Forum

[Richard C]

Hi all
I'm an enthusiastic youngster aged 22 and I'm currently building up a cafe racer style bike, using my 1995 Bullet 500.

A question about rear sets! Has anyone had any experience with either the Hitchcocks set, or any other sets that are available?

I'm put off by the Hitchcocks set due to the fact that apparently they don't fit with the toolboxes in place - is this definitely the case? I'd rather leave my boxes in place, for now, anyway.

Regards
Richard

[Norm]

Richard, I fitted a set from some Indian supplier a couple of years ago and from memory they used modified bits that mounted on the existing pillion peg positions, works ok,tool boxes weren't an issue, very rough and had to throw several bit out because it was so bad but it was fairly cheap, you get what you pay for....sometimes

[Mark M]

Richard, I'd email Hitchcocks and ask them why they won't fit, H's are very obliging when you have questions especially about "modification" parts, after all, they'd rather you didn't have to return them!
REgards, Mark

[PeteF]

As Mr H says "Rear sets are normally supplied as part of a "kit" as they are NOT suitable for use on an unmodified Bullet because of the position of the standard exhaust pipe, tool box etc"
Generally speaking a Café Racer wouldn't have toolboxes.

[ajb235]

Hi, I made up a set of rear set footrests for my 93 500 bullet, to improve the riding position, which they certainly did. My footrests were made up from a selection of yamaha fzr footrest parts. However as part of my cafe racer look, I cut about 1 1/2 inches out of the toolboxes on each side, and re welded them. This gives a much more " streamlined " look. All the electrics, coil, power box etc are mounted in the near side tool box, along with the brake light switch. The offside toolbox contains the ignition switch,
With these mods the gear lever and brake lever will clear the toolboxes, but care is required in positioning the gear lever and exhaust for clearance here.
I will dig out some photos and post

[Norm]

I just rotated the gear lever 180 degrees and it didn't need the linkage setup and it just reversed the shift to 1 down 3 up, works fine

[Bertie the Bullet]

Nice one Richard, at the 40 something age I've always considered myself one of the younger Bullet owners since they usually appeal to the old folk, nice to see the young taking an interest, my son of 26 considers Bertie a cement mixer motor on wheels. Bet if I gave him a new GT he wouldn't mind though, good luck with the conversion, please post a photo when you've done it.

[Paul M H]

If you can get hold of a set of the rear sets used on the clubmans which was built by watsonian they will fit with toolboxes still attached as mine has them as well on the sportsman. Hitchcocks bought all watsonian spares and parts so may well have a set try giving them a ring.