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Message started by smokin_blue on 09/10/13 at 18:51:05

Title: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 09/10/13 at 18:51:05

Wow! This has been a long slow project. I have not posted for quite some time as family life and work has taken priority of my time, This project is not done but a major milestone has been reached. Café ala Carte is now on the road for shake down testing. After debug it will still need paint, polish, and powder coating.

I am currently working on jetting in my Mikuni TM36 carb which is proving to be quite a job but I am getting close. I did add a temporary O2 sensor and Air/Fuel mixture gage and that has been a huge help since the carb came way over jetted and no guidance to even start by.

I have done all the work myself except for the upholstery of the seat, the ceramic coating the header, and the fabricating of the muffler.

For those who are not familiar with the project here are links to my past posts.

12/07 update
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1196943498/0

6/08 update
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1196943498/34#34

3/09 update
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1237084786/7#7

10/09 update
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1257039622/0

Also if you want to see my previous projects go to
http://www.street-unique.com

For now here are some current pictures.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/LEFT-SIDE-7-2013.JPG

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/FRONT-RIGHT-7-2013.JPG

Notice in the next picture how the header takes a nice side step around the front frame rail. Yet, from the photo after that one you can see from the side it still looks like the classic BSA header. THIS TOOK HOURS TO GET RIGHT. I made that header from J-Bends (mandrel bent blanks) where each section is cut and welded together and then the welds ground smooth. There are 8 sections that make up that header. All ground smooth and then ceramic coated in black.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/FRONT-LEFT-7-2013.JPG

The muffler is a beautiful piece of custom work done by Epco Stainless out of Ohio. They built the muffler to my design and print in polished stainless steel. It is made up of two rolled cones (so they technically have a seam in the back) and a short straight at the connection point. They fabricated it and ground out all the welds and mirror polished it. I cannot find any of the welds except for one tiny weld pit on the back side. Absolutely stunning considering a mirror finish quickly shows optically any surface waves.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/RIGHT-SIDE-7-2013.JPG

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/TAIL-SIDE-7-2013.JPG

Some explanation on these tail lights. Inside I have LED’s tail lights from a SV650 that have been split and laid on their side. They match the curve of the tail and point directly rearward then so it worked out. I wanted frenched in lenses so here is how it was done. Before any windows were cut in the tail, I took 3/16” thick red acrylic and heated in the oven to the softening point. Then I stretched it over the tail section in the place I was going to put them and allowed them to cool. I made 4 for each side so I would have extras. Then I cut the openings in the fiberglass tail section. From there I cut the lenses to fit. I then had to go back and heat and form 1/8” clear acrylic over the same areas so I could cut rings of it for form a flange for the inside of the lens to hold it in the tail. I bonded those rings to the lenses such that the lenses were flush with the tail. Now they fit perfectly and match the 3 dimensional curves of the tail section.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/TAIL-REAR-7-2013.JPG

Hope you enjoyed it. I will try to update in the future as I have tons of photos of the custom work and much detailing to come.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - 2013 update!
Post by Jiggyfly on 09/10/13 at 22:57:28

Looks awesome!

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - 2013 update!
Post by Serowbot on 09/11/13 at 01:00:35

Youz guyz,.. are pushing our bike into infamy...
Want a bike to customize?...
Harley... Triumph 650,...Yamaha XS650,... Yamaha SR500...
Suzuki Savage...

I'd put us in the top 5...
In fact,.. I'd put us 4th... due to the limited production of the SR...
That's a beautiful job you're doing, Smoke... ;)...

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - 2013 update!
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/11/13 at 03:45:37

TopNotch sstuff,, MIghty Fine

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - 2013 update!
Post by LANCER on 09/11/13 at 04:20:55

Super clean
Beautiful
Stunning

What's your impression, performance wise, of the addition of the Gold Valves to the forks ?

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - 2013 update!
Post by ToesNose on 09/11/13 at 04:22:46

Looks great Smokin Blue! but I think you need to upgrade the tank badges to 650!!!! ::)

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - 2013 update!
Post by smokin_blue on 09/11/13 at 05:22:08

3F323D3036216164530 wrote:

Super clean
Beautiful
Stunning

What's your impression, performance wise, of the addition of the Gold Valves to the forks ?

I realize your question is about the forks but first I have to say I have the stage one cam and all the basic let it breath mods and now that I am getting the jetting sorted out that engine pulls like an engine should!

so as far as the gold valves I can't really say yet. I have been so focused on getting the jetting sorted I really haven't ridden it long enough or hard enough to matter. My general thought is in the stock form of the S40/savage I don't think they would help. In a sporty/café/fighter kind of set up they might. I will let you know as I have more time to evaluate.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - 2013 update!
Post by smokin_blue on 09/11/13 at 05:23:32

7249435568495543260 wrote:

Looks great Smokin Blue! but I think you need to upgrade the tank badges to 650!!!! ::)

That is just one of the MANY details I need to attend to during paint and polish phase. What you don't think it will be a sleeper as people think they just got dusted by a 260? I could put my yellow tank on and then it would be a 360! ;D

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - 2013 update!
Post by smokin_blue on 09/11/13 at 05:25:42

Lancer, I must say that that 320mm rotor finally brings some stopping power to the bike.

My wife had a GZ 250 and just upgraded to an S40. Brakes on GZ were hands down better. I went and measured and the disc on the GZ was just about 1" bigger in diameter!

Now if we could just get them to enlarge the tank a little bit......

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - 2013 update!
Post by Dave on 09/11/13 at 09:54:49

Smokin Blue:

I had a chance to read through the build threads....thanks for providing a link to those so I could catch up. I have been a member here for about 1.5 years.....and didn't know about this build. There are lots of old threads to look at, and I had not gone back far enough to see this one.

