On my Bonnie Black, the original owner had Black Triumph flyscreen installed before he picked up the bike then he installed Corbin Gunfighter seat. To me it seems to give it a kind of Thruxton -----Flavor! Maybe flavor isn't right phrase so don't be upset with me, I just know I like it this way better than with stock seat!

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Billie I

Try putting a set of lower bars on your Bonnie if you want to lean (pun intended) toward the Thruxton/Cafe look. I just put a set of superbars from Bellacorse on my Bonnie and it lowered the look of the bike and still feels comfortable. The stock bars look so ... cruiserish compared to the superbars and the new bars went on in 15 minutes. Thanks to a post here I removed the left side grip without damaging it and was able to use it again. Lower bars will give you more wind protection in concert with your flyscreen too. While I still like the look of the Bonnies with the stock bars, the leaned forward riding style is what I have always ridden and I find that it is more comfortable on longer trips.

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Can bald people get hairline fractures?

I wanted to pick some of the cafe racer brains out there because (I have to admit) I'm a little ignorant to this "genre" of bikes. My buddy has been looking into getting a cafe racer style bike. He's really been looking at some of the two-stroke bikes from the 70s (like the RD 400 and H1 & H2 kawasaki's).

I figured that triumph could totally out class those bikes and wanted to see what was available out there as an option. Here's the tricky part: he only wants to spend like $2000 - $3000.

Any suggestions???

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"The Father wove the skein of your life a long time ago. Go and hide in a hole if you wish, but you won't live one instant longer. Your fate is fixed. Fear profits a man nothing." Herger the Joyous

Quote:

On 2005-12-22 01:29, fivehundo wrote: I wanted to pick some of the cafe racer brains out there because (I have to admit) I'm a little ignorant to this "genre" of bikes.

Great discussion, and probably somewhat debateable. Cafe racers have been around since the 50's, and grew most popular in the 60's. The style is based on taking "standard" bikes of the era, and cosmetically turning them into racer replicas. Most cafe racers are built, not bought. Before the Thruxton and the new Ducati Retro Sports, this was pretty much the only way to get one... with a few notable exceptions, like the Honda GB500.

Since the origins of the breed come from the U.K., some of the most classic styles are of British origin - Triumphs, Nortons, Tritons, BSA, etc. That being said, in this day and age, most any "standard" bike can be converted into a cafe racer. The look is all based on personal style and preference. Most consistent modifications include:
1. Clip on style handlebars or clubman bars
2. Bobbed front and rear fenders
3. Rear set foot controls
4. Racer type solo seat w/ rear cowl
5. Lots of custom creation!

In the $2k - $3k range, your friend will probably have to build their cafe. I would recommend a model with good reliability and parts availability. The trick is to get a bike that is going to be dependable, easy to modify, and have good handling characteristics.

Ones that come to mind are the Yamaha XS650, Yamaha SR500, Honda CB350 and 450, etc. I would not recommend the old Kaws, they were prone to frame twistiness and dangerous. I know a few people with RD cafes. They are pretty cool (for two strokes). I'm building a cafe racer our of a Bridgestone 350GTR two stroke. You might even be able to pick up a crashed new Bonnie from a salvage yard and make a good project from it in that range.

Places to check out for ideas:
caferace.com
Omars (He has a Water Buffalo cafe bike for sale right now in the range your friend is considering)
Bellacorse

Good luck!

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Scot Dail, IBA #31553
Pack Member, Charlotte RAT

Photo Album

Thanks a lot man!!! Some good info there. I think my next bike is going to be something old school like that. I like old bonnies and T100s. Maybe I'll try to put something like that together from an old bonnie...

Thanks a lot!

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"The Father wove the skein of your life a long time ago. Go and hide in a hole if you wish, but you won't live one instant longer. Your fate is fixed. Fear profits a man nothing." Herger the Joyous

i want i want i want!!!!! what can i say ....by the way scott how ya doin im back :chug:

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I rarely venture into the real world in fear of becoming real!

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n...e-picture1.jpg

Centerstands. I've ridden my Bonnie for 27 yrs. with one. Now that they have affordable bike stands, I going to take it off. They grind, bang on big bumps and are extra weight. Just my exp. On mine you still have to shim it to replace the wheel after a flat. I'll just lay it over. I want a new thruxton, but I also want a new speed triple, a new harley, a new anything for a SECOND ride, But I can't afford any of them this year so I'll just keep vibrating. I got UK bars on it now, But I think I will go to lower bars and cafe seat and find some fenders in the boneyard to bob. I like the look. Nice forum.

Does having a spiced up Bonneville 790 set up as a solo seat cafe replica let me in?

Quote:

On 2006-03-21 11:56, Brooksie wrote: Does having a spiced up Bonneville 790 set up as a solo seat cafe replica let me in?

Suuuuurre..... but you have to show us pics! :-D :-D :-D

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Scot Dail, IBA #31553
Pack Member, Charlotte RAT

Photo Album

I just picked up my Thruxton last Thurs. and I already have around 300 miles on her. I love it.

Is there any suggestions for for how I can make this perfect bike even better?


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