Pappy Goes Cafe.
 

Well trend setters, I went to the auctions this week and picked up a couple of Firestorms that no one seemed interested in at a very good price of $2200 for the pair. One however is a statutory write off, so it can be a parts donor bike the other is re- registrable. one has 30klm the other 21klm on the clock, so both low milage for a 2006/5 models.
Now to start on my cafe project.
I acquired a Hayabusa USD front end and with just a top bearing change, the yokes bolted in easy so far. I will need to make new steering stops.
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Making a template for my alloy rear seat:
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Keep the posts coming on that seat re-do. I'll be following that very closely. Have fun!

Well this morning I slid the Hayabusa forks in and it looks like I can use the VTR front wheel as the disc spacing is perfect. I will however need to get different bearings for the axle to fit correctly.
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I also tackled cutting down the rear subframe so the seat has the flat Cafe racer look.
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I think I'm going to like this thread. I'm on my way to doing some changes too.

Miguel

[QUOTE=PappySmears;314198]Well this morning I slid the Hayabusa forks in and it looks like I can use the VTR front wheel as the disc spacing is perfect. I will however need to get different bearings for the axle to fit correctly.
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im curious about the busa front end,is the length of the forks the same as vtr.is it at stock height when all put together etc etc....just would like to know how close to stock it is as far as the specs go.

I think I'm going to like Pappy Smears being a member of this forum.

Agreed.

+1

Thanks Boys, I appreciate the encouragement. I have to say that this mod work is costing me a lot in beer, with no plans to go by and doing it all myself, I find that I need to drink to get inspiration...:D:D

Saige, I will measure it up for you, but bare in mind the Busa front end sits flush with the top of the fork clamp, where the VTR protrudes through.

Hardest part of a project is getting started, a good drink definitely has been known to help with that! Then you run into a dexterity issue, but that's minor...:cool:

Really like where that seat looks like it's headed, btw

If you pull the conversion off you will have a hell of a bike. I’ve started going in that direction about a dozen times, but turned back when I started figuring costs.

I had this picture as my desktop image for a long while. It’s not our bike, but it gives you an idea of what can be done.
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/wp-co...2411middle.jpg

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The rad-under-the-seat mod looks familiar.

Oh, and there's this mod folks do to the Hawk GT

http://gallery.me.com/stevenhowell/1...12324687740007

http://hawkgtforum.com/forum/showthr...?t=355&page=12

This involves running a Ducati Monster seat on a chopped stock subframe. That seat won't work on the VTR. The subframe rails are too wide. Don't ask me how I know ;)

CR

Here is a quick lunchtime, cardboard mock up of something I have in my head.

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Dickin around with a different tail shape..
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I'm really starting to dog the cafe look! Keep up the good work pap. I think that tail would look sweet if the seat pad area was shortened about 2-3 inches! But looks sweet how it sits.

would you be selling any parts? im looking for a 19L fuel tank at mates rates

Well mate those pics probably don't show it right as that seat area is only 350 long and to shorten it would not accommodate my fat ass!:D

Subscribed!

[QUOTE=saige;314213]
I'd like to know the same. There is a few front ends for sale on Ebay right now for a resonable price.

Length of the Busa forks are 750,, The VTR are longer but protrude much more through the top yoke. I will be using under yoke clip ons.

Thanks for that. I guess if the geometry is that far off, as in it brings the rake way in, you could always lower the rear a little to make it not so twitchy. I'd love to hear a ride report when you all done. This thing is going to look sweet when you're done. Definitely one of a kind.


*subscribed*

Bought some cheap CNC rearsets off ebay for around $100 landed, then cut off the other ugly fukkers off and fitted these on.... barrrrrgain!

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Wait, so you just welded the tabs onto the stock stuff? Talk about a simple solution!

yeeeep, now fully adjustable!:D

Yer a freaking genious! Thanks for the idea.

lovin the rear set idea. so simple!

Had some alloy sheet rolled yesterday and made a start on the alloy seat. I am not sure if I will go this way or just get a cheap fiberglass one.. I will just see how it looks , but if it does not suit, in the bin it goes!!

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Thought I'd tag along for the fun... looking for rear sets now. :cool: