[tara1234]

Hey all so I managed to get my hands on an old honda nsr125 fairly cheap.


Now iv been thinking how I can make the bike look cool, I like the appearance of the rocker/cafe racer bikes. Would removing the lower fairings and keeping the nose fairing enable me to reach this look or would I need to remove the nose fairing and then fit a circular headlamp?

Also does the sportbike style windscreen actually do anything for sheltering from the weather and aerodynamics, it doesn't look very big.

Picture of an nsr 125

https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gallery B/Honda NSR125R 00 1.jpg

 

[XB33BSA]

because the bike was designed as a full fauiring type,the designeers dint have to even think much at all about the an·cil·lar·y shit underneath nor about it being aesthetically pleasing or not
it was hence placed in the most logical locations
fairings off you got ugly
i could see a custom more retro fairing set with the engine pretty much in view no belly pan
gsxr slabby type look https://i.pinimg.com/originals/55/20/81/55208145574fc9920eabfb4a8ea5f152.jpg

 

[brad black]

you could cover it in mirrors and call it mod. might be more convincing.

 

[Geeto67]

Now iv been thinking how I can make the bike look cool,

Cover it in race and cool band stickers. Or give it a custom paint job.

I like the appearance of the rocker/cafe racer bikes. Would removing the lower fairings and keeping the nose fairing enable me to reach this look or would I need to remove the nose fairing and then fit a circular headlamp?

no but selling it and buying an different bike would give you the look you want. Preferably something air-cooled.

Also does the sportbike style windscreen actually do anything for sheltering from the weather and aerodynamics, it doesn't look very big.

yes but that all depends on how small you can tuck yourself behind it. you don't need to be completely tucked behind it but at leas be close enough to be inside the envelope of redirected air. Bikes with fairings generally experience better fuel mileage and higher top speed than their nakes counterparts.

 

[jcw]

The underlying question is- can you make a bulky aluminum perimeter frame not look out of place on what you call a cafe racer?

I haven't seen it done...

 

[hillsy]

Put a 250 motor in it. That would simply BE cool - no need to try and LOOK cool.....

 

[brad black]

cr500 engine would be cooler.

 

[tara1234]

Put a 250 motor in it. That would simply BE cool - no need to try and LOOK cool.....

Its a 2stroke so roughly equivelant to a 250 4t in power. Im gonna rip the fairings off and put a circular lamp in see where I am then.

I was also thinking of throwing this on top of the seat with extra padding inbetween to make the seat less angled

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-Faux-Leather-Motorcycle-Saddle-Skins-Seat-Cover-Protector-for-Suzuki-GN/182642920262?_trkparms=aid=555018&algo=PL.SIM&ao=1&asc=56004&meid=f8b17e9a542648b783b935bddce6689c&pid=100005&rk=2&rkt=12&sd=401461874522&itm=182642920262&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

I found this one someone made looks ok.

http://suprememotos.com/uploads/postfotos/honda-nsr-125cc-cafe-racerrat-race-3.JPG

 

[jcw]

I found this one someone made looks ok.

http://suprememotos.com/uploads/postfotos/honda-nsr-125cc-cafe-racerrat-race-3.JPG

No you didn't

 

[Andyshep]

Its a 2stroke so roughly equivelant to a 250 4t in power. Im gonna rip the fairings off and put a circular lamp in see where I am then.

I was also thinking of throwing this on top of the seat with extra padding inbetween to make the seat less angled

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-Faux-Leather-Motorcycle-Saddle-Skins-Seat-Cover-Protector-for-Suzuki-GN/182642920262?_trkparms=aid=555018&algo=PL.SIM&ao=1&asc=56004&meid=f8b17e9a542648b783b935bddce6689c&pid=100005&rk=2&rkt=12&sd=401461874522&itm=182642920262&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

I found this one someone made looks ok.

http://suprememotos.com/uploads/postfotos/honda-nsr-125cc-cafe-racerrat-race-3.JPG

Why?

I thought you wanted something that would keep up with traffic? That's why I said an NSR or similar 125 stroker.

What you've posted will be slower, worse handling and probably less safe than a bone stock NSR. It'll also be worth less money when, if looked after and serviced should see your money returned when you pass your test and can ride something bigger.

If you got into bikes to look "cool" you're wasting your time.

If you did it because it was cheaper than driving, then looks don't matter.

If you like riding bikes, the NSR will ride better as it is and better than your SR.

 

[Teazer]

Andy is right, but we all thought we looked cool when we were young. That sample isn't bad. If you are a learner, then you probably can't get away with dropping say a CR250 motor in that chassis. That would make for a much more interesting ride. An RS125 race motor would fit and makes around 45-48HP but unrideable on the street. Someone there must offer porting for those motors to add a few extra horses..

 

[kenessex]

Its a 2stroke so roughly equivelant to a 250 4t in power. Im gonna rip the fairings off and put a circular lamp in see where I am then.

