Trophy Based 900 Cafe Racer

Right little update as I have been away a lot for work - in Israel currently but took a snap before I went away

The bike is running again and I have cured the oil leak that I had found. Gasket wasn't sitting quite right on the clutch cover so got that into position and also added a layer of copper gasket stuff that claims to work upto 350 degrees - should be fine since its only the clutch.

Really pleased as the bike sounds like a beast. The pipes don't do too much to keep it quiet which might need dealing with as the bike will be doing a few laps on track to replicate a picture.

2 Jobs lefts before paint - firstly the body work needs trimming down to ensure a good fit - I need to borrow a dremmel with a cutting disk from work to do this and might look at it this weekend. second I need to cut the front fairing down and make a bracket to hold it on the bike.

Few wires to tidy away too!

After that its paintwork - I'm just finalising my design but the base colour is a light blue- and then roll on the spring



Seen a few other bikes being started on here which is fantastic. Perhaps in the summer we can all meet up and go for a blast - perhaps (not sure where everyone lives) we could head to the "factory" on the isle of whight for a blast!

 

Hi Peter
No not planning a road test - don't have an MOT or tax anymore! However I road the bike 300 miles back from its old owner before I stripped it so I'm fairly confident it should be happy enough.

I've loved the project and the money spent hasn't been too bad as I've bought bits over the year. I think ill keep adding bits over time as this is a keeper - wire wheels would be nice and you can add USD forks from something like a ZX12. I'm thinking about adding NOS next winter - lots of people are building Cafe Racers so it might look at it if I feel the need to be different! One step at a time though!!

 

The grips look lovely and I couldnt help giggling a little at the name Bitwell Thruster!

They are the the 22mm and are a nice tight fit - I used the original throttle tube but can get it to sit nicely on the very last notch.

The Silencers are just an ebay generics job - I was going to get all chrome but i liked the black to match the frame. I fitted them using both the reducers that came with the kit then wrapped the rest of the exhaust.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal...780223?hash=item567d43c2bf:g:NT4AAOSw3ydVg9np

plenty of time to get yours done. spring is a long way off

 

So over the Christmas break I too managed a little time in the garage.

First job was to cut down the seat so that it fitted flushly against the frame. Borrowed a mates dremmel for this with a tiny cutting disk and it was ideal. Then a little sand paper and the job was done!
I then fitted the seat pads and strapped it to the bike along with the tank.




The result is that I have now finished the kit and I'm ready to get the parts painted.



A few cables needed tidying and routing suitably which I did too.

I'm really pleased with the bike - its a great shape. I took my time building it but actually I wish I'd spent longer - Tiny imperfections that I notice here and there that annoy me! Maybe next winter!

I did intend to get a bikini fairing for the bike but the one I bought doesn't fit well. Its too narrow as it needs to go round the radiator to get the lines right. Even cutting bits away with the dremmel wasn't enough! Heyho maybe one day I will build one from scratch to suit.

I have sketched a few things for the paint work. I'm building the bike as a replica/tribute to my father who died from Cancer when I was 18. His first (of 3) mid-life crisis's was racing an old Ariel Leader 250. The bike blew up roughly ever other meeting and needed rebuilds. I spend much time with Dad in the garage watching him rebuild whilst cursing and getting covered in oil. His bike was light blue.



This bike will be a similar colour and will also carry the same race number, 256.



I also intend to book onto a couple of track days and replicate some old pictures I have of dad racing. He would have loved it.

Cant wait for paint now. Its very much my bike now and I cant ever see me getting rid!

 

Yeah that's very doable - I'm only in Crowborough so a nice jaunt along the A272!!

 

Right time to add some colour

I have a very talented friend who own a body shop and is kindly doing the bike for me. He also builds his own cafe racers (without the use of kits!) and does airbrush art which will be used on the bike



This is the base colour! The design will now be applied and will be painted to have a wood effect with graining and a 3d effect.



Getting the rough idea of the numbers on the back



Getting closer now and I'm V excited. Ive also snaffled the V5 for an old bike that the guy paining stripped for parts for one of his builds. It has the registration starting BOT which fits my surname Botterman. It will be moved over to the bike once its MOT'd.

 

Still in paint - Its being done by a mate and he has a lot on - however he sent he some pics yesterday and i think it could well be complete by the end of the month - there is only the rear brake to bleed (needed some fresh crush washers) and then its MOT time!!

 

Cheers - Appreciate it - its been a nice project

Was the first stages of the paint this week and cant wait for it to be done - seems to have really slowed down.

 

Saw the painter last night - will be done within a fortnight!! Should be on the road in June!!

 

First bits of paintwork have come back

Front mudguard and seat unit.






Everything has been airbrushed on with the intention for it to look like wood.

Ive fitted the mudguard and it looks good against the front wheel colour

Tank is very nearly there and likely to be done for the weekend. Ive therefore put Sunday aside and hope for some finished bike shots for next week!

 

Right well here we go.

Got the tank back all painted. Looks really cool with the wood effect against the blue



Fitted everything up and pushed the bike out into the light





Really pleased with it.

Runs fine but appears i need a new throttle cable as it revs when turning right. I've got a new one that Ill stick in. Also front brake isnt as good as it felt - needs a bleed before MOT then roll on the summer!