I just got a 2001 Vulcan 500 in a multiple trade deal. Don't ask.
What is the possibility of turning this thing into a caferacer?
If I removed the rear fender, rear subframe, and tank, could there be some tidy seat/tank combo built to fit over what is left to make it function properly (and look good)?
Replacing the cowhorn bars would be simple enough. Just fit clip-ons of some sort.
Can the fatso rear tire/wheel be removed and something skinnier and larger diameter be laced to the existing hub? I wonder how much room the swingarm has for a larger diameter tire.
I'd have to fit rearsets, of course.
Attached are two pics: 1. The original bike 2. A crudely modified pic just to get a feel for the image.
Maybe change the rake on the bike. Notch out the stem and weld it back together. Lose some of the covers in the middle of the bike to simplify the look of the bike.
i would sell it and buy a proper bike, like jude suggests. however, there is a happy netherlander on here that made a yamaha virago into a VERY SWEET cafe bike...but it took a lot of work! i think that bike is way to raked out to handle good like a cafe racer too...so you are looking at modifying the frame like lost said. congrats on getting a bike though!
Putting longer rear shocks on it will really help by steepening the rake, plus giving more ground clearance. I think the Vulcan uses essentially the same engine as the EX so you shouldn't have any trouble getting an exhaust on it. EX wheels might even fit on there and they are readily available. I say, don't listen to all these nay sayers and have a shot at it. What's the worst that can happen? After all, you are starting with a Vulcan.
seems like you're limited to just an aesthetic cafe racer but they can be made to look good, be pretty nuts if you made an actual track style racer out of it.
i have been looking at the cruisers on the sales floor at my work. one of the best looking candidates for an old school aesthetic cafe IMO is the vstar 250. chain driven twin, narrow, simple.
Hey DSM, Bob has three posts and this thread is from 2008. Safe to say that Bob doesn't hang here anymore. He probably is hanging on the Vulcan Owners Forum now. Please fill out your bio. Name and Location. And welcome to our board.
the problem is - you haven't corrected any of the ill handling of the bike as a crusier. The 16" rear tire is still there, the tail dragging stance is still there. Plus I am concerned that the rear fender tail bump thingy won't clear the tire under full compression. If it were me I would get a really decent set of rear shocks and jack that rear end up about an inch at least. maybe more.
I know it's not a true cafe, it was cafe inspired. I would say it's stance sets it at more of a cafe/bobber hybrid. Besides, it is 10 times more fun to ride.
To answer other questions:
The swing arm has a 100mm travel distance which clears the fender.
I am right above the speedo, so I will need to relocate it.
I also plan on getting a different tank.
I'll try to remember to post some new pics when I finish.
I've been reading this forum for years but never post. I got a new bike I thought you guys might dig it.
There will be no modifications, maybe some nice rear shocks and some good tires.
Hi There.
just a quick hello my name is Steve and im a bikeaholic.
been messing around with bikes for years but im NOT a mechanic, more of a muchanic, meaning that i muck about till something works.
Look forward to joining in
Steve
hi guys, new member. I got a 1983 Suzuki Gs750 that i bought recently off a older man, I have a few questions and could use some help. He told me the engine was a strong runner and it just needed a battery and should run fine, however when i put a battery in the bike it doesnt attempt to start...
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