GPz750 Cafe Racer
Luca (from Milan) is part way through the build of a GPz750 based cafe racer. Like many of us, he has found that a project originally intended to take just a couple of months is taking considerably longer than anticipated. Luca's build first featured in issue 5 of the magazine, but is now edging ever nearer to completion. This is the build story so far:
The donor bike arrives...
The donor bike arrives...
First job was to remove the body work so that Luca could decide what modifications needed to be made to the rear subframe.
Partially stripped...
Partially stripped...
Fully naked...
With a cafe racer style loop in place, he then turned his attention to fabricating a brass rear fender and number plate holder.
Frame hoop and brass work from the top...
Luca is also putting his skills as a craftsman to good use (he usually makes buckles, fashion accessories, rings, lamps etc.) making beautiful brass accessories and accent pieces for his cafe racer.
Fuel tank stripped and brass warning light panel added.
Modified top yoke and instruments simplified to just a yoke mounted speedo...
Battery box fabricated from brass, with added skull motif!
Brass of the throttle housing and bar end are set off perfectly by a fresh coat of black paint on the brake reservoir and lever.
Engine is also treated to a fresh coat of paint...
Top yoke also gets the black and brass treatment.
Freshly painted tank...
Front view... I really like the black and brass combination.
A closer view of the front mudguard...
Starting to reassemble the freshly painted parts...
Wiring - you either love it or loath it! This stage held Luca up for some time!
Not quite completed, but the finish line is in sight...
