Topic: Need advice...

[drainyoo]

Howdy folks, first time poster. I'm looking to purchase a bike soon, most likely a Honda CB350 and I am interested in converting it into a Cafe Racer. Could you guys point me to an online store that sells parts and maybe also where I can actually purchase a 350 in the NYC area?

And final question, is there a specific bike that works best for turning into a racer or can you pretty much do it to any bike?

Thanks.

[HondaMan]

In that arena, the CB400-4 is awfully hard to beat. It comes out of the box as a nice Rocky Mountain canyon racer, as is. Adding a mild cam, a K&N air filter inside the stock box and some good TT tires, and you're on your way. The Rockies still buzz with them today, in force.

[drainyoo]

In that arena, the CB400-4 is awfully hard to beat. It comes out of the box as a nice Rocky Mountain canyon racer, as is. Adding a mild cam, a K&N air filter inside the stock box and some good TT tires, and you're on your way. The Rockies still buzz with them today, in force.

Thanks Ill check it out.

Anyone have anymore advice? Is there some kind of online store that caters to Cafe Racers? Also, is the 350 my best option? Or could I do a 400, 550, 650 or 750?

[gregboyd]

Hi!

Having just started here as well, I can share my experience with you.  I just picked up a very nice and completely stock CB550 from the original owner with a mere 5000 miles on it.  The bike is so darn clean and original that I'm now second guessing any aspirations I had to go cafe style.  I really think I got lucky - but also some leg work and research went into my purchase.

I started with http://newyork.craigslist.org or New Haven area etc. and search every day for "1970", "1927"... - "1977" which is the date of the bike I wanted.  There were a few there that would suit me, but most were in rough shape and I really wanted to start with something solid.  eBay was where I found my bike and it was located in NJ, about an hour from my home.  I decided this was the bike I wanted and had a very reasonable/possible high late bid that in the end won me the auction over some who didn't want to pay or maybe those who were just looking for a cheap bike.  I've also found a dealer in corning NY - http://www.stonebridgecars.com/motorcycles.html who seem to have a '76 cb550 in stock that I was considering.  Don't forget the forum here too!

I also decided on the 550 because I actually want to ride the bike.  The 3/450's seemed a little small for my tastes while the 750 would be too much.  Kinda like the porage in Goldie locks, the 550 was just right for me. 

Good Luck!

Ps.  message me if you're interested in online stores and places to buy parts.  There are tons of links on this forum but I've also got a file of bookmarks I've been keeping of places for parts and upgrades etc.  Are you looking for something like oldbikebarn.com ?

[drainyoo]

Hi!

Having just started here as well, I can share my experience with you.  I just picked up a very nice and completely stock CB550 from the original owner with a mere 5000 miles on it.  The bike is so darn clean and original that I'm now second guessing any aspirations I had to go cafe style.  I really think I got lucky - but also some leg work and research went into my purchase.

I started with http://newyork.craigslist.org or New Haven area etc. and search every day for "1970", "1927"... - "1977" which is the date of the bike I wanted.  There were a few there that would suit me, but most were in rough shape and I really wanted to start with something solid.  eBay was where I found my bike and it was located in NJ, about an hour from my home.  I decided this was the bike I wanted and had a very reasonable/possible high late bid that in the end won me the auction over some who didn't want to pay or maybe those who were just looking for a cheap bike.  I've also found a dealer in corning NY - http://www.stonebridgecars.com/motorcycles.html who seem to have a '76 cb550 in stock that I was considering.  Don't forget the forum here too!

I also decided on the 550 because I actually want to ride the bike.  The 3/450's seemed a little small for my tastes while the 750 would be too much.  Kinda like the porage in Goldie locks, the 550 was just right for me. 

Good Luck!

Ps.  message me if you're interested in online stores and places to buy parts.  There are tons of links on this forum but I've also got a file of bookmarks I've been keeping of places for parts and upgrades etc.  Are you looking for something like oldbikebarn.com ?

Greg, awesome post.

Yes I'm looking for something like oldbikebarn.com. Basically what I want to do is buy a 350 and change the bars, tanks, seat and exhaust. I just cant find any places on line that have this stuff for a cafe.

[KCs76Cafe]

I got most of my Cafe items off of ebay.

Did a search on Honda Cafe and came up with these.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=Honda+Cafe

I got my seat from hotwing.....    http://motors.search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZ1hotwing

Clubmans and bar end mirrors are from Speedmoto.......  http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZwwwspeedmotoco

From whats been posted about the Old Bike Barn......I'd stay away from them.