Topic: New member/builder

[JP]

Hello,

New to these forums, but not to Honda's.  I've been wanting to join this site for a while now, just never made the time to do it.  I've been pretty busy lately with building Cafe bikes and so far it is going well.  I just sold one a month or so ago on ebay, you guys may have seen it.  I attached a pic of it.

I live in South Georgia and am trying to get the cafe's going down here, I seem to be the only one interested-or maybe I'm just not looking in the right places.  I see that some of you guys are planning on a ride somewhere up north, well, us people in the south ought to have our own ride.  Anyone interrested?

I am currently looking for a good running 750 that I have already been comissioned to build for a fella in SC, so if you know of anything close to me, let me know.

Also, I am currently building a 550 SS, I have a CB350 SOHC4 that will be started soon, and I am building a 750 SS for myself that will have ALLLLLL the tricks.

If you guys are interrested in the 550 or the 350, let me know and we can build it the way you want it.

[cbjunkie]

well, i'll be the first to say it...


PIX!!!


  welcome to the boards!

[JP]

Can you see the pic at the bottom of the post? 

[cbjunkie]

UH - yeah...is that your only one???

[SteveD CB500F]

Welcome JP.

We have a few "Owner Operator" businesses on here.

Sign up for the Gallery (see "Newbies Start Here") and use it as a shopfront.

Steve

[SteveD CB500F]

... you can put high-res pics in the gallery...

[JP]

CBjunkie,
Sorry, I'm at work and thought the one pic I had would be a nice little treat, but I see you want a whole meal

Since I am just starting out, the only pictures of a finished bike I have is of the same bike I just posted, but I'll try to get some pics of the junker's up too.

I am very glad I didn't get scolded for semi-advertising, I will deffinately use the gallery to show off the bikes as I get them made.

Anyone out there close to me?

[ProTeal55]

I saw that bike on ebay awhile ago for sale.
Did it end up selling or you still gots it ?

[ElCheapo]

JP that bike was hot. I was watching it was gonna bid but the wife shot me down. She thinks 150 bikes is too many. I think she is just silly.

[Tim.]

This was the auction.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1977-CB750-CB-750-Honda-Cafe-Racer-Custom-vintage_W0QQitemZ4644018812QQcategoryZ80647QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This was a description of the issues with the bike:

Again, I am being absolutely honest here- nearly every product on ebay has flaws, you just don't find out about them until you've already purchased the item.  I will list EVERYTHING I know wrong with the bike.

1- I painted it. is there a run or two?  Yes, but not in any way noticeable- you would have to look for them to find them.  Overall, the paintjob is very nice- but not perfect.

2. The left turn signal doesn't blink.  I have no idea why, I will be looking into this and will try to have it fixed before auction end, but cannot garuntee.

3. If you've never listened to many old bikes and think they'll sound like new ones- your in for a shock.  There is almost always a primary drive chain that goes from the crank to the transmission.  This will inevitably slap a little or clutch plates will slap together due to this setup.  Nothing is wrong!  I just don't want to here any complaints about it- it is 100% normal.

4.  the seat doesn't actually bolt down.  it fits on snugly just by sitting in place.

5. I polished up the engine and it looks good, but the pictures add a little extra bling.  just don't expect absolute perfection.

6. The header pipe is from a supersport 750 and is pitted up pretty good.  I tried my best to get a good honest picture of it, but not all the rust show's.

7. Their are a few scratches in the frame paint from me putting the engine back in.

Now, after all that, there are only a few other things to mention.

1.  The progressive rear shocks shown in the pictures will only go with the bike if buy it now is used.  If not- I will put the stockers back on- they look okay, but are a real pair of boingers.

2.  I buy old CB's and turn them into sweet Cafe's.  If you like what you see and would like to comission me to build your bike or have me find and build one for you- email me.

We discussed this auction in the For Sale/eBay Auctions thread.  I was critical of the auction due to the high expected price, the list of deficiencies and the offer to build a bike following the list of problems.  If I'm going to commission a bike from someone, it will have working electricals and the seat will actually be attached to the frame.

