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I really want a cafe style bike.

ethandf06

ethandf06

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Joined
Apr 19, 2012
Messages
587
Location
Washington
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[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1BwHyoqiLc"]Bonita Applebum Cafe Racer - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6NgZkHTbn8"]SR 500 BIGHEAD ST 2 - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhf_79B_Lig"]1976 Honda cb 750 cb750 F1 cafe racer caferacer - YouTube[/ame]
 
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I think you were trying to use the link that you got while logged in to your account (notice it starts with https). I just used the regular http link and they embedded fine. Not sure what else it could have been. And yes cafe style bikes are cool and fun, just not very functional. Any of them would be a fun second bike :)

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1BwHyoqiLc"]Bonita Applebum Cafe Racer - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6NgZkHTbn8"]SR 500 BIGHEAD ST 2 - YouTube[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhf_79B_Lig"]1976 Honda cb 750 cb750 F1 cafe racer caferacer - YouTube[/ame]
 
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The Cafe style pushes the right buttons for me when I look at them but I bet my love affair would die quickly if I was forced to actually ride one every day.

Like already mentioned, maybe as a second bike .............that I'd be tempted to park in the living room when not riding it. That's my kind of art !!!
 
super googan said:
You know what, I could see picking up one of the New CB1100's used in a few years and doing a Cafe project. :woot:
Click to expand...

Well that would be really cool. Modern reliability with retro looks.

This might fit the bill as well and on sale now:

attachment.php
 
I thought I wanted one and almost pulled the trigger on a used Thruxton. The I rode one for a little bit. NFW. They look cool but are borderline unbearable to ride. At least at my age.
 
If you want a "real" cafe bike look for a Honda GB500. Without buying an AJS that is the closest thing you'll find. Expect to pay about $5,000.

Or you can do what I doing and build your own. And $5,000 will seem like a bargain.

Sent from my LG-P925 using Tapatalk 2
 
Cafe racers are the most beutiful things to look at, i'd love to own one as a 2nd or a 3rd bike maybe, but i can't see my self riding to work on them everyday =(
 
They are very cool looking. I'd love to have one. But I don't think I'd like to ride it much. The riding position is just too brutal. Even a Thruxton - which I also love. If I got one, I think I would end up changing the bars to more upright.
 
I agree with you Pete about the Honda GB500. This Yamaha SRX-600 would be great for a cafe racer as well, but since they were only imported into the US for 1986 they are practically impossible to find:

attachment.php
 
Well guys i took the plunge and bought a 2008 triumph bonneville and im over the moon , had it a couple of months and have done a few bits to it.. and guys i gotta admit im really taken with this triumph twin heres a before and after pic. BEFORE
USEDBIKE_SMTTJ9107G8330586_0.jpg
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AFTER
bonnienow.jpg
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bonniegaitorson.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]
 
I like everything that you've done!
You've given it a Thruxton look .. that rack is very cool ... and adds some practicality!
The bar end mirrors are also very cool .. help out the "antenna" look of the original, hugely!
The bars .. you've lowered ... maybe not a low as Thruxton stock. What bars did you use? How does your bar height compare to Thruxton stock?

Just wondering .. did you consider the Thruxton .. and maybe try it out .. or at least sit it .. and decided the "lean-over" was too much for you?
Did you consider buying a Thruxton and raising it's bars??

Lot of questions - I realize - but I've been considering the same. Love the Thruxton look - but not sure I can tolerate the riding position. Considering buying and doing bar changes ... but which direction?? Bonneville to Thruxton look ... or Thruxton to higher bars? I recognize the foot peg differences, too. It's always something...

I'd appreciate your remarks.

You've got a great looking machine!
 
Thanks for the comments lindy.. right here goes. a few months back i test rode a thruxton fitted with arrow exhausts and was smetten!, unfourtunatly i couldnt find a decent used one for my money so i started to look at bonnevilles.
I decided if i was going bonneville it would have to be wire wheel type. I managed to fine this 08 polate bonnie all black ( engine casings) and the first of the efi models so i took the plunge traded in my fz1n with 20.000 miles on it.
I changed the rear shocks for thruxton shocks as they add an inch to the seat height and im 6 ft, the bars and mirrors had to be next so i opted for a drag type flat bar that can be twisted for a more cafe racer stance,the front indicators were moved using a thruxton indicator bracket, the end cans sound great and look classic made by a british company called fecked,
I then fitted the scrambler single solo seat knee pads and fork gators, im pretty pleased with the results wi;; pprobably fit a headlamp stone guard, new number plate and clear indicator lenses.
Am i gutted i didnt get a thruxton??? NO.
Tbh test riding the thruxron for an hour was a real buzz but im not sure i could of put up with the riding position all day.
Most peopleseem to go with the thruxton seat and cowl but for £100 i couldnt pass up the solo seat and imho it makes it a little different to others
 
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Thanks, guyz.
It looks great!
How do you think your bar height came out when compared to a Thruxton? Some higher?
 
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