Thursday, October 31, 2013

Cafe Aluminum

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  Honda’s CB750 from the nineties was a nice attempt at  a return of the UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle) concept, but the execution was pigeonholed by a slavish devotion to cost cutting.  The resulting motorcycle was a rare beast indeed, a bike with no soul.  The price was great, the cycle was comfortable, and sales never really materialized. 

  This is a 1996 example, and the builder from Poland has created something that has enough soul to lead a parade at Mardi Gras!  This beauty nailed the sleek, low-slung style to the tee, and then having the body parts aluminum just puts it over the top.  The tank and tail section are just the right size to make the engine look larger than it actually is, without it appearing too oversized.  Add in the open section behind the engine, and this motorcycle looks ready to pounce upon it’s prey like an aluminum tiger hiding in the tall grass.

  Even the turn signals are integrated into the design so well, you almost can’t see them.  Look closely by the headlight and rear shocks, they’re there!  Even the headlight bulb received attention, being a yellow tint to add just another touch of style.  While I can’t read the Polish in the build thread to get all the details on this build, in this case a picture truly is worth a thousand words, and quality always speaks for itself.

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Visit The Build Thread

Source: Cafe Racer Poland

Moto-Photo 287

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Nice Bike 227

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Man And Machine 216

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Vista 234

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Debris 135

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Travis Child’s XS650

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  Now this bike is what I look for in a build!  The proportions are spot-on, the color scheme is absolutely perfect, and the level of fit and finish is top notch.  There is a balance to the look, and I love little details like the black wheel rims with chrome spokes that make the tires look even fatter, the seat that is just thick enough to look comfortable but not too puffy, and the simple exhaust pipes and mufflers that blend in with the bike instead of clashing. 

  Built by Travis Child in Utah, here’s his own words on the design and build process.

  I've raced superbikes for many years and have always rode MX as well. I have ridden on the public roads the least of all. However, last year one of my racer friends rebuilt a Honda CB450. I loved the way it turned out and had to do it myself. I looked and looked and finally came across a '75 Yamaha XS650. She was run down and looking neglected. I had her transported from Idaho to Utah in September of 2012 and started on the tear down right away. Utah winters provide a perfect time to do builds. This was my first build and even though I was a pretty good with a wrench, I had to learn a lot.

  The frame, rims, hubs, triples and swing arm were all powdered gloss black. I painted the engine with POR 15 and added all new bolts. I designed the tank and headlight bucket pattern then had them painted. I updated the electronics throughout and built my own wiring harness (the most difficult part). I put on new tires, rebuilt the carbs and added all new bearings. I also made the seat pan which I had covered by a hot rod guy. 1000 hours and 8 months later, here’s what I have.

  I would say that was eight months well spent, and Travis has a bike to be proud of.  Another great build!

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Source: Return Of The Cafe Racers

Happy Halloween

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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Scratch Monkee

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  Monkee #44, called Scratch Monkee, was built simply to be ridden, not displayed.  The Wrenchmonkees took it around Europe, a testament to the toughness of CB750’s.  It’s not polished, by any means, yet it’s my second favorite Monkee design.  It’s just so honest in execution, and I really dig the basic blue tank and the stickered side covers!

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Visit Wrenchmonkees

Moto-Photo 286

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Nice Bike 226

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Man And Machine 215

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Vista 233

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Debris 134

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Happy Halloween

Hot Shot Rebel CB750

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  I’m taking the name from the title of the pictures, so it may be wrong, and my Google-fu has yielded no other clues, so we’ll just have to go with what we have.  She’s a mean looking build, all blacked out and sleek, and I’m not sure, but I think it’s a hardtail. 

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Source: Cafe Racer Iceland

Happy Halloween

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Tuesday, October 29, 2013

La Mala Pecora By NRT

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  If Google Translate is to be believed, “La Mala Pecora” is Spanish for “Bad Bitch”.  I don’t know if the name fits, but this Suzuki GSX400 is sure a nice build.  The orange of the tank, the brown seat, and ochre frame work so well together.   She looks like a fun little ride!

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Visit Build Thread

Source: 8Negro

Moto-Photo 285

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Nice Bike 225

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Man And Machine 214

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Vista 232

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Debris 133

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B.R.Moto BR001

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  OK, so the exhaust is too weird, and the tank is too small, but there’s something about this bike I can’t resist.  I think it’s more the raw, unfinished look that appeals to me, kind of like a set of Lego’s that are just waiting for you to create something awesome!

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Visit B.R. Moto

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