what is a cafe racer? opinions?

[jason41987]

now i know what the textbook definition of a cafe racer is, and what they look like.. but im curious to hear more from those who own them, or have made them what they believe a cafe racer is, and what they should...

im interested in knowing what your definitions of them are, and what features and characteristics they should have?

[WintrSol]

Cafe racers were born in the UK, where they stripped the bikes to the absolute minimum weight possible (and still be ride-able), and race from bar to bar. Over the years, the idea of minimum has allowed for padded seats, lights, and other luxuries, but the basic look is mostly the same.

[Squally]

Originally Posted by jason41987

im interested in knowing what your definitions of them are, and what features and characteristics they should have?

I don't have one currently, but I've thought long and hard about making my next one a cafe racer. I came across this picture of a sportster done in a cafe style, and I love it. I think a few things that I like with a cafe style bike are

• Straight or slightly sloped down handlebars
• Stripped down exterior -- no wind fairings or windshields
• Single seat
• Little or no chrome
• Under the handle bar side view mirrors

[jester]

Originally Posted by Squally

I don't have one currently, but I've thought long and hard about making my next one a cafe racer. I came across this picture of a sportster done in a cafe style, and I love it. I think a few things that I like with a cafe style bike are

• Straight or slightly sloped down handlebars
• Stripped down exterior -- no wind fairings or windshields
• Single seat
• Little or no chrome
• Under the handle bar side view mirrors

Wow now that is a nicely done sportster

[Bede5man]

A crotch rocket before they were called that.

[catseye]

Originally Posted by Bede5man

A crotch rocket before they were called that.

Exactly. If it weren't for the café movement, there would be no sportbike.

[Quicklimegirl]

First and foremost a "Cafe Racer" should have chassis (suspension) and performance enhancements. A solo seat is generally the norm, as are either clip-ons or clubman bars.

There are a lot of idiots on CL and other sites pretending their clapped-out CB350 with a set of clubman bars and MAYBE a cut-down seat makes it a
"Cafe Racer." What bull****!

Sure, there is a "look" to them - bum stop solo seat & lower bars, but they are -- or should be, much more than that. A worn-out, stock UJM is not a performance bike, and adding cosmetic "Cafe" looks does NOT make it a "Cafe Racer" IMHO.

It's kind of funny but I consider this bike to not totally fit the norm due to my use of conventional handlebars (off my Z1000) but otherwise it fits the bill, regarding suspension, chassis (rearsets) and performance enhancements. Right now I'm waiting on a fork brace for it so I can put on a custom fender I'm in the process of repairing and repainting:

[catseye]

Originally Posted by Quicklimegirl

....It's kind of funny but I consider this bike to not totally fit the norm due to my use of conventional handlebars...

If you look at the first café racers, a lot of them stuck to the stock bars. Personally, I don't like my bars that low on most of the ones I've ridden.

[catseye]

Here is the last café style bike we built:

Here is one we are currently working on:

[catseye]

just finishing up the GS:







and out for a shakedown spin....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbf2c...ature=youtu.be

[igor_92_]

Hey, looking for a nice cafe racer actually!!!!! Let me know in anyone is selling.