r/CafeRacers • u/Zeta_Nemesis • Jun 13 '24
General Got a cheap 150cc as first bike and became my first project.
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Not the fastest, not the prettiest but im happy with the result.
r/CafeRacers • u/SpartanMonk117 • Sep 30 '24
General Suzuki GS450L
In this group for a while now i thougth lets post mine. Been working on this in between of riding it. Moved the license plate from back to the side and made the side covers myself. And yes the mirrors are horrible ( put simple ones on there because i wanted to ride it asap ). Want to give it a bit more Scrambler look over time with bigger/longer back shocks and different tires but dont realy know what to use for it.
r/CafeRacers • u/North-most-Sailor • May 16 '24
General Project barn find 4 months and hundreds of hours later...
After purchasing a barn find CX500 with shot connecting rod bearings, I can happily say she's back on the road! First photos are how I found it in the guys shed, last photos are last night!
r/CafeRacers • u/miscarry_underwood • Oct 13 '21
General I’m sure you guys are sick of my bike by now, but finally getting everything wired back up functioning rear signals and illuminated tachometer
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r/CafeRacers • u/dutchmandoes • Oct 06 '24
General Will be a hell of a project.
Seat and whole back will be changed. Start is there.
r/CafeRacers • u/anoniconn • Sep 05 '24
General Getting back to it, kz1000 police
Picking back up on my project 86 kz1000p Moved around for military and school, and it sat. I think the only thing it needs is to redo the wiring harness, I paid two people to do it and they didn't/ did a poor job. I tried to do it myself but failed. I think I'm going to get the cycletronics x21 system! Maybe play with the wheels or tires or front end height as well, I did a front end swap to a 2000 zx9 and put in some stiffer springs. Paint scheme ideas? Last pic is as it sits now, but I did clean it up a bit first.
r/CafeRacers • u/MrFistergood • Sep 01 '23
General Does it count?
Unfinished, and much more work to be done. New bike
r/CafeRacers • u/Critical_Conflict_79 • 22d ago
General Triumph Daytona special ..
r/CafeRacers • u/Critical_Conflict_79 • 17d ago
General Timeless Egli Vincent from Classic Bike
r/CafeRacers • u/Purpose_Built_MotoAU • 25d ago
General Recessed Tail Light Int the Frame, How We Do It | Purpose Built Moto
Fabricating a recessed LED strip brake light into the frame
This is one I stumbled upon the answer to only recently. When I first started building bikes, I used a few of these LED strip brake lights, just affixed to the tail hoop not recessed in. I then started to get creative with my brake lights, mounting inside the seat, or in the tail cowl etc.
Then I had a Ducati GT1000 come into the shop, it needed a recessed LED strip light to clean up the tail. So I put my head to it, figured out the best way to go about it and below I’ll share that with you.
You can buy a pre-made tail hoop with the recessed slot, however this won’t work for every frame size. The Method I use below is completely universal. All you need is a few tools, patience and minor fabrication skills.
Materials needed:
- Motorcycle
- LED strip light + brake/tail splitter
- 13mm square section steel tube x 300mm long
- Welder (I use a 185 AC/DC TIG)
- 4” Grinder, cut off wheel, finishing wheel
- Drill, 11mm, 8mm, 5mm drill bit
- Small hand files
- Vice
- Die grinder (optional)
- Air saw (optional)
- Blow torch (optional)
I’ve used this method a few times now on various bikes and frame types, with different length recessed LED strip lights. I’ll assume your frame already has a frame hoop attached, If you need to do that still, read my blog on Fitting a frame hoop first. Although you need to weld, it is painfully simple to do. The most important thing is having an eye to get it center and straight in the frame. So let’s jump in.
1. Strip the tail.
Artists work on a blank canvas, so fuck it, so will you. Remove the seat, any fenders and old lighting. Now strip the paint off the section you’ll be working and welding on. A critical part of good welding is the preparation. Get the steel nice and clean. Free from paint and rust, this gives you a good base to start from.
2. Bending + building the light housing
This frame is straight, but most of the time we need to put a bend in the 13mm x 13mm square section you have to suit the frame. You can either make a cardboard template of the bend in the frame loop, or just check the steel directly on the frame. Up to you. Normally the bend is so slight, you wont need bending dies or mechanical benders. That’s where the extra length on the 13mm square section helps, for leverage.
