Author Topic: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer  (Read 4684 times)

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Offline xanaphyst

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Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« on: July 31, 2021, 11:59:20 AM »
Bought first bike and looking to build cafe racer. Wanting to build like the yellow one in second picture. Anyone in Houston area?

Offline samm_j2

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #1 on: July 31, 2021, 12:12:14 PM »
Welcome! I am nowhere near you otherwise I would be down to help! As I am sure you know this forum is a wealth of knowledge.

Have fun!

Offline Alan F.

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #2 on: July 31, 2021, 01:01:40 PM »
Welcome. I'm also not nearby, what bike do you have?

Offline gmoss

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #3 on: July 31, 2021, 01:19:09 PM »
Hey if you're gonna sell that 4/4 exhaust and it's in as good condition as it looks I'd drive over from Austin to get it from you :)

Offline 74CB750K4

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #4 on: July 31, 2021, 01:29:23 PM »
You'd be crazy to chop that bike up. Find one in rough shape, not that one, unless that picture makes it look better than it really is right now.
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #5 on: July 31, 2021, 01:40:31 PM »
Welcome from Lake Travis!   

Since you want to build a cafe bike, plz read reply # 2 here by Gordon in DFW....

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,84697.0.html

BTW - here is my "Park Racer"....


'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Kevnz

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #6 on: July 31, 2021, 01:47:02 PM »
You'd be crazy to chop that bike up. Find one in rough shape, not that one, unless that picture makes it look better than it really is right now.
Agree totally. You'd be turning a silk purse into a sow's ear. Start with a rough one. No matter how good a job you do on your project, I doubt it will ever be worth as much as if you did the same quality job making it original. IMO
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Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #7 on: July 31, 2021, 03:44:34 PM »
See Steve-O's bike?   Whatever kind of racer he wants to call it, it's a damn nice bike.  See the yellow bike you posted?   That is not even a cafe racer, it's a Brat and it is just another example of monkey see monkey do internet crap.  If that's what you like, don't hack up a nice old bike, get a crappy one.  You should be able to get 3 crappy cb550's for what you could sell that nice one for.  Hacking up nice old bikes is not "cafeing", hacking up nice old bikes is a dick move.
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline dave500

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #8 on: July 31, 2021, 04:05:54 PM »
your bike but im with seanbarney!

Offline goodtryer

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #9 on: July 31, 2021, 04:08:08 PM »
Howdy!
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Offline kerryb

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #10 on: July 31, 2021, 04:13:51 PM »
I have to agree with those who spoke before me.  I suggest you learn this bike in stock form, make it run perfect with it's stock points and airbox.  You don't need to spend a bomb of money on paint, but a few cosmetic upgrades are always a nice touch, like maybe a new seat cover if needed.  Then after you know all about this bike and can make it mechanically excellent, ride it around town and count up the positve comments you get.  Then, you can sell it for enough to finance the "cafe racer" you think you want to build.   
intrigued by the wail...seduced by the scream.

Offline xanaphyst

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #11 on: July 31, 2021, 04:23:37 PM »
Welcome. I'm also not nearby, what bike do you have?

Its a 1974 CB550 four. It the one in the first picture.

Offline xanaphyst

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #12 on: July 31, 2021, 04:25:05 PM »
Hey if you're gonna sell that 4/4 exhaust and it's in as good condition as it looks I'd drive over from Austin to get it from you :)

I'll let you know. Gotta figure out what to get to replace it with first.

Offline xanaphyst

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #13 on: July 31, 2021, 04:26:50 PM »
You'd be crazy to chop that bike up. Find one in rough shape, not that one, unless that picture makes it look better than it really is right now.

Yeah that thought had crossed my mind but this bike is 10 miles down the road. If I had a junk bike close by that's what I likely would do. I still didnt pick this
bike up yet and bought it unseen. It may well be in "too good" shape to chop up.

