Author Topic: Hondamatic Cafe? (Read 13122 times)

Damfino · « **on:** April 01, 2009, 05:59:03 pm »

Can you really have an automatic cafe style bike?

I would think that defeats the purpose.............

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1976-Honda-CB750A-Hondamatic-CAFE-Turn-Key-and-ride_W0QQitemZ290306210539QQihZ019QQcategoryZ80647QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

mystic_1 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 01, 2009, 06:21:22 pm »

Quote from: Schmthaus on April 01, 2009, 05:59:03 pm

Can you really have an automatic cafe style bike? I would think that defeats the purpose.............

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1976-Honda-CB750A-Hondamatic-CAFE-Turn-Key-and-ride_W0QQitemZ290306210539QQihZ019QQcategoryZ80647QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Why not ask our very own forum member KingCustomCycles.com? That seems to be his work.

mystic_1

A Grove · « **Reply #2 on:** April 01, 2009, 06:24:13 pm »

IMO.. that is not quite "cafe". BUT... I feel that the cafe' cult is more of a "cool" factor. There are lots of people who crave the need for speed, etc, etc (i am one of those, love going fast, and want to go faster!!) but - if I was given the opportunity, I'd cafe' the hell out of any old bike for the cool-factor alone.

The old-school guys will probably talk about the performance aspect behind the "cafe" name, but IMO, I feel it all comes down to whats cool/unique.

pretty slick looking bike, actually.

Jim F · « **Reply #3 on:** April 02, 2009, 05:06:30 am »

I guess everyone has there own definition of what a cafe bike is
Its not my cup of tea but its his version.

Johnny5 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 02, 2009, 05:44:21 am »

Quote from: Schmthaus on April 01, 2009, 05:59:03 pm

Can you really have an automatic cafe style bike? I would think that defeats the purpose.............

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1976-Honda-CB750A-Hondamatic-CAFE-Turn-Key-and-ride_W0QQitemZ290306210539QQihZ019QQcategoryZ80647QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

If Im not mistaken, I think that bike is from King Customs. Looks cool.

mystic_1 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 02, 2009, 08:42:00 am »

You are not mistaken.

This bike may or may not fit some people's definition of Cafe but sure as hell meets my definition of "cool".

mystic_1

hapakev · « **Reply #6 on:** April 02, 2009, 10:15:02 am »

I'm surprised we haven't heard from spanner yet

Inferno Rider · « **Reply #7 on:** April 02, 2009, 11:28:44 am »

I'm actually doing this to a CB400A (78) right now. I really didn't want to make a bobber, and I love the cool looks of a Cafe bike, but I know I won't be joining any clubs on this thing. It's like The Tortus & The Hare by comparison, I suppose. Still, it's just for around town. I don't think I need to do any speeding to feel good about it.. I envy all of you who have one of these excellent examples of that culture.

Maxacceleration · « **Reply #8 on:** April 02, 2009, 02:02:35 pm »

I think you can do the auto bike up in any style you like.

Cafe? Why not.

Personalize it!

fuzzybutt · « **Reply #9 on:** April 02, 2009, 02:30:21 pm »

i like it

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #10 on:** April 02, 2009, 02:32:59 pm »

By certain Brit-bike aficionado's opinions, none of our SOHC4 Honda's might make the grade of being called a cafe racer. Too bad, I don't subscribe to such hooey. Is a modern streetfighter a cafe?

What Sailor said in Wild at Heart about his snakeskin jacket is apropos about each one of our cafe bikes: it's "a symbol of my individuality and belief in personal freedom." Can I get an "Amen"?!

gerhed · « **Reply #11 on:** April 02, 2009, 02:38:26 pm »

Quote from: CB750 Cafe Racer Fan on April 02, 2009, 02:32:59 pm

By certain Brit-bike aficionado's opinions, none of our SOHC4 Honda's might make the grade of being called a cafe racer. Too bad, I don't subscribe to such hooey. Is a modern streetfighter a cafe?

What Sailor said in Wild at Heart about his snakeskin jacket is apropos about each one of our cafe bikes: it's "a symbol of my individuality and belief in personal freedom." Can I get an "Amen"?!

That is quite a movie !--The "Eldo" is on of the stars.

heffay · « **Reply #12 on:** April 02, 2009, 02:50:13 pm »

so... what you say about "not cafe if its auto" means to me that a hotrod ain't a hotrod because its an automatic.
or, a garage door is no longer a garage door if it has an automatic opener attached.
or maybe... the automatic doors at walmart are no longer doors because they are automatic?

when you customize something, and do it in a fashion consistent w/ that customizing culture, means it is what you meant it to be.
its kinda like saying you can't cafe a triumph or a yamaha... OF COURSE YOU CAN!

