K100RS

[Vento3600]

Hi All,

Just joined and thought I’d ask a quick question if I may...

So I bought this 1990 K100RS for a cafe racer build, 20k miles on the clock but looks like it’s been out in the rain at some point in the last 30 years so it is by no means clean (certainly looks cleaner on the photos than in real life).

Anyway the question I have for you is; is this too nice to strip for a custom?

If I do strip it (and I’m literally holding myself back from taking a torx to it) should I keep the ABS?

Any input quick tips would be most appreciated.

Cheers.

[Vento3600]

Honestly it looks too good in those pics...

The frame is pitted on the top side; rear panel has a givi fitting and the plastics have blown around it; crack in the front plastics (repaired); fan switch installed (so you can turn your fan on at your leisure?); and a few more bits...

It isn’t concours, but a good base to build from?

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I wish you hadn't posted those photos.

[Vento3600]

I wish you hadn't posted those photos.

It’s not that nice honestly...it just photos well...there’s also a chip in the tank if that helps...

[Laitch]

If I do strip it (and I’m literally holding myself back from taking a torx to it) should I keep the ABS?

Sell the ABS. If you strip it into a cafe moto, you probably won't ride it enough to endanger yourself. Let the person who buys it from you sort that.

[Vento3600]

Sell the ABS. If you strip it into a cafe moto, you probably won't ride it enough to endanger yourself. Let the person who buys it from you sort that.

So +1 for strip and +1 for ditching the ABS.

[Laitch]

So +1 for strip and +1 for ditching the ABS.

-1 for reading comprehension. 

[Vento3600]

-1 for reading comprehension. 

...and back to zero for the strip 

[Scott_]

Seeing as you are not here in the states, do you have to deal with MOT inspections.... The ABS removal may or may not be allowed as it is a factory supplied safety item.
It could also be a mute point as the bike is now 30 years old, but still something you need to check on.

I'm not one that is particularly in favor of cafe builds, I think they are more for show than go.
However if you can do quality work like this: http://specialks.net/

[AtLarge]

-1 cafe.

[Vento3600]

Seeing as you are not here in the states, do you have to deal with MOT inspections.... The ABS removal may or may not be allowed as it is a factory supplied safety item.
It could also be a mute point as the bike is now 30 years old, but still something you need to check on.

I'm not one that is particularly in favor of cafe builds, I think they are more for show than go.
However if you can do quality work like this: http://specialks.net/

No, theY just check the brakes and the road worthiness.  To be honest the front brakes have gone so anything I do with or without ABS would be a massive improvement.   Never used the rear brake so much before riding that home!

[Vento3600]

-1 cafe.

If not cafe then what should I do with it?

[daveson]

It’s not that nice honestly...it just photos well...there’s also a chip in the tank if that helps...

No that doesn't help. You're still not allowed to strip it,  sorry.

[Martin]

In stock form they are one of the best looking paint combinations and rare in OZ. In OZ there are more cafés for sale than stock but I only know of one that's on the road. it is ultimately your choice, but if you chop it but you will loose practicality, rideability, functionality and luggage capacity. Most café projects don't get finished, and if finished ridden short distances for around 12 months. They are then put up for sale and eventually find their way to the back of the garage or behind the shed. Try riding it for a while OEM stock they are an incredible ride and one of the most reliable bikes if you maintain them and use them. If you deem to chop it the plus side is that you'll make a rare model rarer and your fairing can be used to restore other Bricks and eventually the drivetrain may be salvaged.
Regards Martin.

[Vento3600]

No that doesn't help. You're still not allowed to strip it,  sorry.

But it can’t live in the condition it’s in...I actually get chills when I see the frame.

[Vento3600]

In stock form they are one of the best looking paint combinations and rare in OZ. In OZ there are more cafés for sale than stock but I only know of one that's on the road. it is ultimately your choice, but if you chop it but you will loose practicality, rideability, functionality and luggage capacity. Most café projects don't get finished, and if finished ridden short distances for around 12 months. They are then put up for sale and eventually find their way to the back of the garage or behind the shed. Try riding it for a while OEM stock they are an incredible ride and one of the most reliable bikes if you maintain them and use them. If you deem to chop it the plus side is that you'll make a rare model rarer and your fairing can be used to restore other Bricks and eventually the drivetrain may be salvaged.
Regards Martin.

Thanks Martin, totally agree they do look good in this scheme.  As for riding it I’ve got a couple of others that are for riding, I was looking to get a bit more experience with working on bikes, but everytime I go in the garage I’m like ummm it isn’t that bad...then I get closer and I don’t know again.  I’m ok with refinishing it, but it would need pretty much the same amount of work as a cafe.

[daveson]

"but it can't live in the condition its in..."

Yeah, it can. You can fix it or get used to it (or put it on the To Do list) I've got used to mine. It was used on dirt roads for years before I got it, rusty frame to boot. Maybe get another one with broken bits, and rip the bits off it. Your One's way too good.

[Martin]

There is more pride in doing a good restoration than a chop job. It doesn't have to be perfect. Gryph (TMG) and others have done excellent restorations with basic equipment, and are helpful with good advice.  Café's are done seeking uniqueness but most follow the same route. I find the slab seats weird and the combination of c lip on bars chunky dirt tyres bewildering and the tank angle rarely look right. Twins and singles would be an easier and better choice. It is your choice but once chopped it is hard if not impossible to reverse your decision. And I have owned a café racer (69 BSA Lightning) but fortunately the frame had not been chopped and it came with the stock parts, and after one long trip it was converted back to standard except for the megas which I kept.
Regards Martin.

[Laitch]

But it can’t live in the condition it’s in...

If you haven't already, resect that carbuncle on the tail cowl and then see how you feel about it. It can't be appreciated until you're low-flying on a motorway.

If I thought you could come up with something as streamlined yet practically-built and stylish as this one, instead of just another angular, road grime-slinging, noise-making goulash of aftermarket parts, I believe my vote in favor of a remodeling would be available for purchase. 

[Martin]

I just did a count on Gumtree, OZ's version of Craigs List. There were five café/scrambler K100's to three stock ones. So stock ones are more unique. However there are more chopped ones even if you don't actually see them on the road. However I have yet to search dumpster and graffiti riddled laneways. I'll now keep an eye out.
Regards Martin.

[Vento3600]

If you haven't already, resect that carbuncle on the tail cowl and then see how you feel about it. It can't be appreciated until you're low-flying on a motorway.

If I thought you could come up with something as streamlined yet practically-built and stylish as this one, instead of just another angular, road grime-slinging, noise-making goulash of aftermarket parts, I believe my vote in favor of a remodeling would be available for purchase. 

This is what I was thinking...

[850Commando]

That looks cool..  I vote for the cafe racer -  It's never going to be light but getting rid of the stock fairing will help a bit.. I don't like the look of these bikes as standard (and yours is a particularly unpleasant colour scheme :). so get out the angle grinder... I'd keep the ABS if it's working - The pumps add to the idiosyncratic look and it could be useful..

[Laitch]

This is what I was thinking...

Same ole same ole on Hula Hoops. 

[daveson]

In the "Project classic motobrick" section is a thread "how to monster a brick,  instead of cafe it" You could have the only monstered brick in the UK,  with probably only two in the whole world.

[Laitch]

Just joined and thought I’d ask a quick question...

The question was quick, certainly. It might just be time to break out the Sawzall, angle grinder and checkbook then throw caution to the wind; otherwise, you can always move on over to Project Classic Motobricks and start building a paint booth.