Cafe Racer guys...I need your thoughts

[tangerine911S]

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.

[jhynesrockmtn]

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.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

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..

[techweenie]

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

[Gogar]

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

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

Originally Posted by techweenie

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

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

[Tim Hancock]

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).

[Eric 951]

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:

[Rot 911]

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.

[tangerine911S]

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.

[Tim Hancock]

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.

[tangerine911S]

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

[TechnoViking]

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.

[Tim Hancock]

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.

[tangerine911S]

Noted Tim. Thanks

[Bill Douglas]

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

[vash]

what is that first bike. a 400 supersport?

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

[tangerine911S]

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

[techweenie]

Local to So Cal:

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

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

[tangerine911S]

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