Re: "Cafe Racer"

Posted by masiste on Nov 14, 2012; 6:23am
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Cafe-Racer-tp4032064p4032106.html

  What I learnt is that in UK motorcycle riders used to hang out at Coffee Shops, of Cafes ( like todays Star Bucks, but more motorcycle and car oriented, inlike today's Computer oriented ) typical of the 60's and late 50's

   The motorcycle guys in those days would work on making their bikies sportier, racier, on tight budgets but with plenty  attitude. ( race/sport attitude)  These were no yuppies or rich kids showing off the latest fad, but average guys ridding an average to beat up bikes that they themselves would twick and modify on tight budgets to help performance. Clip on bars and club man bars for low stance and lower center of gravity, as well as aerodynamic posture cutting through wind, ridding the bike of unwanted weight and useless accesories, using charactreristic leader jackets and boots to protect from the elements and scrapes.performance on a budget as a way of life !

   These guys would have runs or small races around town betting money on whom would win, creating the name "Cafe Racers" . They would leave the Coffee hang out, race around town and come back to the Cafe to keep on talking cool bike stuff.