The let's talk Cars and Trucks thread - Vroom, Vroom !

[fdjake]

Look at Yamaha SX650's from the early 80's.....They have bullet proof engines and the look of a classic Triumph twin.

Do a Google Images Search for Yamaha SX650 Cafe Racer or even cooler (IMHO) are the SX650 Street trackers.

Incredible amounts of parts and accessories for these old Yamaha's from rims, to seats, to side covers, headlights, frames, you name it THEY MAKE IT!!!

Have fun!!!!

[jmd_forest]

fdjake,

I agree the XS650s are a great beginnings  for a cafe conversion, and there are plenty of them to chose from. But,  I think the 650 is too big for a beginning rider. I'd like to keep it to a 250cc - 350cc so my son doesn't kill himself so quickly. Unfortunately, that kind of limits my search to the CB/CL Hondas but I'm thinking the XS400 might be OK, especially if I tune down the performance a touch.

[justin0419]

I had an old Honda Ascot 500 for a couple years.  It was about as quick as the name sounds tough...
I always preferred to have a decent amount of power just for getting into traffic and things like that.  I couldn't stand to have a bike that struggles just to go 65.
Good luck with your project.  Hope you find what you want.

[jmd_forest]

Picked up a 1980 XS400 this week for $400. I did a little research on the XS400  before buying and it seems they were only rated for 27 HP, less than the 33-36 HP of the CB350/360 so I grabbed one in reasonably decent shape at a decent price. We're looking to build this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYGpiBRZNrY.

I've got pretty good mechanical, electrical, body, painting, and welding skills but am piss poor in the original design department. I can mimic this build with good results expected.

[allagash]

would like to check out the compact engineering on these.....some day:

http://www.miniusa.com/#/MINIUSA.COM-m

....would be perfect for one of my garages....

-Mike

[allagash]

hardtop version of this four door....would be nice for strapping an expedition length canoe atop:

http://www.jeep.com/en/2012/wrangler_unlimited/#model=sahara&color=crush

nice and boxy for transporting of gear....

-Mike

[allagash]

that said.....still perfectly content with my '94 F350 8' bed Crew Cab.

no a/c....no radio....low btu heater output!

Walton:



-Mike

[CJDLInvestments]

No lotus of Ferrari but I love my STI. Had a big truck before and this is a ton of fun to drive at 0-60 in 4.7 and amazing handling from the symmetrical AWD.

[jmd_forest]

I've been making slow but sure progress on the XS400. I had a total knee replacement the day before Thanksgiving that is slowing me down. But .... I've gotten the carbs completely torn down and cleaned and all the rubber seals replaced, carbs reinstalled, and timing adjusted and the engine is running  strong. I trimmed the grab bar mounts off the rear frame and and began fabricating a new tail light mount today. Once the tail light is mounted I can start with the seat fabrication using the tail light for guidance.

[jass]

The above post is provide the good information about cars and Trucks .

[RyanMccoy]

My favourites are the Ferraris’ and my dream car is the Enzo they made which is truly stunning and awesome.

[jmd_forest]

I've been slowly but surely making progress on the cafe racer project I mentioned earlier in this thread. I've got the frame tail cut off, the mounts for the rear set welded on, all the extra frame tabs cut off, new rear shock mounts welded on, the frame sanded and painted, new wheel bearings installed, entire brake system rebuilt, front forks painted, fork gaiters installed, clubman bars installed, the entire electrical system inspected and repaired/modified as necessary, LED turn signals installed, instruments polished and cleared, engine cases polished, engine block painted, custom tail light mount fabricated, swapped in VX800 tail light, fabricated rear brake/rear set interconnect, lowered battery box 3/4 inch for new seat pan clearance, fabricated and welded up new seat pan. I'd guess I am about 80% complete. I need to finish up the seat pan, fix a few minor tank dents, paint the seat and tank, install a front fender, modify and install exhaust, fabricate and install side panels, and a few other odds and ends. A picture as of last week is below. Since then I've installed the carbs and pod filters

[jmd_forest]

Finshed!