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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: quiktaco on July 14, 2008, 07:12:20 PM

Title: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: quiktaco on July 14, 2008, 07:12:20 PM
These are the most recent pictures of my Cafe Racer/Street Fighter "Cafe Fighter" Build.

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/IMG_0908.jpg)

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/IMG_0909.jpg)

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/IMG_0910.jpg)

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/IMG_0913.jpg)

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/IMG_0921.jpg)

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/IMG_0925.jpg)



and Stock

(http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z307/quiktaco/IMG_0120.jpg)



and Video's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7lbh9jY4Zc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwcOwcOvzu0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUgM10CXDUU
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: theUBS on July 14, 2008, 07:27:00 PM
She looks great from behind in that B&W!  ...and nice in the rest as well! :thumb:  I dig the mirrors!
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: scottpA_GS on July 14, 2008, 07:34:54 PM

lookin good  :cheers:
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: quiktaco on July 14, 2008, 08:12:49 PM
now that im seeing my bike in these pictures, it seems that my handlebars are really high still. think i might change those eventually.

These pictures are showing the custom exhaust that I just re made. I dont have the link, but check out that thread if you want to know more about it. Or just ask in this one, whatever.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: commuterdude on July 14, 2008, 08:22:35 PM
Looks cool, how does that straight pipe treat your engine?  Everything is ok?
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: quiktaco on July 14, 2008, 08:28:42 PM
its not a straight pipe. there is a baffle. its loud but not too bad. probably like a v and h. its great through. fuel is dialed in to it, and she flies now.

sorry about the weird writting. im on my pocket pc.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: Tang on July 14, 2008, 09:42:13 PM
what kind of tires are those and what size and wher'd u get them lol

i'm in need of fresh tires
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: theUBS on July 14, 2008, 10:05:56 PM
Quote from: Tang on July 14, 2008, 09:42:13 PM
what kind of tires are those and what size and wher'd u get them lol

i'm in need of fresh tires

Bridgestone Battlax BT45's?  Look pretty much stock.  New front?
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: quiktaco on July 15, 2008, 08:26:03 AM
Yes, they're the stock tires, but both are brand new.  Just put them on about 2 weeks ago.  I used to have 2 tires that didn't match, and were very old and cracked.  Also were 2 inches taller than stock, so everything was being thrown off by that.  The stock BT45's are great in comparison.  I figured I'd go with stock tires, since I have a short commute to work which makes up most of my riding.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: fred on July 15, 2008, 09:24:47 AM
Very nice. I like what you've done with the rear end and that exhaust looks awesome!
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: The Buddha on July 15, 2008, 09:33:28 AM
OK am I missing somehting ... it looks rather like a GS wihtout side covers to me ??
Oooo pardon me, and a straight pipe. What am I missing ? seriously ?
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: quiktaco on July 15, 2008, 09:37:13 AM
Yep, that's pretty much what it is.  Not a straight pipe though...it's baffled a little.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: quiktaco on July 15, 2008, 09:53:28 AM
List of what I remember I've done...

• Superbike Bars
• Napolean Mirrors
• New Tires
• Custom Exhaust (not a straight pipe, there is a baffle that I made - works very nicely)
• Lunchbox
• Jets
• Footpegs
• Front and rear signals
• Relocated Brake light
• Relocated License plate
• Relocated Wiring
• Sealed Battery
• Removed Rear side covers
• Removed Front Fender
• Cut off back of Rear Subframe
• Katana Rear Shock
• Removed center stand
• Modified and reupholstered seat. (Front flip up was cut down, and rear flip up was cut off)
• Cut off rear footpegs
• Removed Mud Guard
• Removed Chain Guard

My concept for this bike is to remove as much of the useless junk as possible.  I've taken about 20 pounds off the bike, maybe a little more.  I just wanted it as simplistic as possible.  And as cheap as possible too.  I'm making everything that I can (hence the custom exhaust that cost about 10 bucks, and sounds great)  I'm still in the process of pretty much everything still.  I really like the look of 50's 60's and 70's Cafe Racers, and I've been building this with that in mind.  Nothing will be on this bike that isn't needed.  I think I've done a pretty good job of that so far.


Future Plans...

• Relocating the battery
• Fabing up a new subframe that is minimalistic
• New Taillight/ Rear Turn Signals
• Painting the Frame, Engine, Tank, Forks
• Making Removable Rear pegs for the Wife
• Progressives up front
• Modifying and rerouting the wiring harness.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: The Buddha on July 15, 2008, 10:57:49 AM
Quote from: quiktaco on July 15, 2008, 09:53:28 AM
List of what I remember I've done...

