rust Brothers Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB550 K0
1975 Honda CB400F Super Sport
1979 Honda CB750F Super Sport
1980 Suzuki GS1100E
1982 Honda CB900F Super Sport
1983 Honda CB1100F
1984 Honda VF700S Sabre
1984 Honda VF1000F Interceptor
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000 Le Mans
1994 Kawasaki Concours ZG1000
2006 Harley Davidson Fat Boy

 

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