{"id":13814,"date":"2017-04-24T11:23:27","date_gmt":"2017-04-24T01:23:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/?p=13814"},"modified":"2017-04-28T14:32:20","modified_gmt":"2017-04-28T04:32:20","slug":"cafe-racer-addict-build-your-own","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.machines4u.com.au\/mag\/cafe-racer-addict-build-your-own\/","title":{"rendered":"Cafe Racer Addict? (Yeah, us too.) Here’s what you need to build your own!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Picture this: Full set of leathers, vintage aviator goggles, open-face helmet, leaning over the tank of a beautiful machine while cruising through the local streets. Caf\u00e9 racer motorcycles have been a symbol of stylish counter-culture for over 50 years, and their popularity has yet to waver. Few motorcycling styles harness the character and charm of vintage glamour quite like the caf\u00e9 racer does.<\/p>\n

The notion of self-building a caf\u00e9 racer is as old as the caf\u00e9 racer itself. Built for speed over comfort, and cool over cushioning, the caf\u00e9 racer was first and foremost a hybrid contraption; a union of Triumph engineering and Norton handling. Sleek and paired-back, these machines pay homage to 1960\u2019s racing style, intriguing motorcyclists and mechanics alike.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve ever considered building your own caf\u00e9 racer, but have been too timid to try, fear not. We\u2019ve done the dirty work, and we\u2019ve got the busted knuckles to prove it. Here is your guide to creating the racer of your dreams.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit: caferacersunited.com<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Step 1: Be a mechanic<\/h2>\n

Seriously though. You don\u2019t need to hold a qualification in mechanical engineering to start tinkering with a bike, but it helps. A certain amount of mechanical nous is going to serve you well. If you\u2019re not exactly that way inclined, you\u2019d better hope you\u2019ve got a good friend or a kindly local mechanic who takes payment in beer and back-slapping man-hugs. Messing around with handlebars and mirrors is one thing, but swapping out fuel tanks, wiring looms and engines is another thing altogether.<\/p>\n

There are an absolute myriad of handy YouTubers out there who are keen to pass on their infinite wisdom; so at the very least, spend a few hours gobbling up all the information your brain can manage from those who\u2019ve tried and failed before you.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Choose your bike wisely, young Padawan<\/h2>\n

Your bike needs to have some great bare bones which lend themselves to the caf\u00e9 racer style guide. A smooth, straight line through the centre from back to front is essential to the look. Experts recommend the Honda CB range (just about all of them), the Yamaha XS range (the Virago and SR400 and SR500 are also great options) as well as the Kawasaki W800 and W650 models. There are infinite possibilities, however these bikes all lend themselves to the fabled \u2018caf\u00e9 racer line\u2019. Choosing a bike which is in good working order, and which already lends itself to the caf\u00e9 racing style can save you a lot of coin, and no small amount of heartache.<\/p>\n

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Image Credit: bikebound.com<\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Step 3: With great power comes great responsibility<\/h2>\n

Sure, you\u2019re building a dream machine, but you still need to be able to ride the thing. Consider your skill level and license class before choosing your bike. Also, take a look at your local transport body\u2019s regulations for registering a modified bike. You wouldn\u2019t want to spend all that time and cash creating a masterpiece, only for it to be relegated to the pool room. And that\u2019s all we\u2019re going to say about that! NEXT!<\/p>\n

Step 4: Tools at the ready!<\/h2>\n

Chances are, if you\u2019re a bit of a mechanical boffin (or at least \u2018weekend tinkerer\u2019) you\u2019re going to have a lot of the tools you require already. Suffice it to say that you\u2019re going to need:<\/p>\n