What is a Cafe Racer?

Sep 28, 2015
2 min read

I decided to build my bike in the cafe racer style. This style originated from British motorcycle enthusiasts in the 1960’s; the bikes were used for short, quick rides between different café’s. Since these bikes were meant for short and fast races, they were typically stripped down for speed.

Some features that typify this style would be for their low slung “dog eared” handlebars, flat profile, and they often have indents or pads on the fuel tank for your knees to rest against. This has the effect of giving the rider a low profile—racing stance. As a result of this riding stance, the pegs and gear shift linkage are sometimes relocated further back, giving the rider a more natural position.

I chose this style for many reasons. First, my bike was from the 70’s, giving it a lower profile than most modern bikes, so this was already similar to the café racer standards. Second, my bike is only 400cc in size, so riding comfort isn’t a big issue because I am not planning on taking it on long trips. Lastly, the café racer style is the grandfather of the modern sports bike, I’ve noticed that I receive more respect from the bullet bikers, and even from the classy Harley guys. I always feel like I fit in.

Although cafés started out primarily in European bikes, typically smaller cc’s, it has now expanded to Japanese and even occasionally American made motorcycles. Now café racer bikes used to be only vintage bikes, now they are often made from modern bikes that have been modified. In fact some companies have created brand new motorcycles that are in the café racer style, like Norton Commando 961, Triumph Thruxton, and many more. Café racer culture has seen a revival in the last 10 years. An interest in vintage motorcycles and vintage motorcycles has surged, even in Utah.

Every year over Labor Day weekend at the Miller Motor Sports Park, the place is flooded with vintage motorcycles. The annual Bonneville GP hosts vintage motorcycle races, including a vintage motorcycle show. My favorite races to watch are the side car races, also the Honda 175cc to 185cc class race requiring a Le Mans start (a manual push start).

Running to their bikes to start the race, this is the Le Mons start, where they have to push start their bike

Sidecar Racing

Along with the Bonneville GP, Utah has formed many vintage motorcycle clubs and hangouts. Every first Monday of every month is Moto Monday, where you drive downtown to Este’s Pizza to hangout and talk shop. Blogs and Facebook groups are a great resource when looking for a good ride. Join the culture now!

Utah Café Race: http://www.utahcaferacer.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UtahCafeRacer

Utah British Bike Club: http://www.utahbritishbikeclub.com/