I'm looking for a project bike. Can you help me decide?!

As the title says, I'm looking for a project bike. I only have about 1 year of riding experience and I purchased an '03 Buell XB9S for my first bike. I know people have pretty defined opinions on these bikes but let's just say that I love it and will not be getting rid of it and leave it at that. It is THE bike that I'd wanted for years before I got my license. My dad got his license before I did and I spent quite a while riding on his spare bike (Honda Shadow 750) with him to get some practice in before I bought my own. These are really the only bikes I've ever ridden.

Part of my goal is to end up with a second bike so my dad and I can go for rides when he comes over to visit or if any of my friends with licenses feel like going for a cruise, we can. Moreso though, I'm interested in getting a bike that I can completely overhaul and customize.

I'm having a very hard time figuring out what type of bike I should get. For instance, currently, I'm looking at a CB360 and an XJ550. The CB is a twin, the XJ550 an inline 4 so it seems like the CB would be more simple to work on since its got two less of everything. Also, it has a kickstart which is something I'd like to have but not a must have. The XJ has a better lb/hp ratio though. Either frame will allow me to do a rear mono-shock setup which is something that I really want to do. Then I came across the XS750 which is a triple, weighs about 60lbs more than the XJ550 but has an even better lb/hp ratio. I know there are a lot of other differences, but this is part of the problem.

Do any of you have suggestions?

 

Sorry. Yeah, I'm pretty much looking to do a Cafe Racer but with some of the more modern styling cues I've seen in Street Fighter style bikes. I definitely want a bike from the '70s or early '80s.

 

I have been researching the XS650 and agree that they are very interesting and I would love to pick one up. I have been finding it difficult to find one for sale though. Also, I'm hoping to get a bike in the <$750 range which for the models I can find (XJ, GS, GPZ, etc.) isn't really that difficult. Basically I've been using SearchTempest to scour Craigslist and eBay. Do you guys have any suggestions for other places to look? Anyone have or know of someone with a bike sitting around that they want to part with?

I'll definitely look into the VJMC. I've already been reading quite a bit on DoTheTon.com and CafeRacer.net as well as several other model specific sites.

 

Zxgarage, I'd be very interested in hearing more about your BSA. Do you have any pictures you could post up?

Thanks for all of the suggestions and site links everyone! So much information to digest.

 

After more research and consideration of what is available in my area, I've decided to go after a GS550. Eventually, I might pick up a spare engine and replace the top end with one from a GS650 (about a 50% bump in power and almost a direct fit). After I get the mechanicals worked out I *plan* on trying to convert it over to EFI. The goal is for it to be a long term project.

If/when I find a donor I'll post some more information up.

Thanks again to everyone for all the info.

 

Some very interesting suggestions and selections out there, but I'm really looking for a GS550 now. Doesn't necessarily need to run (especially for what I'm hoping to spend) but I want it to have all the bits and pieces so I've got a good place to start from. There are a few "local" to me on Craigslist but my work schedule just went nuts and we're expecting our first child in a month's time so I'm not sure how I'm going to find a way to pick one up for quite a while now.

 

I have looked at it and while its neat, I'm really looking for something with the old school tube frame. Looked at a KZ650 last night, trying to see a CB750 (heavy though) this weekend and might try to look into a CB650 sometime soon too. Sadly, I've not been able to find a good GS550 near me. That's still really what I'd like to find.

I've thought about looking for a smaller displacement bike but the fact that many of them are only 20-30hp scares me away from them. I know its going to be slower than my Buell, but I don't want something that can be out dragged by a moped!