That is a great bike you have built.....and I have wondered before if transplanting the Savage engine into a different frame would make a better bike than trying to convert a cruiser. It looks like it was not an easy job.....but the results look spectacular! ::)

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - 2013 update!
Post by smokin_blue on 09/15/13 at 17:58:07

Dave, the biggest thing that made the transplant a challenge was the swing arm pivot was set up so high for the engine that Benelli was originally going to put in that frame. The original engine was the one that became the Benelli 650 Tornado. It was a 650 twin with a high CS sprocket. I had to lower it to make the engine sit properly in the frame. That was the biggest pain. The rest of the engine mounts were half way easy and I wanted the frame to look clean. Of course there was the slight issue with centering the engine meant I needed to skim cut the inside of the frame for chain clearance...... guess now it doesn't seem so bad but you are right it wasn't a clean stuff.

I was originally thinking about using a GS550 frame and had bought the bike to steal it from but it just didn't seem like it would look as good and then this frame came along I had to go that direction.

The funny part of this build is to me the tank. You see these tanks everywhere today on cafe bikes. I started this project 4 years ago when the cafe builds were not yet a main stream craze. The tank is the correct tank for the frame. It is a Mojave frame and that is the Mojave tank. Both are knock offs by Benelli of the Rickman bikes. Now I bought two tanks at the time for $50 and $60 each. Today I looked on ebay and with everyone using them on Honda cafe bikes they are now selling (yes actual selling prices) of $425-$450 a tank! that is just crazy!!! The down side of them is the 2.3 gallons of gas that they hold doesn't get you very far. :)

I like the Vapor speedo but I am not sold on the tach set up. If anyone has had a truly good tach install on one of these let me know. I have tried many things that I have read and gotten first hand from Trailtech but none have done a solid job of a decent tach reading in my mind.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - 2013 update!
Post by Jiggyfly on 09/18/13 at 23:35:56

an epic adventure, and one I'm sure that has been filled with grins and groans!

bike looks most excellent. there are some awesome build coming forth.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - 2013 update!
Post by smokin_blue on 09/20/13 at 21:33:27

The grins and groans continue. I have purchased pretty much every part available for this carb to push it in the leaner direction. That would be two extra jet needles, 3 needle jets, 5 pilots, 5 mains, 2 air jets, 3 choke jets, and now 2 slide with leaner cut aways. I am pretty close on the jetting now. I just need time to ride and test. I have a wide band O2 sensor and Air/Fuel ratio gage that reads to 0.1 increments on the ratio. The problem is you give an engineer the ability to take data and things seem to get thoroughly analyzed. Let just say I have in the range of 22-25 jetting run combinations run on the TM carb now. Along with that I had to mic the needles my self to determine what they were doing with the needle option as Sudco said that Mikuni won't publish needle data for the big TM's.

So now that I have that close I need to move on to solving a small handling issue. The bike is a bit more unstable that I would like at speed. I measured out the front end and laid out the trig and I have the steering geometry of my GSX-R1100. Small wonder with the light weight and small contact patch of the front tire it feels the way it does. Fundamentally it needs more trail. I can accomplish that with less offset on the triple clamps. So today I finished my research and ordered up a better set of triples. Thank you ebay. Once I get them I need to throw them up on the mill and do a few mods and then I should add about 5/8-3/4" of trail and that should help. I will be real curious to see how it feels in comparison.

It has been an interesting adventure as every custom I have built has gotten more and more complex in the changes I have made and have gotten further from the bike it started with. This one in particular is very distant from the stock frame/running gear.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - 2013 update!
Post by Jiggyfly on 09/21/13 at 01:30:30

BTDT!

Mostly with race bikes. I look at it when I'm done, & it's nothing CLOSE to what it started as. I've been fortunate, (or lucky?), enough that every one of them was for the better.
Sounds like you've gone through some tough times with the carb!!
An engineer??? Alright....show us your chart on the jetting! LOL
just teasing.

I love your front brake set up. I'm building one now with KZ cast aluminum wheels, & I just got my big EBC rotor. I'm really contemplating a brembo caliper. It would be attached to my Brembo radial master, & such complete retched overkill, especially on the Firestone tires....that it's ridiculous. But they look like sex! :)

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - 2013 update!
Post by smokin_blue on 09/21/13 at 08:58:12

Start a thread when you get your front end further along. It would be interesting to see. I have been contemplating upgrading my wife's S40 brakes but she likes them as they are. I just compare to the ones on her previous GZ250 and laugh. That thing had much better brakes. I take it you are going to run stock forks and then make a caliper mount bracket like I did on this one? I am running GS500E forks with a PM caliper so it took a custom plate adapter to make it work. The rotor is a 230mm rotor off a Ducati. Stopping is currently not an problem for me right now ;)

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - 2013 update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/12/15 at 18:31:34

Ok double wow... 2015 update. This is pretty sad when my updates are 2 years apart. My spring blew up and the the summer spun by. I have finally been able to work on the final assembly of my bike.

I had it painted last fall and the frame powder coated this past winter. I spent the little time I had this summer polishing aluminum. Now finally this fall I have had time to work on the final assembly. I thought I would share some photos.

Here are the rims all polished and ready to be spoked. The hubs are powder coated black and the spokes are polished stainless spokes from Buchannan.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/WHEELS_READY.JPG

Here they are assembled

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/WHEELS_DONE.JPG

Here is my exhaust clamp I made. It started from billet. I machined the entire thing. Then I did some and shaping as my goal was to make it look cast. From there I had it abrasive blasted and then I sprayed it silver with GunKote.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/EXHAUST_CLAMP1.JPG

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/EXHAUST_CLAMP2.JPG

Now back to the bike. I got the forks reassembled with my new fork tubes and powdercoated lower tubes. Also put in new bushings and seals from AllBalls.

Got them back on the bike and here are pics of the front end.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/FRONT_WHEEL-LEFT.JPG

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/FRONT_WHEEL-RIGHT.JPG

More pics to follow as I get them uploaded.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/12/15 at 22:46:57

is that a superbrace?
Good looking build.
You know, gold pinstripes look good on black, and red.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by strang on 10/13/15 at 03:54:36

wow

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/13/15 at 04:21:22

26393F3825221323132B39357E4C0 wrote:

is that a superbrace?
Good looking build.
You know, gold pinstripes look good on black, and red.

