[Adidac425]

Hello- This is my first post to this forum, although I have been lurking for a few days. I have taken an interest in Cafe style bikes, dating back to a few years ago when I saw my first- (a Honda) while visiting Seattle. I loved the whole stripped for performance aspect of the bike, it looked like it was fun to ride, and had a great style about it that modern sport bikes are missing. I have often though of buying a motorcycle, and have finally decided that this is the direction I want to go in, So I am starting my research into making a purchase.

first thing is first- I have no street bike experience, just dirt bikes, and quads from when I was a kid. I am also mechanically limited- I can talk the talk, and I understand internal combustion, drive trains, engine types, and sizes, and mechanicals like disc vs drum style brakes- but at this time tune ups are pretty much it as far as my tools and mechanical skills are concerned.

I know that "buying in" may seem like a bit of a cheat to some purists, possibly even a "pose", but I am thinking a complete bike is the way for me to get this hobby started, and then I can learn through modification if the need arises.

I live in Chicago Il. and I have seen a few Cafe style bikes around, so I know there is an active culture. My question is, where do I go to meet up with these guys, and is there anyone willing to make an introduction? I want to get involved with the community on some level, even if it is just meeting up for beers until I take the ownership plunge.

Any volunteers?

Philip

OK I admit it, I am new to all of this.

 

[JackC]

Welcome. I think judyramone--a guy by the way, and proteal are from the Chicago area, plus a few others. Click on the user name and sometimes the profile tells where they are from.

 

[Geeto67]

proteal55 is a chi-town native and a ton-up club member. he is also selling a nice cafe 450. shoot him an e-mail through the board (or check the for sale section) and he can help you with your local scene.

 

[Judeyramone]

I wish I was in Chicago, but sadly Detroit is where I call home. I have friends in Chicago & visit every chance I get. Thinking about a ride out for MvR next weekend, but my partner bailed out on me. Proteal is indeed your man.

 

[joe c]

chivinmoto list. vintage guys and a ton of cafes. also the ton up club.
i know the chivin guys meet at some bar every wednesday night. cafe736, scott, is one of them.



jc

"tex, if your bikes a cheater, its not a very good one"

 

[JackC]

Sorry Judy, I always get chicago and detroit mixed up. Chicago is where the airport has the fancy hotdogs, right?? Can't remember what the specialty was in Detroit. I've been in many cities, but never past the airport gates. Sometimes to remember where you are you have to see what sports team stuff is selling in the gift shops.....

By the way, we are headed up to Orrs Island Maine in a few weeks, kind of close to where you go.

 

[LiLBull]

well welcome

and either you get one done or build it yourself(remember true cafe racers are street bikes that were stripped of unwanted items for weight reduction ,so not alot of tools required just take stuff off like big fat seats and lugage racks and hippy dippy in the air handle bars,big bulberous lights,replace with smaller lighter ones, rattle yourself up a can of paint for a punk smart street look and your on your way.)

And if you have been lurking only a few days then you need to know a few of us here dont have beer .....we have boob scoooottttcchhh! yep thats right boob scotch on the rocks. here check it out.

Im so far behind ,that I think Im in first.

 

[LiLBull]

ah FNG for forum new guy ...some how I instantly said Fine Young Canabal well I guess thats just my issue .

Im so far behind ,that I think Im in first.

 

[Geeto67]

I always though it mean fuckin' new guy

 

[R1FIGHTER]

Holly shit! Bob Log! sick sick sick!
Anyone listen to the black keys?

 

[Judeyramone]

I have indeed! I'd like to see their show, but they're playing a Tues & my workday starts at 5AM. Easy for a 25yr old, but I have a tough time with weekday shows nowadays. Might go anyway.
I am (was) also a fan of FYC, and dissapointed when Roland broke up the band to try his hand at Shakespeare (?!?).

 

[Judeyramone]

Jack, the specialty in Det is CRIME, CORRUPTION, and MURDER. Don't think we're going to ME this year, sadly. Mother-in-law fighting cancer & they're not going. Heard of Orr's Island but never been there. Always looking for a good day trip. Portland is a favorite. Gritty's is the only micro brewery I've ever been to with potable beer. This is my son wearing his Gritty T:

Now that's a good son! Washing my bike for me, and he helped adjust a cam chain on the cb last night.


Edited by - judeyramone on Jun 04 2007 9:11:15 PM

 

[Adidac425]

Thanks for the replys everyone. I have always thought that an important part of any hobby is a thriving community of helpful enthusiasts. I appreciate the welcomes.
I am going to take the next several months as an opportunity to get to know as much as I can about these bikes, their history, and how to base my decision on when, and how to obtain one.

I saw the pictures of ProTeals 450, and 750- and I can only say I wish I was ready to buy one now! Those are both great looking builds with fantastic style. Alas, I need a few months to put cash away, so my thought was to get involved here, and start researching so that when I am ready I will get something that I will enjoy owning.

I will look into getting out and about- hopefully sooner rather than later.

Philip

OK I admit it, I am new to all of this.

 

[JackC]

adidac,

The bike you really need is a 1955 Ariel Colt 200, or a 1994 Harley Sportster. I just happen to know exactly where you could buy either of those bikes............

jack

 

[LiLBull]

check out my site WAR HORSE was taken out of a barn in NH,sat since the 89.I stripped it and put it back together,cleaned and painted the parts replaced what needed to make it work ,took a cx500 gas tank and adapted it easily,made my seat from the back half of the original gas tank and some sheet metal.Ill be posting an updated pic as its been a year and a half and it has a nice look to it now .The tank i stripped painted two stripes and clear coated the tank and seat to look raw.The wheels i painted the rusted chrome one and left the good chrome on chrome .

I switched from the dic to the old school 450 drum brake for the looks,and its 18in down from the 19in disc wheel.

Adapted modern bike rearsets and have clubmans on it still, just to piss off Geeto because he gets jealous he doesnt have them on any of his 50 bikes.

I dont have either a lot of time nor money into this kick ass ride. And Im building another 360 cafe style Ill get some pictures up on my site of it now that I found my password to my site again.

So not alot of initial money and a very little amount of time ,yes I have tools and skills but many have done it with out either and made it...so have faith.

look at ace cafe picture section they have a ton of cool bikes to drool over and to kick you into gear.

http://www.ace-cafe-london.com/


www.backallycustoms.com even though I just build bikes the way i want and sell them on ebay when they a finnished like this cb360

Im so far behind ,that I think Im in first.