Cafe Racer guys...I need your thoughts
 

My brother and I would like to build a cb550 cafe racer this summer when we both have time. I know a doner bike will run about a grand, give or take based on condition. A fiberglass tank/seat combo about another grand. Frame will need modifying, hopefully only minor engine work, powdercoat, paint, new electrics, handlbars, etc..

My motorcycle experience is quite limited but what kind of budget should be allotted for this type of project...done right. I know they sky is the limit but lets be practical. Are these cafe bikes $5K-$7K projects? $8K-$10K? If he can't commit I will be in this alone, which is fine. Thanks for the help

Shooting for something like this. I have a feeling I will get a lot of "it depends on what you want or what you do it it" comments so maybe use this picture as a reference as the final product.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1242015895.jpg

I would think you could keep the price down by buying a donor bike that is already in great mechanical condition. $1,000 won't buy you much of a donor bike, especially if you're looking for a CB550SS. I sold a CB400 Supersport that was in overall very good condition last year for $2,800 with new tires. Wasn't a show bike but mechanically was sound.

I bought this bike (CB550 same as pic above) for $500, put another $500 into it, parts, paint, polishing, top end rebuild.

CB750's and CB550's typically go for around $500-1000 as beaters (mine was). I've seen cafe builds going for $2500-3500 depending on how they were built, custom jobs, etc..

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1242016678.jpg

Jared, I wonder if that's my old bike. Was it originally blue?

This CB350 is really getting my goat right now . . . . .

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1242019075.jpg

Nope, it was purple and gold, but mostly rust..

I got my '74 450 (foreground) for free and the parts bike for $50. After a weekend of fiddling with it, it ran perfect. I am currently turning it into a cafe racer and will maybe have $500 in it when I am done (and it will be done nicely).
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1242043254.jpg

Do some shopping around. You can find donor bikes cheap--my riding buddy just picked up a 78 CX500 cafe project for 200.00.

Here is a rundown of the costs for my 76 CB750 Cafe--all of the parts are not yet installed--but it will give you an idea.

Also--check SOHC.net--one of the best CB forums out there for ideas, advice, etc..

bike--2,000
clubman bars/dunstall fibergalss seat pan/ rear LED light/(4) low profile signals/new grips/bar end mirrors--400.00

seat foam/custom cover with snaps--75.00

paint/fab work--myself

so, there is a rough idea for a 750.

Get the bike running right first before you do any mods--that way you have a baseline if problems develop.

I still have to install the dunstall seat/rear sognals/tailight--but here is mine:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1242045038.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1242045078.jpg

Keep in mind you won't need the SS model if you are going for the look in the first picture. Only stock items on that bike are the frame and the engine. So save the money you would spend paying for the premium on an SS and just get a regular CB.

Thanks. You are making me feel a little better about the cost of the project. I would probably get the tank and seat combo from benjiescaferacer.com which do run about $900 for the set. A pic is below. Dissasembly/powdercoat/reassembly of the wheels sounds expensive but maybe not. Im quite excited about this project.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1242051511.jpg

Brian, spokes are about $80 or so, but you do not have to go powdercoat..... Powder is nice, but there is nothing wrong with properly applied paint on various components. I love the "look" of Benji's tank/seats, but one can build their own seat and I personally do not like the idea of running today's fuels through fiberglass tanks.... I like metal tanks.

Tim, I have seen your work in your cafe thread and you are talented. Building a tank and seat is not something I feel I can tackle. Do you suggest painting the frame too? I think that should be powdercoated which I would do black, same as the wheel rims. I am debating on what condition of bike to start with, a $500 bike or a $1500. I think most things (shocks, spokes, paint, lights, electrics) will be restored or replaced so maybe a beater bike is my best bet. I would like to do minimal work to the engine so that would have to be in good shape.

By the way, if you have or know of a cb550 for sale, please let me know. I am in VT. Thanks

I just bought this '76 Triumph Bonneville a few weeks ago. I took off the high handlebars and installed some Clubman type yesterday. The seat is next.

I have ~$3800 in the bike. Hope to get it done including some powdercoating of some bits for under $5K total.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1242067602.jpg

Brian, you do not "need" to powdercoat anything. It can all be painted just as most vehicle frames/bodies/parts/etc have been for years. Of course powdercoat is tougher/better than most rattle can finishes, but most automotive style urethane paint is plenty durable and chemical resistant. I have used Dupont Imron, Nason Fulthane, PPG, Sherwin Williams Polane etc over the years with no problems.

