Topic: Which bike would you cafe!!!?

[B.O.X.N.I.F.E.]

I think we're beating around the bush by not just saying that a lot of guys don't know what the hell they're doing, won't ask for help, and then destroy rideable bikes... and then come here for praise. When done right the cafe/race bike is a legitimate thing to me, even if they won't be ridden from the cafe or raced on the track. AKA, paulages bike or the interceptor. Those are well built and engineered, purpose built bikes. Rare cases of a stock SOHC4 actually improved upon. We could all point out a lot of examples right here on the forum of bikes that have been deevolved from an engineering standpoint. And don't even look any better.

In short, whatever you decided to buy and cafe, please do a good job 

[nvr2old]

Personally, I love cafe' bikes.  My '76 550F has been this way for about six years now, and it's a total blast to ride configured this way.  I wouldn't even consider touring and commuting on it, though, mostly because mine has a total loss ignition system.  The starter and alternator have both been removed to save weight and to get the extra revving ability.  It revs and winds up so much easier.  I can get six solid hours of riding it before an overnight re-charge.  I had a 400F years ago, and loved it.  Sweet motor, plus a six-speed tranny.  So much improved over the 350F.  I'm six feet tall so the 400 got a little cramped, but it willingly did 70-80mph all day.  The 550 is way more freeway friendly than either the 400 or the 350, if for no other reason than just being physically larger and more comfortable.  Half the fun of a cafe' bike is in it's "conversation piece" status.  This bike draws crowds wherever it's parked.  It's all in how you want to ride, and what your personal tastes are.  A stone stock one would be great if what you want is comfort and touring ability.  '75 400F bars are a perfect compliment to a stock 550, too.  They look great and still are very comfortable.

[B.O.X.N.I.F.E.]

in the same catagory and the interceptor... badass bike.

[jeepster]

Dude. Get a Moto Guzzi. These old Honda's are nothin but trouble. 

I almost got one of these for a grand a few months ago when I actually had a positive balance in the bank:



Don't buy a Nighthawk. Frame geometry/tank/side panels/handlebars make it almost impossible to cafe.

[Ryan 550k]

In short, whatever you decided to buy and cafe, please do a good job 

Ya, don't screw it up

in the same catagory and the interceptor... badass bike.

+1

[the architect]

I love cafe bikes, too.  They're great.  Some are rolling masterpieces and some are less so.

I'm building a '75 750 into a cafe right now.  With that, my vote would be to do a 550.  Authentically, part of the cafe process is removing all the unnecessary bits and reworking what's left with a mind for speed, efficiency and style.  One huge hurdle for my 750 build has been the relocation of the stock oil tank.  I've custom-fabricated my own tank, fabbed up and mounted brackets for my frame, made my own oil lines, etc.  It's been a lengthy process with a bit of a learning curve. 

All that would have been averted with doing a 550.  They don't have remote oil tanks.

Lately, I've found myself wanting to do a small displcaement, "around-town" kind of bike, though, like a 350/360.

[Really?]

Lately, I've found myself wanting to do a small displcaement, "around-town" kind of bike, though, like a 350/360.

What's funny to me is the 750 would be a small displacement "around-town" kind of bike for me.  I currently ride a V4 1200 with all the goodies.  Been looking for for me too.  Heck, a nekkid 1100 would work.

I like my females big in the right spots, lol.

[Bill/BentON Racing]

Two Tired,great answer,heck no,I'm glad I asked,checkout Calendar Girl,then imagine same bike with CB400F first yr bars(75).It changes riding position so you'd be comfortable..I think,everything on bike can be put back original,all old parts saved,and IMO will perform much better than stock(except in that heavy downpour)Pods can suck things besides air,but overall I think you can take most nice cafe's,change bars,be comfortable and still have a beautiful and better bike,IMO.,Bill