Yet Another Cafe Build (my first)

[huzier]

Here we go!!!! I've riding for 2 years and have 2 bikes. So, I'm giving my self a cafe racer project and decided to document it ( and pick the brains ) to the GS masses.


Here's what started with...

 

[huzier]

and here's what I've done so far....

 

[huzier]

Now it's time for the rear...I plan on cutting it back and maybe using the original tail piece as part of the cafe seat. I do also have my eye on an ebay cafe seat with built-in tail light (not sure how to post a link yet).

 

[beergood]

I re-purposed my ducktail for my build. I really like the look of it, and it's a pretty cheap and easy option.

 

[huzier]

looking for ideas, thoughts, suggestions....i plan on using plywood as my seat deck. What different methods has everyone used to mount onto the frame, other than taking the hinges off of my old seat.

Thanks in advance

 

[mills]

Aluminum plate works really good for a base. Just be careful not to shorten up the tail too much. Fork boots? Looks good!

 

[huzier]

those are on my list. also exchanging my drag bars for clubmans.

 

[DMorris]

This bike is one of the nicest Suzuki cafe builds I have ever seen.
It is just about the definition of cafe build IMHO.
Search on yaddy and check out his build. Very nice job.

PS Rebuilt wire wheels with shouldered alloy rims and two disks up front always looks right on a cafe bike.

 

[Dead Boy]

looking for ideas, thoughts, suggestions....i plan on using plywood as my seat deck. What different methods has everyone used to mount onto the frame, other than taking the hinges off of my old seat.

Thanks in advance

I used plywood for my base as well. I covered it in a few layers of fiberglass resin for rigidity and to keep it from rotting. For mounting, I drilled a couple of holes in the crossbrace and bolted the seat to the frame. It works, but is inconvenient and not the best way to do it. I will be closing up the holes and welding in a new crossbrace with purpose built holes for a hood pin type mount that I can hold in with cotter pins or the like. Much easier to remove and I don't have to hassle with tools to do it. I'll be making a new seat base out of steel or aluminum as well for this. The wood worked, but I want a cleaner look once I'm done.

 

[huzier]

after my cuts. still have to debate whether I'm using the hinges or not (might make the seat a little wide)

 

[Guest]

after my cuts. still have to debate whether I'm using the hinges or not (might make the seat a little wide)

Decide on a seat before ya cut anymore off the rear frame and go from there.
Dont be cheap on the seat. If you want it to look right ya need a good looking seat, not something sheet metal screwed to the frame.

 

[huzier]

you're right, Octain. I keep going back & forth whether I want to buy a fiberglass seat that's already padded, or make my own ( to be original ).
Thanks for confusing me more!!!

 

[huzier]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cafe...4972399QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Hope this link works, here's the one that i'm looking at. Would like to know what everyone thinks.

 

[Guest]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cafe...4972399QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Hope this link works, here's the one that i'm looking at. Would like to know what everyone thinks.

I like that seat but the only problem with buying one thats already padded is it will have to be an *exact* fit. Kinda hard to do any trimming or shapping.
I bought the longest I could find, trimmed it where I wanted.
Also that tail section is more of a dirt tracker look. I wanted something that kinda matched the lines of the tank.

 

[huzier]

My seat deck is coming along. The 1/2 plywood will work nicely i think. Once it's all mocked up i will be painting it black, then padding it. I don't see how some of you guys can ride on a solid surface....

 

[beergood]

Looks good. Very similar to what I did when I made my second seat..

One thing to think about: Moving the taillight in a little bit.

 

[huzier]

that is a big freaking lense. thought about that. thinking that i need to cut out the back of the tail piece. will just have to figure out how to attach everything. I was using all the original holes.

 

[beergood]

I carved the little glove box out of the back of my tail section with a Dremel. Now I just keep a bag with the tools and crap that I need there. It works well and holds more. For mounting the light I made a metal bracket that holds it in position.

If you go that route, make it stronger and more secure than you think you need. One day I came home to find a gaping hole where my first tail light was.

 

[Guest]

that is a big freaking lense. thought about that. thinking that i need to cut out the back of the tail piece. will just have to figure out how to attach everything. I was using all the original holes.

I fabbed the original plastic inner fender to stay in place when the seat is removed. Picked up a little LED tail, brake, sig and plate light from an ebay seller. Mounted it to the outer part of the inner fender. Had to trim the bottom of the tail section so it wouldnt stick out so much. I wanted the innner fender and the tail light assembly to stay in place when I wanted to remove the seat.
Looks decent.
Also, I bought my fiber/gelled seat from yet another ebay seller. It's ok but a bit flemsy so I re-inforced the bottom with a few more thick coats of resin and glass fibers. Its like a rock now.
Fabbed the original seat mounts and rubber stops to the glass seat. PITA but it works. Last thing ya need to think about at 80mph is a wobbly seat..

 

[huzier]

i put my new clubman bars on last night. looks good, but, i think that i need risers of some sort, so that i can pull the angle of the bars back a little. Any direction that i can be pointed to track some down?

Thanks