Nope not a super brace. That is a custom built brace designed to fit the GS500E forks but clear the fender for a 19" rim.

I have to think on the gold pinstripes thought. I will post some full pics soon and I need to finish my tank graphics but I was thinking of being more subtle than gold... going to have to noodle on that one.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by LANCER on 10/13/15 at 08:24:31

BEAUTIFUL

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/13/15 at 18:43:30

I have many more pics to upload but here are a few more..

Here is the bike this weekend ready to roll out of the basement.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/ASSEMBLED_READY_TO_ROLL.JPG

Now here are some close ups of the tasty details.

custom made axle/chain adjusters.
http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/ADJUSTER1.JPG

I Machined a hole in the end of the swingarm and welded in a nut and blended out the welds. Then I designed and machined the axle carrier. The adjustment bolt is a stainless steel cap screw cross drilled for an 1/8" adjustment spanner (hardended 1/8" pin) that is used to turn the bolt. Then lock it down with the SS lock nut.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/ADJUSTER2.JPG

here is the other side

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/ADJUSTER3.JPG

Here is the shifter side rearset.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/SHIFT_LEVER_REARSET.JPG

I the rearset is custom machined. The lever, peg carrier, and peg are from a 1988 GSX-R750

The brake side rearset was a little more involved. I used a matching 1988 GSX-R750 brake lever parts but had to machine the back side to accept a second piece that came up and formed the lever arm to actuate the cable pull.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/BRAKE_PEDAL_REARSET.JPG

and here is another shot of the exhaust clamp on the engine.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/EXHAUST_CLAMP3.JPG

Here is the engine with a complete set of polished SS cap screws in place of all the rusting stock hex head bolts.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/ENGINE_CASE_BOLTS.JPG

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/13/15 at 19:03:42

So for those that haven't seen the early portion of this build the links are at the top of this thread. The very early posts were lost in computer limbo during a forum hic-up.

The bike is named Cafe a la Carte' due to the fact I built it using selected parts from many bikes. I think I have it all totaled up now. It appears that the parts came from 19 different models.

Here is the rap sheet of components:

Engine - 1997 Suzuki LS650
Frame and Tank - 1968 Wards Riverside Mojave
Note the frame and tank were made by Benelli in Italy and represent a knock off of a Rickman racing frame.
Rims - 1973 Yamaha TX750
Front Hub - 1979 Suzuki GS750
Rear Hub - 1997 Suzuki LS650
Head Light Shell and trim ring - 1964 CB77
Note that is a brand new old stock (50 year old) OEM trim ring - rare find.
Head Light - 1983 Suzuki GR650 Tempter
Front Brake Disc - 2002 Ducati 944
Front Forks - 1993 Suzuki GS-500E with 2" over tubes by Forking by Frank
Front Fender - Aftermarket for a mid-70's Ducati 750SS
Swing Arm - 1981 Suzuki GS450
Rear Hugger - half of a 1989 Suzuki 1400 Intruder front fender
Tail lights - 2006 Suzuki SV650
Front Brake Master - 1995 Suzuki GS500E
Clutch lever and perch - 1992 Suzuki Katana 600
Triple Clamps - 1982 Suzuki GS1100
Center Stand - 1974 Suzuki GT250
Shocks - Works Performance shocks for a 1967-1972 BSA Goldstar
Seat Latch - 1996 Suzuki GSX-R1100
Shift and brake levers and pegs - 1988 Suzuki GSX-R750

yes all parts are heavily modified in some form or another other than the Ducati rotor, the front brake master and the front hub.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by DesertRat on 10/13/15 at 19:08:16

76686A6E6C6B5A67697060050 wrote:

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/ASSEMBLED_READY_TO_ROLL.JPG

Question:

why is the tread direction different front and rear? :-?

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/14/15 at 04:51:33

Not totally sure but that is the way they run. I think it has to do with power input to the tire. The rear tire is pushing backwards under power and the front tire is pushing forward under braking. That is my only thought.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Dave on 10/14/15 at 05:20:13

The tread directions look weird if you are used to looking at cars.

The grooves on a motorcycle are there to allow the water to escape - but the direction of the grooves are aligned so the largest forces occur along the length of the tread ridges....rather than across them. When the bike is banked over and accelerating the rear tire sees the most force - so the rear tread is aligned to provide the stiffest tread when that occurs. When the bike is banked over and braking (or just entering a corner really hard), the front tire tread is aligned to provide the stiffest tread in that situation.

Look at any motorcycle tire with diagonal tread grooves - and the front and rear tread directions will always be reversed.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by DesertRat on 10/14/15 at 05:26:34

thanks guys

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by LANCER on 10/14/15 at 08:12:34

What is the bikes weight today ?

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/14/15 at 10:27:33

It came in at 320 lbs. My original goal was to drop under 300 but then when I got going with the frame and realized that was not light, the tank is very heavy, and adding a center stand rather than a kick stand I started to not worry about weight and complete the look I really wanted.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/14/15 at 10:29:51

I got the TM carb very well sorted out but it took an AFI guage to do it. Jetting is pretty well nailed and I like the performance of that carb.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 10/14/15 at 17:47:48

Great looking bike. I'm most impressed with the attention to detail. Can't wait for a ride report.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/14/15 at 18:02:48

Ok the weather was gorgeous today so when I got home from work I raced out to get some decent photos. So here is the results of my little photo shoot. After this it will be time to winterize it and put it to bed for a few months.

Sorry for all the different shots, I just find the lines so sweet from different angles.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/FRONT_LEFT.JPG

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/RIGHT_REAR.JPG

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/RIGHT_SIDE_LEVEL.JPG

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/RIGHT_SIDE_LOW.JPG

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/FRONT_RIGHT.JPG

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/FRONT_RIGHT_LOW.JPG

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/LEFT_REAR_LOW.JPG

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/REAR_LEFT_HIGH.JPG

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/RIGHT_FRONT_HIGH.JPG

Now I just need to get that tank badge done.......