• Superbike Bars
• Napolean Mirrors
• New Tires
• Custom Exhaust (not a straight pipe, there is a baffle that I made - works very nicely)
• Lunchbox
• Jets
• Footpegs
• Front and rear signals
• Relocated Brake light
• Relocated License plate
• Relocated Wiring
• Sealed Battery
• Removed Rear side covers
• Removed Front Fender
• Cut off back of Rear Subframe
• Katana Rear Shock
• Removed center stand
• Modified and reupholstered seat. (Front flip up was cut down, and rear flip up was cut off)
• Cut off rear footpegs
• Removed Mud Guard
• Removed Chain Guard

My concept for this bike is to remove as much of the useless junk as possible.  I've taken about 20 pounds off the bike, maybe a little more.  I just wanted it as simplistic as possible.  And as cheap as possible too.  I'm making everything that I can (hence the custom exhaust that cost about 10 bucks, and sounds great)  I'm still in the process of pretty much everything still.  I really like the look of 50's 60's and 70's Cafe Racers, and I've been building this with that in mind.  Nothing will be on this bike that isn't needed.  I think I've done a pretty good job of that so far.


Future Plans...

• Relocating the battery
• Fabing up a new subframe that is minimalistic
• New Taillight/ Rear Turn Signals
• Painting the Frame, Engine, Tank, Forks
• Making Removable Rear pegs for the Wife
• Progressives up front
• Modifying and rerouting the wiring harness.

Oh yea I remmeber, you were the one talking about cutting the seat ... OK ... now makes it sense ...
The tail section and seat cutting yes and moving the tail light and what not, the rest is all pretty much what every one has done. So you understand my obvious confusion.
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: quiktaco on July 15, 2008, 11:10:48 AM
Quote from: The Buddha on July 15, 2008, 10:57:49 AM
Oh yea I remmeber, you were the one talking about cutting the seat ... OK ... now makes it sense ...
The tail section and seat cutting yes and moving the tail light and what not, the rest is all pretty much what every one has done. So you understand my obvious confusion.
Cool.
Buddha.


Yeah, that's me.  I didn't say it was anything special.  I was just posting pictures of what I've done so far.  I'm not planing on putting much money into this thing.  It's got 44k miles on it, and is really just a bike to learn on and to have fun with making things for.

My reference to 'Cafe Fighter' is in the minimalistic style of the old Cafe Racers, combined with the newer version of the Street Fighters.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: Ronin on July 15, 2008, 12:11:08 PM
Short,sweet and to the point! I Like!  :thumb: :cheers:
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: b_long_1 on July 15, 2008, 01:38:24 PM
looks good and looks like you had fun doing it. :thumb:
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: ohgood on July 15, 2008, 05:31:20 PM
Man, that looks g r e a t ! The B&W shot is really nice. Really makes the rear tire look cool.

Of course, you've got one up on the rest of us with the darker charcoal frame to begin with ;)

Keep it up, love the pictures :)
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: quiktaco on July 15, 2008, 05:40:29 PM
I was actually getting tired of the charcoal frame and was thinking about painting it black.  Think I should/shouldn't?
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: theUBS on July 15, 2008, 07:08:50 PM
Quote from: quiktaco on July 15, 2008, 05:40:29 PM
I was actually getting tired of the charcoal frame and was thinking about painting it black.  Think I should/shouldn't?

Personally, I like the charcoal and the little bit of contrast it provides, but my opinion isn't really what counts. :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: theUBS on July 15, 2008, 08:03:44 PM
Quote from: quiktaco on July 15, 2008, 08:26:03 AM
Yes, they're the stock tires, but both are brand new.  Just put them on about 2 weeks ago.  I used to have 2 tires that didn't match, and were very old and cracked.  Also were 2 inches taller than stock, so everything was being thrown off by that.  The stock BT45's are great in comparison.  I figured I'd go with stock tires, since I have a short commute to work which makes up most of my riding.

I noticed the pre-mod bike had a BT45 on the rear, but didn't seem to on the front.  ...thought perhaps you'd just bought one, but two is better! :thumb:
So, where did you get those mirrors?  Napolean is the brand name?
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: Jackstand Johnny on July 15, 2008, 08:39:27 PM
Sorry but I don't know to much about exhausts but when you say baffles do you mean it's diameter is slightly broadened at the end? Does that help with backpressure or something because I thought not running some kind of muffler could ruin the engine. By the way your bike looks awesome and I think we're on the exact same page with what we're trying to do.  :cheers:
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: quiktaco on July 16, 2008, 09:07:19 AM
Yes they're Napoleon Mirrors.  I don't remember where exactly I got them.  Check the wiki in the upgrades section, I think it suggests a couple places.



