Cafe Racer is one of the most used terms in the world of custom motorcycles, but for a neophyte, it may be a bit confusing. In this article we will clarify the origin of these words and what are the main characteristics of this custom motorcycle style.
Where does the term Cafe Racer come from?
We have to go back to the 50s in the United Kingdom, specifically in its capital London. At that time an urban tribe known as the Rockers was born. They were young rebel lovers of Rock & Roll music and motorcycles.
His style is well known and was based on fashion prevailing in great actors of the time such as Marlon Brando or James Dean. Leather jackets usually full of studs and badges, jeans and boots.
These young people frequented cafes to listen to their music and chat about the races on the Isle of Man. Some of those cafes are still active today as the famous Ace Cafe.
Ace Cafe (London)
Keep in mind that in those years Rock & Roll was not yet broadcast on radio stations and there were no concert halls for that music like today. So these young people depended on the Jukebox machines of certain coffees to be able to enjoy Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley or Buddy Holly.
Another important aspect of the Rocker culture was mobility. To move from Cafe to Cafe, they needed a fast and light means of transport. World War II was over a few years ago and some of these young people could afford to buy some new or used motorcycles. They modified these bikes to make them faster.
And from this point begins the legend of the term Cafe Racer. On the one hand it is logical to think that it arose naturally through these races between Cafe and Cafe. In fact, it is said that they did speed competitions to get from one cafe to another in the time that a song lasted on the Jukebox.
Another legend says that it was the truck drivers who stopped in those cafes (many of them on the road) who baptized those kids who challenged each other with the races. They used Cafe Racers disparagingly to refer to them. But little by little the Rockers adopted it for themselves.
At that time, a similar movement emerged in the United States that was based on modifying motorcycles used in war such as Harley-Davidson or Indian. From these customizations emerged the Bobber and Chopper styles.
Let’s see now how the transformations were to turn a motorcycle into Cafe Racer style.
Features of Cafe Racer motorcycles
As we have said before, the Rockers used motorcycles of the time that they modified to make them faster and lighter.
They were usually English motorcycles like Royal Enfield or Norton. These bikes were not designed to acquire high speeds, so they customized them to achieve precisely the opposite and be able to win in their races.
These were the changes they used to make to those bikes to gain more speed:
Get a classic motorcycle racing look, although they were designed for short distances.
Remove any unnecessary items, sacrificing comfort.
Modify the chassis to make the bike less heavy.
Change the engine for a more powerful one.
The tank used to change it for an elongated one (typical of the motorbikes of that time). They also used to adapt it in its shape to facilitate the comfort of the legs.
Trumpet style exhaust pipes.
The seats were single-seater, located in the tail and aligned with the tank.
The handlebars or semi-handlebars were short and low.
And the footrests were as far back as possible to get the pilot to have a position as aerodynamic as possible.
The evolution of Cafe Racer motorcycles
There was a time when this lifestyle and motorcycle fell into oblivion. This was mainly due to the lower prices of vehicles and the emergence of Japanese motorcycles, much more affordable.
However, a few years ago today, an interest in this culture and this style of motorcycle has been reborn again. That is why Cafe Racer is once again on everyone’s lips and has crossed borders all over the world.
But some things have changed compared to the originals. Any base is currently used to create Cafe Racer motorcycles. In addition, because today it is easier to get pieces, the styles are much more varied and mixed together.
The big brands have not wanted to be left behind and have also adapted to this style in some models. Both American and European or Asian brands have released models based on the Cafe Racer style. Or at least they have adopted elements of it.
The Cafe Racer motorcycles by Lord Drake Kustoms
Lord Drake Kustoms is a Cafe Racer style motorcycle specialist. Throughout these years he has created and modified many of them from brands such as Harley-Davidson, BMW, Triumph, Ducati or Yamaha.
Here are some examples of these beautiful machines.
BMW K100 Racer
Ducati 999 “Neoracer”
Speedster
Dyna “Red Baron”
Scarface
Cafe Racer: an object of desire.
Finally, we could say that the Cafe Racer style has become a culture that unifies man and machine. A love for speed and Rock and Roll. For a more aggressive and far from established life. But above all, for an unconditional desire for a unique motorcycle.
This 2019 has been a great year of production of custom motorcycles for LDK. Looking in perspective, we think it was an eternity ago when we worked on “V-Rod Oliver” in early 2019.
It was a work of customization from a Harley-Davidson V-Rod, the result you can see for yourself.
BMW R65 Cafe Racer
It wasn’t the first BMW we worked with, but it was the first of many of this 2019 and we presented it at the beginning of April. The transformation to Cafe Racer from this classic motorcycle of 1978 still enchants us with the result. That green (racing green) keeps catching us.
Sportster Black
The client that now owns this elegant Sportster Black arrived from the Canary Islands. We presented it in the month of May and did a customization job from a Harley Davidson Sportster 883 to a Bobber and Old School style.
The first was a Harley Davidson Electra Glide Shovelhead from 1980 and based on a Vintage Classic.
