Man, I freaking love your channel. I'm one of those that never own a real motorcycle (we ride mopeds here); but here, I get to see and "experience" lots of different cafe racer builds. Maybe one day I'll get to own one; in the meantime, this is the place to be. Keep it up bro!
as beautiful as they are, I rather let others ride cafe racers. They are wonderful to look at and admire, but I enjoy performance of modern day technologies on modern bikes.
People that complain about the practicality of a cafe racer tend to be the people that have never owned one. I rode an xs1100 cafe racer every day with the big 'ol firestone bubble tires that everyone had negative opinions on, but i never had an issue and continued to hit the corners as i would on any bike. People would whine about how uncomfortable the seats look but i still rode mine for hours at a time with a loaded backpack with no issues. I would strap cargo and bicycles (BMX) to the rear and travel with whatever i needed. Myths about cafe racers seem to originate from individuals who have no experience with them.
Well done! You forgot, too, that having an older bike could offer more freedom to modify, since you may be out of reach of restrictive emissions laws like we have here in California. If I'm not mistaken It's 25 years, here. I believe models older than that get a pass so, go for the headers & straight pipes, dyno & map it, you know the drill... woohoo! ;)
I have a CAFE RACER HONDA CB400 1982 - I use this motorcycle for almost 2 years ALL DAY and all week ends to make some escapades out of the city , and It was a great choice, class and practicity for all day going to work and comming back. Also this motorcycle made a subject of one of your chapters, HONDA CB400 From Brasil, DESIGNED by ME and build with help of Retro rides garage. Now Im starting to build another one with BSA 68 base.
i use kawasaki KZ200 cafe racer as a daily ever since 2003, short or long route. never been bored & thank god i see Racer TV.... you guys are inspiring
Great piece Victor ! Not quite sure how I missed it when you first published it. However, it would seem to be a timeless advice piece regardless of when it happens to be viewed ! And good advice at that ! As always, a great video Victor ! Thank you !
Perfect video! The biggest one in my opinion is that one about "If your cafe racer has 2 seats so you have a brat style and not a cafe racer" I'm always hearing this kind of mistake. I am build a cafe racer with this kind of seat that can be covered to apear like a single seater.
Well, this is a truly wonderful video! My Buell White Lighting, with many mods, spent one summer in '99' cruising the US, did track days, went to a Buell factory homecoming, went to the AMA museum grand reopening, and finished up with 10k on the OD!
You probably have huge stockpile of cluth plates to ride ducati that often. Edit: i just realized 848 actually use wet cluth, i thought ducati use dry cluth only, you learn something new everyday.
Your Videos are awesome, I've built dual seats on my Cafe / Brat CB750 so once the bike is complete Its two bike in one :) great info in this video mate thank you for sharing
I already talked about that “Caff racer" issue in one of my videos. From one hand, You are right. But nowadays, and considering that "cafe Racer" is now the worldwide know name, it would be a mistake to use the "Caff Racer" term on my videos. Cheers.
SR400 racer here. Use it for commuting every single day, except for snow or heavy rain ones. I sometimes even bring my 8y/o kid to school. (800m from home on a 30Km/h street, kid using EC approved child protective clothes and helmet) This summer I did a 2800Km trip to Berlin and back (to Stockholm) and last year it was to Bergen Norway and never felt uncomfortable or whatsoever, Only issue is that I could use some 200cc extra but stillI love my bike and feels amazing to get compliments on it (which i get almost on daily basis ) and it will stay with the family no matter what. I simply can't picture myself riding something different that a Cafe Racer.
I think we should remember that a cafe racer is a custom bike and a custom bike is whatever you want it to be. Build the bike you want, let other people figure out what category it falls into, but don't let anyone tell you your bike is wrong.
Yes, you are right.The problem arise, when people really don't know what they want for their project. And when this happens, the end result is usually a mess. :) Cheers.
These are excellent points that are either overlooked or not even considered when considering a Café Racer. I especially like and agree with you on daily use. If it is your passion, or in you blood, and if you are a motorcyclist, then yes, the Café Racer is or can be your daily ride! Excellent points and well stated. As always, thank you for Racer TV, the Café Racers only choice! Ride safe and enjoy your ride my friend.
Incrível como de costume. Meu único problema é com legislação vigente no país. Que complica com qualquer alteração na moto. Isso é uma tristeza para todos brasileiros. Abraço brother!!!
