Thumper Club Forum

Club House => Chatter => Topic started by: Propellor on January 15, 2016, 08:56:58 AM

Title: Cafe racer?
Post by: Propellor on January 15, 2016, 08:56:58 AM
http://rocket-garage.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/xr-gas-n-go.html#more
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: Moto63 on January 15, 2016, 09:45:51 AM
Yes I like it, I like it a lot. Certainly makes a refreshing change from most of the dommi based specials. Very niiiice
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: manxie on January 15, 2016, 10:33:40 AM
LOVELY!!!!!!!  ;D ;D ;D ;)
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: steveD on January 15, 2016, 11:17:53 AM
Waste of decent components. Why is it that some persons think that they can make a better bike than the big manufacturers?. This person probably works at a breakers yard. Waste of a good Honda frame and engine. Swing arm too long. Footpeg positions not moved, I would suggest a very uncomfortable riding position. .........................and the tank, c'mon who's kidding who?
Heap of crap if you ask me.

Steve
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: Moto63 on January 15, 2016, 12:11:13 PM
Ya do realise that this is the "chatter" section and NOT the RANT section. Still say it's a nice special and who says the guy/guys who built it said it was a better bike than a factory honda. I didn't see any such claim. Maybe he/they just like building something that is a tad different, however I also realise that some people just can't/won't accept change/different ;) ;)
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: timbo on January 15, 2016, 01:22:27 PM
Definitely different, not sure if I like it or not  :-\
My mate reckons the whole cafe racer thing only has about another year to run. But he doesn't like them at all. Me, I don't know. Is it a fad like full blown hard tail chops? Discuss  ;)
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: iansoady on January 15, 2016, 02:28:31 PM
I'm afraid I hate it but I see some like it. All sorts as they say......
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: SteveC#222 on January 15, 2016, 05:31:40 PM
It's.......minimal....not really my cup of tea.

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GX5bPxySmtQ/VpkUE6cW51I/AAAAAAACP24/G4NP0u_NsQ8/s1600/The%2Bsleek%2Bcaf%25C3%25A9%2Bracer.bmp-002.jpg)

Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: Propellor on January 15, 2016, 05:40:26 PM
I like it, but I don't love it. Personally, I don't think the single sided swingarm looks right on this machine. It might have with a more slinky looking welded up tube job. Now that would have been impressive.

I don't exactly go along with the "waste of good components" sentiment, although I can see maybe what is meant. The components used are overkill for sure and spoil the machine visually for me. But if that's what the guy wanted then hats off. I agree about the footrests. Poor positioning and a lack of imagination.

We are being critical, but you create something different for a few reasons. One reason is to look different. So you invite comment. That's the name of the game.

Most things bike related are kind of fads I think. The present "cafe racer" bubble will burst at some point. But, hopefully, when it does it might morph into something else maybe a little less pigeon holed. Although to be fair there's a lot of specials get lumped into the "cafe racer" category because there's no other easy way to categorise them. "Streetfighter" is so passé! Neo streetfighter? Custom smacks of blinded up hogs.  ;D
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: Propellor on January 15, 2016, 05:42:54 PM
My last post was aimed at the OP, not Steve's post. I'm wary of Photoshop customising. All well and good but let's see the finished result.
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: SteveC#222 on January 15, 2016, 07:54:24 PM
No problem with folks modifying their bikes - each to their own, but to my eye a good cafe racer - wether factory or home brewed- needs a certain flowing line and balance. A lot of these 'radical' cafe racers lately just don't have it, they look like someone has raided the parts bins. No disrespect to the builders, as I said each to their own, but they just don't work for me.
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: RonXBR on January 15, 2016, 09:10:40 PM
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/magni/magni_sport_1200_s.htm

Had one of these about 10 years ago. Great bike, plenty of power. Had to sell it, frightened myself too many times. Would like it back in the garage, if only to sit and look at it.

Ron.
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: manxie on January 15, 2016, 09:44:27 PM
That Magni to me is ..... stunning! Never seen one before but would love to own one  8)
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: RonXBR on January 15, 2016, 10:14:16 PM
Will try and add a photo, if it doesn't work, somebody else please have a go.

Ron.

[deleted to save space]
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: Andy M on January 16, 2016, 08:04:55 AM
They ruined a usable bike to make second rate derivative art.

Andy
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: timbo on January 16, 2016, 08:13:21 AM
Ron, is there any bike you havnt owned?  ;)
Good luck with your latest Thumper, look forward to seeing it  :)
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: RonXBR on January 16, 2016, 01:33:31 PM
They ruined a usable bike to make second rate derivative art.

