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Dec. 14, 2011 7:06 p.m. patgizz SuperDork

i have wanted a bike for some time, but now i realize i should probably pick one up sooner than later. i can tuck one in the garage and not worry about where another car is going to have to get put away for winter. i already have to store 4 cars and can only do two on site. but i could fit a bike or three in the garage with the 2 cars no problem.

i'm looking for a starter type bike that can also be a project and make a cafe racer style bike. i have seen yamaha viragos that are CHEAP my dad had one when i was little and i remember riding on it and i always liked it. how would a 750 be for a first street bike? i have been riding dirtbikes for 14 years but have never been on the street.

i found one for $550 and one for $600 locally. this is one. i need to hurry up and scrap my parts blazer to get some cash.

http://ashtabula.craigslist.org/mcy/2715112821.html

my jaw dropped when i saw this bike
Dec. 14, 2011 7:27 p.m. Grtechguy SuperDork

I've posted that bike in here before... it is gorgeous to say the least.

Here is a little story on it:

http://classicbikes.actieforum.com/t108-zero-cafe-racer-tribute-to-zero-engineerin...

and

http://www.bikeexif.com/yamaha-virago
Dec. 14, 2011 8:06 p.m. stroker HalfDork

My understanding is that Viragos have a chronic problem with the starter clutch. You can weld the gears to get around the problem, but if it backfires there's no safety margin and the reverse impulse is transmitted directly against the starter motor, usually resulting in $ problems. They're not very fast but if you want to try one, knock yourself out. I'd go with a XS650 instead for a comparable powerplant that's got lots more aftermarket support and demand.
Dec. 14, 2011 9:19 p.m. fastEddie SuperDork

Grtechguy wrote:

http://classicbikes.actieforum.com/t108-zero-cafe-racer-tribute-to-zero-engineerin...

That must be one of those foreign forums - all the member/poster info is on the wrong side of the screen.
Dec. 14, 2011 9:26 p.m. ST_ZX2 HalfDork

CX500 perhaps...

Makes a neat-o cafe too.
Dec. 15, 2011 12:04 a.m. Appleseed SuperDork

I would honestly look for something smaller. You're less likely to scare the crap out of yourself on a small displacement bike. But that said, if you find a screaming deal, do it. As a new bike rider myself, I looked for the most mechanically sound bike I could afford. Broken bikes suck. Remember, just about any older bike can respond to the cafe treatment if you have an eye for aesthetics. I ride a Honda TwinStar with 194 cc of powah.

Here's one already done

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/mcy/2727029934.html
Dec. 15, 2011 12:14 a.m. BoxheadTim SuperDork

750cc even in cruiser form is plenty for someone with not much experience on bigger bikes on the street. Depending on your size, anything over 300-350cc should be reasonable enough for street use - out of my four bikes, the one that actually most enjoyable for hooning is my Morini and that's got 350cc and 39hp on a good day.
Dec. 15, 2011 1:32 a.m. problemaddict Reader

I think with 14 years on dirtbikes a somewhat powerful street bike wouldn't be too much to handle. We're not talking 600-1000cc sportbikes here...

CX500 is a good choice, with hydraulic lifters and shaft drive, you're looking at zero-ish maintenance. A Honda Nighthawk has a similar setup. There's also some nice early beemers that look great w/ the cafe treatment... And the Kawasaki KZ400/440 are also stout bikes...

If you're stuck on the Virago idea (and I don't blame you) check out Classified Moto's bikes:
Dec. 15, 2011 5:46 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork

Cafe Racer built up a 750 Virago, liberated the pipes, added lightness and then had the Bostrom brothers spank it around a track.

I like it!

Dan
Dec. 15, 2011 6:57 a.m. Curmudgeon SuperDork

A smaller starter bike that can be had dirt cheap is the XS400 Yamaha. Later 'Special' version: Like its 650 big brother, people cafe/tracker/bob/chop them all the time and they are plentiful. The mid 1970's versions are my favorite. Again like the 650, they all use the same frame with maybe a few tabs changed so making a Special into an early bike is easy. Once you get comfy enough riding to go to something bigger, the 400 makes a great wife's bike.

A cheap fixer upper in your area: http://youngstown.craigslist.org/mcy/2653318366.html
Dec. 15, 2011 7:17 a.m. foxtrapper SuperDork

Yea, a littler Virago like the 535 would be a safer starting point. They really don't get away from you, but are perfectly capable of going quite quick.

