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SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB350/400 => Topic started by: paul G on May 14, 2015, 08:08:56 AM

Title: CAFE RACER
Post by: paul G on May 14, 2015, 08:08:56 AM: HI ALL,
Still looking for another project but now fancying doing a cafe racer.
Just looking for ideas, opinions, what is the best cafe racer in other peoples minds, what is the best one you have seen and what made it special.
The other question would be, which model to look out for to use as the doner. ???
all comments welcome :)
Title: CAFE RACER
Post by: JamesH on May 14, 2015, 08:39:59 AM: Paul - my vote would e a cb750...
Title: Re: CAFE RACER
Post by: Frisky on May 14, 2015, 08:41:57 AM: Hi Paul,

I am in the same boat as you - wanting another project and wondering what to do.

Cafe bikes are very personal and what is one man's delight is another man's distaste so you have to be pretty brave to go this route.

My personal favourite is here: https://straightspeed.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/400-4-01-sm_11.jpg

It has the right combination of shape, tyre size, aggression and chrome in my mind. I personally like the retro styling with a full front mudguard; if I were to change anything on this bike it would be for a more discreet exhaust with an original header set and chrome silencer - but that's only my taste of course.

There is no right answer, just do your own thing!!

Cheers,

Frisky
Title: Re: CAFE RACER
Post by: Bryanj on May 14, 2015, 10:08:46 AM: Sorr but there is only one real Cafe Racer-------Triton
Title: Re: CAFE RACER
Post by: JamesH on May 14, 2015, 10:53:20 AM: There's life beyond Triton Cafe Racers Bryan :-)
Title: Re: CAFE RACER
Post by: paul G on May 14, 2015, 12:06:57 PM: Quote from: Bryanj on May 14, 2015, 10:08:46 AM
Sorr but there is only one real Cafe Racer-------Triton

Bryan,
I would love to do a Brit one but they just want too much for a doner bike, even junk ones are ridiculous :o
Title: Re: CAFE RACER
Post by: Johnwebley on May 14, 2015, 12:41:23 PM: as was mentioned ,Cafe racers styles are very personal,

this is a USA styled racer,

http://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/2013/08/honda-cb550-cafe-racer.html

this is a brit style racer

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=honda+road+racer+replica&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=663&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=0IhUVdXxOMmZNo-2gLgP&ved=0CCsQ7Ak#imgrc=CSa3Ze01POdukM%253A%3B3W-gIhTdv0LX0M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Flump-proof.com%252FCLASSIC%252FRACER%252Fmt%252Fmt_2.JPG%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Flump-proof.com%252FCLASSIC%252FRACER%252Fmt%252Findex.html%3B480%3B350

my personal choice is the Brit style,

but I still enjoy all bikes !!
Title: Re: CAFE RACER
Post by: hairygit on May 14, 2015, 02:34:31 PM: Nah! The best looking cafe racers ever made were factory jobs, CB750F1, CB550F1/2 and CB400F1/F2, great looking bikes, sensible riding positions, and those amazing exhaust styles! >:)
Title: Re: CAFE RACER
Post by: JamesH on May 14, 2015, 07:34:26 PM: Ha ha nice one Hairy.
Title: Re: CAFE RACER
Post by: Liam on May 15, 2015, 06:08:11 PM: I love the idea of moving the electrics, battery etc. under the seat to open the frame up… But I hear the gel batteries are prone to fail and even set on fire. I'll may be have a go at moving the ignition switch to under the tank, one step at a time!

"Knott" does some nice bike with loads of bespoke gear - bit ott but I like them.

http://www.kottmotorcycles.com

I'm caffing a CB750 at the moment, but I think the 350's and 400's look cracking as well, in fact the whole CB family look great!

Best of luck
Title: Re: CAFE RACER
Post by: LesterPiglet on May 15, 2015, 06:56:55 PM: They all look the same to me. Uncomfortable with all the useful bits removed. :/
If I was 20yo I might be interested for a couple of months.