best bikes to build a cafe racer
Introduction to best bike to build a cafe racer
Building a cafe racer can be both a rewarding and infuriating process. It’s time-consuming and requires you to select the right donor bike to avoid aggravating issues. Even the most skilled builders can face problems if they start with the wrong bike, leading to increased costs and a final product that doesn’t look as desired. Luckily, unlike the 1950s, we don’t need to mishmash two bikes to create a powerful engine on a sturdy, lightweight frame.
In modern builds, it’s about shedding weight and unnecessary parts, then stabilizing the handling and giving it the right look and great color scheme. Selecting a bike with a large variety of aftermarket parts available can speed up the conversion. However, finding the right bike can be difficult, especially for a first project. That’s why we’ve built this list of the best bikes for cafe racers. This guide will help you find the best bike to build a cafe racer and get you started on your motorcycle-building journey.
Yamaha XS Series
The Yamaha XS Series has always had great potential for cafe racer builds. One main reason is the large number of bikes sold during the 70s, 80s, and early 90s. There’s also a tremendous aftermarket for the XS group, and the durability of their engines is well-known. For first-time builders, the XS series offers a simple bike that’s easy to work on. As an added bonus, these bikes are popular among customizers, so there are plenty of builds online to look at and forums to help with any issues you might encounter along the way.
In the world of cafe racers, literally dozens of bikes stand out, but the best models for a build include the CB550 and the CB750. The CB750 was once hailed as the world’s first superbike, with its 69-horsepower inline four engine offering a true thrill to ride. If you prefer a smaller bike, the CB350 is a good option, though it lacks the power some riders seek. The CB400 Hawk Hondamatic is unique with its two-speed automatic gearbox, adding an interesting twist to the lineup.
When considering the Honda CB350F Cafe Racer, the main issue is the cost of the donor bike, which can be quite expensive due to its popularity. However, once you secure the bike, the rest becomes easier. There are plenty of inexpensive parts for sale, and you can find entire build kits if you spend time looking online. This makes the CB350F a viable option for those willing to invest in a popular yet costly project.
From my personal experience, building a cafe racer from the Honda CB750 is both challenging and rewarding. The durability of the engines and the tremendous aftermarket support make it an excellent choice. For first-time builders, the simple bike design and the wealth of online resources make it a project well worth undertaking. The Honda CB750 by Wrench Kings stands out due to the large number of bikes sold in the 70s, 80s, and early 90s, which ensures a good supply of parts and knowledge to draw from.
Yamaha Virago Series
The Yamaha Virago Series has been building for decades, and Yamaha’s first V-twin cruiser was among the earliest mass-produced bikes with a mono-shock suspension. Although the mono-shock was abandoned in 1984, the best cafe builds include the Virago XV535, Virago XV750, and the Yamaha XV920R. These bikes offer a unique blend of classic style and modern performance, making them excellent choices for a cafe racer project.
Credit goes to John Ryland of Classified Moto for being one of the first builders to see the potential in these bikes. Despite their staggeringly ugly cruisers look in stock trim, when you strip them down to their bare essentials, the mono-shock architecture reveals its true beauty. A perfect example is Classified Moto’s XV750 Reciprocity build, which showcases how versatile and stylish these bikes can become.
The aftermarket for the Virago is a bit smaller compared to the Yamaha XS series, and donor bikes can be harder to find, especially the XV920R. The best builds typically come from bikes produced prior to 1990, particularly the mono-shock bikes. On the plus side, these bikes are shaft-driven, resulting in less maintenance post-build. With some effort, you can transform a Yamaha Virago into a stunning and reliable cafe racer.
Yamaha SR400 and SR500
The Yamaha SR series, including the SR400 and SR500, is a great choice for a cafe racer build. Yamaha started building these thumpers in the late 70s, and they quickly became popular with both professional builders and amateurs. This popularity means there is a huge aftermarket and plenty of forums for when issues arise. The SR400 is still in production and keeps the classic look, making it easier to convert. Although the SR500 was mothballed in 1999 due to noise and emissions regulations, it earned a reputation for being durable and easy to maintain.
These bikes also offer a nostalgic feature—a kickstarter only with no electric start. This adds to their charm and makes them a unique choice for beginners looking for simple conversions. While they don’t offer a great deal of power, it’s not as important if the build is done right. The SR series provides an excellent foundation for creating a stylish and reliable cafe racer.
Honda CX500
The Honda CX500 is a great model for a cafe build. Known as the “Poor Man’s Guzzi” because of its engine configuration, the CX500 features a liquid-cooled motor with dual CV carburetors. It has an electric start that is isolated from the rest of the electrical system, allowing riders to push-start in case of electrical failure. This makes the CX500 a versatile choice for those who want a reliable and unique bike.