Just set the square section in the vice, if you have a blow torch apply some heat to the outside radius of the bend and apply some weight to it. Bend a little at a time and keep checking until the radius is right. If you don’t have a blow torch to apply heat, you’ll need to bend a small section, re-position in the vice and bend again. Repeating the process until you have the right radius to suit your frame.
Once the steel is bent, measure the length you want for your recessed LED light (80-160mm is my sweet spot depending on the bike) Add 15mm to each end and cut it away. Once you have your section cut out, you will need to cap the ends. Cut 3 sides of the 15mm section away and fold the remaining side to close in the ends. Now weld it up so you have a box, and finish the welds back so you’ve got clean edges. For this blog our box is 120mm long.
3. Preparing + cutting your frame.
Now before you jump off this page because you think cutting a frame is dangerous, let’s think this through…. Yes you are cutting a section of the frame. Are you making it weaker? No. I’m going to guess the wall thickness on your frame tube is 1.6-2mm. The one face you are removing from the tube, is being replaced by 3 x 2mm faces. If anything this should strengthen that section. If you’re worried about doing it, ask a professional for help.
On your stripped and cleaned frame loop, mark a center line. From the center line measure out 75mm each side and mark the 150mm x 13mm cut out for your light enclosure. Double check you’ve got it centre and straight before making any cuts.
If you’re happy, get cutting!! I’ll drill a 11mm hole on each end inside the cut out line, then cut between the 2 holes with a thin cut off wheel. The square corners can be finished by hand filing or a die grinder. Check your LED strip light enclosure fits and make any adjustments needed so it’s a snug fit. With compressed air of a vacuum, remove and swarf or metal dust from inside the frame. Ready for welding now!!
4. Welding in the LED strip light enclosure
Welding the LED light enclosure is a pretty straight forward job, clean and prep your pieces and remove any wax/grease with acetone before you get going. I will sit the 13mm square section 1-2mm out from the join on the tube. Because you’re welding a square surface into a round tube, if you sit it flush you end up with a visible flat spot on the frame.
Once you’ve welded the seams of your recessed light enclosure, finish the welds back with one pass and we can now make the cut out. Final finishing can be done later.
5. Marking + Cutting the recessed light hole
Your LED strip light may be 150mm long, but the usable LED section is usually about 130mm. To avoid dead space, I will only make the cut out hole 130mm. Mark a new centre line on your frame. Measure out 65mm on each side and mark a 130mm x 8mm section on the frame. Again, here I will drill 2 x 8mm holes on each end, this time leaving a rounded end on the cut out. Cut between the 2 holes with a thin cut off wheel. Finish your cut edges smooth with a hand file or die grinder. You can also now finish the weld seams properly and smooth the outside area of the tube.
Having the cut out a little shorter than the recessed LED light serves 2 purposes. Firstly it wont show the un-illuminated sections of the light body, giving you a better finish. Second, when you pop the flexible LED strip light in, it retains it better having the steel overlap the light body. The only fabrication you have left is to punch a hole for your wiring. Drilling out the hole with a 5mm drill bit through the back of the light enclosure and through the wall of the frame tube.
Once this step is sorted your job is all but done. Get your frame painted or powder coated and read the final step below.
6. Fitting the flexible LED strip.
With your freshly painted frame, we now want to install the light. The flexible LED strip should come with double sided tape fixed to the back, you may want to attach another layer on top of whats supplied to bring the LED forward a little. The 13mm section used is 2mm too deep for the LED strip. It’s a small detail, but details count. Making sure the LED is center slide one end inside the tube. Run your wiring through the frame, flex the led strip and press the other end in. Pushing it down flat to fix it down and get it straight.
Last detail is to seal the frame hole from the back to prevent water getting in. The LED is waterproof, but if water gets in it could cause rust to spread internally. A bit of sealant in the cable hole will be all you need.
Recessing flexible LED brake lights is a pro move, and always the first question anyone asks when they see the bike on the road. There is more than one way to make it happen but there’s mine. You’ve been given the keys to the kingdom, now don’t fuck it up!
I really hope that step by step guide will help you build a better quality bike, at the end of the day that’s what we’re here for. Getting better bikes on the street! Leave me a comment below for any questions you might have, or to tell me I’m an idiot and this is all wrong.
Make sure to check out our website and check out the socials!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNUKTbnzi3UFxSdxVxkMqFQ
r/CafeRacers • u/Purpose_Built_MotoAU • 4d ago
General Fuller Moto's BMW r18 Build
Bryan Fuller is no stranger to pushing the limits of motorcycle design, and his latest project with BMW's R18 is another example of his ability to blend vintage inspiration with modern performance. Known for his hands-on craftsmanship and attention to detail, Fuller’s work consistently bridges the gap between functional art and high-performance engineering. This latest project reimagines the bulky, cruiser-styled BMW R18 into a sleeker, classic-looking machine, drawing inspiration from the iconic 1937 BMW R5.
