How much cash do you think i need for a cafe bike?

[karatekid1194]

I REALLY REALLY want to build a cafe racer out of our xs400. But there are problems. I dont know how much it will cost and I have a sceptical father. lol. has anyone on here done it? possibly have a rough estimate? The bike is pretty much a time capsul so I wont be needing to fix anything.

 

[foul]

Make a list of things you want to change.
Then you can figure out what parts you need to buy and what kind of specialists you need to hire.
As with all automotive budgets multiply it by 2 or 3.

Its really impossible for other people to tell you how much it will cost, we don't even know if you can hold a wrench.

 

[redratbike]

i would take into account the base bike..buying a good one means less to pay out on mechanically.

can you do the work yourself? you'll save money there

how much of a cafe racer look do you want..basic drop bars look or the whole hog seat ,rearsets,clip ons,proper tank with knee dents etc????

it all adds up

 

[drewpy]

a cafe racer is as much as you are prepared to pay to build one. they are such a personal thing that, you first need to have a design and look in mind (read and look at lots)

get your bike and look at it for a while and see how it can be transformed.

... then just give up and buy someone esle's

have a look at omars web site for bits to transform a bike that will give you a ball park figure

 

[pfo186]

i bought my xs400 for 400 bucks because it wasn't running. re-doing the carbs and it should be fine. bought the drop down bars for 30$ and the bullet style seat for 130$ from airtech. honestly thats all you need to make it look like a cafe racer. i had my buddy paint everything flat black for another 150$. all depends on the condition of the bike and what kind of deal you get on it.

 

[OliverB]

I know of an '81 XS400, mostly but not fully finished, that sold a couple weeks ago for $2300!! Not pristine by any measure, either.

 

[fc10a3]

$8,000,000, not including battery

 

[bentwrench]

Find a bike with a good engine, dirty carbs, a torn seat and messed up handlebars. Lowball them on the price.

Then, clean the carbs, modify the seat and get rid of the handlebars. Install clipons or clubmans.

Spend a lot of time polishing. Figure out how to make a solo seat that you like.

$1500 should just about do it. Most of the work is elbow grease, if you already own the tools and are willing to learn. www.dotheton.com has a ton of great builders who can help you through it.