If this were simply listed as a bike for sale, I wouldn't have had any issues with it.  But for $3000, I expect more, and especially from someone who claims to build these bikes as a business venture.

That being said, I'm looking forward to seeing the future bikes you produce!  Welcome to the forums - there's a wealth of knowledge here.

[ProTeal55]

If this were simply listed as a bike for sale, I wouldn't have had any issues with it.  But for $3000, I expect more, and especially from someone who claims to build these bikes as a business venture.

I agree with ya 150%....

[dusterdude]

CBjunkie,
Sorry, I'm at work and thought the one pic I had would be a nice little treat, but I see you want a whole meal

Since I am just starting out, the only pictures of a finished bike I have is of the same bike I just posted, but I'll try to get some pics of the junker's up too.

I am very glad I didn't get scolded for semi-advertising, I will deffinately use the gallery to show off the bikes as I get them made.

Anyone out there close to me?

jp,ya gotta watch junkie,he`s a glutton for pics.

[JP]

TinTin,

I understand your views and am glad (sort of) to here them.  Let me explain my actions.

1.  I knew the bike wouldn't go for the buy it now price, it was just there to make people feel a little better about bidding at the $2,000 range.  This was my first ever complete build and I was DONE with it, that's why it was slightly unfinished.
2.  If you will notice, my feedback is 100% and I have done a lot of buisness on ebay.  I am 100% honest about everything even if it means I get a lower price on it.  Most others would list stuff on ebay and not mention the little problems.  Does this mean the bike doesn't have any problems?  No, it just means that you don't know about them until it is too late.  My customers will give glowing reports of my honesty and workmanship. 
3.  It actually sold for $1,775 and the guy purchased the shocks and a small delivery fee for an even 2 grand-  This price was too low, but I was eager to sale it and start on another one, again- this is why it was unfinished.
4.  The guy that purchased it from me was extremely happy with the bike and during delivery he said that he would have paid a lot more.
5.  I truly feel that if it had a clear title, it would have went closer to the $3,000 mark.
6.  That listing brought me my first pre-pay customer and his bike will be phenominal.

That was my first build-ever- and I can honestly say that it is one of the very best looking cafe's that I have ever seen and it got a lot of positive responses.  I had other builders literally sending me almost "nasty grams" telling me that I was driving down the price's on their bikes because mine was priced too low.

I liked the bike, I was honest with the deal, and the customer was VERY happy with the machine.
You wouldn't have bought it, okay.
Thanks for the warm welcome though, and thanks for posting the negatives about the bike.  That's really important to me and I'll remember your thoughtfullness towards and aspireing builder.  No hard feelings. 
JP

[DME]

My reserve is set at $1,500.  If I get this, I won't be exactly happy, but I will let it go.  I also have a buy it now price of $2,995.  I believe that if someone where to use this they would still be VERY happy about the deal recieved.  A lot of work went into building this bike, if you think you can build a Cafe Racer this good for less money, by all means- go for it.  However, most can't do it and even if they could- they don't have the time.


Welcome to the board, JP!

The text above is cut from your auction.
There is always a risk to talk about what people can or can´t do.
I like the bike and it´s style, but I don´t like when someone fronts their own talents by trying to reduce others.

And it sure is possible to build a nice cafe for under $3000!
And I´m sure most people can do it!
I did and I´m no "supermechanic", so I really want to encourage people to try :-)

Don´t get me wrong, I think it´s great that you being honest in your auction and I really like the bike. It also went for a good price!
It´s just the "you probably couldn´t do this as well as I"-attitude that puts me off...
I also want to wish you good luck with your business venture!

Cheers
Daniel
 

[JP]

Wow, the more I think about this the madder I get.  I read the post about the auction and I truly have to applaud you, tintin and teal for even commenting in this post after bashing my bike so hard in the earlier post.