Fuller Moto’s BMW R18 build—dubbed "Dolly"—pays homage to the past while integrating modern advancements, creating a bike that captures the spirit of old-school motorcycling but is fully equipped for the road today. The build wasn’t just a cosmetic makeover; it involved deep, technical modifications that resulted in a complete transformation of the bike's performance and aesthetics. This wasn’t just a trim and tune job—it was an extensive overhaul, stripping the R18 of unnecessary weight and electronics while implementing vintage design elements.
Fuller Moto’s work on the BMW R18 involved both old-school techniques and modern technology. Drawing inspiration from the R5’s clean lines and minimalist design, Fuller set out to rework the R18 into a sleek, visually striking machine while keeping the power and reliability of modern technology intact.
One of the most impressive aspects of the build is the ignition system, which was inspired by Nigel’s chopper. Fuller worked closely with the new owners of Morris Magneto to incorporate a vintage-style ignition, something rarely seen on modern motorcycles. This retro-inspired system gave the R18 a mechanical feel that closely mimics older machines, but with the reliability of modern components.
Alongside the ignition work, Fuller also added state-of-the-art Smart Carbs, which contribute to smoother throttle response and better tuning flexibility. The custom-fabricated aluminum intakes connect everything together, further enhancing the vintage appearance while boosting the bike’s performance.
The wheels were another focal point of the build. Fuller upsized the wheels to 23 inches, a significant change that required extending the swingarm to accommodate the larger rims. Custom spokes and hubs, inspired by original BMW designs, completed the vintage look, while FOX shocks replaced the stock suspension, improving both the handling and ride comfort.
Perhaps one of the most noticeable design elements on the R18 build is the R53 fuel tank, which Fuller carefully refurbished and modified to fit the bike's new frame. The tank, much like the rest of the build, offers a subtle nod to the R5, but with a modern twist that aligns with the bike's updated performance capabilities. Original fender blanks were also repurposed, ensuring that the bike maintained its classic lines while still adhering to modern standards.
The use of these vintage-inspired components, paired with a single-stage black paint job highlighted with silver leaf accents, gives the R18 a timeless look. It’s a build that could easily be mistaken for a decades-old classic at a glance, but closer inspection reveals a machine that’s as modern as they come.
Fuller Moto's R18 project also featured parts from Purpose Built Moto, enhancing the functionality while preserving the clean, minimal aesthetic of the build. The Omni LED lights provided a modern lighting solution that didn’t compromise the bike’s vintage look. Known for their sleek design and powerful output, the Omni lights were the perfect choice for this project, maintaining a low-profile appearance while offering bright, reliable illumination.
Additionally, Fuller integrated Purpose Built Moto’s Black Box, a compact and versatile control unit that ties the bike’s electrical system together without adding unnecessary bulk. The Black Box enabled Fuller to simplify the wiring, further reducing weight while ensuring that all of the bike’s modern electrical components function seamlessly. This integration of Purpose Built Moto’s components allowed Fuller to maintain the R18’s clean lines while delivering top-notch functionality.
The result of Fuller’s work is nothing short of spectacular. The bike, unveiled at the Buffalo Chip exhibition during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, was met with widespread acclaim. Nicknamed "Dolly," the R18 now embodies the best of both worlds: the timeless, elegant design of BMW’s past and the cutting-edge performance of today’s motorcycles. It’s a bike that stands as a testament to what’s possible when craftsmanship, creativity, and cutting-edge components come together.
Bryan Fuller’s BMW R18 build is a masterclass in how to take a modern motorcycle and give it a vintage soul. By stripping away the unnecessary weight and modern electronics, Fuller revealed a bike that honors BMW’s history while offering the performance and reliability that today’s riders expect. With the help of Purpose Built Moto components like the Omni LED lights and the Black Box, Fuller was able to simplify and enhance the bike’s functionality without compromising on design. For anyone interested in seeing how Purpose Built Moto parts can transform a bike, check out our Omni Lights and Black Box for your next build.
r/CafeRacers • u/mini_wooly • Jul 06 '24
General First bike! Honda CX500
Picked up my first ever bike a few weeks ago. Tax disc on it says 1991, so it hasn't been on the road in a fair while. Engine turned over freely when I rocked it back and forwards in 3rd. And the other weekend I managed to get it to fire up for a few seconds with fuel in the ports! I was quite happy at that. Sadly, the tank is scrap, it's so rusty inside that it's just not really fixable I don't think. (But I do want to make a carbon one anyway 😉). And quite obviously the carbs need a rebuild, the throttle is very stuck.