Offline Short shins

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #14 on: July 31, 2021, 04:29:34 PM »
+1 What Seanbarney said but hey its your bike after all. We will try and help you out with whatever route you take, just choose wisely
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Offline 754

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #15 on: July 31, 2021, 04:58:15 PM »
 Yeah what you showed is a brat and not even a good brat.
 Get the one you found, ride it a while while looking for, or trading for one  you cant destroy the value of..
 Meanwhile if you see a cafe or brat .. try to go for a ride with the owner and maybe trade bikes if possible,  so you can see/feel ....if you  even like that ride..
« Last Edit: July 31, 2021, 07:00:47 PM by 754 »
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Offline samm_j2

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #16 on: July 31, 2021, 05:29:19 PM »
All these peeps saying keep the thing would make me want to chop it up even more! I say your bike do what you want. But do know you will not get out of it what you put in if you ever decide to sell it.

Also I have no idea what I am talking about or doing with bikes. I just keep breaking stuff even after I have rebuilt it... maybe thats the point?  ???

Offline Scott S

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #17 on: July 31, 2021, 05:46:02 PM »
 Welcome. And I echo what others are saying.

 You say it's your first bike. May I make some suggestions?

 Get some proper gear and learn how to ride it properly.  While you're doing that, give the bike a good tune up. Learn how to maintain it. Check the brakes and tires.

 NOW you can start making it your own. Try adding some Super Bike bars and a Delkevic 4 into 1 exhaust.  Nice, sporty bolt on mods. I bet you'll be very happy with the outcome.
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Offline Redtail

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #18 on: July 31, 2021, 06:14:49 PM »
If you're going to do some modification to make it yours, I would recommend keeping it minimal. In all of the bikes I've had, I've come to the conclusion  that the magic formula for making a stylish but ridable bike is as follows:

1. Tires and brakes. Get the best sport touring rubber you can afford and fit the best quality brakes you are able to finagle. This can run the gamut from just rebuilding the stock system with fresh seals, piston and lines, a higher quality rotor and new pads, to something as ambitious as swapping forks so you can run dual rotors with dual piston calipers. Not only do fancy brakes look sick, but they will keep you out of the hospital if you know how to use them.
2. Update air intake with foam filter element, replace and retain stock design (Air horns are wild, and if you take the stock airbox apart, you see that the factory intake boots are horns encased in a plastic shell)
3. High quality 4-into-1 or 4-into-2 exhaust from a name brand. Retain full baffles to minimize rejetting. It will actually sound better with the baffles too. Good sounds are better loud, but loud alone does not make a sound good.
4. High quality factory type seat with a similar size and thickness. Minor ride position changes for a more contemporary seating position can be very beneficial, especially combined with other *minor* ride position geometry changes.
5. Buy a new set of bars that are SLIGHTLY lower, wider, and less raked back. This will create a ride position that makes it more comfortable to go into an aero tuck on than the stock semi-buckhorn style bars these things come with, but way more comfortable to sit upright on in traffic to save your back.

Other than that it's mostly just refreshing stuff.

You've got a very strikingly beautiful bike in unusually good condition from the look of it. I believe it's your right to do whatever you wish with your own personal property, but if what you want is a flat-tracker/brat, it would just make more financial sense to clean yours up a little bit more, flip it next spring when prices are at peak, then spend your winnings on a ratty "project bike" in the fall. SOmething that's obviously been in a slide so parts like the bars, side covers, tank, seat and lights are all torn up  to diminish the value so you can gobble it up.
'75 CB550K restomod/sport touring build

Offline xanaphyst

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #19 on: July 31, 2021, 06:50:55 PM »
@ Redtail

  I think that sounds like a lot of wise advice. Might have to give that some consideration. Any recommendations for the handle bars and exhaust? I reckon I’ll have to keep my eye out for a junk bike.

Offline Greyhound

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #20 on: July 31, 2021, 10:36:05 PM »
Welcome! I love seeing new people get into vintage Hondas! You are amongst a rare breed.

What happens all too often though, is someone with a burning desire to make a Cafe/Brat bike, dismantles a running example of a classic bike, only to “lose steam” or interest a few months down the road, and doesn’t have the time/skills to put it back together, after they buy a modern retro Ducati/Triumph. Sadly.

