New ST1100 Cafe Racer build. Something really different

[mark]

I would like to introduce my attempt at a Cafe Racer with something a little different.


I'm starting with an 1997 ST1100 that I found under a tarp in Potosi, MO for $ 600 2 years ago.

The bike has no brakes no clutch and an inoperable throttle, but it does "run". Meaning it will under protest, sustain some form of internal (mostly) combustion.

It has no working instruments, which really does not matter since it doesn't move under it's own power.

Also as you can see, it is bereft of most of it's bodywork.

I have some fairly specific ideas on where I'm going with this project.

1. It must have "factory level" build quality. I want it to be something that Honda would build as a prototype. (Think CB1100R prototype of 2011)
2. It must be different yet not so far out that it becomes a caricature of a cafe racer. (I grew up in the 70's and 80's watching Lawson, Spencer and Cooley race superbikes and those are my inspirations.)
3. It must work as a motorcycle. None of this goofy crap that can only be ridden on stages or smooth parking lots. (Think anything that has been on a family chopper show....)

I also have to learn to TIG weld during this process, which I've never done before. I don't even own a Tig, or a working welder for that matter.
This is also my first bike project on my own.

I welcome the feedback and enjoy your two cents worth, good or bad.

Oh yes, I'm starting on this on January 19th and have to be done by the Man Show in late March.....

Mark L.

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[Tim-WT]

Hey welcome fantastic first post!!!

We love an unusual Cafe build round here. Look forward to seeing it progress.

[guzzistajohn]

COOL! Keep us posted! What's The Man Show?

[mark]

Well, the rear wheel has arrived! Also, I'm up in the air over using the 2005 R1 front end and wheel (shown on front end), or use a BMW front wheel that matches the rear wheel. I have both options.
Any input??

Also, the wheels will be powder coated a different color. they will not be black or silver. I will do them next week sometime. I might go ahead and powder coat both the R1 front wheel and the BMW front wheel to see which I like better.

Also, the Man Show (Google it) is a car, bike and toy show for everything a man would like. It's March 20th-21st. I don't have a lot of time if I'm going to have this ready by then.

Thanks,

 Mark

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[Tim-WT]

Well no surprise that i'm partial to the BMW wheel lol.

I've always connected with the fact that the "Cafe Racer" is the two wheeled version of the "Hot Rod". With that in mind i've always wanted to do a build with red wheels and white wall tires like a classic Rat Rod.

[mark]

It WILL have a lot of red, but not on the wheels.......!

I'm thinking red frame, gold wheels and cam covers, silver swingarm, black or silver forks, white base with red and blue for the paint on the bodywork.

Think this piece of unobtainium:

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[mark]

I love UPS! it's like Christmas 5 days a week!

The front wheel has arrived......... It came off a K1200LT that was involved in a shop fire.

The black "stuff" is the remnants of the plastic fairings that were melted into it.

It is a little rough, but it will be amazing when I finish with it.

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[mark]

Well, progress has been made on the ST1100 cafe racer project.
I pulled the bodywork, airbox and carbs. I did a complete rebuild of the carbs. They cleaned up pretty well.
They were pretty nasty inside. I'm cleaning stuff as it comes off the bike instead of when it goes back on.
Helps keep the dirt to a minimum. I also blasted the front wheel this week. I should have the cam covers and both wheels powder coated next week sometime.
I'll post pics as soon as I get them.

Mark

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[Tim-WT]

Keep it rolling. Some of us need inspiration to get started on our builds again...