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Author Topic: Always wanted to build up a Café Racer…  (Read 2989 times)

Offline Dave S

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Always wanted to build up a Café Racer…
« on: December 19, 2018, 12:33:18 PM »
So I picked up a low mileage R65 a while back. With the short wheelbase and quick revs I thought it would be a good canvas for the project. I just joined your community with the hope of sharing knowledge and maybe sell a few unused bits as them come off.
... Dave
« Last Edit: January 17, 2021, 11:48:53 AM by Justin B. »
Says Red Molly, to James, "Well that's a fine motorbike.
A girl could feel special on any such like."

Offline wilcom

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Re: Always wanted to build up a Café Racer…
« Reply #1 on: December 19, 2018, 01:06:37 PM »
Quote
So I picked up a low mileage R65 a while bac

Sorry to see such a nice example go to the Dark Side, but some here will be appreciative of the parts offering.
Joe Wilkerson
Telephone man with a splash of Data
Menifee, CA

Present:
1984 BMW R65LS "Herr Head"
past:
1982 BMW R65LS
1979 R65
1980 R65
1982 R80RT
1974 R90/6
1972 R75
1964 R50/2
19xx R27
ZX-11

Offline Justin B.

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Re: Always wanted to build up a Café Racer…
« Reply #2 on: December 19, 2018, 08:46:40 PM »
Very nice looking, I agree that it will be a shame but as they say, "Different strokes..."

Seriously, though, maybe leave it in stock form and ride it around for a while it might grow on you!
« Last Edit: December 19, 2018, 08:48:35 PM by admin »
Justin B.

2004 BMW R1150RT
1981 R100RT - Summer bike, NEKKID!!!

Offline marcmax

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Re: Always wanted to build up a Café Racer…
« Reply #3 on: December 19, 2018, 10:12:14 PM »
That is the thing I like most about this forum. All views are welcome. I tried the cafe route but started with a bike past its prime. It was fun but age crept up and stretching over the fuel tank wasn't as fun as it once was. I applaud those who want to keep the tradition alive.

Make your choice, live it and never look back!
Keep your bike in good repair: motorcycle boots are not comfortable for walking.

1982 R65ls    1984 R65ls

Offline qwerty123

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Re: Always wanted to build up a Café Racer…
« Reply #4 on: January 21, 2019, 09:27:09 PM »
If you want to try it out you should. Life's too short, etc. etc.

However: consider that cafe racers have probably hit their peak of popularity and are on the decline (https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=all&q=cafe%20racer, set to "worldwide")

Will you want to have invested in the motorcycle equivalent of bellbottoms or plastic-wood-covered TV sets when you still have the bike in 10 years?
« Last Edit: January 17, 2021, 11:49:58 AM by Justin B. »

Offline tiggum

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Re: Always wanted to build up a Café Racer…
« Reply #5 on: January 21, 2019, 11:08:56 PM »
Let's try a different viewpoint.  I would suggest that you try the bike in standard condition, and ride it for a while.  There are many things about the R65 which are great, and a few which are a pain in the butt.  See if you like it and if the things you want to change are easy and inexpensive to change.  if it turns out that you don't like it as much as you thought and you'd really like something else, yours will remain stock and good looking and be attractive to someone who wants an R65; you'll be able to get more money for it and get something else.  Once you start changing it, the potential money you can get is gone.  Since most of us have wildly differing visions of what a "cafe racer" should look like, your chances of getting back the money that you've spent will be a crap shoot. 

Besides, it looks from the photos as if you have another superb bike to enjoy.

Offline peteremc

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Re: Always wanted to build up a Café Racer…
« Reply #6 on: March 22, 2019, 03:40:51 AM »
What I really like about this forum is that you get help whatever you're doing. I had an idea that, I will say, was maybe not well supported initially, however, none of my questions went unanswered and actually were often answered with many great ideas that helped me along the way to my goal. I was in your position, and thought long and hard about what I was doing to a classic bike. But still went all out and I still think I ended up with a classic bike. I've attached a couple of photos just to demonstrate what may be possible if you make a decision and follow it through.
Best of luck whatever you do.
Cheers
« Last Edit: January 17, 2021, 11:50:52 AM by Justin B. »
peteremc

1982 R65LS (Custom restoration complete)
2000 FLHRCI Harley Davidson Road King Classic (Hotrod)
2015 FLHTK Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Limited (The Tourer)

Offline peteremc

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Re: Always wanted to build up a Café Racer…
« Reply #7 on: March 22, 2019, 03:45:50 AM »
Mostly hope I've provided some inspiration!
peteremc

1982 R65LS (Custom restoration complete)
2000 FLHRCI Harley Davidson Road King Classic (Hotrod)
2015 FLHTK Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Limited (The Tourer)

Offline Dave S

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Re: Always wanted to build up a Café Racer…
« Reply #8 on: March 23, 2019, 10:50:37 AM »
Thanks for sharing. That's pretty much the vision I had, lighten it up, clean it up and update the electrics. Nice paint, like the red frame too. Job well done!
Dave
Says Red Molly, to James, "Well that's a fine motorbike.
A girl could feel special on any such like."

Offline Tony Smith

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Re: Always wanted to build up a Café Racer…
« Reply #9 on: March 23, 2019, 04:49:12 PM »
Petermc, here is a laugh about opportunities lost, I never looked at your bike side on and it is only this morning when I looked at the lovely photo of your bike at the Rex lookout that I realized that a solution to a mutual problem may have beckoned. You see, your header pipes are not R65 pipes, they were meant for a bigger engine and as a consequence they do not tuck in nicely to the frame.

I have a similar problem because I have R65 headers fitted to an R80 engine.


Ah well, if only I'd realized at the time.

If you are interested in another BMW project, I know where there is one that is "all there" but has sat in a shed for a decade or two. Let me know if you are interested, I might just buy it myself. so my wife would be grateful if you bought it.
1978 R100RS| 1981 R100RS (JPS) | 1984 R65 | 1992 KLE500 | 2002 R1150GSA |

Offline peteremc

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Re: Always wanted to build up a Café Racer…
« Reply #10 on: March 25, 2019, 05:18:36 AM »
Would've been so easy to do a swap of those pipes, Tony.

I would normally be very interested in another project, but currently not situated to take it on. I've gone back to work. Up on Thursday Island this time. A job I couldn't resist. Not sure when I'll finish up here. If I get some time off and come down I may investigate if it doesn't go before then. Thanks for thinking of me.

Thanks
peteremc

1982 R65LS (Custom restoration complete)
2000 FLHRCI Harley Davidson Road King Classic (Hotrod)
2015 FLHTK Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Limited (The Tourer)

Offline steve hawkins

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Re: Always wanted to build up a Café Racer…
« Reply #11 on: January 13, 2023, 03:59:32 AM »
Cafe Racers....hmmm

Old Salts will remember this.

Cheers
Steve Hawkins R100 (that wants to be an R65)