Good bikes to cafe?

[koolaid_kid]

Why are L bikes like the red-headed step children?

They are not. They just look "different" with the huge buckhorn bars and king/queen seat. The heart of them is still a GS.

 

[Mike]

They are not. They just look "different" with the huge buckhorn bars and king/queen seat. The heart of them is still a GS.

Bars were the first thing to go on mine. I couldn't stand them.

 

[Mike]

And since you swap out the bars and the seat on a cafe anyways, what's the difference?

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

I found it much easier to cut on a "L" with a clear conscience. As far as The original question goes, if you can dream it, have at it. But a true cafe is typically a smaller frame for "tossin g around" ability. Not to say I wouldn't cafe a big four or a shafty. remove everything that isn't nessecary, cafe seat bum-stop, and a set of clubmans and away you go.

 

[Guest]

I found it much easier to cut on a "L" with a clear conscience. As far as The original question goes, if you can dream it, have at it. But a true cafe is typically a smaller frame for "tossin g around" ability. Not to say I wouldn't cafe a big four or a shafty. remove everything that isn't nessecary, cafe seat bum-stop, and a set of clubmans and away you go.

I agree with the majority that a smaller chain drive twin makes the best bike to cafe. But anyone should be able to do as they feel with whatever they own.
Anything cheap (or free). Buy it cheap, build it cheap.
Most anyone can take one a part. Clean and replace parts and put it back together. Its actually kinda boring(doing one now). I think it takes imagination and lots of thought into making one into something only you can see with as little money as possible.

I love my hacked up 850. Its a blast to ride. Handles good, brakes good and rides good. No unecessary buttons, switches or lights, no tach.
The fact that I think it looks freaking awesome just kinda adds to the fun of owning it.
All for less than a grand

 

[Guest]

Here is FC's bike. 1980 Suzuki GS450L. He says that it leaves a lot to be desired. I just think that FC is too modest .

I think it looks awesome!
The old pile-o-$hit Ford pickup in the background helps too

 

[Graham]

I found it much easier to cut on a "L" with a clear conscience. As far as The original question goes, if you can dream it, have at it. But a true cafe is typically a smaller frame for "tossin g around" ability. Not to say I wouldn't cafe a big four or a shafty. remove everything that isn't nessecary, cafe seat bum-stop, and a set of clubmans and away you go.

Got to love how so many L models get cutup. Every time a caf? or bopper is raised for an L model it raises the value of mine.:clap: Plus the factories don?t make a inline 4 cylinder cruiser anymore just V-twins. Saw an L model go for $2,900 on Ebay and a caf? of the same model go for $1,250.
Just food for thought.

 

[Big Rich]

$2900 for an L model? Must have been dang near mint or completely restored. I bought an L model last year that had vines growing INTO the frame for $50. Wow, I made out like a bandit.

There's more that goes into the price of a bike than a name.

 

[Graham]

$2900 for an L model? Must have been dang near mint or completely restored. I bought an L model last year that had vines growing INTO the frame for $50. Wow, I made out like a bandit.

There's more that goes into the price of a bike than a name.

It was near mint. A GS1100GL and the action ended with a bid just over $2,900. the only reason I watch the action was because I have the same model that I?m restoring. When mine is done I won?t take a dime less then 2,500. Somebody rode one of these new and is willing to pay for it.

 

[jimek]

that has more to do with it being an 1100 in good condition than an L in good condition.

 

[Guest]

that has more to do with it being an 1100 in good condition than an L in good condition.

But still, better bikes out there for the same money.

 

[Graham]

that has more to do with it being an 1100 in good condition than an L in good condition.

The caf? I posted was a GS1100GL and was in good condition when sold.
http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=170573

 

[crapwacker]

Vespa

Vespa

how about this to cafe? View attachment 12864

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

how about this to cafe?

That's no Rocker, that's a Mod!!!

 

[Graham]

That's no Rocker, that's a Mod!!!

Now this is a mod.