These half started projects show up on Craigslist “it ran before I took it apart”

Not saying you will do this, but before you dismantle anything… My best and honest advice is to first master the maintenance on this bike:

Oil change
Set timing/points
Valve adjustment/cam chain tension
Carb sync
Brake caliper/drum rebuild

The only mod, if you must, put some flat/drag low handlebars on it, but leave the seat and airbox in place (which makes it run better anyway), as you ride and learn to love it.

Building it out exactly how you want it can literally take years as you learn how and save/budget money for parts (which add up quick).

Spend your money on new tires, and just ride, bond with her.
« Last Edit: July 31, 2021, 10:38:22 PM by Greyhound »
1977 CB550K3

Offline Greyhound

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #21 on: July 31, 2021, 10:50:59 PM »
Regarding handlebars, instead of putting on clip ons like in the photo you posted, lower handle bars are much easier/cheaper to install it, and it depends on how far forward you want to lean…

Drag bars (first bike photo) come in a few different angles (more horizontal or more drooped/tucked in).

The Clubman style handlebars (2nd bike photo) are lower and more forward, pretty much same height and forward position as clip ons.

Get used to doing a lot of research on your own!

1977 CB550K3

Offline PeWe

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #22 on: July 31, 2021, 11:41:14 PM »
The first bike look good as it is. Some cleaning, polishing it will look fine with a patina.
Is engine running as it should?
No oil smoke or other signs of bore, piston or guide wear? Internal chain wear(slack)?
The money to invest might be inside.

When I bought my CB750 for over 40 years ago,  lots of parts for modifying these bikes from various shops, just order. Remove and replace parts. Easy to go back to stock.

Cut frame and remove vital frame parts is not reversible.

Most of the stock restores on this forum look really good.
CB500/550 can look really fine when restored. I'm sure a bike people will buy if selling it.

You can find parts from frame and up on  junk yards and build your cafe, brat  or whatever they are called, right? That's a creative build saving parts, giving them a new life ;)
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline ekpent

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #23 on: August 01, 2021, 06:41:17 AM »
 Do you have any past riding experience at all like maybe mini-bikes or small dirt bikes etc. when you were younger ? A bike in a little more stock configuration might be better to get your feet wet and learn the basic skills and if you happen to dump it then your on your way to a custom build  :D
« Last Edit: August 01, 2021, 11:46:17 AM by ekpent »

Offline TwoTired

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Re: Noob buys first bike... wants to build cafe racer
« Reply #24 on: August 01, 2021, 07:29:59 AM »
So, you want to own a bike that looks a certain way, correct?

Have you ever ridden a bike that looks that way?
The ergonomics sure look terrible to me.  What happens when you create a vintage survivor that very few want to ride more than ten minutes?

Your picture example shows both exhaust and induction changes that aren’t compatible with Honda’s selection of fuel metering choices in the carbs.  The suppliers of those induction and exhaust components will NOT give you carb parts correct for these changes.  You have to find and install the correct ones to match you engineering changes.  Are your engineering skills up to the carb rejetting  task that restores or preserves the engine behavior of the stock configured bike?  Many have tried and failed as the induction and exhaust changes are NOT cosmetic, but functional.

Certainly you control the destiny of any machine you own.   Own the Mona Lisa?  Yes, you can draw a mustache on her with a permanent marker or rattle can paint.  But, will you still like it long term?

There is also something in the statement that you only want to own a certain style of bike, rather than wanting to learn to ride and enjoy riding on two wheels.  Know that it is not like driving a car.  And, while there is no certainty you will be hurt, you are more in control of that outcome than with most other forms of mechanical motivation.  Modified production bikes don’t always handle well when you need them to the most, which can result in injury, and if you are lucky tall tales to relate later for the survivor.

Finally, styles change.  The stock bike was way way cool when first sold.  The style AND operation was excellent and widely accepted.  What really changed that and why isn’t that appreciated?  While marketeers and peer pressure often make what you wear change, the motorcycle is a functional tool.  One might argue that removing a jaw from a crescent wrench makes it look more streamlined and cool from an observance perspective, out in the shop it will no longer be the desirable tool it once was.  Are you certain that you or others will still find the brat/cafe style desirable 5 or 10 years down the road?  Or, will parts breakers just find it a convenient donor?

Good luck!

Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.