Topic: Which way to go...

[75cb550 (kyle)]

Okay i just got my bike, while intially going through it i found the rear fender has a crack in it and the tail is also cracked. since i've got to buy both anyway, it is time for me to decide how i want to proceed. i'm torn between completely OEM vs. more of a cafe or possibly bobber look. that was long winded but what do you think. i like the some of the mods ive seen but i also want it to be practical.

[KingCustomCycles.com]

How dare thou imply the cafe' impractical !!!!   

[75cb550 (kyle)]

by the way, love your scooter...

[Johnie]

First you have to decide the look you like best.  As for me, I like to restore to OEM but that is just my preference.  Once you decide what look you are after then you can see if you can afford it.  My guess is it would be more $$$ to restore to OEM since you will be buying more parts, unless your bike is pretty nice to start with and you do not need to buy OEM parts.  Seems like the cafes I have seen are missing a lot of the costly OEM stuff as that is not part of the cafe style.  Hey, good luck with your project...

[KingCustomCycles.com]

First you have to decide the look you like best.  As for me, I like to restore to OEM but that is just my preference.  Once you decide what look you are after then you can see if you can afford it.  My guess is it would be more $$$ to restore to OEM since you will be buying more parts, unless your bike is pretty nice to start with and you do not need to buy OEM parts.  Seems like the cafes I have seen are missing a lot of the costly OEM stuff as that is not part of the cafe style.  Hey, good luck with your project...

You have stumbled upon the essence of the cafe/bobber/chopper.  More is less.  The less parts the bike has, the more money they are worth.  Unless, of course, you go full restoration and then they are a beauty to behold and costly to hold.  1/2 way in either direction will yeild $1800-2200.

[Johnie]

Yes, the King has a good point.  As far as your cracked fender, I paid $80 to have my rear fender chromed on my KO.  You could buy a NOS somewhere but it will cost more than $80 and the factory chrome is crap compared to a good chromer.  I spent just under $1,000 for chroming, but it really makes the bike stand out.

[75cb550 (kyle)]

the other idea would be to weld the crack, blast it and paint the fender... i don't know. im just gonna have to feel it out for a while and decide which i like better. it varies from day to day. i dont want to jump into it and be stuck with something im not happy with... decisions, decisions.
the bike it pretty clean overall. the rear fender has that crack and little surface pitting, tail light cracked and there is one small pinhole dent in the tank. it was running when i got it and i paid $600. i have since pulled the carbs. #2 carb was very gelled up, also tank was full of nasty. other than that it's pretty clean. it appears seat was recovered... and best part, other than the fender there is no rust on the bike, even the battery box...

[KingCustomCycles.com]

AHHHH the days of buying a running SOHC for $600.00, Now That was a time!  DUDE! you have 1000 dollars in equity, minimum already.  Build two bikes (cosmetically) keep the old parts and cafe it while you shop for bargains on the nice resto parts.  Enjoy.