Author Topic: Cafe racer  (Read 16518 times)

Offline Awaz

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Cafe racer
« on: May 16, 2011, 01:35:20 PM »
Trying to find a bike that I can turn into a cafe racer. Saw this bike very close to where I live. What do you guys think?

http://springfieldil.craigslist.org/mcy/2382083591.html

Thing is it is two stroke. Dunno if cafe racers were two stroke.
2016 Ducati Scrambler
2008 C14

Offline sherob

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #1 on: May 16, 2011, 02:14:16 PM »
Make a nice scrambler though...  ;)
Rob
Brighton, CO... missing Texas!

Offline Awaz

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #2 on: May 16, 2011, 02:21:30 PM »
what's the diff between a scrambler and cafe racer?
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Offline sherob

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #3 on: May 16, 2011, 04:02:00 PM »
Scrambler more off road bike... high pipes... a bit of a knobby tire... basically what you got.  A cafe racer... some clipons... lower pipes... small flyscreen... flat single seat with a hump on the back...

Scrambler


Cafe Racer
Rob
Brighton, CO... missing Texas!

Offline booger

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #4 on: May 16, 2011, 06:45:43 PM »
Sorry.  Just don't see a cafe racer in it for any amount of work ???

Offline jayke

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #5 on: May 17, 2011, 04:52:08 AM »
My first bike was a '78 Yamaha DT175.  Fun but slow 70 MPH was top end.

Offline RFH87_Connie

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #6 on: May 17, 2011, 07:14:38 AM »
My first bike was a '78 Yamaha DT175.  Fun but slow 70 MPH was top end.

I had a '78 DT400.  I was stolen the night before mothers day of '82.  Made a great dirt/trail bike - not to good of a street bike.  It almost felt illegal when I road it.  It was just a motocross bike with lights (and a knobby on the back).  It would pick the front end up in any gear.  You're right, they were fun.

I remember someone in HS (80s - so the bike was 70s) had an RD350 set up as a cafe racer.  Looked pretty cool.  I think it was purple metallic from the factory?
“I can truly say I had rather be at home at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the seat of government by the officers of State and the representatives of every power of Europe.” - George Washington

Offline Awaz

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #7 on: May 17, 2011, 01:09:57 PM »
Rats ! Wanted a cafe racer. Guess I will go look at it anyways. For the price, even a scrambler will be nice !  ;D
2016 Ducati Scrambler
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Offline RFH87_Connie

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #8 on: May 17, 2011, 01:38:42 PM »
Man, I just looked at the add.  That's whats called and ENDURO.  Its the predecessor to the KLRs of today.  That would be mine it I lived near by.  Parts are available on eBay for most things.  My MOM has a 1971 CT175 that dad rebuilt from a basket case of $20 back in like 1979 maybe.  It's name is Foo-Foo.  We still have it.  But it will never see the street again.  It had the alternator and all the electrical thrown away back then.  Also the oil pump has been removed so we just put premix in it.  Those are great around town bikes.  Great to take with you on vacation because you can put them on one of those sideways hitch ramp carriers too.

Those were hi-tech in their day.  They have one of the first close ratio 6-speed transmissions produced.  Many people (including mom's) have had port jobs done and larger carbs added.  The front fender used to be a front wheel hugger type (like our bike).
“I can truly say I had rather be at home at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the seat of government by the officers of State and the representatives of every power of Europe.” - George Washington

Offline Leo

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #9 on: May 17, 2011, 04:24:50 PM »
Find a CB 450 DOHC Honda, they make good cafe' racers due to traditional looks as well as good performance.  The traditional British Cafe' racers were Big bore singles and vertical twins in the 500-650 cc range.  Low handle bars, rear set foot controls and elimination of anything that was not necissary was the standard of the day.  Sort of like a chopper/bobber that you can actually ride fast on straights AND curves.  Good Luck
Yep, still riding the old one

In Indiana, missing Texas

Offline Bmcush

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #10 on: May 17, 2011, 04:30:41 PM »
Golly old England, birthplace of cafe racing.

I might take a more 70's American approach and get and RD350!!

YoDoc

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #11 on: May 17, 2011, 09:26:56 PM »
Leo, you make me laugh. I'm in Texas, missing Indiana!

Offline Leo

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #12 on: May 18, 2011, 06:36:05 AM »
YoDoc, what do you look like, maybe we could switch residences and no one would notice.  I could do Irving.
Yep, still riding the old one

In Indiana, missing Texas

Offline sherob

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #13 on: May 18, 2011, 10:09:20 AM »
LOL... I'll have to change my sig now.  That's great, Leo! ;)
Rob
Brighton, CO... missing Texas!

YoDoc

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #14 on: May 18, 2011, 11:18:19 AM »
Leo, my avatar is a picture of me, except I'm bald now, so.... the hair might set it off. LOL

Offline Connito

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #15 on: May 18, 2011, 12:44:16 PM »
One of the best bikes to make a cafe racer out of is Honda CB400 four SOHC or the even harder to find CB350 four SOHC. Many people, including myself go with the CB750 SOHC. It will be fun, whatever you choose though.

Good luck,
Pete
"Old enough to know what's right, but young enough not to choose it”

Offline Uglydog56

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #16 on: May 20, 2011, 11:32:05 AM »
I have a CB400F cafe'd out, and it is about the most fun you can have with your clothes on.  You would think a bike that will only do 80 would suck, but that is not the case.  It is impossible not to ride at its limits.  I have been cordially invited never to ride it on base ever again.  ???
Rick A. Cone
COG #9186
98 Connie, 76 CB400F

YoDoc

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #17 on: May 20, 2011, 12:20:42 PM »
The suzuki s40 makes a good looking cafe, and they're cheap, to boot!

http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2010/05/19/ryca-cs-1-suzuki-s40-cafe-conversion/

Offline Conrad

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #18 on: May 20, 2011, 01:16:43 PM »
My first bike was a '78 Yamaha DT175.  Fun but slow 70 MPH was top end.

Mine was a '74 or '75 DT125. Man I loved that thing! Till my bro wrecked it.
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Offline Connito

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Re: Cafe racer
« Reply #19 on: May 20, 2011, 01:38:35 PM »
I have a CB400F cafe'd out, and it is about the most fun you can have with your clothes on.  You would think a bike that will only do 80 would suck, but that is not the case.  It is impossible not to ride at its limits.  I have been cordially invited never to ride it on base ever again.  ???

Pictures please.....
"Old enough to know what's right, but young enough not to choose it”