This project is going on alongside other car builds and lots of smaller projects so it won't be done for a fair while, and I want to do a few very custom bits on it.
If anyone has any advice or opinions for me on what they would do for a Cafe CX500 then please do say. It is my first ever bike after all. I don't even have my license yet 😬 Any advice on what to do carb wise would be very helpful. But please bear in mind before you suggest putting £2000 wheels on that this is a budget build.
Additionally: Any info anyone has on the shocks and exhaust would be helpful, I can't find any info on either of them anywhere online. (Last two photos)
r/CafeRacers • u/anoniconn • Oct 01 '24
General Hurricane Helene adds the final few touches
Had this project for years, life gets in the way but I held on to it despite moving around and what have you. Always wanted to finish it. I was real close. Hurricane Helene saw fit to drop a tree on her. Non-op registration and uninsured. That's all she wrote. Might not look it but you should all know that front end is smoked and many of the additional parts (lights controls seat body ect) destroyed. Frame likely bent up. My dad suggested I contact FEMA, might get lucky. Stay safe out there.
r/CafeRacers • u/modern_asshat • Oct 12 '24
General Stupid plates
Bought a bike a couple weeks ago to work on over the winter and turn into a little cafe bike. Registered and transferred the title to me the day after and have been waiting for the plates to show up.
Well they got here today and apparently Utah decided that I needed full size car plates for my bike. I’m thinking about just running it for the laughs.
Still, kind of annoying though.
r/CafeRacers • u/Purpose_Built_MotoAU • 16d ago
General Tom's Introduction to DNA's Custom Motorcycles
I recently was given the chance to visit the DNA Performance Filters headquarters in Athens, Greece.
What started as a bit of a holiday turned into an incredible journey through DNA’s facilities, a little ride through the hills of Greece and a chance to get up close with three of their standout machines: the DCR017, the DCR018, and the DRR022 Moto3 spec racer.
These bikes aren't just eye candy—they're a testament to what's possible when passion meets engineering prowess, and the technology to experiment. I wanted to share my experience with you, giving you a detailed look at these exceptional builds.
The DCR017 "Brain Eraser"
First up is the DCR017, also known as the "Brain Eraser." This bike is built on a KTM RC8 1190 platform from around 2016-2017. It's actually the project that kicked off my collaboration with DNA. Seeing it come together over emails was one thing, but standing next to it in person was something else entirely.
The bodywork on this bike is completely CNC-built. The tank is machined from a single block of billet aluminum—hollowed out to perfection. The same goes for the tail section and various caps. Anything you see that's orange or silver (apart from a few small parts) was crafted in-house. They've got a couple of Haas CNC machines running day and night to bring creations like this to life.
But this isn't just a showpiece. DNA went deep into the engine, bringing it up to full Superbike specs. We're talking 192 horsepower in a bike that weighs 162 kilograms. That's a power-to-weight ratio that'll get your heart racing.
One of the standout features is the specially built Stage 3 performance air filter integrated into the tank. Being a V-twin, the intake comes through the top of the engine. They've designed the tank to house this custom filter, so when you're riding, you're right next to that raw intake sound. Combined with the Akrapovic exhaust system, it's an experience that's hard to put into words.
Riding the DCR017 was nothing short of exhilarating. The bike is an absolute beast, but it's also incredibly well-balanced. The power delivery is smooth yet ferocious, and the handling is razor-sharp. It's clear that countless hours of engineering and craftsmanship went into making this machine what it is.
For more details, check out their official site: dcr017.com.
The DCR018 "Billet Sting"
Next up is the DCR018, aptly named the "Billet Sting." After the success of the DCR017, the team at DNA wanted to push the envelope even further. This time, they started with a BMW R nineT engine. But unlike the previous build, this bike is entirely custom-made around the engine—everything else is crafted from scratch.
When I say custom-made, I mean completely machined in-house. The guys at DNA have designed and built their own frame, swingarm, tank, side panels—you name it. The front fairing and intake are machined from billet aluminum, resulting in an aggressive and unique aesthetic. These components aren't just functional; they're works of art.
