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Difference between revisions of "Cafe racer"
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==Typical configuration of a cafe racer motorcycle== | ==Typical configuration of a cafe racer motorcycle== | ||
[[Image:Triton.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Pre-unit construction Triumph engine twin-cylinder engine in a Norton "Featherbed" frame]]The cafe racer is a motorcycle that has been modified for speed and good handling rather than comfort. Cafe racers' bodywork and control layout typically mimicked the style of contemporary [[Grand Prix motorcycle racing|Grand Prix roadracers]], featuring an elongated fuel tank and small, rearward mounted, humped seat. A signature trait were low, narrow handlebars that allowed the rider to "tuck in" to lessen wind resistance and offered better control when in that posture. These are referred to as either "clip-ons" (two-piece bars that bolt directly to each fork tube) or "clubmans" (one piece bars that attach to the stock mounting location but drop down and forward). The ergonomics resulting from low bars and the rearward seat often required "[[rearsets]]," or rear-set footrests and foot controls, again typical of racing motorcycles of the era. Distinctive half or full race-style fairings were sometimes mounted to the forks or frame. | [[Image:Triton.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Pre-unit construction Triumph engine twin-cylinder engine in a Norton "Featherbed" frame]]The cafe racer is a motorcycle that has been modified for speed and good handling rather than comfort. Cafe racers' bodywork and control layout typically mimicked the style of contemporary [[Grand Prix motorcycle racing|Grand Prix roadracers]], featuring an elongated fuel tank and small, rearward mounted, humped seat. A signature trait were low, narrow handlebars that allowed the rider to "tuck in" to lessen wind resistance and offered better control when in that posture. These are referred to as either "clip-ons" (two-piece bars that bolt directly to each fork tube) or "clubmans" (one piece bars that attach to the stock mounting location but drop down and forward). The [[ergonomics]] resulting from low bars and the rearward seat often required "[[rearsets]]," or rear-set footrests and foot controls, again typical of racing motorcycles of the era. Distinctive half or full race-style fairings were sometimes mounted to the forks or frame. | ||
The bikes had a raw, utilitarian and stripped-down appearance while the engines were tuned for maximum speed. These motorcycles were lean, light and handled road surfaces well. The most defining machine of its heyday was the homemade Norton [[Featherbed frame]]d and [[Triumph Bonneville]] engined machine called "The [[Triton motorcycle|Triton]]". It used the most common and fastest racing engine combined with the best handling frame of its day, the Featherbed frame by Norton Motorcycles. Those with less money could opt for a "[[Tribsa]]" - the Triumph engine in a [[Birmingham Small Arms Company|BSA]] frame. | The bikes had a raw, utilitarian and stripped-down appearance while the engines were tuned for maximum speed. These motorcycles were lean, light and handled road surfaces well. The most defining machine of its heyday was the homemade Norton [[Featherbed frame]]d and [[Triumph Bonneville]] engined machine called "The [[Triton motorcycle|Triton]]". It used the most common and fastest racing engine combined with the best handling frame of its day, the Featherbed frame by Norton Motorcycles. Those with less money could opt for a "[[Tribsa]]" - the Triumph engine in a [[Birmingham Small Arms Company|BSA]] frame. | ||