However, the CX500 requires more work compared to a Honda CB or a Yamaha XS due to its higher front end, which is less conducive to a traditional cafe racer line. Although it was less popular when originally sold, making parts a bit harder to find, it is still easy enough to build and worth the effort. There are plenty of forums to look over if you hit a snag or need a specific part. The Ironwood Custom Motorcycles CX500 Cafe Racer build is a great example of how this bike can be transformed into a stylish and functional cafe racer.
Kawasaki W800 and W650
Kawasaki has a strong history in the cafe racer world, starting with the first W-series bikes in 1966. The W1, known for having the largest displacement engine from Japan at the time, closely resembled the BSA A7. Fast forward to more recent years, and the Kawasaki W650, produced between 1999 and 2007, has become a favorite among builders. This retro-standard bike, with its 676 cc engine, 80 mm stroke, and 72 mm bore, offers a balanced mix of classic aesthetics and modern reliability. It was replaced by the Kawasaki Zephyr but still remains popular due to its anti-vibration balance shaft and modern electronics. Although it was only sold in the North American market in 2000 and 2001 with slow sales, finding a donor bike isn’t too hard, and there are plenty of parts available.
The Kawasaki W800, on the other hand, is a modern bike that stays true to the standard style. Introduced in 2011 to capitalize on the worldwide fascination with retro bikes, the W800 features a 773 cc four-stroke parallel twin engine. With a 77 mm bore and an 83 mm stroke, it is rated at 70 bhp and 44 lb-ft of torque, offering a top speed of around 110 mph. These specs, combined with its near classic look, make it an ideal candidate for a cafe racer build. Its modern production ensures a safe ride once you change out parts, and the inexpensive donor bikes and plenty of aftermarket parts mean you’ll have lots of advice online to guide your build.
While some builders prefer to focus on the W400, another solid bike in the series, it’s worth noting that donor bikes for the W400 are quite difficult to find. The availability of parts for the W400 also makes it a no-go for beginners. Therefore, the W800 and W650 stand out as more accessible and practical options for those looking to build a reliable and stylish cafe racer.
In my experience, working on the W650 was a delight due to its balance of classic design and modern reliability. The availability of parts and the supportive community of builders made it an enjoyable project. Similarly, the W800 offered a fantastic mix of old-school charm and new-age performance, making the build process straightforward and rewarding.
Building a Cafe Racer: Best Bike Options
When it comes to building a cafe racer, there are plenty of options to consider, especially if you have some money to spend. Many bikes can be converted into stunning café racers, but some models stand out. The Kawasaki Z-series, particularly the KZ650, is a premium choice known for its reliability and performance. If you’re a fan of German engineering, the BMW R-series offers great options like the R80 and R100, which are solid and versatile donor parts. For those who appreciate classic British design, the early Triumph models are perfect. Italian motorcycles also make fantastic café racers, with Moto Guzzi and Ducati being popular choices for their stylish looks and strong engines. Each of these bikes provides a unique starting point for creating the best cafe racer to suit your personal taste.
FAQs
Which bike is best converted to a cafe racer?
The Honda CB series is widely regarded as the best bike for converting into a cafe racer. Models like the CB550 and CB750 offer a perfect blend of reliability, performance, and classic design. The availability of aftermarket parts and a strong community of enthusiasts make the Honda CB series an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced builders looking to create a stylish and high-performance cafe racer.
What bike is best for a cafe racer?
The Yamaha XS650 stands out as one of the best bikes for a cafe racer build. Its powerful engine, robust frame, and ease of customization make it a favorite among cafe racer enthusiasts. The XS650’s classic styling and strong aftermarket support provide ample opportunities for creating a unique and personalized cafe racer that performs well and looks stunning.
Can you turn any bike into a cafe racer?
While you can technically convert almost any bike into a cafe racer, some models are better suited for the transformation. Bikes with a simple, classic design, such as the Honda CB, Yamaha XS, and Kawasaki KZ series, are ideal due to their adaptable frames, reliable engines, and availability of aftermarket parts. However, with enough creativity and resources, even less conventional bikes can be turned into stylish cafe racers.
What makes a bike a cafe racer?
A cafe racer is defined by its minimalist design, performance-oriented modifications, and distinctive styling. Key features include low handlebars, an elongated fuel tank, rear-set footpegs, and a single, often custom-made seat. These modifications enhance speed and handling, reflecting the cafe racer’s origins in 1960s British motorcycle culture, where riders sought to combine vintage aesthetics with improved performance for short, fast rides between cafes.
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best bikes to build a cafe racer
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I absolutely love motorcycles, bikes, and dirt bikes. There’s something exhilarating about the roar of the engine and the sense of freedom that comes with cruising the open road. Whether it’s the sleek design of a sport bike, the ruggedness of a dirt bike tearing through the trails, or the classic allure of a vintage motorcycle, every ride offers a unique experience. The adrenaline rush I get from leaning into curves or tackling off-road terrain is unparalleled. Riding is not just a hobby for me. It is a passion that strengthens my soul and brings me immense joy