Topic: cafe or not ?

[Troy R]

I've been wanting to cafe my 77 550 k but didn't know if there is a right way or wrong way ? It's got straight bars , 4 preform air filter kit,boobed rear fender round tail light .Without sinking 2-3 grand in any suggestions.I prefer look over speed....Getting old...... Me and the bike.

[Roach Carver]

how about a pic of that boobed fender

[Sam Green Racing]

If you'r getting old leave it stock, much more comfort, besides children ride cafe racers, real men ride racers.

[Uncle Ernie]

...just don't see boobed fenders much anymore.   I can't imagine those broomstick bars are very comfotable.  Just play with the seat- cut some foam, re-upholster it with fake leopard skin, put some handlebar streamers on the bar-end mirrors, glue a fake ponytail on the back of your helmet, and call it a day. 

[bill440cars]

                   Looks to me like you've got a good start on it already. There are quite a few here, on 
         this site, that could give you some ideas on what else you might want to do. Can you post some
         pictures of your bike?                   Later on, Bill

[Klark Kent]

i would say not  i am relatively young and see no reason tomake my back hurt more than it already does.  I did put superbike bars on my bike today, and would jump at the chance to fit a cafe style seat if i could find one that doesnt cost as much as a boob-job.  so i am in your camp as far as feeling the cafe look without wanting the cafe stance.  This is how i look at it= dont do anything that is going to make you want rear sets until you have rearsets.  so keep your bars in a reasonable location and go at the seat with all the funds youve got.  it does look cool. but anything really cafe is going to make you want your legs ina different position.  ie rear sets.  has anyone men tioned rear sets?
-KK

[ProTeal55]

Build it as you want it , NEVER build it for someone else.

If you want low bars, a cafe seat and 16'' front and rear wheels - then do it.
If you want a stock bike with 13'' ape's - then go for it.

Dont let anyone tell you otherwise what your bike should look like.
The whole fun of these bikes is to make them in your own vision..

I followed what I thought was right for my CB, and so far I am all about it.
(weather others think it is cool or not)

[DME]

Yep, build the bike you want!
Especially if the bike is a keeper.
That´s the only way you´ll be happy with it...!

If you´re building it to sell it and make a buck, perhaps you must take others preferences into account....

But as we all know, these bikes ARE KEEPERS 

Cheers
Daniel

[cbjunkie]

i'm getting a boobed tank off eBay...
the ONLY way to go.

[sparty]

i'm getting a boobed tank off eBay...
the ONLY way to go.

A bobbed tank right?  I'd love to see a boobed tank... I'll take mine in a D-cup.

Sparty

[Rushoid]

I'm still waiting for El Cheapo to make boobed gauge faces!  Then I'll have to get some titty grips. 

FWIW, I think your bike looks pretty cool as is. But like others have said, build it for you, not someone else.

[bill440cars]

Cafe is a vague term in 2006. Alot of dudes pulling factory parts off their bikes and putting on non-OEM #$%* are saying their bikes are Cafes. Other people wouldn't consider their bike a cafe unless it was loaded with rear sets, bars, a seat, & the like as well as speed parts to compliment such modifications. It's a debate.

My point is, don't ask about the right or wrong way to cafe, do what you want, what you can afford. What you like.

    That's it, too many people get hung up with terminology and it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, it's yours and you should do it the way you want and call it what you want. So, just check things out (pictures of other bikes and suggestions from the guys and (in the end) do it how you see fit. We'll just be waiting to see what you've decided. I mean if you just want to keep it clean and just ride it, that's cool cause it looks good now. It'll all up to you.  Later on, Bill

[dusterdude]

weather others think it is cool or not).....i like it joe.

[ElCheapo]

I'm still waiting for El Cheapo to make boobed gauge faces!  Then I'll have to get some titty grips. 

FWIW, I think your bike looks pretty cool as is. But like others have said, build it for you, not someone else.

This could be done. However the boobed fender I think was an old booger eating Harley aftermarket thingy.

If you are going to cafe then stick to proper stuff. Stay vintage with your parts were possible. The truth is that a true cafe' will keep you busy when riding it. Not be stable at light speed like a crotch rocket. When I build one, I incorporate some safety items in a build. Home Wrecker will be getting a steering stabilizer among a few other things. Most of these hide and are not visable.

Not that I know anything, just thought I would take a break from blowin the monkey away with the leaf blower and type something smart.

[nickjtc]

In the early '70's the poor mans cafe set-up was to simply junk the stock bars and put on a pair of ace bars; no seat changes, no rear sets. Looked kind of goofy on some bikes, but since all UK spec bikes had lower bars and more rearward set footpegs anyway than N.American ones, you were halfway there by just changing the bars.

[seaweb11]

This won't help you decide what to do for your bike...."for your bike"........not TO Your Bike. you will have a day.....

When you are finally done and park it for the 1st or 100th time
.......if you look back at it and smile...you have done a right good job