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/14/15 at 18:12:07

6963676D666F6B623C3A3E0E0 wrote:

Great looking bike. I'm most impressed with the attention to detail. Can't wait for a ride report.

Thanks Gary!
I can tell you it is different than a standard S40! The seat ended up a little more firm that I had thought it would be. But other than that I like the performance. That big single has such a soul to it. Engine mods are...TM36 carb breathing thru a K&N filter, the intake port was just cleaned up a little with the exhaust heavily ported. I have a mid range cam in it from Lancer. Larger header feeding a more free flowing muffler. The pull is beautiful up through the revs. I have the gearing set so I can run a 15 or a 16 tooth front. The 15 is just barely over stock gearing and the 16 gives me about 10% taller. I love the 15 for acceleration but the 16 is so much nicer when rolling at 55mph and up.

The bike is tall. You sit high on the bike and you do feel that a bit in the handling. I do have a steering damper that hides under the tank but I still have to get that cleaned up and mounted again. Ultimately it rails along pretty nicely. The front brake is awesome. Love to be able to stop!

I can't wait for next summer to show it at First Thursday gatherings along with a few local shows. I would like to show it in the local vintage japanese bike show but I don't know how they will catagorize it. The bikes need to be japanese bikes that are 25 years or older. So based on the build sheet I think it will challenge their ability to categorize it! (technically it is titled as a 1968 Wards Riverside Mojave...ha!)

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/14/15 at 20:05:12

You should weigh that thing. I don't know what you weigh, but if you're not a big dude, that thing otta lay down some good zero to sixty times. I haven't read the mods. I hope it's hot...

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by strang on 10/15/15 at 02:24:24

that is the bollocks

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/15/15 at 17:27:11

272026353A33540 wrote:

that is the bollocks

Thanks man! It was a long slow project but I am very happy with how It turned out. My goal was to build a very clean custom that from 25 feet away looked like it dropped out of the 1960's but has modern componetry.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/15/15 at 17:59:27

I wonder how accurate the scales are at the scrap yard.
Couldn't you just put the front end on your bathroom scale, roll up, get the back tire on it, add them up?

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/15/15 at 19:31:41

You missed my earlier post. It is 320 lbs. A bathroom scale under each wheel one at a time works just fine.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Johnnyblade on 10/16/15 at 09:58:55

That is AWESOME!!!!!

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by norm92de on 10/16/15 at 11:45:52

That is one of the nicest custom jobs I have ever seen!
Nothing on it that doesn't need to be there. Love the Yamaha? headlight.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/16/15 at 14:28:21

The headlight shell s a 1964 Honda cb77 . I have the full donor bike list on the previous page of this thread.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by norm92de on 10/16/15 at 17:18:17

I should have had one of those in England in the late 50s. I would have been able to out-brake anybody running up to a roundabout and then run away from them on the exit, between the Busy Bee and the Ace Café. Provided I didn't end up in Edgware General.
The bikes of the time were pretty good but probably not in that class.

It was a great time if you survived. ;D

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by KennyG on 10/16/15 at 17:45:50

Norm,

How many other guys on here besides you and me have been riding from the Ace Cafe?

Were you a "Rocker"?

The brakes on the old British cycles of the 50's & 60's did leave a lot to be desired.

Kenny G

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by norm92de on 10/16/15 at 20:25:36

Kenny,
The brakes yes, and "earoling" was a relative term considering the tyres and the fixed footpegs especially in the wet.
No, I guess I wasn't a "Rocker." They were a bit too far out for me. But maybe I was close enough for government work. ;)

The Triumphs and Nortons etc. were good for their time but nothing compared to todays bikes.

Norman

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by strang on 10/17/15 at 02:21:17

Ace Cafe still going strong - was there last week on my XS650, lot of hassles with the fuzz going on.
Cool that you guys were there in the beginning. 8-)

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by norm92de on 10/17/15 at 07:53:15

I had an XS 650 in this country. Great bike, like so many wish I hadn't sold it.

smokin Bbue

What is the frame on your creation?

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/17/15 at 09:21:08

The frame is from a 1968 Montgomery Wards Riverside Mojave. Which is what the tank which you see on so many cafe builds today is actually from. It was made for wards by benelli in Italy. It is a knockoff of a Rickman racing frame from that era. They originally built it for the benelli tornado which was a tall 650 twin engine. The early protoypes were rejected in test marketing so they redesigned the frame and bodywork for the torndo and then used the frames and bodywork for wards bikes. They took their 250 and 350 "egg" engines and punched them out to 260 and 360 cc and put them in the Mojave bikes.

So the frame is perfect based on the era. It is a large tube frame and the rickmans were very stiff. The rickmans were chromoly but this is mild steel. It had the height I needed for the ls650 engine. I just had to move the swing arm pivot down and add engine mounts to be able for the engine. Go back to the links at the beginning this thread if you want to see all the frame mod details.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by norm92de on 10/17/15 at 13:38:15

Delete that last question. You already told us.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/23/15 at 04:12:30

I have a couple more photos for you with details of the build. Here is a POV shot of handlebars. I did not want the area cluttered up with switch gear so I had to find a new place for what I needed to keep.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/HANDLEBARS.JPG

In building this bike I stripped out a lot of the electricals. it is pretty much down to the bare bones. I had to keep the hi low beam switch and the starter switch. So here is what I did. I used the old Honda head light switch (see the black switch on the head light below) and rewired the internals of it slightly. The switch is my head light high beam, low beam, and off. I also had to find a place for the starter button. The silver very low profile switch on the right side of the head light shell is the starter button. It originally was a high beam indicator but I used the spot for the starter switch.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/DASH.JPG

Lastly this is one of my favorite shots. I love the flow of the bike from such an odd low angle.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/REAR_LOW_ANGLE.JPG

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by norm92de on 10/23/15 at 12:38:08

Very nice! Love all the SS hardware.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by LANCER on 10/24/15 at 12:53:18

That is one sexy looking a-a-aft view. ;)

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by chzeckmate on 10/25/15 at 01:42:50

Super clean.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Art Webb on 10/26/15 at 10:32:30

sleek n sessy
love the tail light treatment

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/26/15 at 20:29:48

Thanks Guys!