Damfino · « **Reply #13 on:** April 02, 2009, 03:25:31 pm »

I think my post is maybe being taken out of context. It was not my intent to suggest that a Hondamatic couldn't function as a cafe racer, but as to how viable it would be as one. I'm not too familiar with the Hondamatic but assumed that with it having an automatic transmission, it would lack the torque & hence the speed to be considered a 'Cafe' racer. When I hear 'Cafe Bike', I envision a bike with a certain style & performance capabilities to match. In defense of the seller, after re-reading the auction description I did notice he listed it as cafe style, which sort of makes the whole point moot, but then I wasn't insinuating that I had a problem with the sellers listing to begin with. My question was & is "Can the Hondamatic cut it in the performance category to be considered a cafe racer?

Does that make more sense?

CBJoe · « **Reply #14 on:** April 02, 2009, 03:54:34 pm »

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45371.15

Check out the movie on the second page....

Cheers, Joe

heffay · « **Reply #15 on:** April 02, 2009, 03:59:05 pm »

i think cafe does lean toward the performance side of things... but, my opinion, i think it is a style more so than strictly performance driven.

Spanner 1 · « **Reply #16 on:** April 02, 2009, 04:12:34 pm »

I think in this day and age, it's about a Cafe look not sprint performance...nostalgia aside, the original 'cafe racer' phenomenon only lasted a brief period and was really a fashion statement at the Ace Cafe in London, late 60's (? )....in my bike 'lifetime' I've seen even 50cc 2-stroke bikes with 'clip-on' handlebars and 'bumstop' seats !! So, Cafe away, lads, it's a great look, I think, on any bike.....wish I had the 'youth' to ride one all day !

Sam Green Racing · « **Reply #17 on:** April 02, 2009, 06:29:39 pm »

Quote from: Schmthaus on April 02, 2009, 03:25:31 pm

I think my post is maybe being taken out of context. It was not my intent to suggest that a Hondamatic couldn't function as a cafe racer, but as to how viable it would be as one. I'm not too familiar with the Hondamatic but assumed that with it having an automatic transmission, it would lack the torque & hence the speed to be considered a 'Cafe' racer. When I hear 'Cafe Bike', I envision a bike with a certain style & performance capabilities to match. In defense of the seller, after re-reading the auction description I did notice he listed it as cafe style, which sort of makes the whole point moot, but then I wasn't insinuating that I had a problem with the sellers listing to begin with. My question was & is "Can the Hondamatic cut it in the performance category to be considered a cafe racer?

Does that make more sense?

The performance of the auto can be as wicked as you wish it to be.

The one in the link that CBJoe mentioned was posted by me. The bike belongs to a guy that I've been in contact with for some time.
His name is Chad Isley and his bike is just a street bike with a little engine work, it runs 12.6/12.7 in the quarter.
Another guy I am in contact is helping both chad and Myself with our auto bracket bikes. His runs low 10s, about the same time as a stock Busa.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45371.15

Sam.

Spanner 1 · « **Reply #18 on:** April 02, 2009, 06:33:23 pm »

"Busa and 'Matic in the same sentence , I'm stoked !!!

Sam Green Racing · « **Reply #19 on:** April 02, 2009, 07:20:59 pm »

Something I havn't taken the time to find out Ray, how does the 2 speed box work.
Do you pre select low or high and stay in it, or can you change from low to high on the move ?

Sam.

bender01 · « **Reply #20 on:** April 02, 2009, 07:29:28 pm »

I would think it could get to the cafe and back before the song was over the same time every time! Thats a good bet!

Sam Green Racing · « **Reply #21 on:** April 02, 2009, 07:33:46 pm »

That's the beauty of them Bendy.

Sam.

Spanner 1 · « **Reply #22 on:** April 02, 2009, 10:53:52 pm »

Sammy, the super thing ( fer me ) is WOT in LOW until about 40mph, guess is about 7.5k rpm and holding WOT, 'click' into 'DRIVE', kick-in-the-ass gear change...must faster than you could do on a 5 speed bike....you can change-down to LOW below, say, 10 mph...without any complaint from the motor....

jason teamshralp · « **Reply #23 on:** April 02, 2009, 11:21:08 pm »

this way you can drink your coffee and ride at the same time.

Spanner 1 · « **Reply #24 on:** April 02, 2009, 11:31:04 pm »

Yeyes, left-hand free to molest yer 'girl' friend behind as you wish ( until you get a thump in the back! )...or hold yer Starbucks.......

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Author Topic: Hondamatic Cafe? (Read 13122 times)

fuzzybutt