A simplified introduction...  The theory behind a muffler is highly complex.  You can do one of the following to lower the sound.  Either, absorb, reflect, restrict, or expand.  If you use one of these, then it will be quieter than none.  The more you use, and the more of each you use (more restriction, or more absorption), then the quieter it will be.
A baffle is something that can do, or be part of any of these, depending on the construction.  I actually have two baffles in mine.  Both restrict slightly, and both reflect slightly.  A good example of absorption is a straight through exhaust that has fiberglass batting.  The fiberglass absorbes the sound.  Expansion is easily seen in 2 stroke expansion pipe (mostly used for changing power characteristics (doesn't work with 4 strokes the same)).  Or even in a car exhaust, like a magnaflow.  Those use expansion and reflection.

I would suggest reading as much as you can about mufflers and muffler theory before attempting to make one.  Even though my design is extremely simple, there was a lot of thought that went behind it to accomplish what I wanted.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: quiktaco on July 16, 2008, 09:14:54 AM
Here are the links to the YouTube video's that I just posted of my new exhaust.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7lbh9jY4Zc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwcOwcOvzu0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUgM10CXDUU

Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: Tang on July 16, 2008, 10:12:52 AM
sounds awesome man!
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: quiktaco on July 17, 2008, 08:38:44 AM
Thanks.  I think it's sounding better than my previous attempt.  It's deeper and fuller now.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES)
Post by: ohgood on July 17, 2008, 09:35:04 AM
Quote from: quiktaco on July 15, 2008, 05:40:29 PM
I was actually getting tired of the charcoal frame and was thinking about painting it black.  Think I should/shouldn't?

I bet you'd find new love for the charcoal frame if your swingarm, forks, and trees matched it ;)

Only thing hottererer than charcoal gs frames is gloss black imho :)

I'm hitting your videos now....

In the 'be patient' video, did you kick out the rear just a little when you were stopping ?

Sounds great, wish you would have done a flyby in a lower gear though. :D
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: quiktaco on July 17, 2008, 09:38:55 AM
It would be gloss black if I painted it.  Along with SA and front forks.  I think I would like the charcoal as well with all those.  Might look into my paint choices.

Don't think I kicked it out.  I was by myself, so I had the camera sitting on the curb, and there was a curve right out of view on the right side of the shot, so I had to slow down drastically right there.  I'll try to make another video of better drive by's.  Getting low rpm and high rpm.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: quiktaco on July 21, 2008, 08:32:31 AM
So what do you guys think of the video's, any comments?
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: theUBS on July 21, 2008, 09:53:25 AM
I think the bike sounds almost as good as it looks.  It's got a nice muscular growl to it now.   :thumb:
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: Yo Mama on July 21, 2008, 11:15:27 AM
explain in detail the baffle in the exhaust
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: quiktaco on July 21, 2008, 11:22:50 AM
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=40382.80

In this thread, there is a picture that I CAD'd up that explains it pretty well.  The only modification that I had to make from this, was a hole in the center of the out-most baffle.  After it was installed, it wasn't breathing enough, so I made a 1/2" hole in the center.  Everything else is the same as this drawing.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: b_long_1 on July 21, 2008, 12:18:41 PM
 :thumb: love the sound. It is just a little meaner but not too loud.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: quiktaco on July 23, 2008, 11:42:48 AM
Quote from: b_long_1 on July 21, 2008, 12:18:41 PM
:thumb: love the sound. It is just a little meaner but not too loud.

Thanks!

So for an update on the exhaust, It's working great, and still seems to be dialed into my jetting.  I think it might be just slightly too loud for the early morning startup with my neighbors.  No one has complained, but I'm worried that the management is going to say something.  I might leave it as is until someone says something.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: tripleb on July 23, 2008, 12:42:15 PM
your bike looks and sounds awesome!

I wish I could drop my stock exhaust for something smaller and go with the minimal rear of the bike look like you have, but I have no talent in that area so I'm going to have to settle for the stock look for a while :icon_sad:
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: Jackstand Johnny on July 23, 2008, 02:21:42 PM
Quote from: tripleb on July 23, 2008, 12:42:15 PM
your bike looks and sounds awesome!

I wish I could drop my stock exhaust for something smaller and go with the minimal rear of the bike look like you have, but I have no talent in that area so I'm going to have to settle for the stock look for a while :icon_sad:

Or we could all beg quiktaco to make more of these exhuasts and sell them to us! :thumb:
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: quiktaco on July 23, 2008, 04:16:25 PM
You know Seconds, if you keep pushing me like this, I may just weld one up for you next time I break out the welder.   :laugh:
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: franke3c on July 25, 2008, 11:16:57 PM
So is this muffler stock just cut off with a welded on baffle?
Is the muffler attached anywhere below the engine?

Also, what did you set on your carbs? main jet, washers, mixture screw, etc?

