RobbieRobot Cafe Racer Project in pictures

You are thinking along the same lines as me

 

I parked here and went to get an ice cream. As I walked back I noticed a crowd had gathered around the bike. One guy said it's nice to see something original for a change.

 

I dug out the original seat strap and cleaned it up.

 

It looked to be the exact length without needing modification.

 

So, in time-honoured tradition, I made a template for the mounting plates.

 

Then fabbed and fitted the plates and fitted the strap.

 

I also added extra foam under the lip of the seat where it abuts the tank and after fitting the strap if feels like the seat won't ride under the tank as it was tending to do during today's ride out. Incidentally I covered about 60 miles today and I was pleasantly surprised with how the engine ran with the pod filters still with standard jetting. No bogging or hesitancy and clean revving. A plug chop indicated all was well being straw coloured.

 

Beautiful bike man.

 

Thankyou.

 

what exhaust is that? I am in need of a 4-1. Sorry I'm too lazy to go through the awesomeness of this thread to find out

 

The exhaust is a Motad stainless steel 4 into 1.

 

Parts removed and sandblasted prior to zinc electroplating.

 

Parts back from zinc electroplating. A big thank you to Alan Hastings and all at Hastings Metal Finishers Ltd, Hebburn, Tyne and Wear for such a good job.

 

Wow. Just when I think you've done everything possible for this build, you show me how you take it to the next level and beyond. Truly inspirational.

 

Thanks for the compliments. This is an obsession, remember!

 

Today I put some miles on the clock, about 120 in all. Starting with a ride to my brother's house (pictured) then onwards around the roads of North Yorkshire. I stopped off at a small motorcycle dealers about 3 miles from where I live. The reason I went there is because when I bought the bike it had the name 'Clarkes Motorcycles' on the registration plate. Anyway, I walked in and said 'I have a 32yr old bike parked outside and I think you supplied it from new'. The guy came out and was pretty surprised with what he saw. After a bit of discussion he went back in, disappeared out back then returned with a dusty book that was used to record sales. After a couple of minutes he found it. Supplied to him by Mitsui Yamaha for £1500 and sold to a Mr. Thompson on 12th October 1982 for £1800 brand new, there it was in black and white. We both said WOW! He was then quick to point out it was out of warranty ha ha..

 

All set to press on.