small bikes.

Robin1600 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 23 Oct 2005 Karma :

Has anyone put a "big single" into a small "traditional" bike. I fancy doing a conversion to something like an old H100 honda and putting a 250/500 single(or even twin) into it. I will ,of course, use better suspension and brake set up. I fancy a small "tiny" cafe racer look. Im aware "its a bit nuts" but has anyone else out there done a similar thing. Im keen to talk to a fellow nutter. Help welcomed.

Jammy-R6 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 19 Feb 2006 Karma :

Only problem I would of thought is the frames on little bikes are about as thick as fishing wire!

Robin1600 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 23 Oct 2005 Karma :

aye....true enough. But we are talking about full frame strenghtening and a complete build. Come on....... think it can be done?

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Why go to the effort of building one?

Have you seen the Yamaha SRX 400 and 600?

These bikes are tiny, especially the 400. Bung on a pillion cowl and some Jota bars and you are there.
https://catspade.cocolog-nifty.com/nekoguruma/images/SH530152.JPG

See also the Suzuki 350 Goose.
https://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/Goose-250/1992-Goose-250_black_250.jpg

Or the Honda GB500.
https://www.wctc.net/~cmakynen/GB500.jpg

I can assure you that an H100 would fold itself in half with anything bigger than it has already. I have one and you can feel the frame flex as it is, now way would the brakes and suspension cope either.

[EDIT] Remember, most of these small bikes have a pressed-steel frame which would be difficult to brace. You would also need to replace the swingarm and front shocks to cope with the extra weight and power. Probably need stronger wheels too. Engineering-wise it is possible but it would probably take as much work as building a frame from scratch.[/EDIT]

You would be better getting a bike that is already a complete package and spending your time and effort styling it to how you want it.

Have a look at some of the grey import sites, the Japs often make wacky models of their bikes for the Japanese home market. Retro-styled singles are popular over there and they are often small and lightweight with engines up to 400cc (their 400cc plus test is notoriously difficult). https://www.batmotorcycles.co.uk/
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

Robin1600 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 23 Oct 2005 Karma :

aye...Nice one. That GB500 honda looks bang on what im aiming at. Nice one.

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

You can get an XBR500 engine into the CB250RSA frame fairly easily. Think the chain run lines up too.

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Of course. If you are really into the cafe racer thing, they still make Royal Enfields. These are the proper job, brand new but the engine is basically a reproduction of the originals, don't expect Japanese handling and power.
From: www.f2motorcycles.co.uk
https://www.f2motorcycles.ltd.uk/f2images/enfield%20images/Bulletsports65.jpg

Not all that cheap mind.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

MikeH · Brolly Dolly Joined: 10 Dec 2005 Karma :

Richard1987 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 19 Feb 2005 Karma :

that site https://www.batmotorcycles.co.uk/ has some odd 3 wheeled 49cc things, would look a little out of place in the UK Confused

i mean.. look at it Thumbs Down

https://www.batmotorcycles.co.uk/media/gyrocanopy2L.jpg

do they tilt?!? surely that must be scary Sick

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chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

There was a BMW like that with a FULL fairing is in completely over you head, my dad could of test rode it. his words "I wouldn't be seen dead on that thing" I wonder if it ever went into production.
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Robin1600 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 23 Oct 2005 Karma :

JESZUSSSS......what are you guys on. I draw the line. I said i had a wacky idea.... Im not Fxxxxx in the head!!!
Thanks for whoever brought me GB500 Honda information. I will take a very close look at that. That is pretty much the bike i want. Im not a big fan of the SRX...... But its not at all bad. I own two NC30s, an ER5 and a scooter at the moment. But i really have always wanted a "big single in a small package". The XBR500 just doesnt do it for me.

Ill keep you posted!

Richard1987 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 19 Feb 2005 Karma :

yes, ive seen those around Shocked

bmw C1

i bet he could flip that thing back on its wheels

https://www.bohp.net/pict5/news040609c1-1.jpg
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stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Ok, just for the "obscure bike" value, you'd be very lucky to find one and even luckier to keep it running. How about a modern take on the minimalist, single seat, cafe-racer concept? This is not what you are after bacause it has a revvy as hell 2-stroke single with a razor thin power band, but you have to admire the purity of design.

The SDR200.
https://image.www.rakuten.co.jp/leotanimoto/img10602350691.jpeg
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

Section59 · Spanner Monkey Joined: 05 Apr 2005 Karma :