My Cafe Build
Thread Starter
2nd mouse gets the cheese
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,697
From: Beaverton, OR
My Cafe Build
Hi all,
So I recently purchased a 1972 CB 500 to turn into a cafe racer. I wanted to stay true to the original concept of a cafe bike. Meaning a budget build all the parts I can build by hand will be built by hand. Like the clip ons exhaust, seat, seat cowl, modify the tank, move the rear sets, and on and on. I will not buy any parts unless there is no way to build them. I know alot of people buy the parts for these bikes then assemble but I thought it would be cool to do it all myself. It may take longer but should be fun. As I go I am sure your opinion will help me with the direction of the build.
Bike in the VW Bus, this is what she looked like when bought for $500
I repaired, repainted and recovered the old seat so I could sell it on ebay for some extra money for the build.
Here are the newly made clip-ons
I will keep posting as I build, in case people want to see, let me know what you think.
So I recently purchased a 1972 CB 500 to turn into a cafe racer. I wanted to stay true to the original concept of a cafe bike. Meaning a budget build all the parts I can build by hand will be built by hand. Like the clip ons exhaust, seat, seat cowl, modify the tank, move the rear sets, and on and on. I will not buy any parts unless there is no way to build them. I know alot of people buy the parts for these bikes then assemble but I thought it would be cool to do it all myself. It may take longer but should be fun. As I go I am sure your opinion will help me with the direction of the build.
Bike in the VW Bus, this is what she looked like when bought for $500
I repaired, repainted and recovered the old seat so I could sell it on ebay for some extra money for the build.
Here are the newly made clip-ons
I will keep posting as I build, in case people want to see, let me know what you think.
Thread Starter
2nd mouse gets the cheese
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,697
From: Beaverton, OR
So here's some of my to do list.
Move battery to under the rear cowl
Move electronics to under the seat
Remove all mounts
Cut and modify rear frame
Remove center stand
Build Front fender
Build rear hugger
Build Rear Cowl (Aluminum?)
Build Tank (Aluminum?)
Move back rearsets and controls
So things I would like opinions on are, should I build an aluminum tank and cowl or just modify the original tank and make a cowl out of steel?
One or two gauges?
What style for the exhaust (High mount, Gp Mount under the cowl etc.)?
Move battery to under the rear cowl
Move electronics to under the seat
Remove all mounts
Cut and modify rear frame
Remove center stand
Build Front fender
Build rear hugger
Build Rear Cowl (Aluminum?)
Build Tank (Aluminum?)
Move back rearsets and controls
So things I would like opinions on are, should I build an aluminum tank and cowl or just modify the original tank and make a cowl out of steel?
One or two gauges?
What style for the exhaust (High mount, Gp Mount under the cowl etc.)?
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,138
From: Austin, Tx
I think everything on your mod list is achievable but I question the tank options. I think you leave one out. I might opt for cutting the tank and then fabricating a transition band in your shop. A friend of mine just chopped his Harley tank and the result not only holds gas but is really cool. He cut his vertically for his downsize but I can imagine a horizontal cut for more sleek design.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,611
From: Belgium, WI
Thread Starter
2nd mouse gets the cheese
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,697
From: Beaverton, OR
I like that too, here is the concept I am drawing a number of q's from. I am not going to copy it but the overal sleak look is what I like.
only difference is I may try and make a similiar tank from aluminum except maybe with some clip on cut outs in the front.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,611
From: Belgium, WI
I do some work for a guy who has one of these.
http://www.bikeexif.com/wp-content/u.../03/ajs_7r.jpg
I love the tank on the bike above, well, I pretty much love the bike.
http://www.bikeexif.com/wp-content/u.../03/ajs_7r.jpg
I love the tank on the bike above, well, I pretty much love the bike.
Thread Starter
2nd mouse gets the cheese
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,697
From: Beaverton, OR
I do some work for a guy who has one of these.
http://www.bikeexif.com/wp-content/u.../03/ajs_7r.jpg
I love the tank on the bike above, well, I pretty much love the bike.
http://www.bikeexif.com/wp-content/u.../03/ajs_7r.jpg
I love the tank on the bike above, well, I pretty much love the bike.
Thread Starter
2nd mouse gets the cheese
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,697
From: Beaverton, OR
been fiddling with the bike today. Removed the battery tray, and started working on the headlight and gauges mounting locations.
Here the headlight bucket after sanding out some scuffs
And this is after painting it
No more destroyed bucket and gauges off
So this is what I am thinking as far as a gauge placement. Opinions?
Here the headlight bucket after sanding out some scuffs
And this is after painting it
No more destroyed bucket and gauges off
So this is what I am thinking as far as a gauge placement. Opinions?
evil man of nothing
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,517
From: Boynton Beach, FL
Wow looks to be in really good shape to begin with. That's an awesome idea. That concept bike is REALLY nice. You've got good taste, stick with that basic idea and you can't miss. Too bad Honda doesn't build anything like it ala the nightster. Here's a '73 CB350 I picked up for $200 and fixed it up my way.
Thread Starter
2nd mouse gets the cheese
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,697
From: Beaverton, OR
captain, how long did you spend to get that 350 done?
Autoteach, I want at least one gauge for reference so for the street the speedo and for track use switch it for the tack. I am not sure if that will be the gauge I will use though I may find a replacement that is in better shape.
