Which Ducati as a basis for a cafe racer?
Discussion
Over the past few months I have been building a cafe racer out of an old GT500 Suzuki. I have really enjoyed doing the build and although I have a bit to go, it will be ready for the spring.
https://jtccc.wordpress.com/our-motorbikes/suzuki-...
My thoughts have turned to building another when this one is finished and so I am on the lookout for another donor bike. I have this Ducati itch I need to scratch!
What are peoples thoughts as a good basis for a cafe build? I see quite a few for sale at less than £2k, needing cosmetic work or CAT C and D.
which model would be a good basis for a custom build, and which are the cheaper models?
https://jtccc.wordpress.com/our-motorbikes/suzuki-...
My thoughts have turned to building another when this one is finished and so I am on the lookout for another donor bike. I have this Ducati itch I need to scratch!
What are peoples thoughts as a good basis for a cafe build? I see quite a few for sale at less than £2k, needing cosmetic work or CAT C and D.
which model would be a good basis for a custom build, and which are the cheaper models?
catso said:
ST2 is watercooled, albeit the cylinders are still finned so look aircooled and can get away with a smallish radiator...
Ok then 900SS or my favourite is the 1000 twin spark.Avoid wheezy 600SS's/600 Monsters and 750 Dark's as they have non adjustable suspension and single discs from memory.
A
catso said:
woowahwoo said:
I do like the SS frame, it looks rather nice without its panels and fairing.
The SS frame suits the cafe racer look more than a Monster which looks too modern IMO. As for the engine, the 900 is the pick of the carby (assuming you want old-school?) aircooleds.Plus my wife just said why wait, buy one now if you want to
buzzer said:
900 SS looks to be ideal, nice frame... Carbs.... air cooled... and some nice and cheap ones out there.
Plus my wife just said why wait, buy one now if you want to
There's a 750SS on eBay that might be worth a bid. Has the ugly later "melted" fairings as well, so you wouldn't feel bad about removing them. I agree the SS frame is a much better base for a cafe racer than e.g. ST2 or Monster.Plus my wife just said why wait, buy one now if you want to
castex said:
SS is too pretty to butcher, or it was before the 'facelift'.
This all day. They are in their malaise period (except for the superlight and FE) and good ones or resto candidates will get harder to come by. Personally I would go either a Multistrada (first generation) or a ST. There are also tons of old monsters out there too.Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff