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Thread: XB12R cafe conversion

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  1. #1
    Senior Member nicholas900's Avatar
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    Sep 2013
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    Buffalo NY
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    Hello all. New member. Thought I'd share my cafe build. I'm still in the beginning stages. I stripped down the bike and removed everything that wasn't needed. Then planned the wiring. I am moving all the bulky stuff, fuse boxes, relays, ecm, horn sect under the air box cowl.

    To do this I built a steel plate cut out to fit the top of the frame and welded on brackets for all the items. I also cut out a hole for the air filter. Then the splicing began. A lot of marking, measuring and soldering. I also had to reroute the breathers and used some 3/8" steel line bent to fit inside the frame between engine and welded a stud to it to mount to the oil cooler frame. I also mounted a catch can there.

    The guages also needed a new mount, so I made up a gauge bracket and welded it all together. It attaches to the old ignition switch mounting holes. I'll relocate the switch in the tail section.

    Next is a seat subframe. Just waiting on 1" dies for my bender. I'll be going with a traditional cafe racer type seat and locate the battery under the seat cowl. Then I need to make an air box cover.

    I'll add to this as I get further along. Some pics of where I'm at now....






  2. #2
    Member
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    Oct 2015
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    Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca
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    I just wanted to revive this thread. My bank account really didn't need me to stumble across this one!

  3. #3
    Senior Member wickedchop's Avatar
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    Jun 2015
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    New Jersey
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    You're completely right nicholas. That is a very small amount for such a machine, but the best part is you built it, you designed it. You didn't take your checkbook to some shop and have them build it. Hold your head up high......you have impressed all of us here. Now go get those credit card sized chicken strips off that beautiful machine..lol

  4. #4
    You sir have one of the coolest bikes on the planet! You did an amazing job! Congrats on your finished project. Jay Leno would love this thing.

  5. #5
    Junior Member elturo's Avatar
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    So. Okla
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    Great story, thread and killer skills ! Bike came out amazing. Thank you for sharing.

  6. #6
    Senior Member nicholas900's Avatar
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    Sep 2013
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    Buffalo NY
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    Hey thanks guys. I haven't checked in this section for a while. Thanks for the kind words. I made a little photo slideshow. My skills with this stuff suck. It cropped all the photos but after trying 3 times I gave up. Its just some of the pics along the way. Its such a fun bike. I'm just always so busy building something I don't ride it like I should. But when I take it out it makes me smile. Smiling like an idiot inside my helmet.

    Here is the YouTube link.
    https://youtu.be/51-dsDmfdmc

    Also because it cropped the photos so much here a few.












  7. #7
    good odin.... that bike is amazing. words fail....

  8. #8
    Junior Member
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    Dec 2015
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    UK, East Yorkshire, gods own country
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    I've just stumbled across this thread and can only use one statement, "HOLY CHUFFING HELL!"
    I've downloaded pics and im drooling!

  9. #9
    Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    South Eastern PA
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    71
    Nick,
    I'm in awe. You are a true craftsman.
    I used to think my XB was killer, now she will disappoint me every single time I look at her... because she is not this XB.
    Oh well...
    Last edited by NewmanS3; 10-04-2016 at 06:29 PM.

  10. #10
    Senior Member Chicknstripn's Avatar
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    Aug 2014
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    High Point, NC
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    2,144
    He had the bike on the buffalo Craigslist.
    It could have been yours!

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