I don't get Cafe Racers

[TheDemonLord]

OK, still learning how to do quotes:

This I get - what I don't get is taking a modern bike, 'modding' it, and selling it for the same price as a decent used 1000cc bike

I think there's a lot of emotion tied up in these. Looks like the major pitfall is where they start - take something old, cheap, and not particularly good even when it was new, then throw hundreds of hours and thousands of bucks at it. Then wonder why other people aren't going crazy about it.

This Honda GL400 is probably a good example: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-862960639.htm

8K he wants for this. Granted, aside from the carbs needing refinishing, it's immaculate, but still... it is and always will be a Honda GL400!!

[ quote ] what you are quoting [ / quote]

(just remove the spaces)

but yes - this is what perplexes me - people spend lots of time and money polishing turds and think that when they are finished they have something that is not a Turd...

[mossy1200]

but yes - this is what perplexes me - people spend lots of time and money polishing turds and think that when they are finished they have something that is not a Turd...

My turd comes out shiny.

[Banditbandit]

My turd comes out shiny.

I'd be getting medical help if I was you ...

[doc]

It was all done on basic salaries in some backyard shed or garage.

Isn't that about what this thread is all about ? different era and different resources. Idea still there,now called something different

but still the same

[eldog]

Isn't that about what this thread is all about ? different era and different resources. Idea still there,now called something different

but still the same

Much like the Harley Bobbers I suppose, Born after WWII when returing officers wanted to experience that adreline rush, got rid of all the unnecessary bits and bobs. but what do I know.
Am I right? Bobbers and Cafe racers born out of wanting to have something better than what was currently available

[ellipsis]

...who fucking cares...that's not complex at all...

[FJRider]

... Am I right? Bobbers and Cafe racers born out of wanting to have something better than what was currently available

No.


Far from it actually.

[eldog]

No.


Far from it actually.

bugger got it wrong again.....

more research required. must be the alcohol affecting my memory.

FJRider point me in the right direction, so I can fix up my retareded memory.

[FJRider]

bugger got it wrong again.....

more research required. must be the alcohol affecting my memory.

FJRider point me in the right direction, so I can fix up my retareded memory.

http://classicmotorcycles.about.com/.../Caferacer.htm

http://www.bobberrepublic.com/motorc...er_History.php

[eldog]

http://classicmotorcycles.about.com/.../Caferacer.htm

http://www.bobberrepublic.com/motorc...er_History.php

thanks. I will be more informed now

Similar goals-speed and looks, different styles/purposes

Interestingly driven by a goal of speed , there is a set of 'rules' as to how each type looked.
Surpurised full fairings frond upon due to 'look' and hiding engine etc.

Didnt realise Bobbers where involved in hill climbing (its big in the US) as well.

Apart from 'rules to as how they look' In my opinion both good examples of bikes and a fixed purpose/style
cafe racers subset of racers?
bobbers subset of sport/cruiser/adventure?

I like looking around at bikes like at Southward Car Museum, nice to see the effort and design of each and everytype of bike and how things have progressed during the years.

A little goal in my short (mostly completed) bucket list is finding bike/car museums about the country and paying a visit.

[husaberg]

Much like the Harley Bobbers I suppose, Born after WWII when returing officers wanted to experience that adreline rush, got rid of all the unnecessary bits and bobs. but what do I know.
Am I right? Bobbers and Cafe racers born out of wanting to have something better than what was currently available

Yeah but bobbers were more pose than performance.
There seems to be quite a few of those about now too its infecting the café racers as well.

[doc]

FJRiders link mentions that a ...

"café racer is a motorcycle that has been modified to race from a café to some other predetermined place."

So whats different from most of the KB rides ? maybe they now do it with different bling fitted

[FJRider]

FJRiders link mentions that a ...

There were TWO links ...

"café racer is a motorcycle that has been modified to race from a café to some other predetermined place."

The "Original" Cafe racers knew where they were going ....

So whats different from most of the KB rides ? maybe they now do it with different bling fitted

The "Originals" timed (or were timed) their ride ... their reputation was enhanced/at stake ... Many KB'rs have little at stake. And a lot to (yet) prove ...

[eldog]

There were TWO links ...



The "Original" Cafe racers knew where they were going ....



The "Originals" timed (or were timed) their ride ... their reputation was enhanced/at stake ... Many KB'rs have little at stake. And a lot to (yet) prove ...

timed their ride to return before the record had finished
was it a short ride, an LP 45 or 78?

[FJRider]

timed their ride to return before the record had finished
was it a short ride, an LP 45 or 78?

You're learning ...