What exactly do you expect to get for $3,000?  That bike has a polished engine, hand worked tank (which by the way, have you ever seen a K tank look that good, if so- show me), freshly blasted and painted frame with ONE, count 'em, ONE scratch, all new lights, and a hand laid-yes- hand laid one of a kind seat that hugs the frame and does not come off.  Could you buy the parts to build this for a lot less- absoulutely.  But how many hours of your life do you think you would spend making a complete package?  If this is your hobby, like me, then great build it.  I promise that I won't bash your end results, even if it is a tragically stock 550k.

Carpy builds fantastic bikes, hell yeah I want to be like him!  But even he doesn't hand lay his fiberglass, every product he uses is purchased from big manufacturers.  Oh yeah, and his minimum price is EIGHT GRAND!!!

I was so meticulous in the bikes description because I knew that a lot of people would see the pics and think it was the same quality as Carpy's show bikes and then get disappointed when they see it up close.

[cbjunkie]

don't stress dude. you made beautiful bike - you'll make more.

put up some photos of your work so we can cheer you on...

junkie out...

p.s. check your PMs...

[JP]

DME,

Wow, it's amazing how words can't translate thought or feelings.  You obviously read that way different than it was ment, in wrighting it I was more focused on the idea that people didn't have time than I was about wheither they could or couldn't.
Anyways, that was an economy bike as most of my bikes will be.  For now, the only people that will get a real show bike are people that show some money up front and of course me.  I just can't front the duckies or time it takes for a truly nice bike unless I have a known sale at this point.

and thanks for the comments junkie.
JP

[DME]

DME,

Wow, it's amazing how words can't translate thought or feelings.  You obviously read that way different than it was ment, in wrighting it I was more focused on the idea that people didn't have time than I was about wheither they could or couldn't.
Anyways, that was an economy bike as most of my bikes will be.  For now, the only people that will get a real show bike are people that show some money up front and of course me.  I just can't front the duckies or time it takes for a truly nice bike unless I have a known sale at this point.

and thanks for the comments junkie.
JP

Well, I just read what you had written. What you meant to write is difficult to know...

I think you just need to chill a bit on the "I´m really good at this"-attitude.
And if your next bike is going to be "phenomenal" it will speak for itself.

What do you think you´ll gain by slagging off Carpy for not "hand lay his fiberglass and using products purchased from big manufacturers"?

Just cool down and your time will come.
Just let your bikes show it and not your mouth.

My 2 cents

Daniel

[JP]

Damn, why the hell is everyone so rude?

Just let your bikes show it and not your mouth.


I am a stand up kind of guy, but I will simply quit comminting on this due to the idea that the last thing I want is to start out on this forum with everyone thinking that I am an egotistical ass.  I will put  aside any comments and my ego and just say:

I am just going to try my best with these bikes, I don't think I am all that great of a builder, but I like my stuff.  I'm sure that everyone in here can build fantastic bikes and I am sure that you are all great lovers to your women.  I didn't mean to offend anyone with positive comments towards a bike that I built or am building.
JP

[kghost]

Welcome to the board, JP!

The text above is cut from your auction.
There is always a risk to talk about what people can or can´t do.
I like the bike and it´s style, but I don´t like when someone fronts their own talents by trying to reduce others.

And it sure is possible to build a nice cafe for under $3000!
And I´m sure most people can do it!
I did and I´m no "supermechanic", so I really want to encourage people to try :-)

Don´t get me wrong, I think it´s great that you being honest in your auction and I really like the bike. It also went for a good price!
It´s just the "you probably couldn´t do this as well as I"-attitude that puts me off...
I also want to wish you good luck with your business venture!

Cheers
Daniel
 

Total cost including the bike bought off E-bay?  Maybe $1500.00

And yeah I did the fiberglass. I didn't do the stitching on the seat but I carved the foam and drew the starburst pattern.

Almost forgot...I bought the mufflers too. 

Pretty big presumption thinking a guy who placed at Oakland bought all his stuff "off the shelf" .

[JP]

Nice goldwing, looks like you did a real nice job on it.

