Topic: 500K1 cafe build need help

[gschuld]

After just riding over 550miles with Godzilla mounted above my headlight over the last 3 days, it's time to give the bike a serious makeover.  It runs great, so this is strictly aesthetic and geared toward being a nostalgic bike better suited for a little fun on twisty roads. 

So I am looking for sources for materials and general suggestions for a cafe conversion on my longtime friend, the 500K1.

Nothing is set in stone, but this my general thinking at this point

FWIW, as far as materials go, I'd rather buy higher quality stuff than spend less and be dissapointed.

Need suggestions for the following:

chrome clubman bars
small turn light signals
smaller brake light for bobber fender
factory style seat covers
high quality seat foam
wheels/spokes/tires (in other thread)
better quality rear shocks

It will have new wider chrome or polished aluminum rims, new tires(likely avons), on polished hubs and SS spokes. I have a new thread on that important subject at http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=89989.   This subject by far has me most concerned about getting it right.  My plan also involves swapping in a GL1000 fromt fork/tree assembly.

I will try out clubmans for the first time.  I have some long term lower back problems, so I am not sure if I can pull it off ...but I will find out.  I have a 750 tank ready for paint coming shortly and it will be paint matched along with the side covers as close as possible to the factory 500K1 scheme by a paint shop friend.  The (starting from scratch) factory style seat will probably be slightly shortened in front(to match the larger tank) and the new cover set a shade lower in profile on high quality foam(my wife really likes to ride with me and I have no plans on discouraging that).  I may also get a single cafe seat to swap on at will when riding solo.

I need to replace the turn lights and brake light.  I will bob the factory rear fender 4-8 inches and remount the license plate to it flater to the fender.  I'd like to get a decidedly old style brake light preferably wide and short in height on a lower profile bracket, just vintage looking.  Same for the turn signals, I'd profer old style round and yellow lensed, just noticably smaller and mounter closer to the biker centerline than the factory ones.   

I would greatly appreciate any suggestions.

George

[Bankerdanny]

I had a severly herniated disk in my lower back and my back fleximbility is pretty poor, but had no back related issues with the Clubmans on my Enfield. The real stress point for me was my wrists, although it turned out to be temporary, I just had to get conditioned to the different position.

However, I will recommend rearsets if you want go the clubman route, especially with back issues. I didn't on my bike due to budget constraints. Regular pegs have your thighs basically parallel to the ground, the standard bars have you sitting pretty upright so your torso is close to 90 degress compared to the tops of your thighs, but the clubmans will lean you forward so that your torso is at a 45 degree angle or even less if you are short. So if you have flexibiliy issues (plus if you aren't thin) the overall position can be uncomfortable with the stock foot position. Rearsets will move your feet back and keep the angle of your trunk closer to the normal 90 degrees.

I worked around this by moving my feet to the passenger pegs as soon as I got to top gear (4th in the case of the Enfield) something I also do on my 550 when cruising over about 45 mph. But I am tall, so this is pretty easy for me.

Omar's Dirt Track has some very nice adjustable clubman bars that I would look at if I were building a cafe bike.

[vrenlos]

Uh oh...I hope I didn't create a monster!  First off, good meeting you last week.  I hope you had a good time with the little green monster strapped to your 500.

As for the clubmans, I went with the Bikemaster ones via Bikebandit (I had a gift card and was placing a big order anyway) and I'm pretty happy with them.  The adjustable type are pretty intriguing I have to admit. Definitely let me know how that tank turns out...I might be looking to do the same very soon.

Cheers!
Nick

[Bankerdanny]

Omar's has another bar that they call the "senior clubman" that is basically just a superbike bar with minimal rise

[gschuld]

Thanks for the thoughts so far guys.

Nick,

      Nice meeting with you as well.  Nice bike!  Inspirational for sure!


An update, I have a full GL1000 front end in good condition coming, should be at my door by Friday .  I will be using the entire front end up to the trees, including the dual brakes, master cylinder and hub.  I had the seller cut the front wheel and spokes out as I will be using that hub to lace up to new rims with fresh ss spokes. 

And ...I have a new set of chrome 18x3.5 and 18x4 shouldered rims on the way as well.  I'm getting this thing going...tires are next.

Bankerdanny,

I hear you with the disc issues, I currently have 4 moderately(relative term) herniated discs.  I must say that my current bars (mild 1 1/2" rise) caused me very little grief in the lower back department, even through 550miles in 3 days ding.  I need to know though and will experiment with a lower position and just see how it goes.  I can certainly go back.  The senior clubman bars are basically drag bars drooping down.  Interesting, buit not low enough ideally.  Perhaps it could be a back up plan of sorts.

George