This is the only Channel with this narrator that I like. Most of the time people use this narrator are ignorant about the topic there talking about but you're very knowledgeable and the videos are always quality
Your words are always spoken in peace and harmony that brings me good mood and learn more about cafe racer. It is a pitty that dual seat with a removable cover makes some compromise in shape. I'll be looking forward to your new project and seek for the innovative possibility. And as always, I hope to see you next week as well :D
I don't comment on many videos but here goes... It is not difficult to ride a cafe bike daily, I owned just a motorcycle (a 1975 CB550 brat/cafe bike) for about 8 months and used it to commute everyday in Houston, Texas. I often did road trips to Austin (~130mi) which would take about three hours. Only thing I regret about those experiences are that my bike was straight piped ;D
You are so right about bikes having limitations... a bike is the only thing that keeps me sane..and I'm obsessed tothe point I had to train my family to be ok with me on a bike after years of surgeries and hard work but oil is in my blood and I'm not happy without 2 wheels. I love this channel
I am 70, still doing classic racing. .When I began a Cafe racer was a bike one sorted the suspension ,drilled holes in EVERYTHING , tuned the shit out of the engine and RACED ! And maybe got a Dunstall kit 4 looks....Something utterly unheard of today, today they make a pig's ass out of the suspension , do not tune the engine and never race .....
Hello Sir, I understand your point. The cafe racer performance, might been very important on the 50's and 60's. But nowadays, I don't see the cafe racer performance as an important feature. And why? If we really want a fast bike, we just need to buy a Yamaha R1. And this means that this rebirth of the "cafe racer" scene, must have a different approach. :) But thank you for sharing your perspective. :) Um abraço :)
Sorry, but Unfortunately, things are more complicated than most people may think. I use this "robotic" voice created by software, because i'm Portuguese, and my bad english accent (and voice), can ruin the documentary character that i like for my videos. I already tried a real american voice in one of my videos, but things didn't worked as i expected. Curiously, the robotic voice sounds very good for all non english natives. Cheers.
Thanks for the suggestion. The real problem is not only my accent. It is the fact that it will sound like a real amateur narration. And considering that 75% of all Racer TV Viewers are non english natives, it would be a mistake to change the robotic voice now. :) Cheers.
As someone who works with many different nations I think that your voice would give chacacter. I also think that with little practice you can get over the accent. For example, I am south-east European but my british friends tell me that I have Americanized accent. That is true cos I unconsciously adopted it.
You are welcome my friend. My pleasure. I always liked a pleasant and calm atmosphere on my videos. By the way, my name is also Victor, and I also was born in 1974.(Just like you I suppose) :) Cheers.
Great vid as always, Victor! While there really are some limitations due to keeping with the cafe racer aesthetics, they sure are offset by the ability to make her exactly how you want. There is no substitute for that! Cheers!
Congratulations 👏 very practical and clever observations. I bought an xsr700 Yamaha 8 months ago, an I'm gradually adapting it to my needs, I ride it almost daily, had installed fog lamps, super loud horn, skid plate, side defenses, 55 litres trunk, and remains a beautiful, reliable Cafe Racer, Cheers 🍻
I never comment on anything, but have to say your channel is simply addictive! Would love to see something about - MAD MAKS’ HONDA CB750 “ORPHORCE ONE” build. I'm in love with that one. Keep it up!
Thank you my friend for all your kind words. I appreciate your support. I admit that the bike you suggested looks good. But the seat is not the real deal that i like to see on Cafe Racers. But thank you for the sugestion. Cheers.
Português de Portugal a mostrar um ótimo trabalho. Para mim o melhor canal no CZcams sobre o tema café racer.... Parabéns, continua... Abraço de Portugal!
Mister, your videos are like chicken soup for the soul. Myth number 5 made me laugh. My brother just bought a BMW 100RS cafe racer this week. Thanks for the great quality of your videos.
Excellent video Victor ! So many misconceptions ! But as you know, the Cafe Motorcycle is not just a piece of machinery, but a lifestyle choice as well !
Good points, well presented as always. Guess I'm too much of a purist to agree on knobblies, but I do see what you mean ☺ Hope the CX is coming on well, Cheers 👍👍
Thank you my friend for sharing your perspective. And yes, my cx project is technically done. It was disassembled to the final finishes.(Paint job, chrome work, and polishing) :) Cheers.
When I subbed this channel around 2014 I found the electronic voice annoying. Now I consider it the best one of the type. Doesn't bother or concern me any more. Thanks! When living in London UK in 1960's, was a big fan of the style since Ace cafe had them, all parked outside. During the 1980's had a CB 550 which I started to modify. Then hit some diesel soaked road one day and the project was shelved. Love your channel and enthusiasm for the subject ... rock on!
There's nothing 100% 'perfect' in the world of Engineering ! Fact that you are reengineering one thing into another thereby putting your imagination , technical skills etc is enough motivation to custom build a cafe racer / scrambler. Last but not the least, you will be fooling yourself if you are trying to satisfy every damn soul in this world !! Critics / Haters will always be present !