Fran Manen with the Harley Davidson Electra Glide Shovelhead
The second is a Harley Davidson Sportster XL 1200 that was converted to a mixture of Cafe Racer and Bobber styles. We baptize her with the name of Rusty Rush.
BMW R100 Cafe Racer
Our second BMW Cafe Racer this year (and there are still more). This time it was a commission from a client who wanted a motorcycle with style, so we opted for a silver finish that gave it that elegant touch.
BMW R100 Scrambler
And we continue with our collection of BMWs of 2019. The client wanted a more Scrambler or Brat type motorcycle, so we got to work to create this custom motorcycle in black that ended up attracting all eyes.
This project came about when Fran Manen coincided with Ágatha at the Miami Fashion Week. It was there talking when the idea of creating a Harley-Davidson based on the colors and shapes of the famous fashion designer was forged.
A couple of months later the motorcycle was ready and has not stopped generating controversy between the purists and the most daring. You may like it or not, but it is clear that it will attract attention.
Autumn began with this BMW, another Cafe Racer but this time based on the K model of the German brand. Specifically in a BMW K100 of 1984. Its shapes and colors make it spectacular.
BMW R100 CAFE RACER DM
The final result of this custom motorcycle contains lines of Cafe Racer, Bobber (or vintage) and a touch of Scrambler due to the used tires.
Bultracker 47
They have become a personal seal for Lord Drake Kustoms. Throughout his career, this customization company has made a multitude of Harley-Davidson Scrambler, also called Bultracker.
This year couldn’t be less and we have transformed this Bultracker 47 of which both its owner and we are very proud.
We have to confess that we had a great time with this project, especially when testing it cross-country. It is a very fun motorcycle that will delight its owner for sure.
And in 2020 much more …
Exactly, we are looking forward to showing you all the new custom bikes we are preparing.
Our goal is to surprise you even more in this new year that is about to begin.
So stay tuned and don’t give up … curves are coming!
The entire Lord Drake Kustoms team wishes you aHappy and biker year 2020!
In recent years there has been an upward trend in the choice of the famous BMW brand as the basis for motorcycle customization. In this article we will explain why they are ideal to build (or build you) your own BMW Cafe Racer or Scrambler.
A history note of BMW motorcycles
BMW R32, the first BMW motorcycle in history.
The mythical German brand began its journey with the manufacture of motorcycles back in the 20s. This barbarian company began manufacturing aircraft engines, which can still be seen in its logo that symbolizes blades over the blue sky.
It was precisely this aeronautical engineering applied to the engine that led them to include it in their first motorcycle in 1923. It was the BMW R32 that mounted the engine on a double-tube chassis and transmitted the power to the wheel through an articulated propulsion or cardan joint.
This structure is the basis of the motorcycle models that BMW manufactures today.
And what makes BMW so special?
For starters, it is a brand associated with security. Everyone knows that, whether we talk about their four-wheelers or two-wheelers, everyone agrees that this firm has managed to combine the robustness of its designs and elegance in its finishes, creating a deserved reputation for vehicles High-end very safe.
But focusing on the field of motorcycles, another factor that is usually taken into account is the high availability of parts to combine and be able to assemble your own custom motorcycle. Unlike other brands that can be an extra effort to find pieces that fit well.
The latter are important characteristics, but perhaps the one that has more weight is the characteristic retro style that these motorcycles have taken over time. Especially those created in the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Best models to have a BMW Cafe Racer
As we have said before, vintage models are preferred for modifications. BMW has several lines of models defined by letters. But the R and K models are the most ideal for our purpose.
BMW R models
BMW R50 (1970)
The R models were designed to create motorcycles that serve both field and road. Japanese companies were squeezing hard in this segment in the late 60s, which is why BMW reacted by creating the R50/5, R60/5 and R70/5 series. These models already incorporated the mythical two-cylinder boxer engine.
During the 70s and 80s, these bikes were preferred for adventure trips. In fact they were the most viewed in the Paris-Dakar editions.
In its advertising of that time, slogans such as:
“A motorcycle transports us to new dimensions, the world wins in colors and becomes wider. A motorcycle must be lived. As long as there are men who appreciate intense contact with the most sophisticated technology, there will be motorcycles. Motorcycles as BMW builds them ”
These models meant a lower weight for the motorcycle and greater agility. All this without losing power (up to 50CV in the R70/5 model) with a large tank and low consumption.
Lord Drake Kustoms has worked on these models, obtaining splendid results in all of them.
These models were highly appreciated for their powerful engines and groundbreaking design. They were a great revolution thanks to its four-cylinder in-line water-cooled engines.
Although, really what BMW did with these models was to incorporate all the leading technologies that the Munich brand was developing.
These improvements were, for example, the ABS anti-lock braking system, the first electronic speed control for motorcycles, the electronic suspension adjustment (ESA) or the heated seat.
The BMW K100 Racer has been our Cafe Racer made from a BMW K100.
BMW K100 RACER by Lord Drake Kustoms
Conclusion
BMW motorcycles, with almost a century of existence, remain a safe value for their comfort, power and safety.
That is why, you choose the one you choose, to carry out your customization, they will be the perfect base for a custom Cafe Racer or Scrambler dream motorcycle.
