New guy starting a modern cafe build

[corey5988]

So my back story is, I started riding bikes on my dad's old V45 Honda Magna. When I turned 18 I picked myself up a Suzuki TL1000R. I also later traded an atv for a Honda 750 Shadow ACE. I got married and had to let the 1000 go. I totally regret it, as the marriage was short lived. I still have the 750, but ready for something a bit sportier. Luck had it I had bought an XS650 several years back that I had planned on using for a frame up bobber. It's been sitting since I unloaded it. After seeing an awesome Triumph cafe a few months ago, I knew what I wanted.

The new project will be a modernized cafe/street fighter type bike. I have already ordered a stock XS650 frame & swingarm. I will be using a Cognito Moto conversion steering stem to mount a set of late model GSXR trees and forks. I will have an aggressive stance with low slung clip-on and rearsets. Out back I plan on using a CBR Showa shock to mod up a monoshock setup. A traditional round, small cafe tail will be used. As for wheels I plan on running early model sport bike wheels with a 150-160 out back.

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

Welcome to the forum, corey5988.
Sound like a great project...

 

[Paulrxs650]

Welcome along. I did something similar myself, a Cafe with a modern twist - might give you some ideas - http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31160&highlight=cafe+racer+build+thread

 

[corey5988]

That was a very slick outfit you had there. I had to go through the whole thread, caught my interest. My frame and swingarm came in today. I also had an '01 GSXR600 lower triple tree come in the other day. Got it for $12 to the door. I'm not sure if I'll use it or go with a newer inverted fork setup like originally intended. I also tossed on an RD350 or RD400 (not sure which) tank I've had laying around for a few years.

 

[corey5988]

I'm going to try to keep this a tight budget. My list so far is.......

RD fuel tank - free
XS650 frame/swingarm/triple trees - $325
'01 GSX-R600 lower triple tree - $12
'06 FZ6 swingarm and shock - $70

 

[scabber]

Welcome. Off to a good start. Alot of good ideas and how to on site. Have fun building.

 

[corey5988]

I got my swing arm sourced today. I went back and forth for some time. I finally decided on an fz6. It's aluminum, wide enough for the setup I want, and seems to have plenty of material to cut down on the pivot area to clear the frame.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/04-05-06-Yama...-axle-shaft-/191682564779?txnId=1177503616009

 

[Word Man]

I got my swing arm sources today. I went back and forth for some time. I finally decided on an fz6. It's aluminum, wide enough for the setup I want, and seems to have plenty of material to cut down on the pivot area to clear the frame.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/04-05-06-Yama...-axle-shaft-/191682564779?txnId=1177503616009

Cool! I picked up a swingarm from an '87/'88 FZ700/FZ750 for mine.

 

[corey5988]

Is that an already documented swap? Ive searched and searched the topic, but never seen that one. You doing a build thread?

 

[Word Man]

Is that an already documented swap? Ive searched and searched the topic, but never seen that one. You doing a build thread?

No, it's not a swap I found either, but it looks pretty close (eyeballing it). No build thread yet either, but I will once i really dig in. Current plans are for a big tank, ZR750 Zephyr forks (because I already have them), the afore mentioned swingarm, 18" FJ600 wheels, rearsets from a ZR750, and a custom seat cowl.

 

[corey5988]

Sounds like a cool project. I'll have to check it out who you post up.