Autoteach, I want at least one gauge for reference so for the street the speedo and for track use switch it for the tack. I am not sure if that will be the gauge I will use though I may find a replacement that is in better shape.
evil man of nothing
MotoGP
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,517
From: Boynton Beach, FL
I don't even remember. I guess I owned to for about a year but I wasn't working on it everyday. LOTS of cleaning but it was really cool because it only had around 5k original miles and hadn't been registered or titled since like 1975. It came with the original title from brand new. I basically kept it stock besides removing stuff like the fender, tailight, signals, chainguard and stock exhaust. Put on an aftermarket set of carbs (duh, they cost more than the bike) too.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,611
From: Belgium, WI
http://home.ama-cycle.org/post/showp...bonnie_600.jpg
My boss has a boldoro endurance tank, an airtech cr tank for the 750, and a stock one if you are interested. The other idea that came to mind is if you are going to make your own tank, inset the guages flush in the top. That way the bars stay clean.
My boss has a boldoro endurance tank, an airtech cr tank for the 750, and a stock one if you are interested. The other idea that came to mind is if you are going to make your own tank, inset the guages flush in the top. That way the bars stay clean.
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 116
From: Lunenburg, MA
Andrew, I can't believe it cause I had a 72 500-4 w/ Borrani pipes and Clubman clip-on bars (34 years ago). Painted my tank "flip-flop" black, which looked kind of dark purple metalflake in bright light. I would think being a cafe "racer," you'd certainly wanna leave the tach on the bike, at a minimum. I think black w/ chrome fenders would be perfect for your project.
I envy your talents, please keep us in the loop as you progress!
Did you get my ? on modifying my tail rack for a Sargent Seat?
I envy your talents, please keep us in the loop as you progress!
Did you get my ? on modifying my tail rack for a Sargent Seat?
Last edited by BluStreak; Aug 13, 2009 at 06:19 PM. Reason: left out a sentence
Thread Starter
2nd mouse gets the cheese
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,697
From: Beaverton, OR
[quote=autoteach;231119]http://home.ama-cycle.org/post/showp...bonnie_600.jpg
quote]
quite the cluster.
I might consider the gauge in the tank, that would be pretty trick, but it also would be hard to see. Oh the compromises/ dilemas.
Bluestreak I sent you a visitor message just let me know.
quote]
quite the cluster.I might consider the gauge in the tank, that would be pretty trick, but it also would be hard to see. Oh the compromises/ dilemas.
Bluestreak I sent you a visitor message just let me know.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,138
From: Austin, Tx
I like your idea of an aggressive pair of clipons cut into the tank matching the leg reliefs in the rear. Really like the top curveture of the tank with this look. Ah, to gauge or not to gauge. Either is optional and viable but I think the difficult part is if you chose to gauge the infinite number of parts available - usually all mail order - make this a huge research project to get the right look.
Thread Starter
2nd mouse gets the cheese
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,697
From: Beaverton, OR
I like your idea of an aggressive pair of clipons cut into the tank matching the leg reliefs in the rear. Really like the top curveture of the tank with this look. Ah, to gauge or not to gauge. Either is optional and viable but I think the difficult part is if you chose to gauge the infinite number of parts available - usually all mail order - make this a huge research project to get the right look.
Also does anyone know what I need to do to run this bike without a battery?
Thread Starter
2nd mouse gets the cheese
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,697
From: Beaverton, OR
So here are some things done today.
Start from flat plate
and end with this, if I keep it I will polish the aluminum out.
Here is where the headlight will end up roughly.
Start from flat plate
and end with this, if I keep it I will polish the aluminum out.
Here is where the headlight will end up roughly.
Thread Starter
2nd mouse gets the cheese
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,697
From: Beaverton, OR
So I have a couple of questions for anyone who might know.
What do I need to do to run without a battery?
Can I drill a hole pattern into the front rotor without causing problems?
Any answers would be awesome thanks.
What do I need to do to run without a battery?
Can I drill a hole pattern into the front rotor without causing problems?
Any answers would be awesome thanks.
New Hawk Rider
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 258
From: Ventura Co. SoCAL
I started out on a cafe bike as my first bike. I then moved up to my SH. I loved them both but the cafe was just too small for me after learning how to ride.
Here they are together. Nothing more fun than fixing a bike up.
Here they are together. Nothing more fun than fixing a bike up.
Thread Starter
2nd mouse gets the cheese
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,697
From: Beaverton, OR
yeah small is an understatement these bikes feel like toys. Weigh right around 400 pounds wet I think. I am trying to loose 40 to 50lbs off it because I am considering taking it to the track possibly to race it in vintage class eventually. I haven't done much to it in the last few days. I am waiting for aluminum foot pegs then I will move the rear sets. The stockers weigh an easy pound or two since the mount is solid steel. The plan right now is to make the exhaust under engine keeping its CG down. Still need to know if you can run it without a battery.
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,548
From: MN
if you aren't too far into the project yet, this is still available on ebay.
I was outbid about 12K ago
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda...#ht_500wt_1182
I was outbid about 12K ago
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda...#ht_500wt_1182
Thread Starter
2nd mouse gets the cheese
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,697
From: Beaverton, OR
if you aren't too far into the project yet, this is still available on ebay.
I was outbid about 12K ago
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda...#ht_500wt_1182
I was outbid about 12K ago
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda...#ht_500wt_1182
I don't understand why that one is worth so much.