I have nothing against powdercoating, but I by no means consider it as something "better" than frames I have epoxy primed and painted with catalized urethane paint. Painting requires some skills to do right, whereas powder coating simply requires you to fork over the money to someone else with the skills and equipment.

Noted Tim. Thanks

Eric, I love that 750. One of the best bikes ever made in my opinion.

what is that first bike. a 400 supersport?

AWESOME! thanks for my next hobby...you guys suck:D

Its from the bejiecafe website which has it listed as a cb550

Local to So Cal:

Really cheap:
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/1164435254.html

Really done:
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/1138487493.html

Question: What is considered average or high mileage for a Honda 4cyl. (cb550)?

good grief... check out that guys' shoes!

You should take the bike you bought:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1242067602.jpg[/QUOTE]

And make it into something like this:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1242151573.jpg

thats a cool bike.... anyone know anything about that bike?.....

damn thats cool!

kurt...... do you have any details on that bike you suggested he turn his into?......

any details at all.. im sold on the look of that cool looking bike..... im gonna look into buying or putting one of those together.......

anyone have details?


alex

Looks to be a mid-early 50's Turnip bobber. You can buy a rear subframe to make later models rigid rears...just make sure you get a kidney belt with it.

Link to a web page w/pics of Triumph bobbers: http://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11112&page=3

Two from the above site I like:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1242259290.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1242259331.jpg

dueller,

thanks for the link to the triumph bobbers.... it is pretty cool site.

do you have any other links for these bobbers? doesnt have to be triumphs... can be hondas or any other ones...... i am pretty new to these kinds of bikes so i dont know where to turn but i have decided to pick one of these up..... they are just to damn cool.....

anyone or any help would be appreciated!

alex

H20...lots of bobber sites and individual blogs on Turnips if you just google "Triumph bobbers."

Although primarily geared to cafe racers, some at www.ace-cafe-london.com

also search youtube to find vids like this:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ddIKCTmlDhE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ddIKCTmlDhE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

You may wanna snag a ride on one before you build/buy one...with primitive front forks and solid rear (non)- suspension, they''ll beat you to death.

I took the picture. It belongs to one of the guys that shows up at our weekly bike night. It is a pretty basic bobber. Hardtail frame and just the essentials to keep it running. I can try and track the guy down if you want more information.

dueller......

thanks for the insight.... ive been reading alot about this little bikes since this thread was started.... have been inspired to get one or do a partial build...... yes... i know they can be a bit hard to ride with a rigid back end....... but i actually just am looking at it as a hobby and a couple of rides a week...... ive been pretty much done with my p-car and looking for a bit of a hobby, so i rough ride isnt an issue at all.....

im now looking for a website in my area..... orange county ca........

kurt..... thanks for responding.... i didnt realize you took the picture.... I WOULD LOVE IT IF YOU CAN GET SOME DETAILS on the bike if you know him.....

pictures, build history, cost etc etc.... anything would be great. i can give you my email address to pass along to the guy if that would work........

Love this look, well I'd change the front wheel and headlight.....

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1242869180.jpg

Tangerine...you are familiar with this site? Mostly cb750's but a few 550's in here...

www.cb750cafe.com

don't screw up a stock original bike. there are always horrible amateur chopped triumphs on craigslist. far better to rescue one of those.

Well, a few weeks ago I came home with 2 (!) 1977 cb550's. I paid the whopping sum of $260 for both. One bike is missing the front forks and wheel. The other bike is 100% complete and running. I have stripped both down the the frame and started refurbing lots of little parts. I ordered a seat a tank from Benjie at Benjie's Cafe Racer and stainless spokes (those buggers are expensive!). I have been learning a lot from sohc4.net but I will make sure to keep you guys posted. I have some pictures that I will post later. I've got an idea what the final product will look like and even have a paint scheme picked out. You will have to wait and see...

http://i668.photobucket.com/albums/v...adsterDark.jpg

Saw this, thought it looked rather interesting.

Found this too:

http://www.mac-motorcycles.com/story.html

bobbers aren't my thing.

my bike:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1244157712.jpg

That thread is full of win!!

yeah, i just joined. it appears that there is a good knowledge base for triumphs there. i've torn nearly everything down on mine and rebuilt it, but friends are always good to have when it comes to british iron.