A part of my daily Craigslist rounds is searching for vintage motorcycles and the term “Cafe” would be one on my list of saved tags. In hopes of finding a classic 7o’s Honda CB, or a Norton frame to start with, I am still in pursuit of slow building my Cafe Racer.
What are Cafe Racers you say?
The term Cafe racer also pronounced as “Kaff-Racers” originated from the UK, Britain during the 1950’s after the second World War. A Cafe Racer is a custom style of motorcycle that is modified for speed and handling over comfort and safety. To distinguish a cafe racer, first thing we notice is that the usual suspects are either a Norton, a Triumph, a BSA, a Ducati and a Honda of years 50’s to mid 70’s.
These custom daily bikes are stripped down, removing all that is unnecessary leaving a single seat, clubman handle bars, naked or usually half or full race fairings, and of course, a tuned engine.
Back when there was no 70mph speed limit, the main purpose of each bike is to join the “Ton-up club”, meaning 100mph club while traveling around twisties, round-abouts and straight-aways from one transport cafe to the other.
I’ve even heard of stories that since these were rockabilly inspired leather wearing chaps, they raced from one cafe, hit the ton, and reach the other cafe before the rock and roll song was over (lol). I would probably compare this rebellious culture would probably the Euro version of the American hotrod greaser and Japanese Bosozoku biker culture.
Till today, this culture lives on around the world, timeless builds by enthusiasts who keep the pipes burning. It has also left its mark as an inspiration for newer production sport bikes interms of classic styling and functionality.
I have love for American “Rat Rods”, “bobbers” rockabilly music and vintage bikes; a cafe racer sums it all. The main reason why I love this unique home-brewed euro style of bikes is because it is straight forward, light weight, minimalist with attitude. An ageless, perfect blend of function, form and rock and roll!
-mark-
mark@maydaygarage.com
PS. Watch this short film,”Tunnel of Love”, it’s kinda Not work safe cause it will show a little artsy boobage.