Andy
[ote]

I take it you've ridden a Magni 1200S then, and not been impressed. As for "They" ruining a usable bike, I think Arturo Magni with his experience at Gilera, and then 20 odd years as engineer and then manager at the MV factory race team, would know how to build a bike. One that goes, stops and handles (usable). His company has carried on the same theme.  Stock Bandit or Magni, I know what one I went for.

Ron.
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: Propellor on January 16, 2016, 02:44:50 PM
I'm not sure Andy meant the magni ron?

I took it to mean the OP?
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: RonXBR on January 16, 2016, 03:17:36 PM
If that is the case, then I am sorry. In with both feet, humble pie etc. etc. Sending this post from the naughty corner.

Ron.
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: Andy M on January 16, 2016, 05:30:40 PM
My fault should have been clearer. The cafe thingy in the OP.

The Magni is not entirely to my taste / expected purpose ( one imagines the tank a bit small and insurance a tasd high ?  ;). ) but it is a bike rather rather than "art" so I get why some riders would go for it.

Andy
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: timbo on January 16, 2016, 07:43:19 PM
The Magni Bandit Ron. That should have been a keeper  ;) I believe someone at Charles Hursts now has it in his collection. I agree with the comments above that some of the latest cafe racers are a bit, angular and pointy? I like the more curvy rounded ones  :)
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: RonXBR on January 16, 2016, 08:14:42 PM
My fault should have been clearer. The cafe thingy in the OP.

The Magni is not entirely to my taste / expected purpose ( one imagines the tank a bit small and insurance a tasd high ?  ;). ) but it is a bike rather rather than "art" so I get why some riders would go for it.

Andy

 Good man Andy. You pays your money and all that. Can't remember how much the tank held but you had to stop after an hour anyway, not built for comfort. Insurance wasn't such a problem, even then my 50th birthday was a distant memory.

Ron.
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: Propellor on January 16, 2016, 08:26:16 PM
They ruined a usable bike to make second rate derivative art.

Andy

Maybe best to avert your eyes.  ;)

Although second rate it ain't.

http://www.bikeexif.com/bmw-k1600
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: timbo on January 16, 2016, 08:31:53 PM
Yes, its definitely at one end of the spectrum  :-\
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: johnr on January 16, 2016, 10:20:49 PM
my mate had a magni, he sold it last year, bandit 1200 based and a stunning machine, but i prefered the guzzi based magnis.
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: Andy M on January 17, 2016, 08:19:05 AM
I imagine the K1600 chaps own both Tron films and a lot of Judge Dread comics? Hardly original or practical.

This one bothers me less. The best solution for most Bavarian **** Machines built after about 1990 involves petrol and matches as the final solution to CANBUS and other rubbish. This " art" is then,  IMHO, a sort of recycling. A bit like pickling Tracy Emin in a glass case, not entirely a waste of time  ;)

Andy
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: Propellor on January 17, 2016, 09:28:51 AM
I imagine the K1600 chaps own both Tron films and a lot of Judge Dread comics? Hardly original or practical.

This one bothers me less. The best solution for most Bavarian **** Machines built after about 1990 involves petrol and matches as the final solution to CANBUS and other rubbish. This " art" is then,  IMHO, a sort of recycling. A bit like pickling Tracy Emin in a glass case, not entirely a waste of time  ;)

Andy

I agree about the canbus.


http://www.motographite.com/2011/08/stellan-egeland-bmw-harrier-custom-bike.html

How about this?
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: manxie on January 17, 2016, 09:37:31 AM
I imagine the K1600 chaps own both Tron films and a lot of Judge Dread comics? Hardly original or practical.

This one bothers me less. The best solution for most Bavarian **** Machines built after about 1990 involves petrol and matches as the final solution to CANBUS and other rubbish. This " art" is then,  IMHO, a sort of recycling. A bit like pickling Tracy Emin in a glass case, not entirely a waste of time  ;)

Andy


I agree about the canbus.


http://www.motographite.com/2011/08/stellan-egeland-bmw-harrier-custom-bike.html

How about this?