I was also thinking of throwing this on top of the seat with extra padding inbetween to make the seat less angled

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-Faux-Leather-Motorcycle-Saddle-Skins-Seat-Cover-Protector-for-Suzuki-GN/182642920262?_trkparms=aid=555018&algo=PL.SIM&ao=1&asc=56004&meid=f8b17e9a542648b783b935bddce6689c&pid=100005&rk=2&rkt=12&sd=401461874522&itm=182642920262&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

I found this one someone made looks ok.

http://suprememotos.com/uploads/postfotos/honda-nsr-125cc-cafe-racerrat-race-3.JPG

You could do all that, but it would only prove that you are an idiot.
Start with a different bike.

 

[tara1234]

Why?

I thought you wanted something that would keep up with traffic? That's why I said an NSR or similar 125 stroker.

What you've posted will be slower, worse handling and probably less safe than a bone stock NSR. It'll also be worth less money when, if looked after and serviced should see your money returned when you pass your test and can ride something bigger.

If you got into bikes to look "cool" you're wasting your time.

If you did it because it was cheaper than driving, then looks don't matter.

If you like riding bikes, the NSR will ride better as it is and better than your SR.

Eh the bike has enough power for me, im on a CBT and am able to insure this bike even though it has about 24-28 bhp.
Speed limit is 70 so about 80 when you account for the 10% +2 or 10% +4 and this bike can handle that. I do like riding bikes, I rode a pushbike around london for about 4 years before getting myself a motorbike, cars look boring and dull and slow tbh, even on a pushbike im way faster than them in the city.

I just dont really like the appearance of the bike, wondering if there are ways to make it look more traditionally biker and less the sort of thing thats associated with doing a wheely in a teeshirt and shorts down an estate.

I got it for function then I remembered I had plans to make the SR into a cafe, considering that cafe racer and sportbikes have pretty much the same geometry most the works already done, so thought if I can change the cosmetics I might have the sort of bike I was after before.

 

[Andyshep]

Eh the bike has enough power for me, im on a CBT and am able to insure this bike even though it has about 24-28 bhp.
Speed limit is 70 so about 80 when you account for the 10% +2 or 10% +4 and this bike can handle that. I do like riding bikes, I rode a pushbike around london for about 4 years before getting myself a motorbike, cars look boring and dull and slow tbh, even on a pushbike im way faster than them in the city.

I just dont really like the appearance of the bike, wondering if there are ways to make it look more traditionally biker and less the sort of thing thats associated with doing a wheely in a teeshirt and shorts down an estate.

I got it for function then I remembered I had plans to make the SR into a cafe, considering that cafe racer and sportbikes have pretty much the same geometry most the works already done, so thought if I can change the cosmetics I might have the sort of bike I was after before.

It is a cafe racer, it's aping the race bikes of its time.

Fairings hide a multitude of sins on most bikes, because if all the gubbins are covered there's less or no design gone into making whatever's behind them look nice.

Yes, you could rip all the plastics off, put a round headlight and new clocks on, stick a hoop and a flat brown seat on, put some oversized USD forks on it, you could probably even find some spoked wheels and of course, leave the mudguard/fender off. The bike will be worth a lot less if you do that and unless you plan to ride on L plates all your life then you'll need to maximise the return to be able to afford your first "big" bike.

These bikes are stepping stones because once you ride something with more than a teaspoon of go, you wonder why you wasted your time trying to improve a 125.

Do you have any mechanical experience? Do you service your own bikes? Does anyone in your family or circle of friends ride and have experience?

 

[TrialsRider]

I fear it might look stripped naked beaten and put away wet,
just ride it like a star and that will be more impressive

 

[woodsman]

Just ride the fucking thing. It's an entry level bike, your a beginner, it's a match. When you can ride beyond the bikes abilities sell it and buy something else. You feel the need to look more like a biker? Then spend money on quality gear and track time, dress and ride like you know what you're doing and people will see your a biker.

 

[XB33BSA]

ok enough we can give you a simple thumbs down or up
the question is not what you like in looks
but rather,my dear,how do you look on the bike ?
to US and those who will observe you riding it
a variety of poses is key,in the images you present us for this evaluation,by the very knowledgable perps of this chat room

 

[Andyshep]

ok enough we can give you a simple thumbs down or up
the question is not what you like in looks
but rather,my dear,how do you look on the bike ?
to US and those who will observe you riding it
a variety of poses is key,in the images you present us for this evaluation,by the very knowledgable perps of this chat room

She doesn't sound to far from me. I'll volunteer to be the photographer, she can even try a few of my big bikes on for size.

 

[dr.blom]

Ok, stop this shit right now. Learn to ride, sell the bike, then get yourself a real 60-70's british bike. You cant polish this turd no matter how much you want to. You are a kid with no perceivable skills, get your license and practice metal fabrication on something else for now.

 

[TrialsRider]

...
I was also thinking of throwing this on top of the seat with extra padding inbetween to make the seat less angled ...

Faux means fake :| why would anybody want fake leather as long as real leather exists.
If your original saddle is covered with smooth vinyl and does not feature any seams or patterns imprinted in the plastic material then it is a prime candidate for adding a layer of real leather. Just find somebody who is discarding an old leather couch or office chair, add the cost of some contact cement and you will end up with a comfortable durable saddle that won't have you slipping and sliding all over it.

Oh and motorcycles that have no front fender are totally idiotic unless you only ride indoors, don't be that idiot and don't carry on about it looking cool because it looks stupid, incomplete and can adversely affect your front fork performance, there is no up side to road spray in your face.