Cafe Racer Garage

Cafe Racer Garage Aussie bike builder. Documenting every step to help you create a motorcycle you can be proud of.
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24/05/2026

Our Thermoplastic Seat Base, Foam and Seat Clips are all available at caferacergarageshop.com

24/05/2026

Use the code CRG at checkout to save yourself some money when purchasing one of these.

22/05/2026

If a carburetted motorcycle used to run but suddenly won’t, and it still has spark, the carburettors are one of the first places to look.
Old carbs can cause endless issues: blocked jets, vacuum leaks, split diaphragms, sticking floats, overflowing bowls, bad fuel, or incorrect tuning.

Modern fuel is also brutal on older bikes. Ethanol can gum up passages, absorb moisture, and destroy old seals if the bike sits too long.

One tiny blocked pilot jet alone can stop a bike from idling properly.

With older carburetted motorcycles, running them regularly and keeping fresh fuel in them makes a massive difference.

Don’t forget to sync the carbs from time to time. Here is the tool I use
Use the DISCOUNT CODE: CRG if you buy a digital sync tool from TheDigiSync.com and save yourself some money.

11/05/2026

Most electrical problems aren’t major failures, they’re usually small issues hiding in plain sight. Before replacing expensive parts, check these first:

1. Dirty or loose connections
Vibration, moisture and age create resistance in plugs and terminals. This can cause random cutting out, weak starting or flickering lights.
Fix: Unplug connectors, inspect for green corrosion or heat marks, clean with contact cleaner and tighten loose pins.
2. Bad earths (grounds)
A poor ground can make the whole bike act possessed, dim lights, weak spark, gauges doing weird things or intermittent faults.
Fix: Check the battery earth and engine/frame grounds. Remove them, sand back to bare metal and tighten properly.
3. Weak battery under load
A battery can still show 12V and be bad. Many ignition and EFI problems come from voltage dropping while cranking.
How to find it: Watch battery voltage while starting. If it drops hard below ~10V, the battery is likely tired.
4. Broken wires near steering heads
Wires constantly flex every time the bars turn and eventually break internally.
Symptoms: Bike cuts out when turning handlebars, starter works intermittently or lights flicker.
Fix: Wiggle-test the loom while the bike is running and inspect for stiff or cracked wiring.
5. Charging system faults
Older regulator rectifiers and stators commonly fail slowly over time and can leave you stranded.
How to find it: With the bike running, the battery should usually charge around 14V. If voltage stays low or climbs too high, start checking the stator and regulator.
👊
We always recommend replacing your regulator rectifiers with the new digital type we sell and also consider replacing your starter solenoids especially for a bike over 10 years old.

caferacergarageshop.com

06/05/2026

Tools & Tips for building a motorcycle! Perfect for those just getting started or new to the craft.

29/04/2026

* Don’t rush into buying the first bike you see just because it’s cheap or nearby.
* Buy the right base bike for the style you want to build (cafe racer, scrambler, bobber, brat, tracker etc). It can save thousands later.
* Look for bikes with a clean title / registration paperwork to avoid headaches.
* Choose a bike that already has the tank, wheels, forks and frame style you like. Major changes get expensive fast.
* Make sure parts are easy to find for that model. Rare bikes often mean rare prices.
* Check if the engine turns over and has compression before buying. Engine rebuilds destroy budgets quickly.
* Inspect for rust in the tank, damaged threads, hacked wiring and missing parts. Small issues add up.
* Buy the most complete bike you can afford. Missing pieces usually cost more than buying a better bike upfront.
* Set a total build budget before purchasing and leave room for surprises. There will always be surprises.
* Compare prices across Marketplace, Gumtree, auctions and local groups before committing.
* Sometimes paying more for a running bike is cheaper than buying a “cheap project.”
* Be patient. The right bike saves money, time and regret.

16/04/2026

Get everything you need in one place at caferacergarageshop.com, with access to our unmatched tech support whenever you need a hand wiring your bike with one of our Control Hubs.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Is the control hub waterproof? Yes.
Is it shockproof? Yes.
Is the tech support free? Yes with every control hub.

Will the control hub work on every motorcycle?
If your bike is Japanese and made before 2014 then Yes it will work, however, feel free to reach out and ask us as it will also fit many other motorcycles.

Does your 200amp starter solenoid work on every bike? Yes.

Will the Digital Regulator Rectifier charge a lead acid, lithium or AGM battery? Yes and a lot faster at a steady 14.25v output, and it runs a lot cooler.

14/04/2026

What would you love to metal shape for you motorcycle?

Address

Gold Coast, QLD

Website

https://caferacergarageshop.com/

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