Hideous, looks bloody dangerous!!  :o
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: Propellor on January 17, 2016, 09:41:26 AM
Or this:-

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bi97FYCfNjo
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: Moto63 on January 17, 2016, 12:12:39 PM
Morning all....interesting thread this one, interesting to see all the different view points. Personally I really like the EGELLAND harrier and the confederate machines very different admittedly but also kind of brave at the same time. I,ve seen some footage of the egelland harrier in action and the guy riding it doesn't appear to be hanging around so I don't think it's that dangerous. The front end is clearly nothing new and that particular one was supplied by Swedish company ISR. Lovely machine tho in my opinion.....keep the views coming....cheers. Michael
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: Propellor on January 17, 2016, 12:39:52 PM
Egeland harrier. Brilliant IMO.

There's a video of the harrier on the link I attached, but it'll come up straight away on you tube via Google.

This proves that the machine is "serious" in that it is clearly designed to be usable. Highly capable I should think. All motorcycles are potentially dangerous. One could easily make a strong case for the xbr to be more dangerous than the harrier. Very easily indeed.

Practicality? It's highly practical for the purpose it was designed. To ride!

I would love to own one. The experience would be so different, yet it's still a motorbike. You can still go camping on it.

Confederate fighter. There's something about this machine that appeals to me. The structure of it is right up my street, yet, although I don't go for cruisers generally, I believe this machine goes beyond that. It's very usable.

Each to their own. These bikes are out of place on the thumper club site perhaps, but that's why I put them on!  ;D

I love em.  :)
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: manxie on January 17, 2016, 06:25:37 PM
My Guzzi could be said to be more dangerous than most, as the front brake is sh.........ocking! I just thought it looked dangerous with that front end (it probably isn`t) IMO, a bike is no more dangerous than a car provided it`s treated with respect and the other numpty`s on the road open their eye`s and realize we`re there  >:(  ;)
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: Andy M on January 17, 2016, 07:54:41 PM
Really? Cheryl's brakes seem pretty good. Guess the small block is different.

I sort of like the Stellan. It's an engineered solution. Possibly a solution to problems that don't really exist but hey ho.

Andy
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: manxie on January 17, 2016, 08:34:11 PM
Really? Cheryl's brakes seem pretty good. Guess the small block is different.

I sort of like the Stellan. It's an engineered solution. Possibly a solution to problems that don't really exist but hey ho.

Andy

Hi Andy. I think it`s just mine....TLS need setting up I think? As a rule they`re supposed to be tyre squeeling good  ??? Steve.
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: Propellor on January 17, 2016, 10:32:08 PM
Really? Cheryl's brakes seem pretty good. Guess the small block is different.

I sort of like the Stellan. It's an engineered solution. Possibly a solution to problems that don't really exist but hey ho.

Andy

Of course they exist. We've a blank piece of paper and a motorcycle to build.

That guy has solved it his way.

I like his way.
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: manxie on January 17, 2016, 10:40:35 PM
On the subject of café racers, has anyone ever seen a NICE SP370/400 done as a café? I`ve googled it but seen nothing that stands out? I suppose it`s not the best thing to café??  ::)
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: SteveC#222 on January 18, 2016, 08:50:21 AM
On the subject of café racers, has anyone ever seen a NICE SP370/400 done as a café? I`ve googled it but seen nothing that stands out? I suppose it`s not the best thing to café??  ::)

Not an SP ( though my old SP370 was 'supermoto'd' years before supermoto became a thing - road tyres low guards etc)

There is a rather nice GN 400 though. Now THATS a proper Cafe racer!(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nMvhf423xno/UHJH_qd9OtI/AAAAAAAAj9s/EmvvOhPaCkU/s1600/SUZUKI-GN400-CAFE-RACER_cafe_racer_00-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: manxie on January 18, 2016, 09:46:41 AM
Oh yes...I like!!  ;D
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: Moto63 on January 18, 2016, 10:14:21 AM
I understand where you're coming from Steve when you say "that's a cafe racer" but where does the debate start/end surely if it was "a cafe racer" it shud have norton or triumph engine wrapped in a featherbed frame. I feel the main problem over the last couple o three years is that virtually every special that's been built with a pair of low bars attached has been pigeon holed as a "cafe racer". Just seems to me that nowadays everything has to have some kind of label attached to it, it can't just be a "special".  Interesting subject tho so please keep the opinions coming....cheers....Michael
Title: Re: Cafe racer?
Post by: Propellor on January 18, 2016, 06:20:22 PM
The gn400 looks lovely. It epitomises the original cafe racer I guess. Needs rear sets tho.  ;)

As faired bikes go, doesn't this look gorgeous?

http://ottonero.blogspot.ca/2016/01/s4r-mh-tribute.html