Art,
The tail lights were a bit of work but I am happy with how they turned out. I formed the lens blanks before cutting the openings in the tail section and then cut the lenses to fit.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Art Webb on 10/27/15 at 15:54:13

Tell me you wired them to work as blinkers, too, no stalks poking out in the airstream
On the Ninja 500 forum a lot of guys used trailer light boxes to make the tail / brake lights work that way, for a cleaner rear end (it used 2 1157 bulbs in one housing)

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/28/15 at 17:45:23

Art,
Take a look at page one of this thread if you haven't and it will talk in detail about the tail lights. They are LED's from an SV650 and heavily modified. To answer your question they are not wired for turn signals. I thought seriously about it but then I decided no switch gear so no turn signals.

I am lucky I live in a state that doesn't require turn signals.

take a look at my website www.street-unique.com
Smokin Blue was my first custom and I never did put signals on that one.
Bad Attitude I did put turn signals on in the end of the bar ends. That was when that style was hard to come by. They are standard bulbs not LED's since they hadn't become as common as today. The problem with them is I keep blowing filaments out with the vibrations (when she winds up towards 11K rpm.) ::)

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by strang on 10/29/15 at 15:44:02

just checked out your website, man your other builds are also awesome.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/29/15 at 16:39:06

Thanks! my next build will be fairly light but I am building my wife a customized S40.

After that I have a more aggressive build of a 1972 Suzuki T500 two stroke twin into a 1970 Colin Lyster race frame for a late 60's style road racer. More projects than time!

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Art Webb on 10/29/15 at 20:00:53

I like that smokin blue! especially the cafe screen, that really completes the look
Bad Attitude is awesome, too, but man you can HAVE all those cylinders haha
you got skillz man

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 10/30/15 at 04:19:26

Thanks! I am mechanical engineer that grew up the son of a shop teacher in a pretty complete home shop and then I worked as a Suzuki wrench for 3 years during late high school and college.

Now building bikes is in my blood and it is what I do in my limited spare time to help keep my sanity. ;D

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by chzeckmate on 11/01/15 at 01:40:05

I really want to ride your GT250. It's gorgeous!

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 11/01/15 at 05:45:30

Chzeckmate,
That was a really fun bike. The pipes came on about 4,500-5,000 rpm so it was like having a turbo. Twist the throttle and wait for the revs to build to the happy number and then hang on and have fun! I sold it in 2008 after having it for 16 years. I sold it because I didn't have any ride time and that one wasn't being ridden. I didn't want it to rot just sitting there so I sold it to a college buddy that was a 2 stroke freak. For multiple reasons he ended up having to sell it 3 months later. Another friend found it on ebay and told me. I followed that and it went to a collector in Texas that summers in British Columbia so he had it shipped up there. I contacted him as the builder and we had a great discussion. He contacted me that next spring when he was going to fire it up for the first time. It was pretty cool. But then I found I missed my two stroke.

I missed it so much that I decided I had to build another one. So two years ago this Thanksgiving I picked up the '72 T500 mentioned in the post above. If you aren't familiar with the old Suzuki 2 stroked that is the GT 250's bigger older brother. That build is up right after I get my wife's done. I think that one will be very cool when done. It will be similar style but with a very cool race frame and packing much more power.

Also, if you want a touch of cool check out my Street Plugs key chains in the Market-place section. Finally had enough time to get back into making those.

Smokin-

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by chzeckmate on 11/01/15 at 19:02:24

I'm a bit of a 2 stroke freak myself. I'm currently looking for an Aprilia RS250. I've found a few but had to pass for one reason or another each time. When I find the right one I'll have a project of my own...It makes my heart beat fast just thinking about it. I'm very interested in your T500 build. I'll be keeping an eye on your web page for sure.

Title: Re: Purple Passion - (**UPDATE - Bike is Rolling!!
Post by KennyG on 09/04/16 at 20:49:57

Blue,

Your Cafe Racer is drop dead gorgeous.

Kenny G

Title: Re: Purple Passion - (**UPDATE - Bike is Rolling!!
Post by HovisPresley on 09/05/16 at 05:09:40

Kenny is right.
It is drop dead gorgeous.

8-)

Title: Re: Purple Passion - (**UPDATE - Bike is Rolling!!
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/05/16 at 05:19:31

It's sexy, alright.
That rear fender is a nice touch.
Does the headlight have an instrument cluster?
Dish it,

Title: Re: Purple Passion - (**UPDATE - Bike is Rolling!!
Post by smokin_blue on 09/05/16 at 06:43:07

Thanks! yes my cafe has become my best work yet. I am planning to take it to the Barber Vintage festival this fall so we will see what kind of response I get there.

For more info review my build thread here. It has links to the early build parts of the build.
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1378864265/0

For my other builds check out my web page here.
http://www.street-unique.com/

As for the guages in the headlight shell yes it does. I chose that shell just for that reason. It is a 1964 honda shell. I wanted the oval opening for my vapor dash.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/DASH.JPG

And as far as the tail section.....yes I love that tail section and you can't find them anymore. I did the frenched in lights myself.

Here is the sexiest picture I have taken of that.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/REAR_LOW_ANGLE.JPG

Title: Re: Purple Passion - (**UPDATE - Bike is Rolling!!
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/05/16 at 07:48:54

X rated pics,, Nice..

You can flip the bars over in a few years, when you get stiff.