Adorei este vídeo. Bem desmontado esses cinco mitos sobre as cafe racers. Parabéns, sempre muito à frente os vídeos. Continuação de um excelente trabalho a que nos acostumaste. Abraço
Fiquei muito esclarecido relativamente a estes “mitos”. Vivo no UK e tenho 2 Kawasaki GT550 (86 e 92). Ambas em processo de transformação para Café Racer. Simplesmente adoro-as e agora com algumas dicas do RACER TV ainda vão ficar melhores… obrigado. Abraços de 🇵🇹
I Have A Yamaha Rx 125 (modified) and i made it a Cafe racer . Really a like and i know that its not a big motocicle as other but i feel happy to ride a original vehicle set it up with my likes. I think every rider should respect the preferences of anyone .Cause you dont know the sacrifice he made to create what he wants.
Great video and comment, as always. I like the way of your reasonable non biased approach on all the related themes of cafe racers. I never knew these "myths" existed. But anyway, no matter what type of bike one might prefer, you always have to make certain changes to fit it perfectly to one´s needs. Get a good base you enjoy and change it to perfection. That´s why it´s called CUSTOM(er)izing. ....and we´ll meet next week for sure, as always. 👍
1972 who's going to LA Trade Tech in California. The bike I had at that time, what's a Suzuki T500 I had set up as a cafe racer, with clip-ons rearsets and expansion Chambers. But I successfully Road my Cafe Racer between school and work close to a dozen times. That doesn't sound that much but home was close to 400 miles away in San Francisco Bay Area. I'm sure I would have stopped as often but I still enjoyed it.
My 2cents on tyre choice, you were totally accurate, unlees you use full on dirt knobies most mixed tyres will perform better than expexted on-road. I myself ride a Honda XL from '87 on Continental ContiScape tyres (with oem sizes, that is 21" at the front and 18" back) and they provide a very comfortable ride, grip more than enough for your standard riding (even some fast cornering if you know your bike and its limits) and allow me to take on easy to medium dirt roads. They wont be as good as dedicated road tyres, but arent a death trap either.
Caro amigo Victor, Com a habitual qualidade de imagens e de palavras, você aborda uma questão muito interessante: estilo, e suas implicações para o dia a dia. Sou dos que consideram que não se pode ter tudo. Se o motociclista busca conforto, longas viagens e espaço para bagagem e carona, ele deve abrir mão de determinados estilos, incluindo as Cafe Racer. Ao contrário, se o estilo é o que importa, e isso em geral, ao menos para mim, está associado à paixão, então certas concessões são feitas com alegria. Uma moto Cafe Racer remete a uma determinada época, a um estilo de vida específico. É, não duvido, moto para apaixonados. Ainda sou um aplicado aprendiz nesse mundo Cafe Racer, mas vou dar minha opinião: o que para muitos parece defeito, para o apaixonado pelo estilo Cafe Racer é qualidade! Parabéns pelo vídeo e até a proxima semana!!!!!
When on my Dual Sport, my messenger bag is always on my back with a bungee net at the ready for those larger items. As I refine my short trip necessities I know when my 1974 CL200 project is finished, I'll already be prepared. Cheers from the States! Zip~
Great. Curiously, on the next video of friday, i am going to include the story about my K1 which i bought 9 years ago. Thank you my friend for your comment. :) Cheers.
Biggest mistake most builders make is fitting a stupidly huge front tyre. This slows down your steering & flickability in tight turns. NONE of the original cafe racer boys at the Ace Cafe had large section front or rear tyres. I know, I was around then & still have a 66 Triumph Bonneville caff.
Thank you. Unfortunately, things are more complicated than most people may think. I use this "robotic" voice created by software, because i'm Portuguese, and my bad english accent (and voice), can ruin the documentary character that i like for my videos. I already tried a real american voice in one of my videos, but things didn't worked as i expected. Curiously, the robotic voice sounds very good for all non english natives. Cheers.
Lol. The pauses between words, only gives more importance to the meaning of the sentences. In other words, you are really very welcome every time you watch one o my videos. :) Cheers.
