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i asked an earlier question about modifying for performance an yamaha xs400. i was told it was too heavy to be a cafe racer technically, what makes it so heavy. i see honda 400's made into cafe racers often. what are some of the differences? what kind of things am i missing between the same cc motorcycles?

2007-12-01 02:45:58 · 3 answers · asked by Corey L 2 in Cars & Transportation Motorcycles

3 answers

Too heavy to be a cafe racer...I really like the wisdom of the self proclaimed experts. Sure, weight is a detriment to good handling but light weight doesn't equate to good handling. Just ask anyone who used to ride the H1 or H2 Kawasakis. They NEEDED extra weight used in frame construction. Good tires, stiffer springs, better shocks and riding position can more than make up for a heavier than average bike. Plain and simple, the MOST important thing needed for good handling is a competant rider. Like the time I met two young guys on mid sized Suzuki sport bikes. They wanted to go to a bar, so I followed on my 720 pound, full dress KZ1000 shaft drive touring bike with soft suspension and loaded down with traveling gear. Going around curves they were hanging off the seat and guess what? I had no problem keeping up with them through the curves and we pulled into the bar together. My advice is to not listen to others (myself included), outfit the bike the way you like it and learn to ride safely and competantly. Pleasing yoursrlf is more important than pleasing others.

2007-12-01 12:23:00 · answer #1 · answered by bikinkawboy 7 · 0 0

Too heavy? Who on earth told you that? I had an XS250 which is essentially the same bike with a sleeved engine (so it was probably heavier with less power) and I made it into a really nice little flat tracker. It probably weighed 400 pounds stock. I bet you a pound to a dollar that a CB400 weighs more. Building a Cafe Racer is about weight reduction, sure - but more about styling. Go for it - the XS engine is pretty robust and sounds great with open pipes or a 2 into 1. You'll lose a few pounds straight away by doing that mod - fibreglass mudguard and seat, alloy tank and rear sets - I reckon it would be cool. Okay maybe by modern super bike standards it is heavy - but you aren't building a modern superbike are you :-)

2007-12-02 06:44:39 · answer #2 · answered by funnymachine 1 · 0 0

Weight

2007-12-01 16:54:04 · answer #3 · answered by Baron_von_Party 6 · 0 0

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