What bike would be the best start to build a cafe racer?

zap1234: What bike would be the best start to build a cafe racer?
I would like to build a cheap cafe racer, I have access to a full panel/spray shop but low starting budget so prob start with an old bike – any suggestions?

Answers and Views:

Answer by beenderdundat
Here’s a short list of popular choices…

Honda CB 750’s
Yamaha XV750 (or Virago)
Yamaha XS650

Check out
https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/2008_12_01_archive.html

Answer by Fast R
i like the Yamaha xs 650 you can still get parts for them
go to www.dotheton.com look at photos of members rides
good place

Answer by Max Cruise
CB 750 Honda
XS 650 Yamaha
CB 350 Honda
SR 500 Yamaha
CB 450 Honda
If you can find one cheap, an RD 350 or RD 400 Yamaha. Both are two cylinder two stroke engines. great sounding engines with a tuned exhaust system.
Lots of information on the web.
Good Luck

Answer by clasqm
Historically, café racers were stripped-down britbikes, so the closer you can get to that look the better. A Kawasaki W650 would be a good starting point. If you want to go older, try for a Yamaha XS650.

Even better, just buy a brand new Triumph Thruxton.