I had suzuki gs150 a commercial simple bike. I made some changes like seat, handle bars etc just for the comfort cuz I traveled 3000 kms in 5 days and it was hell of a ride I mean after riding for two or three hours we would rest for 10mins you are right we should use our minds while customizing the bike. Very great video. Efforts appreciated. 🙋You've earned my subscription xd
Since my accident two years ago I went through the logical stages, the last one was weight gain, both due to the impossibility of exercising daily, as I had done all my life. Eleven fractures create their own dynamic, both physically and mentally. No more, with the help of a nutritionist, my doctor and a physical trainer, I have several months of having started in the morning my daily routine of running six kilometers, doing 13 exercises of twenty repetitions since five in the morning, the time used to watch videos on youtube. My left arm, with the Osteosynthesis in the humerus has been strengthened and has more mobility, which is serving me a lot in the handling of my motorcycle. That's why it took me a while to broadcast my brazen opinions, I will say however, that this is one of the most necessary videos for those of us who love the café-racer style. Myths are myths that confuse and make it more difficult to make decisions when starting a project to modify a motorcycle. But a motorcycle with a style that if you do not do a correct job, can result in a complete failure, both aesthetically, and from the point of view of safety. The five points treated seem to meet all the requirements of reliability on issues that concern us to those who are immersed in the construction of a motorcycle that makes our heart move with passion. By the way, I have already dropped eight kilograms and I feel very happy, when I ride my motorcycle on the road. Saludos
Cafe racer is a fashion design motorcycle, because not of all people like the sports bike, or motocross bike, same us people. Not all would like to wear hip hop style or rocker looks, other people they like to be simple but with fashion , and for me i like classic fashion, and i like cafe racer type or harley type :D
6:27 (old tyres) I am sorry but I have to disagree here, old tyres look amazing but when it comes to grip and all around drivability they might not be the best choice, it's not only a matter of shape or tread design but also compound. Personally I am a fan of the Bridgestone battlax bt 45 it's a good all around tyre it doesn't get amazing mileage but it's perfect from warm to chill weather and drives pretty good on wet roads. I get that probably not everyone decides to use his bike daily or on the twisties but if you do I would ditch the old tyres
Yes, You are right. Classic tires will never be as good as modern tires. But some classic tires are not as bad as most people say. I think it is a question of compromise. But Thank you my friend for sharing your opinion. :) Cheers.
Michele, that's what happens when you put aesthetics before usability and the real cafés were all about grip in curves, up to the point that the first transformation was to fit the best tyres you could afford. So no, that's for poseurs starbuck-racers, not real cafés... :-)
I have just got a cb500 custom cafe racer and its one of the best bikes iv owned and iv owned alot of sports bikes and the cafe racer puts a smile on my face everytime i go out too ride plus a lot of looks
Real cafe racers were cobbled together from classic British bikes. The "cafes" in question were basically truck stops along the ring roads around major British cities. Anything else is just STYLED like a cafe racer.
Tire wear flat spots can be mitigated and exacerbated by air pressure. Found that out after getting spit off and sliding across the pavement from a low side with 15 psi in the rear tire. Pumped it up to 40 psi and it felt more unstable. 32 psi felt amazing and rock solid on my '05 Sportster and Pirelli Night Dragons...
The whole "Cafe Racer" thing has me baffled. Seems to me it's some Hipster thing. I'm old enough to remember "Cafe" racers from the 50's and 60's. Cafe racer will always be (to me, anyway) Norton Manx, a Dunstall my Triumph Daytona and even a couple of Yamaha RD's, Ducati singles, etc. These folks are more poseurs than riders and seemingly love to cut up some decent bikes, mostly just for a "look" rather than function. I've seen some with ridiculous home brewed pipes too. We built a "Cafe Racer" primarily for performance and anything that wasn't useful or fully functional got left off. 68 years old and still riding and racing. I see more of these things parked than I pass on the freeways or in the twisties. I am, so far, able to blow by them on a canyon road even while riding an 800+ pound HD Road King. And that's sad. Whoever carved up that Beemer on the opener should be beaten. JMO.
Cafe racers to go all the way!! I have had a super sports bike and then i shifted to a cafe racer and i used it as my daily driver for office and stuff for a whole year and it worked like a charm. Now i am making my new cafe racer with a bigger engine the previous one. Imo cafe racers look badass with less body and all muscle as compared to other bikes.
I am sorry mate, but you are wrong, Cafe racer CANNOT be comfortable, its defying the name and purpose of the bike. There are two sorts of bikes in Cafe racer area, Cafe racers and Cafe racer styled bikes. Real Cafe racer has comfort just for a trip from two destinations around same town, and here the comfort is kinda wrong word. Today there is no Cafe racer in production, all are just Cafe racer styled bikes and do have nothing in common with old Cafe racers. Since the looks of the Cafe racer is very popular among millennials and Hipsters most of the producers offer Cafe racer esque bikes, like the Thruxton for example. But those are not Cafe racers in any way. Hipsters are to soft to ride on something from 70s...
Well, i see that you are a cafe racer purest. But when i say "comfortable", i mean comfortable enough for 1 hour trip. Thank you my friend for sharing your opinion. :) Cheers.
He's being negative, positive, providing suggestions and making you feel funny in the tummy all simultaneously.
Put the video playback on 1,25X speed.
Thank me later.
Thank you !
Tnx mate
THANK YOU 🙏
Thanks dude
God bless you
That voice, if i was dying and he told me it was going to be okay, id die in peace
Jesus Esparza 😂👍
Not his voice lol
HAHAHAHHA
C3PO?
😂😂😂
Seriously, you've just inspired me to rethink my seat design. It won't be easy.
Yeah unless you want to be legal.
"It will be proper for a one hour trip, without feeling agonizing pain on your body".
