07.14.2010
Categories: cafe racer
Things to do on the Monster:
1. Remove all frame stickers.
2. Remove reflectors on forks.
3. Black out belt covers.
4. Chop tail.
5. Remove passenger pegs
6. Remove udder.
Gone
Gone
Gone
07.11.2010
Categories: cafe racer
I love cafe racers. The minimalistic design approach, heavy on form over function, borders on perfection. Japanese air-cooled bikes of the 1970′s are not only quintessential examples of this design philosophy but are also so ubiquitous that they have recently been embraced by hipster culture. I have recently began to look beyond the bikes of the 70′s and have been toying with the idea of working on American V-Twins and Italian naked bikes. I had a vague idea that my next bike would be a two cylinder, simply because they are much easier to work on, and that I would temporarily move away from carburetors. So I began to search for a fuel-injected bike in a fairly decent price range that I could mold into a modern cafe racer. My search started and ended with Ducati. I knew I wanted a Monster and knew the bike would have to be at least a 2005 model. Narrowing down my search by year helped me find only bikes that were fuel-injected and thus much more reliable.
As I searched for used bikes on craigslist I narrowed down the model even more. I had grown quite fond of the S2R model for many reasons:
1. The single-sided-swingarm: A gorgeous design by Ducati that accentuates the rear wheel and rear end. Once again, following the cafe racer aesthetic, that simplicity sets the bike apart from others.
2. The APTC clutch: I had read many great things about this clutch.
3. The Fairings: The bikini fairing up front over the headlight is a classic example of cafe racer styling straight out of Europe. The included seat cowl cleans up the rear end and makes for a smart looking solo seat when installed.
4. So many after market add-ons: Plain and simple, it’s easy to find both existing OEM and third-party parts for the bike.
5. It’s a DUCATI.
Sure there were several out there on craigslist, but many were yellow or orange––I needed a black one, and after a few weeks of searching I picked up a 2005 black and tangerine red Monster S2R for a fair price. The engine was rock solid and ran perfectly, though, it was fairly dirty and looked like it hadn’t been washed or cleaned in many years. The tires were perfect, the paint was perfect, it just required a little attention and love.
Really nothing much do modify except ripping off what isn’t needed and blacking out stuff that Ducati should of done from the factory.
Stay tuned!
Tags: , DUCATI Monster
07.11.2010
Categories: cafe racer
Click the link above to gain access to the updated store. I have some great bargains on stainless steel fasteners. Brand new, never used stainless steel goodies to replace your crusty, rusty intake and exhaust washers and nuts. You’ll also find allen head pinch bolts for your kicker and shifter. I just sold my last set of cylinder head allen bolts but if your interested I can get some more correct sizes for your CB550. There is also one last set of LED bulbs for your indicators until I get some more.
04.04.2010
Categories: cafe racer
This site isn’t going anywhere. Please continue to use this site as a resource for your CB cafe racer needs.
Tags: , 550, cafe racer
03.30.2010
Categories: cafe racer
1976 Honda CB550 Cafe Racer
I just had a baby so I don’t get much of a chance to ride it anymore. This means the cafe racer needs a new home, preferably with someone who knows how to turn a wrench. The bike is ready to go. The last thing it needs is paint. The bike only has 8604 miles on it so the engine is rock solid. This is a great bike, try to find one with less miles. Come over and take a look at it.
For the last two years I’ve written about this bike here at austincaferacer.com.
Everything is in here, so if you want a more intimate perspective on this bike read through the blog.
Or if you just want to thumb through photos here is a link to a photo gallery: http://gallery.me.com/markgutierrez#100142
Here is the obligatory list of stuff done to the bike:
Dyna-S Electronic ignition
4 into 1 MAC exhaust
Cafe seat from benjiescaferacer.com
Stainless steel brake hoses
Nissin master cylinder off a 2008 Honda CBR600RR
Uni pods
Re-jetted mains
Clubman drop bars
Aluminum Bar clamps from Carpy
Mini chrome gauges
LED turn signals
Motion Pro throttle assembly
Carbs synced with Morgan Carbtune
CRG bar end mirror
New EBC brake pads
Stainless Steel Screws
Price $2900