I've been wanting to cut my exhaust like this for a while, but hesitant to figuring out what the carbs should be tuned to..
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: quiktaco on July 28, 2008, 08:35:08 AM
There is no muffler, other than what was welded in to the last 6 inches or so of the pipe.  It is only a baffle.  Working on restriction mostly (although it's still very free flowing).  I have a Dyno Jet mess with my carbs from the previous owner, and I'm still trying to get everything sorted out with that.  I have a lunchobx, with 140 mains, 40 pilots, clip on #3 position from the top, and don't remember # of turns out. Plus One and a half holes plugged on each slide.  I'm telling you, it's a big mess.  I'll be going back to stock needles and everything soon.

I'd treat this as a free flowing exhaust that you'd purchase.  150 mains.  Refer to the matrix for the rest, and always test your own bike after using this as a starting point. 

I say go for it.  Just lob it off.  You can always weld the stock one back on.  It's only metal.

If you're wanting to go to a straight pipe with no baffle, then I'd say up the main a little more.  I don't know what else, but when I tested it with the open pipe, it backfired a lot.  I'd say have something to baffle it a bit.  It sounds better with the baffle than the open pipe.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: soysss on July 28, 2008, 05:47:10 PM
Check out what I got haha.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOGM7Ey2u7c (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOGM7Ey2u7c)


JC Whitney "Shorty Muffler" $25 just bolted onto the end with a little exhaust wrap in there.  40 pilot 147.5 main (could probly go 150 or 152.5), lunchbox, and 1 washer under (probly go 2).

best 25 i've spent, awesome sound and neat look.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: quiktaco on July 29, 2008, 08:39:58 AM
Sounds just like mine, but mine was only 5 bucks. (and smaller - mine looks like a straight pipe).  I think mine is a bit quieter too, a little more tolerable.  Yours sounds like it could get obnoxious after a while.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: utgunslinger13 on July 29, 2008, 09:47:17 AM
I didn't read through the entire build of the muffler you linked to, so I'm sorry if you already answered this or if its common sense.  I've recently moved to AZ where we have to go through emission checks to register a vehicle.  My worry is that your "muffler" design wouldn't pass emissions?  This is the first thing I've had carborated (other than the previous GS I owned 6-7 years ago) and this will be the first time I'll have to get it Echecked so I'm a little nervous!

Thanks,

Nick
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: quiktaco on July 29, 2008, 09:50:37 AM
I don't have to get it checked in CA, so I really wouldn't know.  I've taken all the emission stuff off of mine.  You might be better off getting something that is approved.  Although the exhaust really doesn't have anything to do with emissions unless there's an inline catalytic converter.  I'd check with a smog place that you'd go to and ask them a ton of questions to see what can pass and what is an automatic fail.  Sorry I couldn't be more help.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: Jackstand Johnny on July 29, 2008, 10:19:15 AM
Quote from: quiktaco on July 23, 2008, 04:16:25 PM
You know Seconds, if you keep pushing me like this, I may just weld one up for you next time I break out the welder.   :laugh:

Push...and a bump :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: quiktaco on July 29, 2008, 10:20:02 AM
lol
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: Cal76 on September 13, 2008, 03:37:53 PM
If you do start making the exhaust on your bike to sell, will you let me know how much.  I have a 94 gs and I really like the look of your gs.

Thanks,
Wayne
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: quiktaco on September 15, 2008, 09:04:54 AM
I did make one for Seconds, but I don't think I'll be making any more.  Too much trouble right now, I'm just too busy.  If I do start making them for a bunch of people, the price might be around 75-100 dollars.  Let me know if you are extremely interested in one, and I may consider making another one or two.
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: Jackstand Johnny on November 01, 2008, 06:36:18 AM
And it's AWESOME! I love that thing. It makes the rear of the bike. Quik, I wanted to ask how you mounted the taillight and license plate. I probably asked before, but I'm about to get into it. Thanks again for the wicked exhaust. :cheers:
(http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd257/RED_GREASE/gs500eafter.jpg)
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: Chanse on November 05, 2008, 04:10:53 AM
I say cut the back and the seat all the way down into kind of like a bobber.... i think that would look crazy. a street cafe fighter bobber
Title: Re: QuikTaco's Cafe Fighter build (with PICTURES & VIDEO)
Post by: yamahonkawazuki on November 05, 2008, 04:14:09 AM
Quote from: utgunslinger13 on July 29, 2008, 09:47:17 AM
I didn't read through the entire build of the muffler you linked to, so I'm sorry if you already answered this or if its common sense.  I've recently moved to AZ where we have to go through emission checks to register a vehicle.  My worry is that your "muffler" design wouldn't pass emissions?  This is the first thing I've had carborated (other than the previous GS I owned 6-7 years ago) and this will be the first time I'll have to get it Echecked so I'm a little nervous!

Thanks,

Nick
OR get stock gs exhaust. and its jets. put in place, have check done/ pass it. tehn remove stock stuff. and replace with non stock stuff :icon_twisted: