Topic: CARPY vs. BENJIE

[lendog]

Wouldn't that make an awesome build-off? They both are super talented and make KILLER cafe's.  What do you think?

[GroovieGhoulie]

I agree, and I owe a LOT to Carpy since he got me into Cafes, but both their builds have weird oddities that jump out at me.

For example:

Carpy will build a SWEET Cafe with powdercoated frame, hand-hammered-knee-scallops tank, bump seat, dual discs, modded engine, clubman bars and STOCK FOOTPEGS AND FACTORY SHOCKS?!?!?!  Where are the rearsets, where are the Girlings? Why not put the remote reservoir '80s CB900 or aftermarket shocks and progressive springs on all his builds, and not just some?

Now, when I do my build, I am going to use progressive springs and modern shocks, but I am going to get them chrome plated to resemble the stockers from a distance, because I like the "sleeper" look.

Benjie builds some great bumpseats, but then sticks that agricultural-looking tail-light into the back of it.  Makes it look like the bike has a big red arsehole.  I would mount the light under the bumpseat, like others have done.

[Uncle Ernie]

I like Benjies tanks more. Very creative.  I just wish people made things for the 400s !  Helllooooo

[MRieck]

I agree, and I owe a LOT to Carpy since he got me into Cafes, but both their builds have weird oddities that jump out at me.

For example:

Carpy will build a SWEET Cafe with powdercoated frame, hand-hammered-knee-scallops tank, bump seat, dual discs, modded engine, clubman bars and STOCK FOOTPEGS AND FACTORY SHOCKS?!?!?!  Where are the rearsets, where are the Girlings? Why not put the remote reservoir '80s CB900 or aftermarket shocks and progressive springs on all his builds, and not just some?

Now, when I do my build, I am going to use progressive springs and modern shocks, but I am going to get them chrome plated to resemble the stockers from a distance, because I like the "sleeper" look.

Benjie builds some great bumpseats, but then sticks that agricultural-looking tail-light into the back of it.  Makes it look like the bike has a big red arsehole.  I would mount the light under the bumpseat, like others have done.

I've seen at least one of Carpy's bikes with the 900F shocks on the back.

[siter81]

Anyone have a link to photo"s of this BENJIE"S bikes or work.Never have seen any, 
 
 
 
 
 
 Thanks Siter81

[Roach Carver]

http://www.benjiescaferacer.com/index.html

[ProTeal55]

I would have to say I like Benji's bikes better than Carpy's , but both make some slick scoots...

[siter81]

Thanks for the link 71CB750.

The guy does nice work and i am not even into cafe"s




Siter81       

[CrisPDuk]

Just been on Benjie's site and looked at the parts catalogue That 4-2 exhaust for the 550 looks sweet, must have one $800 is more than I paid for the bike

Anyone have any experience of the fit & finish of Benjie's parts?

[GroovieGhoulie]

I've seen at least one of Carpy's bikes with the 900F shocks on the back.

As have I, but why noty use them on EVERY build?  I've seen plenty of his build with factory suspension bits and/or factory footpegs.

If a Cafe Racer is about performance AND looks, why not upgrade the suspension, which most people agree is mediocre from the factory?

And using stock pegs with clubmans and bumpseats at the extreme rear of the frame put your feet WAAY to far forward.  You look and feel like you're being stuffed into a 55-gallon drum ass-first.  Or a Greyhound taking a dump. Just uncomfortable and funny looking.

When I slide to the rear of my stock 400F seat (about where I would be with a long tank and tiny bumpseat), my feet are WAY out front, even with the semi-rearsets on the 400F.  I cannot imagine the regular footpegs, which are 4" ahead of the 400F pegs.

[ProTeal55]

I plan on using the passenger pegs mounts to put my rearsets on my CB450...