If you don't consider Maryland to be too far, I'll sell you mine. You can find plenty of examples of cool bobber 535's on the web for inspiration.
Dec. 15, 2011 7:56 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork

Because of its low seat height, smallish displacement and easy to control weight, I would suggest using the 535 to start on, get your feet wet; then move up or Cafe' something.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but guys looking to get their wives or girlfriends on a bike search high and low for just those characteristics. Easy and low to the ground. I'm not suggesting it's a girl's bike, just saying if you whack it up you may lose a lot of potential market.

Cafes are cool but for a starter bike I put them in the same category as a sport bike. They're not as easy to ride as a smaller sit up bike.

Dan
Dec. 15, 2011 9:09 a.m. Taiden Dork

I say get an sv650/ex500 and then buy whatever old project bike. Ride one for a season while you spend a year building up the 'bike of your dreams'
Dec. 15, 2011 10:05 a.m. alex SuperDork

stroker wrote:

My understanding is that Viragos have a chronic problem with the starter clutch. You can weld the gears to get around the problem, but if it backfires there's no safety margin and the reverse impulse is transmitted directly against the starter motor, usually resulting in $ problems. They're not very fast but if you want to try one, knock yourself out. I'd go with a XS650 instead for a comparable powerplant that's got lots more aftermarket support and demand.

This is all true. I worked on one at the shop, and that was enough to convince me to permanently cross it off the list. It's a stunningly horribly designed mechanism.
Dec. 15, 2011 12:00 p.m. pinchvalve SuperDork

+1 for the CX500. That was my first bike ever, and it stayed with me for years. Plenty of power for 2-up touring, you won't notice that it is not a 750. It is as reliable as an anvil, if a bit top-heavy.

I regret not having the room to keep it and make it into a fun Cafe' project.
Dec. 15, 2011 4:00 p.m. MitchellC SuperDork

While cafe racers look awesome, they look terribly uncomfortable to ride. Just about any time I see someone actually riding one, the arch of their back looks like it will make them sore after about 30 seconds.
Dec. 15, 2011 6:30 p.m. Taiden Dork

MitchellC wrote:

While cafe racers look awesome, they look terribly uncomfortable to ride. Just about any time I see someone actually riding one, the arch of their back looks like it will make them sore after about 30 seconds.

Absolutely.

That said, even though I'm 6'3", I really want this:
Dec. 16, 2011 12:32 a.m. alex SuperDork

I hope you're skinny and/or comfortable with pedaling your feet to get up to speed. I'm a big-ish guy, so as much as I hate to say it, those little things are out of the picture. Fortunately, I can live vicariously through my girlfriend.
Dec. 16, 2011 10:21 a.m. Xceler8x SuperDork

I see you're in Cleveland OH. Here goes. First two pages of your local craigs list was the source. My picks.

1984 FJ600 - doesn't get much more basic than that. Pretty tough bike. Inexpensive too. I'd check it's running condition and fork seals.

81 Yam 850 triple - I recommend this one with a caveat. It's a big hoss. Be careful as it's heavy and will fall over on you if you're not used to that. Otherwise it's a triple! Pretty cool...

1995 Yam XT350 - The polar opposite of the 850 triple above. Lightweight. Small. Reliable. This XT motor is tough, tough, tough. Get and go adventure riding. For inspiration go to www.advrider.com.

93 CBR900R - I want this one. Don't buy it. You'll die.

1983 Honda Nighthawk - This one will run longer than just about anything else on this list. The perfect UJM before Honda built them down to a price.
Dec. 20, 2011 2:06 p.m. patgizz SuperDork

the virago has such a pretty engine compared to any of the inlines with the pipes sticking out the front.

i've not quite talked myself into anything yet, but i am close, and i will be turning in my parts blazer for scrap next week and will most likely have that $ burning a hole in my pocket.

i gather i will look for one without starter trouble pick up one that can be ridden in as-is condition so there are no bugs to work out. i think i like the idea of an 82-83 750 because that is what my dad had and i have many fond memories of it.
Dec. 20, 2011 2:58 p.m. Apexcarver SuperDork

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_TrSuABke4

I have an uncle who might be looking to get rid of his CB1000c in Denver..

(his has sat in a garage for 10 years and has a fairing and all that stuff NOT THE ONE IN THE VIDEO)
Dec. 20, 2011 3:59 p.m. 92CelicaHalfTrac SuperDork

My buddy i share a garage with has a half-finished Virago 750 Cafe project. I believe it's an 81, first year of them. It's got the trick mono through-body rear shock, shaft drive, blah blah blah.

I'd imagine he'd be wanting to get rid of it once it's complete, or maybe before.
Jan. 3, 2012 6:49 p.m. patgizz SuperDork

i've come upon a stumbling block, as my work van has passed on. so right now my $ might be tied up in a newer van or trailer.

but i'd like to hear about the half finished one if it's for sale.

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