Title: Re: Purple Passion - (**UPDATE - Bike is Rolling!!
Post by zipidachimp on 09/05/16 at 09:49:50

Blue: I'll be at Barber, what section will you be showing your bike? In front of the museum would be cool! 8-)

Title: Re: Purple Passion - (**UPDATE - Bike is Rolling!!
Post by Ruttly on 09/05/16 at 12:21:19

Wow , just makes me sick knowing I could never build a bike that sexy !
That's is straight out motorcycle porn !
Not only are you skilled you have an eye for shapes & lines !
I'm so jealous , I don't think I like you , LOL

Title: Re: Purple Passion - (**UPDATE - Bike is Rolling!!
Post by Ruttly on 09/05/16 at 14:45:56

What frame did you use for the cafe ?

Title: Re: Purple Passion - (**UPDATE - Bike is Rolling!!
Post by smokin_blue on 09/05/16 at 21:26:49

Zip:
I am not sure. I have been to Barber but not during the festival. I am going with an old college buddy. We have tickets for the Ace Cafe corner so I am guessing we will be parking up there. He wants me to enter it into the Dime City / Ace Corner bike show and compete. I will if I can so if you get up there keep your eyes out for it.

Title: Re: Purple Passion - (**UPDATE - Bike is Rolling!!
Post by smokin_blue on 09/05/16 at 21:28:43

Ruttly,
You can read the build thread for all the details but the frame started as a 1968 Montgomery Wards Riverside Mojave frame. It was made by Benelli in Italy and is a knock off of a Rickman racing frame. I did have to move the swing arm pivots and add all the engine mounts.

Title: Re: Purple Passion - (**UPDATE - Bike is Rolling!!
Post by Ruttly on 09/05/16 at 22:31:20

Blue, Bike is awesome,very talented. Where did you hide the lithium battery ? It's so bare and clean looking. How much does it weigh ?

Title: Re: Purple Passion - (**UPDATE - Bike is Rolling!!
Post by smokin_blue on 09/06/16 at 03:56:20

No lithium - its a regular lead acid sealed battery that is tucked under the swingarm right behind the engine.

Title: Re: Purple Passion - (**UPDATE - Bike is Rolling!!
Post by Violent_Rage on 09/06/16 at 23:38:08

Your bike bring a sexy back!

Title: Re: Purple Passion - (**UPDATE - Bike is Rolling!!
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/07/16 at 05:08:06

The bezel that the speedometer is in,

What was the build like on That little detail?

Title: Re: Purple Passion - (**UPDATE - Bike is Rolling!!
Post by verslagen1 on 09/07/16 at 07:08:14

67585E5D545F456E63505654310 wrote:

Your bike bring a sexy back!

WOW! you got the Italian tongue tied.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 09/07/16 at 09:40:34

Justin,
the bezel insert is a solid billet build. It started as a 6" round disk about 1.25" thick. Bolted down to a rotary table with a precision cross slide on a manual mill. 4 hrs later I have the piece with the oval outside and mating step and the odd shaped pocket to fit the vapor. It was all done on a manual mill - no CNC at all.

then about an hour of polishing for the high shine.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/07/16 at 12:58:26

oval outside and mating step and the odd shaped pocket to fit the vapor. It was all done on a manual mill - no CNC at all.

Don't Make me hate you..
I wish I could've watched..
Dang..
Very Nice Job, man.
I gotta go out back and throw something..

AAARRGGGHHH..

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 09/08/16 at 18:31:33

Justin,
So here are some close ups. Here is the dash before finishing. You can see more of the detail of it.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/DASH_TOP.JPG

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/DASH_BOTTOM.JPG

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/DASH_N_GAGE.JPG

and if that wasn't enough take a look closely at the bike and look at the exhaust header clamp. That was a bit of custom work out of a solid piece of aluminum.

Machined to form, sanded to final shape, and then sand blasted all so it would look like a cast piece.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/EXHAUST_CLAMP1.JPG

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/EXHAUST_CLAMP3.JPG

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/08/16 at 19:13:32

I'll bet you are just the Devil with an
Etch-O-Sketch.

No CNC, straight up manual,, I'm rarely envious.
Today, I make an exception.
That's some FINE work.
And I Did work in a machine shop.
I stunk the place up, but I Can sharpen a drill bit.

Title: Re: Purple Passion - (**UPDATE - Bike is Rolling!!
Post by Violent_Rage on 09/12/16 at 06:12:36

283B2C2D323F393B306F5E0 wrote:

WOW! you got the Italian tongue tied.

I was just quoting Justin Timberlake! ;D

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by LANCER on 09/14/16 at 12:11:48

I REALLY like that exhaust clamp.
That was one of the cool things about the old British bikes that I loved.
Do you wanna sell one ? ?

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 09/15/16 at 20:09:52

Lancer,
I would love to go into business selling parts like this but since I am not currently owning a CNC I really can't. I have zero bandwidth these days (that is why my projects get so stretched out) so I really have no time to make them on the manual mill. Now....had I just sprung for that Tormach instead..............

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by zipidachimp on 09/16/16 at 01:35:10

Smoke: can we meet up at Barber?

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 09/16/16 at 05:41:58

Zip,
We can sure try. Send me a PM with your name and cell number and I will respond with mine.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by LANCER on 09/16/16 at 20:33:24

504E4C484A4D7C414F5646230 wrote:

What ! You mean you didn't ? ? :o

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Ruttly on 09/16/16 at 20:53:56

Well Blue I would like to put in a order for 1 exhaust heat diffuser too ! Not only does it look cool I think it would help rid the head & pipe of excess heat. So how much , send it PayPal. O.D. Of header is 2"
Send me a pm when it's ready !

Guess what, your in business !

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 09/18/16 at 18:35:34

I will have to keep this in mind when the day comes I retire!

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Ruttly on 09/25/16 at 12:50:46

Blue, How about a ride report ! Or is it a show bike , it is too pretty to ride that's for sure. Easy to high jack someone post just pop a pic in of your bike and everyone forgets what we were talking about. Great job a true one off !