Man, I freaking love your channel. I'm one of those that never own a real motorcycle (we ride mopeds here); but here, I get to see and "experience" lots of different cafe racer builds. Maybe one day I'll get to own one; in the meantime, this is the place to be. Keep it up bro!
love your passion for the cafe racer. need to carry a laptop or something? just pop it in your backpack!
:) . Thank you my friend for your comment. :) Cheers.
as beautiful as they are, I rather let others ride cafe racers. They are wonderful to look at and admire, but I enjoy performance of modern day technologies on modern bikes.
People that complain about the practicality of a cafe racer tend to be the people that have never owned one. I rode an xs1100 cafe racer every day with the big 'ol firestone bubble tires that everyone had negative opinions on, but i never had an issue and continued to hit the corners as i would on any bike. People would whine about how uncomfortable the seats look but i still rode mine for hours at a time with a loaded backpack with no issues. I would strap cargo and bicycles (BMX) to the rear and travel with whatever i needed. Myths about cafe racers seem to originate from individuals who have no experience with them.
Thank you my friend for sharing your perspective. :) Cheers.
Sure.
@@jobbymctuned6584 anything is doable when ya ain’t a quitter.
Well done!
You forgot, too, that having an older bike could offer more freedom to modify, since you may be out of reach of restrictive emissions laws like we have here in California. If I'm not mistaken It's 25 years, here. I believe models older than that get a pass so, go for the headers & straight pipes, dyno & map it, you know the drill... woohoo! ;)
Thank you my friend for your comment. You are right. That is also a good tip about cafe racers. Thanks for the sugestion.:) Cheers.
That idea on your friends bike with the removable cover to have a second seat is amazing!
Thank you. I'm glad you liked my friend. :) Cheers.
@@RACER_TV I have a removable rear cowl on my 125 razkull lol
I have a CAFE RACER HONDA CB400 1982 - I use this motorcycle for almost 2 years ALL DAY and all week ends to make some escapades out of the city , and It was a great choice, class and practicity for all day going to work and comming back.
Also this motorcycle made a subject of one of your chapters, HONDA CB400 From Brasil, DESIGNED by ME and build with help of Retro rides garage.
Now Im starting to build another one with BSA 68 base.
Thank you my friend for sharing your opinion. Good luck for your BSA Project :) Um abraço.
Would you consider a 82' bc400 cafe racer a beginner bike? Thank you in advance.
i use kawasaki KZ200 cafe racer as a daily ever since 2003, short or long route. never been bored & thank god i see Racer TV.... you guys are inspiring
Thank you my friend for your kind comment. :) Cheers.
9:23 holy shit that's a badass motorcycle
when u say . welcome to "Racer TV" , its ambitious
Great piece Victor !
Not quite sure how I missed it when you first published it.
However,
it would seem to be a timeless advice piece regardless of when it happens to be viewed !
And good advice at that !
As always,
a great video Victor !
Thank you !
Thank you my friend for your support. :) Cheers.
I love your work about this channel. It mesmerises me.... thank you
Thank you my friend for your support. :) Cheers.
RACER TV Oh God! .... you replied to my comment. Thank you friend.☺
You are welcome my friend. My pleasure. I always reply most comments. And i read every single comment in all of my videos. :)
your videos are awesome . and the background music blend so well with the video ..keep making such videos, amazing content
Continue with what are you doing man ,
There is something so special about This Chanel, don't know what but feels so real & CLASSIC. #RACER TV♥️
Thank you my friend for your kind comment. :) Cheers.
Perfect video! The biggest one in my opinion is that one about "If your cafe racer has 2 seats so you have a brat style and not a cafe racer"
I'm always hearing this kind of mistake. I am build a cafe racer with this kind of seat that can be covered to apear like a single seater.
Nice solution also. Good luck for your project. Thank you my friend for sharing your opinion. :) Cheers.
I love your monotone, emotionless voice. It's exhilarating.
He's using some type of voice generator
😂😂
4:03 its art. love it
Just to say ..i am not a cafe racer type of rider ..but I respect and enjoy their appeal, esthetics, and beauty.. great vid ..thanks for putting it up
Well, this is a truly wonderful video! My Buell White Lighting, with many mods, spent one summer in '99' cruising the US, did track days, went to a Buell factory homecoming, went to the AMA museum grand reopening, and finished up with 10k on the OD!
Thank you my friend for sharing your perspective. :) Cheers.
I ride my Ducati 848 every day in the summer to and from work here in Denmark. I am just used to carry a backpack wherever I go.
Thank you my friend for sharing your perspective and experience. :) Cheers.
You probably have huge stockpile of cluth plates to ride ducati that often. Edit: i just realized 848 actually use wet cluth, i thought ducati use dry cluth only, you learn something new everyday.
Your Videos are awesome, I've built dual seats on my Cafe / Brat CB750 so once the bike is complete Its two bike in one :) great info in this video mate thank you for sharing
Also a great solution. I thought the same 2 seats idea for my CX Project. :) Cheers.
your Cx is looking awesome by the way, Can I ask where you are located :) I've always wondered?
