Cafe Racer Thread
 

OK gang...I can't get my mind off the topic. Over the weekend I stripped down my Ducati for some winter storage cleaning up. I had to force myself to just put it away and not bust out the saw and welder.

So! I want to chop this thing up....but part of me says I shouldn't...

So let's post some pictures of cafe racers to give me some ideas on body work so I don't have to chop it up ;) (I probably won't be able to bring myself to chop it up, but I plan to do some one-off glass work or metal work for the tail section and a minimal front fairing that just covers the gauges. I'm going for a street fighter-modern cafe racer look.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1167849626.jpg

I'm not looking for stock, but rather something retro. Like this:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1167849969.jpg

cool topic souk. you definitely have a good platform to start with.

how about a tail like this one? :D :D
http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/5...guzdock6js.jpg

some more

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/6...48835575xf.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1167850581.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1167850611.jpg

One of my all time favourites, the Bultaco Metrella of the late '60's and early '70's time frame.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1167850821.jpg

I love that tail, Dave! And the bike looks cool too. I really like the bare metal, industrial look. Too bad the bike body is the only thing bare :)

You guys see why I might want to chop the frame right? Look at the rear section. It doesn't lend itself to a very short tail design. I wish the factory had made the rear piece a bolt on.

Souk,

Weld on tabs and adapt your stock rear frame to mount on and off.

Personally I would love to see a lot more of the rear end of #67, without the bike that is... bet she has a cute little pooper and nice rear suspension! :)

i don't know enough to know whether the last rear part of the duc's frame is structural in any way or not. if it's not, and you're going to get it 'right' then bring out the cutter :D

Souk,

Visit the Airtech site and see if something they have makes you happy.

http://www.motorcyclebodywork.com/index.html

Lots and lots of choices....


JR

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1167853948.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1167853957.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1167853965.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1167853986.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1167854003.jpg

Thanks for the link JR. I have been considering the tail section of the Supermono for a long time, but I can't seem to get myself to stop thinking of a retro-esque CR. I'm really digging the Guzzi (and hottie) that Dave posted. Yet, the retro Ducati CR parts from Airtech don't do it for me. They won't flow well with the tank.


But keep them coming! There are so many custom CR's out there...I love seeing them.

Put another tank on the puppy then!

I'm modifying a stock tank if I do change the tank, Joe. I may have to add an English wheel to my collection of tools...

...but really, I like the look of the old Ducati bikes, but unless I have an old Ducati, the seats from Airtech just don't stir the right emotion. I wan't a modern cafe racer, but not to Street-fighter-esque (might make it too poser like). I want that Guzzi :) But with my Ducati in it :D

I would be happy with that Guzzi and the brunette along with it! :)

I'd settle for a 4X6 ft poster of that Guzzi and brunette for my garage...but I don't think I'd even get away with that :D

On eBay right now; both in Featherbed frames. One a Goldstar, one an Atlas. Would love to have either.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1167862898.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1167862909.jpg

Jeff,

And I bet that either would be a bear to start when cold, especially the one lunger...

Guess I am getting old, still like pushing the button these days.

Dave, are there more pictures of the first Guzzi? Where did you find the picture?

I'm really starting to dig the bare metal look!


Heres another one.... (not bare but still cool):



http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1167865897.jpg

Okay, what is that? Looks like a BMW single engine?

I grew up kicking old Harleys to life. I well remember many a cold morning on the way to school, winding up with my jacket, sweater, golves, helmet, and what not scattered all accross the yard, trying to kick some life into my old Sportster. Then having to pull all of that back on over my sweaty tee shirt and freezing my ass off on the way to school. Ah, those were the days. Don't miss them one little bit. ;)

A toy bike would be different, though. Tickling the Amal(s), retarding the mag, holding you mouth just right... When it all comes together (like when it actually starts), it's a thing of beauty.

Hmmm...these guys might very well be the TRE of cafe racers....

At least they're almost right around the corner.

Samples:

http://www.motocarrera.com/FAK2W.jpg
http://www.motocarrera.com/TZ350_SHOW00.jpg
http://www.motocarrera.com/kel.jpg
http://www.motocarrera.com/LAMBRETTA%20SHOW00.jpg

LMAO.... after being busy w/ my car and a move, it took clean plugs and ab 30+ kicks to fire up my commando! great description and spot on :D

Geez Dave...I didn't know you had a Commando. Pictures?

In a sense, the current style of bike exemplified by customs featuring a tubular Spondon frame is where Cafe Racer style went.

Here's the Spondon Owners Club gallery.

A new frame for a GXSR.
http://images20.fotki.com/v367/photo...on_gsxr-vi.jpg

One completely finished.
http://images14.fotki.com/v378/photo...pondon7-vi.jpg

Another one, maybe a CBR900RR.
http://images14.fotki.com/v378/photo...on3_std-vi.jpg

Harris Custom Frames

Spondon Engineering

DD, nice link...

A friend of mine had a GT550 that made the most beautiful sounds.

Must be strong... must save money to fix up Porsche... do not look at shiny motorcycles...


I hate you... you are evil!
SmileWavy

I hate myself for getting on this thread. Damn you, Souk! DAMN YOU! :D

Must resist RZ350 urge...must resist...

yeah souk, i got it ab 1/2 year ago. needs a few things here and there to be considered a "daily" and 'reliable'... fouls the plugs waaay too quickly and then you need a prayer to kick it into life (or pull them and clean 'em ;) )

still, lots of fun.

http://www.dorkiphus.com/porsche/showthread.php?t=9834&highlight=commando

Wow Dave. That thing is beautiful! Great write-up too. :)

David...my first bike was a Yamaha .. so I've always been a Yama fan. I've been resisting the urge to buy an RD or RZ as a project bike. Damn you all! But damn if I'm going to live w/o a bike :D

Too bad you guys do not live down in this neck of the woods. Sun is going down and its still 73 degrees out here. Great motorcycling weather!

I’ll be out for a little bit of riding this weekend, Joe. It’s going to be 50 degrees and I need to warm the oil before I drain it out of the bikes for an oil change. But yeah…I wish I did (or rather could) live in the SW.

Check out Carpy's site....

www.cb750cafe.com

$pondon frames look cool....but dang brother...I can't justify that kinda change. Then again...my 911 parts collection is costing s hell of a lot of change! :( Maybe I should just give up 911's and buy more bikes. I can fit a heck of a lot of bikes in the garage...but only onr or two 911s. :D

Crap...one more time...(I love this stupid picture)

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/5...guzdock6js.jpg

Damn you, Souk! DAMN YOU! :D

That chick is tasty

LOL!

We gotta find more pictures of that bike and the tasty chick...put your internet detective hats on boys! :D

Some more inspiration from Oz:

http://www.deus.com.au/