New member - 250 cafe racer work-in-progress

[clanger9]

Hello everyone,

I thought I'd introduce my Model 14 250 CSR. I've owned it as an abandoned project for a number of years and I'm finally getting around to putting it together (i.e. rebuilding it...)



Interesting bits include clip-ons, rearsets, a lightweight fibreglass fuel tank, Borrani alloy rims and a twin leading shoe front brake. I don't have any history for it, though it seems to have been used in this configuration for most of its life. It was registered in 1967, so it's a fairly late one.

All good so far: it starts and runs well (and makes a cracking noise). Front suspension is all as new (courtesy of the previous owner) and I've converted it to 12V electrics. There's quite bit of detail to sort out in terms of the mudguards and seat and it needs a side stand. I really can't fathom why someone would build/race a little bike like this, but I'm sure they had their reasons. I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts on this. Me, I just like the look of it.

Speaking of which, does anyone have any suggestions for fitting a side stand? The original part is available from the spares scheme, but it's over £150!

[Rob Harknett]

Ideal little bike to amble round the country lanes on. Would had been a teenagers dream café racer in the 60's, being just about fast enough to beat a Mod's scooter.

[clanger9]

Thanks! Yes, it should at least be quicker than a scooter. It feels like it should handle sweetly, so I'm really looking forward to riding it.

Was there some kind of learner/young rider restriction in the sixties that meant people went for 250s? All before I was born, I'm afraid...

[Eamonn]

Prior to 1983 learners could ride bikes up to 250cc after that date learners were restricted to 125cc bikes (with additional power rating limitations and exemptions for certain age ranges)

[saltbox alf]

Nice, lets go n scratch.
Fibre-glass tank, with the 'new' petrol with ethanol, it eats fibre-glass I would suggest a good tank sealer to treat the inside as soon as you can.
If it has already had some old type sealer inside, this does not stand up to ethanole either.

I think if the interior is sound you can seal with a modern product over old sealer, however on this I stand to be corrected Any body done this at all?

[clanger9]

Tell me about it! Unleaded petrol had slowly turned the inside of the tank to mush, so it's been relined with Caswell by the extremely helpful people at Hartlepool Radiator Company.
Cost a small fortune, but at least the tank is now fully "unleaded-proof"

[56G80S]

My old 14 CSR (1966) would've left any scooter a long way behind.

Johnny B

[garagejunkie]

Great looking bike , love the tank and seat .....

[dave16mct]

Some members have adapted a Royal Enfield Bullet side stand to fit. They're under £20 on ebay.
Cheers Dave.

[clanger9]

Great idea! Got one on order, got to be worth a try. Will post back with photos (assuming I get it to fit)...