Thank you. I live in the North of Portugal. :)
I bet you pronounce it “Café” instead of “Caff” as it should be.
I already talked about that “Caff racer" issue in one of my videos. From one hand, You are right. But nowadays, and considering that "cafe Racer" is now the worldwide know name, it would be a mistake to use the "Caff Racer" term on my videos. Cheers.
SR400 racer here.
Use it for commuting every single day, except for snow or heavy rain ones. I sometimes even bring my 8y/o kid to school. (800m from home on a 30Km/h street, kid using EC approved child protective clothes and helmet)
This summer I did a 2800Km trip to Berlin and back (to Stockholm) and last year it was to Bergen Norway and never felt uncomfortable or whatsoever, Only issue is that I could use some 200cc extra but stillI love my bike and feels amazing to get compliments on it (which i get almost on daily basis ) and it will stay with the family no matter what.
I simply can't picture myself riding something different that a Cafe Racer.
Thank you my friend for sharing your personal perspective. :) Cheers.
I think we should remember that a cafe racer is a custom bike and a custom bike is whatever you want it to be. Build the bike you want, let other people figure out what category it falls into, but don't let anyone tell you your bike is wrong.
Yes, you are right.The problem arise, when people really don't know what they want for their project. And when this happens, the end result is usually a mess. :) Cheers.
These are excellent points that are either overlooked or not even considered when considering a Café Racer. I especially like and agree with you on daily use. If it is your passion, or in you blood, and if you are a motorcyclist, then yes, the Café Racer is or can be your daily ride! Excellent points and well stated. As always, thank you for Racer TV, the Café Racers only choice! Ride safe and enjoy your ride my friend.
Thank you my dear friend for your usual support. And thanks for sharing your opinion. :) Cheers.
Incrível como de costume. Meu único problema é com legislação vigente no país. Que complica com qualquer alteração na moto. Isso é uma tristeza para todos brasileiros.
Abraço brother!!!
Obrigado amigo por partilhar a sua opinião. :) Um abraço.
This video has some of the MOST GORGEOUS BIKES I've ever seen! Thanks!
This is the only Channel with this narrator that I like. Most of the time people use this narrator are ignorant about the topic there talking about but you're very knowledgeable and the videos are always quality
Thank you my friend for your support. I'm glad you liked. :) Cheers.
Your words are always spoken in peace and harmony that brings me good mood and learn more about cafe racer. It is a pitty that dual seat with a removable cover makes some compromise in shape. I'll be looking forward to your new project and seek for the innovative possibility. And as always, I hope to see you next week as well :D
Thank you my friend for all your kind words. I appreciate your support. :) Cheers.
I don't comment on many videos but here goes... It is not difficult to ride a cafe bike daily, I owned just a motorcycle (a 1975 CB550 brat/cafe bike) for about 8 months and used it to commute everyday in Houston, Texas. I often did road trips to Austin (~130mi) which would take about three hours. Only thing I regret about those experiences are that my bike was straight piped ;D
Thank you my friend for sharing your personal perspective. :) Cheers.
Dan's the Man what about rainy day? Without proper fender will be problematic with water splashing
Yes of course. Simply put, I got wet... Keep it old school and just embrace the "manliness" but bring a change of clothes haha!
You are so right about bikes having limitations... a bike is the only thing that keeps me sane..and I'm obsessed tothe point I had to train my family to be ok with me on a bike after years of surgeries and hard work but oil is in my blood and I'm not happy without 2 wheels. I love this channel
Thank you my friend for your kind support. :) Cheers.
I am 70, still doing classic racing. .When I began a Cafe racer was a bike one sorted the suspension ,drilled holes in EVERYTHING , tuned the shit out of the engine and RACED ! And maybe got a Dunstall kit 4 looks....Something utterly unheard of today, today they make a pig's ass out of the suspension , do not tune the engine and never race .....
Nao sabia , morei no Rio em 86-87.....mas qué tristeza , como na Alemanha....
Hello Sir, I understand your point. The cafe racer performance, might been very important on the 50's and 60's. But nowadays, I don't see the cafe racer performance as an important feature. And why?
If we really want a fast bike, we just need to buy a Yamaha R1.
And this means that this rebirth of the "cafe racer" scene, must have a different approach. :)
But thank you for sharing your perspective. :) Um abraço :)
cafe is about to close... lets race!!
Lmao
Why shouldn't you start to speak with your own voice?
Still in appreciation of your work
Sorry, but Unfortunately, things are more complicated than most people may think. I use this "robotic" voice created by software, because i'm Portuguese, and my bad english accent (and voice), can ruin the documentary character that i like for my videos. I already tried a real american voice in one of my videos, but things didn't worked as i expected. Curiously, the robotic voice sounds very good for all non english natives. Cheers.
