First Cafe Racer Project

damonsdesign · Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2011 2:46 pm Post subject: First Cafe Racer Project

Hey there,
So first bike, first build.
Been looking at some bikes, found some stuff at a bike salvage yard, I'm really thinking I might be best off getting a running bike and starting the tear down from there. Was originally looking for a 350, the guy at the salvage yard said that after 6 months that I'd feel like I'd outgrown the bike though. I'm 23 6foot 160pounds, so not size wise lol.

Found a 1970 Honda 450 local bike only issues, are no title and he said the bike runs good has been a while since it ran, Needs mostly cosmetics, battery and fuel lines before I'd be able to ride, and the tires are "old and cracked".

My questions would be how big of an issue is no title, he said he'd do a bill of sale and has the vin so I would do a carefax(bikefax?) on it.
For the work it needs to get running, let alone the build. He's asking 600 which seems about right maybe some wiggle room, tires and battery/fuel lines and title fees what not.

Did the 450's have a kick start?

So just trying to get some feedback like I said I am a cafe racer newbie. I've built and raced cars with the scca for most of my life, so I am quite capable, just looking for a new "small" project.

Any advice/tips would be appreciated.

MR.CHocko · Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2011 2:52 pm Post subject:

Yes the CB450 had both kick and electric start. Most bikes of that era had both because people didn't trust electric start that much.

KirkN · Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2011 3:13 pm Post subject:

damonsdesign · Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2011 3:25 pm Post subject: Re

That was kinda my thought at first which is why I had asked him about the vin and getting a bill of sale, which he seemed really cool about. Here in AZ with a bill of sale its really pretty easy to get a new title, but it would kinda be nice to not have to worry about.
I am gonna take a look at it tomorrow see what kinda shape its in, if I can haggle him down to 300-400 bucks though would I be ok to scoop it up?

dorT500 · Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2011 3:44 pm Post subject:

http://vjmog.com/ftopict-8071-title.html and

http://vjmog.com/ftopict-4772-title.html

damonsdesign · Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2011 4:28 pm Post subject: re

Hmm interesting reads thank you very much.
So what I gathered out of those was pretty much no title=parts bike.
But the information about getting a title and plate from maine, and then going to your local title was interesting just kinda seems like more of a headache.
I want a project bike, not a paper work bike lol

MR.CHocko · Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2011 4:34 pm Post subject:

Then in that case start looking on Craigslist and at the Swap meets. Look at both the bike and the car ones, saying that because believe it or not you may actually find an interesting project there really cheap. Get the most complete model of the bike that you are interested in. If you are going to cafe it then don't worry about things like the seat and the tank. But everything else go over.

Freaky_1 · Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2011 5:30 pm Post subject:

I do so wish I could run across these no title bikes of the vintage cheap Crying or Very sad

jakeZ · Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2011 9:35 pm Post subject:

I guess we're lucky here in New Hampshire. No title needed to register a motorcycle. Just a sales receipt and a good VIN tag. You pick up a VIN verification form. The police come over to verify that it wasn't stolen and you're good to go. Now selling it out of state could be problematic, but I'll be dead then, so who cares Laughing

damonsdesign · Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 5:11 pm Post subject: re

So I've been keeping my eye on craigslist still and took another trip poking around the salvage yard.
Was really thinking that getting a 350 would be perfect but its been difficult finding decent condition, running project bikes.
I realize I can be kinda inpatient at times, but I'm really still kinda tempted to pick up that 450.

Any advice for me?

If I get the 450 is it gonna be more difficult for me as my first bike let alone my first project bike?
The title issue alone would be a hassle but if getting a title and plates from Maine, then using that to get a local title works. Shouldn't be to hard. If not couldn't I just get a different salvaged title 450 frame and use it?

Or is waiting for a titled running 350 to surface gonna be more worth my time?

MR.CHocko · Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 5:26 pm Post subject:

At one time every motorcycle manufacturer made a 350. The Honda 350 was so popular at one time every where you went you probably saw one on the road. If it is missing a kick starter shaft then that is not a good sign. Don't rush your search or you will end up with a pile of junk, that is not worth the money you put into it. As someone once told me once at a swap meet, "Old bikes find their owners." So be patient. There are other bikes that would also be perfect to cafe as well. Have you thought about the Suzuki GS400, Kawasaki KZ440, and the Yamaha XS400. Not to mention Honda's CM series. Or you can do something different and maybe Cafe a Honda rebel. Follow our advice, we have all been there done that and spent a lot of money on what we thought was a perfectly good bike but later found out that it was a piece of junk.

The Maine title thing, do not do it. It costs way too much money these days. It is best to keep looking, and remeber you only have just begun.

damonsdesign · Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 6:16 pm Post subject:

Yeah I had kinda thought getting a cb350 would be a little easier, and since there were like 200,000 made that parts would be easy too.

Thanks for the suggestions on the other bikes.
Kinda funny I had seen a Yamaha XS500 at the salvage yard the dude had told me it was a 78, it had been running but the carbs need to be rebuilt so its not currently. It was probably one of 2 bikes that caught my eye =P

Called on it they are asking 700. Little high, probably wiggle room...
Worth a trip for me tomorrow you think? Bout 50ish bucks for a carb rebuild kit?

yamasarus · Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2011 5:42 am Post subject:

I love Yamahas and have been around them my whole life, riding, restoring, and working in dealerships. I am very proud of some of their machines, but heed my advice. Stay away from a TX/XS500 twin. They can be a nightmare to work on (and they will need work) and parts will be a pain. They are overly complicated and prone to leaking everywhere. I know someone will get on here and say they have had great luck with them, yada, yada, yada. Just sayin'

You couldn't pay me to take one...........

redstedman · Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2011 5:45 am Post subject:

Not as many xs 500 out there. Many xs 650. As you noted a million cb 350 & 360, lots of avail parts. A little twin will be a better cafe job than a 4 cyl.

duceolsen · Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2011 6:40 am Post subject: cb350 too small

What kind of driving are you looking to do?
if you stay off the interstate a 350 is plenty big enough in my opinion.

Though my opinion my be biased. I've been driving a cb200 since March and having a blast.
I am 6'7" 210lbs.