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 09/25/16 at 17:37:00

So, a ride report. Yes I ride it but I have to say I do watch the weather! ;D

Based on what you did to your engine it is probably in the same vein. It pulls clean and crisp and has a very solid mid range and top end. The carb to me is much more responsive than the stock one but it should be replacing a CV carb with a flat slide direct pull. I don't have the pumper version of the carb which would be another interesting twist.

Ultimately I like the bike, the suspension is great. The front brake is awesome. It is light - 320 lbs gassed up. The only slight thing if I am going to get extremely picky is that it is a tall bike. The frame was made to take a tall engine so it worked well for this project. On top of it the suspension now sits 2" taller than the stock Mojave stance. This combined makes a bike you sit on rather than in. So when it comes to flicking it fast I would rather have a stock GSX-R 8-)

I don't ride it and didn't build it for HP. I have Bad Attitude to fill that adrenaline need. I built it for soul....and that it has in spades. Soul with an ever so slight bit of attitude. (Drop that slide on a shift and she will wake up who ever is right behind).

I should go out and do some timed runs. I have my bike with all the mods and approximately stock gear ratios. Then I have my wife's project bike Purple Passion that has stock carb but the muffler (Dyna), air filter (flat K&N) and the gearing has been raised by 10% and converted to chain with mag rims. And lastly her previous S40 is still in the garage which is completely stock except the same Dyna muffler. I really should go find some stretch of road and do some back to back to back time trials. If I were sadistic I could drag out the stock muffler and slap that back on for one more variation. Oh and did I mention a local tuning shop will do 3 dyno pulls for $20?

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Ruttly on 09/25/16 at 20:02:54

Yes I use mikuni vm36 with UFO,quad flow wing,Dialajet and a 2" header with a repackable core muffler I made. It all works well with some awesome throttle response.
Yeah the RYCA configuration has a high center of gravity & rake angle could be steeper but it handles quite well until you push it too hard into a corner,seems to push some with front tire which makes me want to drift it thru a hard corner rather than riding it thru. It might just be the tires too !

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 02/01/17 at 17:50:55

So if all goes as scheduled Cafe a la Carte should be on display Friday afternoon thru Sunday at the Minneapolis Convention Center for the Progressive International Bike Show in the Custom Builder section of the bike show.

If you are local come out and check it out! If you like it vote for me!

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by zipidachimp on 02/02/17 at 02:06:11

Blue: how did you make out at Barber? the bike looked awesome! 8-)

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 02/02/17 at 18:28:37

Barber was good. Didn't win anything but didn't really expect too. I had been warned about the show there and I have to say it was one of the most poorly run shows I have ever been in.

This was not Barber's issue other than they hired Dime City to run the show. Dime City may build cool bikes and sell cool parts but they do not know how to run a show.

Overall though I would definitely tell anyone that has not been to Barber Motorsports park and the museum that they have to put it on their bucket list as a destination and go there. Make sure you plan plenty of time for the Museum. If you are into vintage bikes then the Festival every October is very cool.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by zipidachimp on 02/03/17 at 14:33:51

I think Barber rents the space to Ace Cafe, who does the deal with Dime City........I keep telling myself that Ace is a tourist trap, but somehow, can't resist, better bikes on Barber's own grounds without the extra admission. :-[

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 02/03/17 at 15:51:21

I can't argue with any of that!

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 02/11/17 at 06:16:27

Sorry for the delay guys I got sick as a dog right after the show. Here are a couple of pics from the show that I finally got uploaded.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/SHOWLEFT.JPG

AND

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/SHOWRIGHT.JPG

The local Suzuki mechanics and the Suzuki factory reps enjoyed seeing the big thumper as a base for a sweet custom competing against all the other insanity that was there. (Can you say 30" front wheel is now standard on baggger customs??!!)

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by old.indian on 02/11/17 at 08:12:44

BEAUTIFUL !!!! :)

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Kenny G on 02/11/17 at 08:35:22

Blue,

That is one drop dead gorgeous Savage.

Kenny G :)

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Ruttly on 02/11/17 at 09:39:50

You are a next level builder ! One of a kind ! You have the eye for shapes & lines , very skilled ! Show bike oh hell no take it out and ride it !
On a dry day !

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Ruttly on 02/11/17 at 10:51:13

Here's the questions. How long did the build take ? From beginning to end years , months not estimated hours. How much did the build cost ? Builds once started can take you over and your vision of the build changes but for me it wasn't a budget thing it was trial & error and as things changes any budget thoughts went out the window. If it ain't right go back and do it again until it works. Because you won't be happy until it's right !

All in all your build is totally stunning !

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by SALB on 02/11/17 at 11:49:47

Simplistically beautiful, when most customs are over the top. Awesome job! ;)

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 02/11/17 at 16:04:06

I'm curious about what it weighs.
Where is the battery and what kinda battery izzit?
Manual decomp?
Looks very much like something a young guy would have a lot of fun on.
Have you test run it?
Zero to sixty times? Top end?

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 02/11/17 at 16:06:45

Thanks for all the nice comments.

Ruttly, to your question of time. I had to go back and look at my posts and it almost made me sick. It was about 2 years longer than I had thought. I started the bike in Oct 2007 and did a crude build to get through titling in fall of 2008. Once the title arrived that winter I truly started the project. Then it rolled out with final paint and polish fall of 2015. I rode it the summer of 2014 and shook it down and did final jetting late in the fall of 2014. Then got to final paint and polish the winter of 2014 with a goal of rolling out spring of 2015. That got delayed to fall of 2015. Ultimately I only had time to work on it in my spare time between chasing 2 busy kids, working full time, and taking care of my aging and dying parents.

As far as the vision. When I started it was going to be a dirt cheap slightly more than hack build. As soon as I acquired the frame for it then the vision immediately changed to what it became. I layout a very complete vision before I start a project and follow through with great detail to it. I did add small details as I went but the key lines were there from day one. As far as cost I didn't keep track on this build. I do things very economical in most areas because I shop bargains on ebay and do all my own work. Still I would guess I am probably into the entire thing for around $4K. Still cheaper than a brand new one.