@@RACER_TV just do a trial video, like a voice reveal. The quality of your videos are so good that people wouldn't care if you have an accent
Thanks for the suggestion. The real problem is not only my accent. It is the fact that it will sound like a real amateur narration. And considering that 75% of all Racer TV Viewers are non english natives, it would be a mistake to change the robotic voice now. :) Cheers.
As someone who works with many different nations I think that your voice would give chacacter.
I also think that with little practice you can get over the accent.
For example, I am south-east European but my british friends tell me that I have Americanized accent.
That is true cos I unconsciously adopted it.
What voice software do you use
One of the best U tube channels ever ! Daily friend to be inspired by .
Thank you my friend for all your kind words. I appreciate your support. :) Cheers.
I dont undestand really good english but i like too much this videos. It is relaxing and therapeutic. Thank you very much.
You are welcome my friend. My pleasure. I always liked a pleasant and calm atmosphere on my videos.
By the way, my name is also Victor, and I also was born in 1974.(Just like you I suppose) :) Cheers.
@@RACER_TV yess, of course, my name is Victor, and I am from 1974, Nice to meet you !!
Great vid as always, Victor! While there really are some limitations due to keeping with the cafe racer aesthetics, they sure are offset by the ability to make her exactly how you want. There is no substitute for that! Cheers!
Thank you my friend for sharing your opinion. :) Um abraço.
i always you use my cafe racer 99% daily use because i think feel comfort to go anywhere
Thank you my friend for sharing your opinion. :) Cheers.
Congratulations 👏 very practical and clever observations.
I bought an xsr700 Yamaha 8 months ago, an I'm gradually adapting it to my needs, I ride it almost daily, had installed fog lamps, super loud horn, skid plate, side defenses, 55 litres trunk, and remains a beautiful, reliable Cafe Racer, Cheers 🍻
Thank you my friend for sharing your perspective. :) Cheers.
I never comment on anything, but have to say your channel is simply addictive! Would love to see something about - MAD MAKS’ HONDA CB750 “ORPHORCE ONE” build. I'm in love with that one. Keep it up!
Thank you my friend for all your kind words. I appreciate your support. I admit that the bike you suggested looks good. But the seat is not the real deal that i like to see on Cafe Racers. But thank you for the sugestion. Cheers.
Always a great video Racer, all what you said is true. You have a really great channel mate, ride safe. Cheers
Thank you my dear friend for your usual and great support. :) Cheers.
Português de Portugal a mostrar um ótimo trabalho. Para mim o melhor canal no CZcams sobre o tema café racer.... Parabéns, continua...
Abraço de Portugal!
Obrigado amigo pelo simpático comentário. :) Um abraço.
Mister, your videos are like chicken soup for the soul. Myth number 5 made me laugh. My brother just bought a BMW 100RS cafe racer this week.
Thanks for the great quality of your videos.
Thank you my friend for your support. :) Cheers.
Fantastic video. I love the road shots. I love the small ferrings like on the bike at 9:23.
Thank you. I'm glad you liked my friend. :) Cheers.
Excellent video Victor !
So many misconceptions !
But as you know, the Cafe Motorcycle is not just a piece of machinery, but a lifestyle choice as well !
Thank you my friend for sharing your perspective. :) Cheers.
Lol.. can't tell if this is serious or not
Good points, well presented as always. Guess I'm too much of a purist to agree on knobblies, but I do see what you mean ☺ Hope the CX is coming on well, Cheers 👍👍
Thank you my friend for sharing your perspective. And yes, my cx project is technically done. It was disassembled to the final finishes.(Paint job, chrome work, and polishing) :) Cheers.
When I subbed this channel around 2014 I found the electronic voice annoying. Now I consider it the best one of the type. Doesn't bother or concern me any more. Thanks! When living in London UK in 1960's, was a big fan of the style since Ace cafe had them, all parked outside. During the 1980's had a CB 550 which I started to modify. Then hit some diesel soaked road one day and the project was shelved. Love your channel and enthusiasm for the subject ... rock on!
Thank you my friend for sharing your personal perspective. And thank you for your support. :) Cheers.
Many very nice looking custom bikes but few "true" café racers
There's nothing 100% 'perfect' in the world of Engineering ! Fact that you are reengineering one thing into another thereby putting your imagination , technical skills etc is enough motivation to custom build a cafe racer / scrambler. Last but not the least, you will be fooling yourself if you are trying to satisfy every damn soul in this world !! Critics / Haters will always be present !
Thas is all true. Thank you my friend for sharing your perspective. :) Cheers.
Adorei este vídeo. Bem desmontado esses cinco mitos sobre as cafe racers. Parabéns, sempre muito à frente os vídeos. Continuação de um excelente trabalho a que nos acostumaste.
Abraço
Obrigado amigo pelo comentário. :) Um abraço.