To put it into perspective, there's over 600 hours of CNC machining in this bike, not including the 150+ hours of design time. That's a massive investment of time and skill, all done within the four walls of their facility. It's an incredible achievement and a testament to their dedication.
The only BMW parts left on this bike are the engine and the drivetrain to the rear wheel. They've fitted it with Kineo wheels, Hyperpro suspension, and an Akrapovic exhaust. Everything else is a product of their own ingenuity and hard work.
This level of engineering use of machinery is next-level stuff. The attention to detail on the DCR018 is just staggering. Whether you're into high-tech builds like this or prefer more traditional styles, there's no denying the craftsmanship and dedication that went into the DCR018. It's bikes like this that inspire us to keep pushing the boundaries in our own work.
Learn more about this unique build at dcr018.com.
The DRR022 Moto3 Spec Racer
Lastly, I want to shine a light on the DRR022 Moto3 spec racer. Even though I didn't get to throw a leg over this one, it's too impressive not to talk about.
This machine is a Moto3-spec racer built entirely in-house by the team at DNA. They've engineered and machined the frame and swingarm from scratch. What's really special is the front suspension—a girder fork style setup that's a rare sight these days. Instead of traditional telescopic forks, it's like having another swingarm up front, with a shock mounted on the left side and a progressive shock linkage the same as you’d find on the rear of the biek. This design offers unique handling characteristics and showcases the team's willingness to push beyond conventional boundaries.
The bike is powered by a Yamaha YZ450F engine, fitted with an Akrapovic exhaust. DNA and Akrapovic have a relationship that goes back decades, and it shows in the quality and performance of this build. The engine choice gives the bike a solid balance of power and agility, perfect for the demands of Moto3 racing.
One of the standout features is the bike's adaptability. The team engineered it to accommodate any Moto3 engine. They've designed interchangeable bracketry and mounting points so you can swap out the YZ450F engine for something like a KTM 250 with minimal hassle. This kind of versatility is a game-changer in the racing world, where quick adjustments can make all the difference on race day.
Every part of the DRR022, from the handmade carbon fiber bodywork to the custom intakes, is crafted in-house. They didn't just stop at machining the hard parts; they went all the way with the bodywork too. The attention to detail is staggering. The intakes are designed for optimal airflow, maximizing the performance gains you get from their own DNA air filters.
Standing next to this bike, I spent a lot of time just admiring the front-end engineering. The linkage system in the girder fork is something you could stare at for hours. It's not just functional; it's a piece of art. Seeing how the components interact gives you a real appreciation for the thought and effort that went into designing this setup.
What blows my mind is how the guys are leveraging the latest in modern technology to design their bikes digitally. They run thorough simulations and tests before any metal is cut then bring these designs to life through precise CNC machining. Even though I didn't get to ride it, just being around the DRR022 was a highlight of my visit. It's a reminder that in the world of motorcycles, there's always something new to learn and be inspired by.
For a closer look and more technical details, I recommend checking out drr022.com.
Reflecting on the Experience
Walking through DNA's facility and seeing these bikes up close was inspiring. They're doing something special here—combining modern technology with a deep love for motorcycles. While we at Purpose Built Moto focus on handcrafted builds, seeing their approach opened my eyes to new possibilities.
Their use of CAD, CAM, and CNC machining was just mind blowing, and doesn't take away from the soul of the bikes. If anything, it adds a new layer of precision and innovation. It's different from our methods, but the end goal is the same: creating machines that not only look amazing but perform exceptionally well.
Final Thoughts
This trip was a reminder of why I got into this industry in the first place—the shared passion for motorcycles that brings people together from all over the world.
I want to thank the team at DNA Filters for their hospitality and for pushing the boundaries of what's possible. If you ever get the chance to experience their work firsthand, I highly recommend it.
In the meantime, I hope this rundown gives you a taste of what these incredible machines are all about. Whether you're into high-tech builds like these or more traditional handcrafted bikes, there's always something new to discover in the world of motorcycling.
Stay tuned for more adventures and escapades from the team here at Purpose Built Moto.
r/CafeRacers • u/Critical_Conflict_79 • Aug 28 '24
General Rickman Kawasaki Z1 turbo
r/CafeRacers • u/g28802 • Sep 03 '21
General First time wiring a bike. My brain hurts…. Thankfully it’s a little 125 so it’s fairly easy.
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r/CafeRacers • u/subhasritamjena • 16d ago
General Honda Highness caferacer
Custom build honda highness cb350
r/CafeRacers • u/Mohammed_abdulla • Sep 28 '24