Cafe Racer
Update: Chris had actually sent me links to a a pair of photo albums and he actually pointed me to the better of the two… which I promptly forgot about and posted the lesser quality of the finished pics. So I thought I’d update this oversight by sorting it out now. These are much better and more representative shots of the finished product. Someone really does has a nice touch with the lens Chris. Thanks and orry for any confusion..
Chris Trotter send in this very special build. I absolutely love the Gulf Racing colors. Oh and these are just a very small taste. Be sure to check out the slideshow folks. SLIDESHOw OF THE FULL BUILD
Hey Steve,
So I bought the original bike a 1975 Honda CB550K in October of 2010, which was stock except for the exhaust. With the exception of the engine, which was in great shape, everything on the bike was replaced, refurbished or built anew. The subframe was built to match up to the tail, which was built to echo the tank. Both tank and seat/tail are constructed from a mix of fiberglass and Kevlar. That was an eye-opener for me; due to Kevlar’s uncooperative nature, I have to say the next build will exclude it entirely! All of the 36 year old bearings and bushings were replaced for peace of mind. Many members of the forum Do The Ton contributed to this build whether by encouragement or hooking me up with parts. For instance, the rear sets and top triple clamp were machined by a forum member, and the logos were airbrushed on by a friend and fellow forum member, with the stencils being made by another! The paint scheme and name are in honor of Gulf Racing’s efforts at the 1975 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
Thanks Steve! Let me know if you need anything more.
Really special bike. Well done.
Here’s a progress pic…
And the before pic…
Ron Fairbrother sends in an update on his really impressive V-Rod Cafe
Hi mate
Thought I would send the final shots of the Vrod cafe racer – Rocket Speedster 2 with the new clip-ons to finish the look.
The wheels are off now having a repaint in black with a silver rim. Hope it meets with approval 
)
Ron
Love it Ron! Thanks for the updates!
I’ve got to do a better job checking my e-mail. This one fell through the crack a little.
Mark Byfield send in this great build!
Hey mate,
attached couple of pics of my home made, anti-bling cafe racer. Its based on a 1985 R80 (before pics attached) and was put together for a total of around 3500 Aussie dollars. goes like a train and is awesome fun!!!!
Hope you can use it for your great blog.
Cheers,
Great Stuff Mark! Thanks!
The before pic.
Saw these parked outside a local watering hole. A friend of mine told me that the owners are in their early 20′s. Warms my heart to know that the next generation might be keeping these going for a while!
Don Shores sends in his latest:
Steve,
Just finished the Cafe project, 1979 CX500, epoxy primer, 2 into one exhaust, a few billet pieces, equaled a fun winter project.
Had to clean up the garage a little, while they were out I took a picture of the “BOYS” all together Have a great evening, I check out your site daily and enjoy all of the different rides.
Thx Don
Nice bike and great stable. Thanks Don!
Brian Bold sends in this nicely modded BMW. While I’m not an old school BMW expert by any stretch I know what I like and I love the style and line.
Hello
Here are some pictures of my BMW R51/3
The fairing is a Peel, Hoske tank and mufflers, Dellorto SS1 carbs. A lot of fun to ride, now it needs to just stop raining so I can spend more then 20 minutes around the neighborhood between rain.
The before pic..
There’s a LOT of nice bikes out there being let go of. Wish I had some coin to spend 
Hi there, first of all let me congratulate you for your website, is very good.
I’m from Portugal my name is João Castilho and this is my BMW R 80 ST cafe racer year 1985, i would like you post it for me, hope you like it!
Thanks
Best Regards
JMCastilho
Looks like a lot of fun. Thanks!
