| Author | Message | ||
     Bob_thompson |
There have been some nice threads on cafe racer type bikes here in the past and I have been working on my 5th cafe bike since the '60's. Ya,I'm older then dirt, LOL. But alas, here pictured below, is my latest. I call it a DR500 Victor as it was a Suzuki DR500 and its a tribute to all the early British singles. Test road yesterday and its gonna be a real nice weekly rider to have some fun with.....occasionally. Quite a bit different then my 1125R but fun anyways. Surprisingly agile, easily flicks around with under 300#'s wet. Good Conti Go tires helped a lot. Fair power that works well with its weight. But what a beast to kick start. I am real spoiled with the button but reliving "the old days" is fun too. All in all I am pleased it turned out fairly nice and was done on a real budget. Not a show bike but a "rider". It has been a fun project to do during the winter. Now its TIME TO RIDE! The canyons are calling. Buell or DR? What a choice. And lets see what anybody else has been working on that are similar. Bob    | ||
| Jb2 |
Cool bike! Something similar but not quite the same brewing in my garage but not close enough to post pictures. Is there a place for a compression release in the head? | ||
| Nobuell |
I would love to build some type of cafe racer but sadly I have been lacking of time. Nice job by the way. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
nice ride I have been on the hunt for a non abused GB500 since I first missed them in the showroom. mmmmm tasty. | ||
| Bob_thompson |
Jb2, yes there is a compression release lever on the handlebar that lifts a valve under the cam cover to help get over TDC but its still a brute kicking when it does hit compression stroke. | ||
| Glitch |
http://www.rycamotors.com/ On my list of things to do. | ||
| Glitch |
http://vimeo.com/21847668 | ||
| Greg_e |
The Ryca is about the only thing I would have time for. Surprisingly few of those bikes in my area to serve as a donor. Good video! | ||
| Wolfridgerider |
I keep looking for a good honda CX500 or GL500 to Cafe' | ||
| Hybridmomentspass |
great looking bike! | ||
| Reepicheep |
I'm going for the dirt tracker look. And whatever I do, it won't be painted as well as JB2's. Unless I have him paint it.  Gotta take an afternoon off and start the epic battle with the DMV before I go much further... it's a solid runner now.  | ||
| Hybridmomentspass |
all I see is a red X, can you try to repost the pic please? Or is it just me thats not seeing it? | ||
| Glitch |
all I see is a red X, can you try to repost the pic please? Try hitting the F5 key. | ||
| Hybridmomentspass |
I did, and it didnt show up, even right clicked 'show image' nothing It is now working Man I really want an older bike to play with, this thread will (and is) make (making) me jealous | ||
| Bob_thompson |
Glitch, I really like the Ryca but I believe right now as it looks its not street legal in most states. No turn signals, cannot see a tail light or license plate holder at least and who knows what else. I also think a person could add these but then why buy a kit if its not complete. I think it was an excersize in styling mostly as many cafe type bikes are nowadays. And I believe the cost for a completed bike you could by a new Triumph Thruxton. I'm riding mine............legally at a much lower overall cost, about $1500.00 with the bike. And it was a fun project. | ||
| Glitch |
about $1500.00 with the bike  | ||
| Tbolt_pilot |
Great looking little ride Bob! A toy like that has always been on my list of 'Someday when I have the time...' Enjoy it! | ||
| Greg_e |
When I asked Ryca about the signals and brake light (it has integrated signals and brake) I was told the stock units could be used. What the kit does is save a lot of time to fabricate the tank and a few other pieces. I don't have the tools or skills to make those items for myself. | ||
| Tiltcylinder |
Reepicheep, wow, a rotary valve (non reed valve) carb in the cases, two stroke... makes me long for my '74 TM... sigh | ||
| Greg_e |
Ryca now has a bunch of instructional videos up on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/rycamotors | ||
| Glitch |
One of the things about Ryca I like is the fact that you may not have to buy anything from them, but if you do they'll sell you anything from just one part, all the way to the entire thing. | ||
| Iamike |
After visiting the National Motorcycle Museum yesterday it gives me the urge to do something fun too. http://www.nationalmcmuseum.org/ | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
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| Barker |
http://www.pipeburn.com/ |
