Here is a really clean build-up/restoration of a Yamaha XS650 into a cafe racer. So much about it is right, and just a few things need help (but they’re easy).
I think the overall look of the bike with the nice paint, fiberglass, and decals is really nice. It will stand out in a row of bikes at Alice’s Restaurant while not being over the top. That rear seat is particularly nice, and I like the way the CB500 tank looks on the bike. The red pin-striping/decals on the white bodywork is quite classy.
But here are two things that would change the bike radically on the cheap and easy: ditch the crazy square mirror, and get some clip-ons or clubmans. I know it is more comfortable to have the drag bars, but it is the one missing element for me. And the square mirror? Enough said…
This bike is only a little ways from my house, but finances dictate I stay away and concentrate on the SL350 cafe build-up I have coming up with my friend Paul at TheMotoWorld.com.
Bikes, eBay
1977, 650, cafe, cafe racer, caferacer, cb500, cb500t, clip-ons, clubman, drag bar, gas tank, racer, xs, xs650, yamaha
UPDATE TO THE UPDATE…
Paul has rescinded his thought about this bike not being a BSA. Apparently he looked at some of the details and decided that BSAs just look like Nortons, but are not actually Nortons! 
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UPDATE…
I got an email from my friend Paul over at TheMotoWorld.com telling me that this wasn’t a BSA. Hmmmm. Anyone else have an opinion on that?
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Wow. This is a cool bike. The real deal it would seem. The only thing that is a bit out of place is the Yamaha 4 leading shoe brake, but I bet it stops that thing quickly.
Take a look at the description from the seller. He goes into some of the trick bits on the bike and in the motor. I think this BSA will make someone a wonderful half-century-old Sunday morning ride…
Bikes, eBay
4, 650cc, A-10, A10, bike, brit, british, bsa, cafe, cafe racer, leading, Norton, racer, shoe, yamaha
Sorry for the sh!tty picture (it appears to be of a prototype). But the seat appears cool. I am getting more serious about finding a seat for my Sportster, as I am finding more and more examples of these types of cafe racer seats for sale. I think it might be time to try one out…
Parts, eBay
cafe, cafe racer, Cafe Racer Seat, racer, seat, xs650, yamaha
Here we have a bike that combines aspects of the street tracker and cafe racer styles of bikes. The triple motor is really cool, and the overall build is super clean.
Now that I’m thinking about it, I would probably call this more of a street tracker. I like the fact it has a uniqueness that won’t be seen very often when parked at breakfast during a Sunday morning ride.
Bikes, eBay
750, cafe, cafe racer, racer, street tracker, xs, xs750, yamaha
I don’t know if I’m a fan of the paint job, but this is one well-built, clean motorcycle. I’d adjust the bars if it were my bike, but what a good build! My girlfriend really likes this bike. Nice job on the Tokico brakes!
Bikes, eBay
brakes, cafe, cafe racer, clubman, eBay, GSXR, paint job, racer, xs650, yamaha
Very nice! But no title. Not an issue in every state or country, but I don’t know if I would want to try importing it to California.
I think this bike is super sweet looking. I love the colors and how clean the motor is (the overall build as well). I’m not a two-stroke fan, but this might just convert me…
Bikes, eBay
cafe, cafe racer, racer, RD, RD350, RD400, yamaha
So I was surfing this morning, and I came across this bike. From the listing, it appears to be a ‘98 SR500 with a bunch of cool retro components making it look like something of a much earlier vintage. I really like the tank and the front brake.
If I wasn’t a little bit freaked out by the fact it is located very far away, I would be bidding. It’s currently at around $300, and shipping is claimed to be about $650 to the US. Still, I like the bike, and really like the sales pitch. “Moreover,he making u more charming in the classic style,too.” Great! I need some help…
Cafe Racer from Thailand
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Update: 6/24/08 12:24PM PDT
Wow! This thing has really jumped in price (over $1,800 with less than 24 hours to go). Check out this bid history!!! Auctions at work, I guess…
Bidders:
10Bids:24Time left:19 hours 19 mins 53 secs
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Bikes, eBay
bangkok, cafe, cafe racer, motorcycle, racer, sr500, thailand, yamaha
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