Today we want to thank and recommend to the company specialized in powdercoating Metalcolors for the excellent powdercoating service that he has given during these years to Lord Drake Kustoms.
With facilities in Madrid and Malaga, this company has been responsible for the perfect finish on various parts of the cafe racer, scrambler or Harley Davidsonmotorcycles that we have transformed.
Metalcolors offers a wide range of services for individuals and companies. In addition, they have extensive experience, since they were formed in the US where this type of paint application is most used in sectors such as automotive or nautical.
What is powdercoating
Powdercoating is ideal for restoration, modification and customization of motorcycle parts. The application in parts such as chassis, tires, spokes, screws, suspension bottles, springs, handlebars and a long etc. is essential to achieve a correct finish. In addition, it provides a hardness and resistance that traditional painting does not give.
The method
The method of applying powdercoating begins with a chemical treatment and sandblasting, and then goes on to a wash and dry. Once the pieces are dry, the parts that should not be painted are carefully covered and protected. Coated parts, powdercoat is applied and when necessary, primer and / or final lacquer is applied for better quality and protection. Finally, the piece goes through an oven where the paint dries at the necessary temperature and time.
The Metalcolors work process includes both the collection and delivery of parts to the customer. This is important, since they can accept jobs from anywhere in Spain. This is achieved through courier or personalized collection. In addition, the process of packing the pieces is quite professional and safe, getting the customer to receive their order with complete peace of mind.
The magic of powder painting is the finishes. There are many types, such as smooth, rough, metallic effects, glitters, matt, chrome, textures, etc … Currently they have 250 finishes and effects in stock and more than 6,000 on request.
So from here we encourage all motorcycle builders to use powdercoating. We want to continue creating these two-wheel wonders with perfect finishes.
The third motorcycle for the Siebla Group Harley Davidson store in Malaga was a challenge since it was not just any motorcycle transformation, as this customized motorcycle was to compete in the Battle of the Kings II.
And for us it was an honor that the official Harley Davidson dealer in Malaga placed his trust in us for this project.
In the initial meeting with the manager of the Harley Davidson store in Malaga for this project; They told us that they wanted Lord Drake Kustoms to modify a brand-new Harley Davidson Iron 883 to compete in the prestigious custom bike show “Battle of the Kings” in 2016.
This motorcycle would be the one represent the Harley dealership in Malaga in the prestigious bike show and that would compete with the rest of the official Harley Davidson dealers in Spain.
At first, Francisco Alí Manén let his imagination fly, thinking of doing something very radical and striking; but quickly had to think of something flashy but not very radical and low cost.
The reason for this was that one of the conditions for participating was that a very limited budget could not be exceeded and that the vast majority of the parts had to be from the Harley Davidson brand itself.
These two factors and above all the economic budget, would make us limit ourselves to doing a less impressive custom motorcycle job than we really would have wanted at LDK.
Unfortunately with time and especially when the day of the competition arrived, we could see that very few Harley Davidson dealers in Spain had respected the rules of budgets and parts.
In any case, both the members of the Siebla Group and ourselves were very happy with the result of the “SIEBLA RACER”, a beautiful Sportster Iron 883 with a very classic cafe racer style.
A motorcycle transformation carried out on a Harley Iron 883 and finished with a super striking paint in fire red, gold and black, among many other details.
We use the Harley Davidson brand of parts and accessories, for the vast majority of components and these were accompanied by some pieces made by hand.
After the success of the first Harley transformed for the Harley Davidson Dealer in Malaga (a Sportster Scrambler), the second custom motorcycle was about to arrive to complete the initial order.
The second unit was a cafe racer bike, built on a 2005 carbureted Sportster 883 base and delivered to the Harley dealerjust two days after the “BULTRACKER 04”.
Fran Manen at the delivery of the two motorcycles to the Harley Davidson Dealer in Malaga
This Sportster cafer racer was also the second unit of this model, which Lord Drake Kustoms made. Anecdotally, the first unit of this model was also acquired by another Harley Davidson dealer but this time in Brussels (Belgium), specifically “Capital Brussels”.
Specifically, this transformed Harley Davidson was a cafe racer motorcycle without more, finished in an elegant black color that combined gloss black with pearl black and with gold details and pinstriping; it was called Stormracer.
As we indicated at the beginning, this custom Harley was delivered and exhibited at the Harley Davidson store in Malaga, just two days after the first unit; And like its predecessor, it caused a sensation to the point that it also sold out in less than 48 hours.
With this second bike, the first collaboration agreement between Grupo Siebla (owner of Harley Davidson Málaga) and Lord Drake Kustoms was completed with great success.
“Stormracer” a Harley Sportster 883 Cafe Racer from Lord Drake Kustoms
Motorcycle transformations in Malaga and the rest of Spain were increasingly in demand and the legendary Harley Davidson brand was not going to be left behind; at least in Malaga, where its official dealer opted to ally itself with one of the world leaders in customizing Harley Davidson….
It was the beginning of a great relationship between two great brands who share a passion: the world of custom motorcycles and the brand that drove it… Harley Davidson.
