cafe racer build

[r2d2slime]

I have a 82 gl500 and I'd like to make it into a cafe racer the only thing is I don't know where to start what are the first things I should do plus parts that I will need

[orange]

I know nothing of cafe racers, but there's a thread in Sports bikes ( http://www.m13online.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=7746 ) about it. I'm pretty sure it's on a bike quite similar to yours, and covers basically all of the basics...

[ilanidrac]

Now this is a thread!

The best thing I would say to do, is to look around the interne for pics of other cafe builds to decide what styles you like and would want to incorporate in your bike.

Most of the time, you can keep it pretty simple and just swap out the seat for a cafe seat, the bars for clubmans or clipons, and possibly even swapping the fuel tank with a more cafe themed one.

A lot of guys will add bar-end mirrors, small LED turn signals, chrome bucket headlights, pod airfilters to replace the airbox, solid battery so it can be moved and hidden, the possibilities are really endless, and really depend on how much money and time you want to put into it.

Still, the best first step to take is to look at other bikes just to see what you will like.

If you have any specific questions, you ask and I will try to answer or point you in the right area.

For reference, here is the first cafe bike I built from a 1982 Honda FT500, which took a lot of heavy mods (and repairs):

Before:


After (about 90% done here):

[RayMan]

Now this is a thread!

The best thing I would say to do, is to look around the interne for pics of other cafe builds to decide what styles you like and would want to incorporate in your bike.

Most of the time, you can keep it pretty simple and just swap out the seat for a cafe seat, the bars for clubmans or clipons, and possibly even swapping the fuel tank with a more cafe themed one.

A lot of guys will add bar-end mirrors, small LED turn signals, chrome bucket headlights, pod airfilters to replace the airbox, solid battery so it can be moved and hidden, the possibilities are really endless, and really depend on how much money and time you want to put into it.

Still, the best first step to take is to look at other bikes just to see what you will like.

If you have any specific questions, you ask and I will try to answer or point you in the right area.

For reference, here is the first cafe bike I built from a 1982 Honda FT500, which took a lot of heavy mods (and repairs):

Before:


After (about 90% done here):

That looks sick. I love cafe racers, I want to attempt one at some point.

[ilanidrac]

That looks sick. I love cafe racers, I want to attempt one at some point.

Thanks! A lot of work went into that bike, and i am pretty proud of how it came out for a first attempt. Even had to cut parts of the frame and re-weld to get it in the shape we wanted.

You can do anything with some elbow grease!

[Axelfbomber]

Now that you mention the cafe racer, I just thought I'd point out I actually own one. And even though everyone has their eyes set out for these cruisers and sports bikes, I don't think they turn as many heads as the Cafe racers do. Got a 81 Cafe racer (kawasaki) though I laid it down recently...

haven't had it for long though, bought it off my friend and it's an amazing bike. Glad yours turned out nicely! Great change from the original? red to the black. looks very smooth.

[bricksrheavy]

Damn, sorry to hear you crashed yours, hope the damage is not too great. Don't own one, but I would love to 'cause you said it, they're real head turners. Only thing is, a cafe racer doesn't look very comfortable so I guess you need to have a "normal" bike for long rides which I can't afford in a million years.

[Axelfbomber]

Only thing is, a cafe racer doesn't look very comfortable so I guess you need to have a "normal" bike for long rides which I can't afford in a million years.

That's partly true, but the way the old racers are set up is actually more comfortable than the sports bikes today. the pegs are placed forward on the bike allowing for upright posture, or, if you want, a more racing posture to lean forward. The handle bars are really what creates the comfortability of the bike. Mine came with handle bars like that of a cruiser, and it was really comfortable to ride, but I switched over to sportsbike handle bars for more Aesthetic pleasure. For me, it's definitely more comfortable for longer rides because of the seating, and I'm 6'4 btw, but make sure the seats correct if you are going to get one.

Mine takes more of a cruiser look because of it's year.. and the new muffler system I had to reattach haha, but I don't regret getting this instead of a sportsbike. Also a plus is you can ride with cruisers and sportsbikers haha.

[ilanidrac]

Thanks for the comment on my build! I actually wound up selling it a few months ago and started a new project for an 75 RD350 that I picked up (its almost done looks wise, soon to get a bunch of performance stuff on there). Ill try to get pics up later.

The riding position can be uncomfortable depending on how its set up. With lower bars like clubmans or clip-ons, if you throw some rearsets on it makes it more bearable.

The RD350 I have has clipons, and I modified rearsets from a late 80s YZF600 or something to fit on this bike. It is actully pretty darn comfortable once you get a feel for it.