Author Topic: My 1st Build. The Cafe Digger......now with video (Read 7985 times)

nate sere · « **on:** September 15, 2011, 08:43:22 am »

I have owned 2 Harleys in the past (68 xlch and 04 Road King). I got the bug to buy a new bike but was on a strict budget this time. I almost bought an xs650 Bobber but after talking to a buddy who builds bikes, we decided to build one instead.

Here is a link to Tonys web blog. He does some amazing work and is very reasonably priced.

vintagecycle.wordpress.com

I have always wanted a Cafe but wanted it to be more of a cruiser than a street fighter. I am not a speed freak and 80 mph is plenty for me. I do like to go 0-40 pretty fast.

I started the build with a 80 CB650. The seat and tank were in rough shape but the motor was clean and ran strong.

Here are a few pics of what we started with.

nate sere · « **Reply #1 on:** September 15, 2011, 08:45:54 am »

My inspiration for the build is a bike from wrench monkees. Here are a few pics of the bike. If anyone has any info on where I can get some bars like these let me know!

nate sere · « **Reply #2 on:** September 15, 2011, 08:50:28 am »

After we stripped down the bike, we noticed that there was more rake on the CB650 and when we added a set of CB550 forks, and rear shocks, the stance seemed perfect! We had originally planned on raking the bike a little but it will not be needed now.

I also am using a Benelli tank that is shaped exactly like I wanted. Another big time saver! Here is a mock up of the stance. The frame sits about 7 inches off the ground without the motor or rider.

nate sere · « **Reply #3 on:** September 15, 2011, 09:19:11 am »

better pic of the tank

nate sere · « **Reply #4 on:** September 15, 2011, 09:23:07 am »

Clean motor

nate sere · « **Reply #5 on:** September 15, 2011, 09:24:37 am »

We are going with a naked frame so we cut all the extra tabs, service stand, rear passenger peg supports, etc....

Here is a before pic of the frame.

nate sere · « **Reply #6 on:** September 15, 2011, 09:29:08 am »

I am going to paint the motor and frame satin black and am not 100% on the tank and seat yet. Might go with a metallic black. The seat will be tight to the rear tire and we are going to build it from scratch. One of the guys at the shop used to work on airplanes and we are leaning towards riveting the seat rather than welding to give it a unique look.

We are 3 days into the build. It rained today so no painting today, plus I have to work. Tony and Mike at the shop will be working on it over the next few days and I will get some more pics on Monday on my next day off.

scunny · « **Reply #7 on:** September 15, 2011, 02:21:52 pm »

thats a good looking tank, what sort of benelli is it off ?

lucky · « **Reply #8 on:** September 15, 2011, 02:55:27 pm »

Quote from: nate sere on September 15, 2011, 09:24:37 am

We are going with a naked frame so we cut all the extra tabs, service stand, rear passenger peg supports, etc....

Here is a before pic of the frame.

I like the gas tank.

"naked frame" Cheeeesssshhh!!!!! It is just a motorcycle frame.
Naked where does this come from.

nate sere · « **Reply #9 on:** September 15, 2011, 03:22:42 pm »

I was told it was off of a benelli 360.

scunny · « **Reply #10 on:** September 15, 2011, 04:17:12 pm »

cheers, did a google and found it.Benelli Mojave 360 1969

nate sere · « **Reply #11 on:** September 15, 2011, 05:13:39 pm »

Any idea where I could get some bars like the ones off the Wrench Monkee bike? Norman Hyde M bars maybe?

Cheffish · « **Reply #12 on:** September 15, 2011, 05:25:53 pm »

I think clubmans would be nice. Or you could take Dirtbike bars and run them upside down?

bluesmoke69 · « **Reply #13 on:** September 15, 2011, 09:33:30 pm »

Looking good so far keep up the good work.

nate sere · « **Reply #14 on:** September 18, 2011, 11:15:54 am »

Motor and frame are painted and in the bike!

cardboard seat so far.

nate sere · « **Reply #15 on:** September 18, 2011, 11:25:26 am »

ordered supermoto bars and plan on inverting them. here are the grips and levers.

There will be no buttons or switches on he bars. Using an automotive ignition in the headlamp, hard wiring the headlights to always be on, and a toggle switch for turn signals on the headlight as well.

nate sere · « **Reply #16 on:** September 18, 2011, 11:26:47 am »

might go with these pegs. cant really find any others that I like. I'll have to make some brackets.

Anyone got a good source for pegs for CB's?

nate sere · « **Reply #17 on:** September 26, 2011, 09:54:33 pm »

Getting close! Still need to paint the tank, front wheel, wire the bike, and a few other things but it should be close to getting it running!

lucky · « **Reply #18 on:** September 27, 2011, 02:56:30 am »

This is a Digger. Just so you young guys don't get all mixed up.

All the new names you guys come up with for the same stuff we already had names for.

nate sere · « **Reply #19 on:** September 27, 2011, 08:18:18 am »

Thanks for clearing that up bud.

I wasn't sure what else to call a cafe racer with a raked neck that was slammed in the back.

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **Reply #20 on:** September 27, 2011, 09:44:15 am »

Just call it frigging sweet. How tall are you? Cause dam that is a long distance from the low digger cafe seat to the board track bars.

nate sere · « **Reply #21 on:** September 27, 2011, 09:49:32 am »

I'm almost 6 foot and it fits really well. I'm going with mid pegs and think it's going to be a comfortable ride. I'll get some better pics today. I'm heading to the shop in a few.

nate sere · « **Reply #22 on:** September 27, 2011, 07:58:12 pm »

the seat is almost done, we are going to mount the rear brake inside the seat and have a cut out of an ace of spades that will be covered with a honeycomb pattern sheet of stainless. Here is the seat mounted. Also painted the front wheel black and used black chrome on the headlight bucket. Should be dry tomorrow and will get them mounted. Still need to install the handlebars but need a throttle assembly 1st.

FrankenFrankenstuff · « **Reply #23 on:** September 28, 2011, 07:16:28 am »

That does look comfy. Great job man.

JustinLonghorn · « **Reply #24 on:** September 28, 2011, 08:25:04 am »

I can dig it, man.

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Author Topic: My 1st Build. The Cafe Digger......now with video (Read 7985 times)