Of course you can tally up the cost of parts and be a lot cheaper, but people who buy a bike that already has the handlebars, paint job, seat, tank, blah blah blah, aren't just buying the parts.  They are paying for the labor it takes to put these bikes together, paint, and fabricate a look they want.  What is it that some of you guys are missing?  Most people in the world can't fabricate, paint, and build one of these motorcycles, they simply don't know where to begin or they don't have the TIME.  People in this position will pay to have it done for them, there's nothing wrong with it.  I LOATHE mowing the grass and I don't have time for it either.  Am I a slacker because I keep a local lawn care business with an extra customer?  No.

Kghost,
That is a nice gold wing.  Would you sale it for $1,500?  I didn't think so.  Time and labor is VERY valuable.  People on this sight are not your average biker's.  They obviously have a deep enough love for riding and working on their machines that they want to read stories from other biker's and write some of their own.  These people CAN build their own bike and they obviously do, I've seen a lot of nice ones from this forum.

About Carpy,
Where did I insult him?  This guy makes fantastic bikes and he is probably the sole reason that cafe racers are boombing right now.  I was insulted and wanted to state my abilities for making my own seat.  Most people have no idea how detailed a job it is to hand lay fiberglass.  From now on, I will not do this except for really one of a kind builds as it is so very time consuming and I have found a great supplier- I just purchased the identical model that Carpy used for his award winning Black Mamba.  I'm sure Carpy can hand lay a beautiful seat, he just doesn't because he knows what a pain it is.

Also, it's not a presumption- he told me.  Not that that makes me cool or anything, I just simply called him and asked him about his seats and he said that it was a big mess and that he buys them off of a someone- he was vague about who.  He was a great chap to talk to and any chance I get to by something from him like stickers, shirts, or patches I do.  As a matter of fact, I have a tattoo that was inspired by the graphics and logo's on his site......hope I don't get sewed.
Later,
JP

[kghost]

JP...

 I was responding to DME's comment that people can build thier bike for under $3000. They can and do. Thats sort of the point of the forum you see.
 It creates a place to exhange knowlege. Those that are in the know help those with a question or in need of guidance.

  What is it that some of you guys are missing?  Most people in the world can't fabricate, paint, and build one of these motorcycles, they simply don't know where to begin or they don't have the TIME. 

The people with the time can come here and get help with the where to begin and the skill sets required.

Carpy builds fantastic bikes, hell yeah I want to be like him!  But even he doesn't hand lay his fiberglass, every product he uses is purchased from big manufacturers.  Oh yeah, and his minimum price is EIGHT GRAND!!!

You think the above Quote is correct? Every product he uses is purchased from a big manufacturer? Or did you mean just the fiberglass?

Personally I think your bike looks pretty good. I think you did a nice job on it.

That said I think your posts smack of arrogance and pride.

Heres a hint. Custom bikes are just that custom. But ya know what? The Devil is in the details. Lemme know if you need an example or don't know what that means.

[quietlikeachurch]

Welcome to the site and good luck with your endeavors.  Pretty bike too!

-Ian

[ohiocaferacer]

$2,995..........if you think you can build a Cafe Racer this good for less money, by all means- go for it.

....okay....so, lets start a post showing some pics of Cafe's built for under $3K???

I'll start.....

http://www.sohc4.us/gallery/d/5043-2/image588.jpg

....second....unfinished:

http://www.ohiocaferacers.com/Tankside2-150.jpg

Both bikes built by me.....even the alloy gp cafe tank.

...just dont know.....something about this thread got to me???

[DME]

$2,995..........if you think you can build a Cafe Racer this good for less money, by all means- go for it.

....okay....so, lets start a post showing some pics of Cafe's built for under $3K???

I'll start.....

http://www.sohc4.us/gallery/d/5043-2/image588.jpg

....second....unfinished:

http://www.ohiocaferacers.com/Tankside2-150.jpg

Both bikes built by me.....even the alloy gp cafe tank.

...just dont know.....something about this thread got to me???

What coating have you used on the "unfinished" bikes frame?
Looks really good!

Here´s another bike built for under 3 grand: