1. Define Your Preferences:
   • Decide on the type of motorcycle you want we specialize in hondas, bmws and ducatis.
   • Determine the intended use (daily commuting, long-distance touring, weekend rides).
   • Choose the style cafe racer or scrambler
   • Select the desired features (engine size, suspension type, braking system, etc.).
   • Consider any special requirements or modifications you want.
2. Text us @ 412-519-9228 with pics of the look you are going for:
   • We will make recommendations and show examples based on what you want and your budget
   • We have built and customized over 500 motorcycles.
3. Budget Considerations:
   • Establish a budget for your custom motorcycle project.
   • Discuss your budget constraints with us so we know how to build your bike.
4. Design Proposal and Agreement:
   • We will send a build sheet laying out everything we will be doing with your project.
   • We require a 50 percent deposit to get started. Balance is due at completion and then we can assist with setting up shipping
5. Finalize Design and Specifications:
   • Work closely with the builder to finalize the design and specifications.
   • Confirm details such as paint colors, materials, and custom features.
6. Final Inspection and Delivery:
   • At completion we will send detailed photos and a running video.
7. Enjoy Your Custom Motorcycle:
   • Once all formalities are complete, you can finally enjoy riding your custom motorcycle.

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Cafe racers are known for their classic and timeless design. They often feature a minimalist and retro look that many people find visually appealing.
2. Unique Style: Cafe racers offer a unique style that stands out from other types of motorcycles. Their customizations and modifications allow for personalization and individual expression.
3. Customization: Cafe racers are often customized to suit the owner's preferences. This can be a creative and enjoyable process, allowing you to build a bike that reflects your personality and tastes.
4. Handling and Agility: Cafe racers are typically designed for improved handling and agility, making them ideal for urban riding and navigating through traffic. Their lightweight and nimble nature can provide a fun and engaging riding experience.
5. Vintage Feel: If you appreciate the nostalgia of vintage motorcycles and the sense of riding a classic machine, a cafe racer can offer that experience while still providing modern reliability.
6. DIY Culture: Owning a cafe racer can introduce you to a vibrant and passionate community of motorcycle enthusiasts. Many cafe racer owners enjoy the DIY culture of building, customizing, and maintaining their bikes.
7. Riding Experience: Cafe racers are often associated with a more aggressive riding posture and a more connected feel with the road. If you enjoy an engaged and spirited riding experience, a cafe racer may be a good fit.

However, it's important to keep in mind that cafe racers may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some considerations before making a purchase:

1. Comfort: Cafe racers typically have a more aggressive riding position, which may not be comfortable for long rides or for riders with certain physical limitations.
2. Practicality: Cafe racers are often minimalist in design, which means they may lack features such as storage space or passenger accommodations.
3. Maintenance: Customized cafe racers may require more maintenance and upkeep compared to stock motorcycles. Be prepared for potential maintenance challenges and costs.
4. Skill Level: Cafe racers can be challenging to ride, especially for beginners. The aggressive riding posture and performance characteristics may require advanced riding skills. Some new riders opt for riser bars on their cafe racer for more comfort.
5. Budget: Building or buying a cafe racer can be expensive, depending on the level of customization and quality of components you choose.

Ultimately, whether you should buy a cafe racer depends on your riding preferences, budget, and willingness to invest time and effort into customization and maintenance. It's a decision that should align with your passion for motorcycles and the type of riding experience you seek.

1. Base Bike: The cost of the initial bike can vary significantly. You might find a suitable donor bike for as little as a few hundred dollars or as much as a few thousand, depending on the make, model, and condition.
2. Parts and Modifications: Cafe racers typically involve modifications to the frame, suspension, engine, exhaust, brakes, and aesthetics. The cost of parts can vary greatly based on their quality and origin (OEM, aftermarket, custom). High-quality parts will generally cost more. You might need to consider costs for new tires, shocks, handlebars, mirrors, seat, fuel tank, and more.
3. Labor: If you're not doing the work yourself, you'll need to factor in labor costs. Custom modifications can be time-consuming and may require specialized skills. Labor costs can vary depending on the complexity of the modifications and the rates of the professionals you hire.
4. Paint and Finish: A significant part of the cafe racer's appeal is its aesthetics. The cost of a professional paint job can vary, especially if you're going for custom designs or special finishes.
5. Tools and Equipment: If you're doing the work yourself, you might need to invest in tools and equipment if you don't already have them. This can include specialized tools for working on motorcycles.
6. Miscellaneous Costs: Don't forget to account for other expenses like documentation, permits, and possibly some unexpected costs that might arise during the build.

Given these variables, it's challenging to provide an exact figure. However, a rough estimate for building a cafe racer could range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. If you're skilled and resourceful, you might be able to keep costs lower, but if you're aiming for a high-quality, professional-level build, costs can escalate quickly. At MOTO PGH we specialize in doing budget friendly builds and our bikes will range from $4k-$12k typically.

To get a more accurate estimate, please send us a text message 412-519-9228 with a picture of the look you are going for and we can make some recommendations and get you a price and build timeline.

Tools and Materials You'll Need:

• Carburetor rebuild kit (specific to your CB350 model)
• Screwdrivers (flat-head and Phillips)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Cleaning solvent (carburetor cleaner)
• Compressed air
• Safety goggles and gloves
• Shop rags or paper towels
• Service manual for your CB350 (for reference)
• Replacement gaskets and o-rings (if not included in the rebuild kit)
• Basic hand tools (wrenches, sockets, etc.)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Preparation:

• Make sure you have a clean, well-lit workspace with proper ventilation.
• Consult your CB350's service manual for specific instructions and diagrams that match your carburetor model.

