Thread: Vintage Bikes/ Cafe Racers

Triumph sells their original vintage Bonneville and their Cafe racer the Thruxton, as new models which are almost exact replicas of the originals from the 60's without all the problems of having an old bike. New MSRP is around 7,500.

I have owned many old and new bikes and would definitely go with the latter, especially if you're not used to a kickstarter.

Originally Posted by CADILLAC

Triumph sells their original vintage Bonneville and their Cafe racer the Thruxton, as new models which are almost exact replicas of the originals from the 60's without all the problems of having an old bike. New MSRP is around 7,500.

I have owned many old and new bikes and would definitely go with the latter, especially if you're not used to a kickstarter.

I know what you mean about the Triumphs, but I just want something with a bit more "character", if you will. I want to build/fix it to really make it mine. I am only concerned that I might be getting in over my head with extra costs of repairs...

Originally Posted by CityConnection

I know what you mean about the Triumphs, but I just want something with a bit more "character", if you will. I want to build/fix it to really make it mine. I am only concerned that I might be getting in over my head with extra costs of repairs...

Honestly, if you have any mechanical ability at all, building a cafe racer from a 70s model honda/Yamaha is probably going to be pretty close to buying a new bike.

I got my 75 CB for less than $1000, I have about $1000 in the motor rebuild and about $1500 in the custom tank, seat, rear subframe.

That is all of the big ticket stuff.

Of course, there are countless small parts and paint and powdercoat, and of course, the 100s if not thousands of hours of time I have had in the garage. That said, I would be suprised if the whole thing cost me more than $7500-10,000 out of pocket.

THIS ONE IS BUY IT NOW FOR 3K!!!!!!!

Honda : CB:eBay Motors (item 370258081231 end time Sep-16-09 17:00:00 PDT)

Pretty cool for putting around..

I have a Thruxton and I love it, I wish it had a 6th speed though as I just kind of levels out at around 105mph on the freeway, but other than that it is great and has lots of character, and I am always getting compliments. I can't tell you how many old guys have come up to me telling me about the old TR6 that they rode in their heyday, and hearing about all the problems they had I am glad I went with a modern bike. I ride Ducati sport bikes too, so I do feel like I'm going too slow on the Thruxton at times, but it's a refreshing change to take it out now and then. If you want real power in a vintage looking bike check out the Duc Sports Classics, I almost got one of those instead, but the aesthetics turned me off. I am actually looking to find a shop to build me a custom cafe racer that has more power and better handling, if anyone knows a good shop let me know. Lastly, here's a litle eye candy, one of my favorites, a classic BMW:

^^^ Nice bike! I feel you though on the 6th gear thing. I wish mine had one.

My 76 CB750



and I know Im missing a side cover

I love it, these bikes are so sick! Post more pics people.

Some sick ones I found on the interwebs...





XR600 based one