I am starting now on a custom framed 1970 Suzuki T500 2 stroke twin street going road racer. Nickel plated race frame from 1970 8-)

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 02/11/17 at 16:14:23

332C2A2D30370636063E2C206B590 wrote:

Justin to try to answer your question...
bike weighs 320 lbs. at one point I was going to try to break under 300 but the tank and frame are original 1968 Wards Riverside (Benelli) and they weigh a ton so I quit worrying about weight.
The battery is not in it in these show pics but are in earlier pics. It resides under the swing arm behind the engine. It is a standard sealed battery but slightly smaller in size than the S-40 battery. it is the same as an SV650 uses.
It has the stock electric decomp, it is tucked under the tank.
I have ridden it quite a bit. I need to find a license plate frame that says "I ride mine".
Not sure the 0-60 times but with the ported exhaust, mid range cam, and flat slide carb and geared just barely over stock gearing it gets up and moves out. (it still can't beat my GSX-R1100 though 8-) )
I have topped out at about 80mph so far. Never taken fully up to redline in top gear.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 02/11/17 at 16:22:36

So I didn't have time to post everything this morning. There were 4 classes in the Ultimate Builder competition and we as builders had to judge the other classes (no one judged their own class). I did not win my class (Modified Custom) but I did win one of the auxillary prizes!

I got the ingenuity award!

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/AWARD.JPG

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/STAGE1.JPG

One of my coolest complements was when one of the younger Harley builders tracked me down just to tell me he really like my build and thought the work was awesome. Turns out the guy nailed his class and additional awards to the tune of $2,750 and he is a real true craftsman. He made his own frame and all tin work as well as many other parts all with great engineering. I had actually voted for his bike as first for his class. Coming from a fellow craftsman I was proud of his complements.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by zipidachimp on 02/11/17 at 17:45:42

Blue: congrats! just noticed the oval air filter, has a larger airbox than the cone type. Can you tell us the part no.? 8-)

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Ruttly on 02/11/17 at 17:48:15

That is the most beautiful 4k bike I've ever seen. Freakin cool to win an award on top of that. So let's just call it seven years , I don't feel so bad that I'm past 3 years on my RYCA and still in progress but I have been riding it since April 2016. I'm lucky to get 4 hrs a week to work on it in those 3+ years. 310 lbs and Fast , its very close just seat & paint & some odds n ends.
Can't wait to see your next build !!!!
Can't wait to see my next build !!!!

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 02/11/17 at 20:09:16

Zipi.... the K&N part number was RU-3780

http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?prod=ru-3780

it has a 62mm ID for the carb. Depending on what carb you are running it may or may not fit. I am running a TM36 flatslide on mine.

K&N has a huge selection. Find your carb intake side diameter and start poking around their universal filter site and see what they have.

here is a link to it
http://www.knfilters.com/search/universal.aspx

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 02/11/17 at 20:18:19

Ruttly you can get a sneak peak at the thread I have started over on the Suzuki2stroke forum. You need to check out this frame....

http://www.suzuki2strokes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=12737

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Ruttly on 02/11/17 at 23:12:43

I recall those 450 road racers , does that frame have the adjustable rake angle, some deal that changed rake by turning bearing cups of triple tree.
That frame is a diamond in the ruff , what a find !
But I don't think I could tear that vintage Suzuki apart , it's so Cool !
You should post that build here too I'm not the only one that would like to see it come together !

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by ditz on 02/12/17 at 09:03:54

You have good reason to be proud......That is a beautiful vintage road racing look......I'd be proud to ride it......

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Armen on 02/12/17 at 09:10:07

Spectacular workmanship!
Congrats!!!!
-Armen

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 02/12/17 at 11:54:38

47595B5F5D5A6B56584151340 wrote:

Zippi ... I just looked and it looks like if you are running either a VM36 or 38 or a TM36-TM41 they all have a 62mm bellmouth so double check but that filter should fit the carb. Now I don't know what kind of frame clearance you have on a stock frame. Also if you are running a stock BS40 carb then you will need a different filter as the belmouth on that one is smaller. it is a 57mm.

In checking further I am not seeing that K&N brand makes a 57mm flange tapered oval filter but a quick google search found this....
https://www.mikesxs.net/yamaha-xs650-57mm-tapered-oval-pod-air-filter-2-1-4.html

I went back to N&N and searched straight oval and they do have multiple 57mm in the straight oval design.
http://www.knfilters.com/search/univ2.aspx?id=S0014

Looks like this one might be the closest in size to mine
http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?prod=RU-0990

ultimately you need to determine how much space you have and check their dimensions because some get pretty big. I do like the look of the old triumph styled pie plate filters also. here is a 5.5" dia round
http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?prod=RC-0650

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by buster6315 on 02/12/17 at 20:25:20

Nice nice bike!

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Ruttly on 02/12/17 at 20:55:52

The frame looks great plated & engine fits like it was made for it.
I could build some cool stuff with that shop , all I got is some grinders & a wire welder , oh and a sawsall ! ;D

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by smokin_blue on 06/11/17 at 10:03:27

A great day yesterday at the Rockers motorcycle show sponsored by the Minneapolis Ton-Up club. I won the best cafe bike winning the Ace Cafe award.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/ROCKERFESTIVAL2017.JPG

Their trophys are all welded up out of old motorcycle parts.

http://www.street-unique.com/CafealaCarte/Photos/ACE-CAFE_TROPHY.JPG

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Ruttly on 06/11/17 at 10:15:19

Well deserved Blue

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by verslagen1 on 06/11/17 at 10:45:05

Congrats... and I'd really like to scrounge in their scrap bin.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Kenny G on 06/11/17 at 11:00:37

That is a beautiful Cafe Racer and certainly deserves a First Place wherever you show it.

Kenny G :-/

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 06/11/17 at 11:20:02

Congrats. Well deserved.

Title: Re: Cafe ala Carte - NEW update!
Post by ohiomoto on 06/12/17 at 10:37:44

Love the cafe and absolutely love that trophy!!!