2. Removal:

• Disconnect the battery to prevent accidental sparking.
• Remove the gas tank and other parts that may be obstructing access to the carburetors.
• Carefully detach the carburetors from the engine, ensuring you label or take photos of any hoses or connections for reassembly.

3. Disassembly:

• Carefully disassemble each carburetor, taking note of the order of parts and their positions.
• Remove the float bowls, floats, jets, needles, and other components. Keep them organized and clean.

4. Cleaning:

• Soak all metal and non-rubber parts in a quality carburetor cleaner to remove old fuel deposits and grime.
• Use a small brush, toothbrush, or pipe cleaner to clean out the jets, passages, and other small orifices.
• Use compressed air to blow out any remaining debris. Be careful with the air pressure to avoid damaging sensitive parts.

5. Inspection:

• Inspect all components for wear, damage, or corrosion. Replace any parts that are worn beyond their service limit.
• Check the rubber diaphragms and seals for cracks or brittleness. If they are damaged, replace them.

6. Reassembly:

• Install new gaskets, o-rings, and any other parts included in the rebuild kit.
• Reassemble the carburetors in the reverse order of disassembly, referring to your photos or labels.
• Make sure all parts are properly aligned and seated.

7. Adjustments:

• Set the float height according to your service manual's specifications.
• Set the idle mixture screws to the recommended initial settings (usually around 1.5 turns out) and fine-tune later.

8. Installation:

• Reattach the carburetors to the engine, connecting all hoses and cables properly.
• Reinstall the gas tank and other removed parts.

9. Testing and Tuning:

• Reconnect the battery and turn on the fuel supply.
• Start the engine and let it warm up.
• Adjust the idle speed and idle mixture screws for smooth idling.
• Take the bike for a test ride to ensure proper throttle response and overall performance.
• Fine-tune the carburetors as needed based on how the bike runs.

Remember, this is a general guide, and the specific steps and settings may vary depending on the exact model and year of your CB350. Always consult the service manual for accurate instructions and specifications. If you're not confident in your mechanical abilities, it's a good idea to seek assistance from a professional mechanic or someone experienced in motorcycle carburetor work.

Cafe racer builds are all about blending classic aesthetics with modern engineering. While virtually any motorcycle can be transformed into a cafe racer, certain models have become popular choices due to their design, performance potential, and availability of aftermarket parts. Here are some of the best bikes for cafe racer builds:

1. Honda CB Series: Honda's CB series, especially the CB750, CB550, and CB350, are classic choices for cafe racer builds. Their simple frame, air-cooled engines, and availability of aftermarket parts make them ideal platforms for customization.
2. Yamaha XS650: The Yamaha XS650 is a twin-cylinder motorcycle known for its reliability and versatile engine. Its twin-cylinder setup is often used as a base for cafe racer projects, combining a vintage look with modern performance upgrades.
3. Triumph Bonneville: The Triumph Bonneville's classic British styling and parallel-twin engine make it a popular choice for cafe racers. Modern versions of the Bonneville offer a retro look with modern technology, while older models can be transformed into timeless cafe racers.
4. Kawasaki W650/W800: Kawasaki's W650 and W800 models are designed with a nod to the classic British bikes of the past. Their retro styling and air-cooled engines make them excellent candidates for cafe racer conversions.
5. BMW R Series: BMW R-series motorcycles, like the R75/5 and R100, offer a unique platform for cafe racer projects with their boxer-twin engines and distinctive design. Modern BMW R nineT models also provide a blend of classic aesthetics and modern performance.
6. Suzuki TU250X: The Suzuki TU250X is a lightweight and affordable option for cafe racer builds. Its simple design and single-cylinder engine can be customized to create a minimalist cafe racer with a vintage vibe.
7. Ducati Scrambler: The Ducati Scrambler line offers a modern take on the cafe racer aesthetic. Its performance-oriented platform, combined with customizable options, allows for creative cafe racer transformations.
8. Royal Enfield Continental GT: The Royal Enfield Continental GT pays homage to the cafe racer style with its retro design. Its single-cylinder engine and classic look provide a great starting point for cafe racer customization.
9. Norton Commando: The Norton Commando, especially the older models, is a classic British motorcycle that can be transformed into a cafe racer masterpiece. Its distinctive engine and frame design make it a unique choice.
10. Custom Chassis: In addition to factory-built motorcycles, many builders opt for custom chassis and components to create cafe racers from scratch. This approach offers endless possibilities for unique designs.

Ultimately, the best bike for a cafe racer build depends on your personal preferences, skills, and budget. Whether you choose a classic model or a modern bike with a vintage-inspired design, the key is to create a bike that captures the spirit of cafe racer culture while expressing your own style and creativity.

We have started the "Bronze Bomber" project and we have also started an unexpected Buell Cafe Racer Project - the MOTO PGH "HD". 

So far on the 72 "Bronze Bomber" We have replaced the points and set the gap properly. We are now getting spark on both sides. Also we set the static timing and have replaced the battery. Just got the carbs all clean, replaced all of the jets and the needle as well as all of the gaskets. Hoping to put everything back together tomorrow and try to fire it up. 

On the Buell so far we have removed the motor, replaced all of the gaskets, set cam timing, and powder coated some of the engine parts. The motorcycle only has 3200 miles on it but they have a common oil leak at the rocker box since Harley used a paper gasket. We have replaced it with the better metal gasket. 

We have also created the sub frame for the cafe seat to sit on. I am pretty happy with how this project is turning out!