Fiquei muito esclarecido relativamente a estes “mitos”.
Vivo no UK e tenho 2 Kawasaki GT550 (86 e 92). Ambas em processo de transformação para Café Racer. Simplesmente adoro-as e agora com algumas dicas do RACER TV ainda vão ficar melhores… obrigado.
Abraços de 🇵🇹
In the late 80is, i owned a CX500, i never thought that i would see it again in such a style... !!!!
Thank you my friend for sharing your perspective. :) Cheers.
@@RACER_TV Greetings from Austria, good luck with your bike !
Thank you very much brother you have clarified all the doubts. I still love and will always love Cafe Racer.
Thank you my friend for your support. :) Cheers.
After this video, now, I urgely need a cafè racer!!
I have a non working 71 cl/sl honda 175 waiting to be restored and rode
A cada dia que passa estou mais apaixonado por esse estilo de moto!!!
I Have A Yamaha Rx 125 (modified) and i made it a Cafe racer . Really a like and i know that its not a big motocicle as other but i feel happy to ride a original vehicle set it up with my likes. I think every rider should respect the preferences of anyone .Cause you dont know the sacrifice he made to create what he wants.
Thank you my friend for sharing your perspective. :) Cheers.
Great video and comment, as always. I like the way of your reasonable non biased approach on all the related themes of cafe racers. I never knew these "myths" existed. But anyway, no matter what type of bike one might prefer, you always have to make certain changes to fit it perfectly to one´s needs. Get a good base you enjoy and change it to perfection. That´s why it´s called CUSTOM(er)izing. ....and we´ll meet next week for sure, as always. 👍
Indeed. Thank you my friend for sharing your opinion. :) Cheers.
Cafe racer bikes are customized to the rider's taste or preference... I do also have a Honda TMX155cc Cafe racer...
Classic work sir !!! Enjoyed the video ...
Thank you my friend for your support. :) Cheers.
1972 who's going to LA Trade Tech in California. The bike I had at that time, what's a Suzuki T500 I had set up as a cafe racer, with clip-ons rearsets and expansion Chambers. But I successfully Road my Cafe Racer between school and work close to a dozen times. That doesn't sound that much but home was close to 400 miles away in San Francisco Bay Area. I'm sure I would have stopped as often but I still enjoyed it.
My 2cents on tyre choice, you were totally accurate, unlees you use full on dirt knobies most mixed tyres will perform better than expexted on-road.
I myself ride a Honda XL from '87 on Continental ContiScape tyres (with oem sizes, that is 21" at the front and 18" back) and they provide a very comfortable ride, grip more than enough for your standard riding (even some fast cornering if you know your bike and its limits) and allow me to take on easy to medium dirt roads. They wont be as good as dedicated road tyres, but arent a death trap either.
Thank You for your deep thoughts, and your video has been very level headed, refreshing and educating ... keep it up Sir :)
Thank you my friend for your kind comment. :) Cheers.
Caro amigo Victor,
Com a habitual qualidade de imagens e de palavras, você aborda uma questão muito interessante: estilo, e suas implicações para o dia a dia.
Sou dos que consideram que não se pode ter tudo. Se o motociclista busca conforto, longas viagens e espaço para bagagem e carona, ele deve abrir mão de determinados estilos, incluindo as Cafe Racer.
Ao contrário, se o estilo é o que importa, e isso em geral, ao menos para mim, está associado à paixão, então certas concessões são feitas com alegria.
Uma moto Cafe Racer remete a uma determinada época, a um estilo de vida específico. É, não duvido, moto para apaixonados.
Ainda sou um aplicado aprendiz nesse mundo Cafe Racer, mas vou dar minha opinião: o que para muitos parece defeito, para o apaixonado pelo estilo Cafe Racer é qualidade!
Parabéns pelo vídeo e até a proxima semana!!!!!
É isso mesmo. Obrigado amigo Helio por partilhar a sua opinião. :) Um abraço.
Not into cafe racers for sure did like seeing all those variations with those BMW Airheads showing a lot of creativity
Thank you my friend for sharing your perspective. :) Cheers.
What a channel man!!!Congrats for your great and pretty work!!!
Thank you my friend for your kind comment. :) Um abraço.
When on my Dual Sport, my messenger bag is always on my back with a bungee net at the ready for those larger items. As I refine my short trip necessities I know when my 1974 CL200 project is finished, I'll already be prepared. Cheers from the States! Zip~
Thank you my friend for sharing your perspective. :) Cheers.
Thought u were Hulk Hogan at first
RACER TV p
Thanks for showing the K1. I have one in my garage. 😀👍
Good for you. You have a great machine(like mine) lol. What colour is yours?
@@RACER_TV
Red and yellow. Ketchup & Mustard. 😀👍
Great.
Curiously, on the next video of friday, i am going to include the story about my K1 which i bought 9 years ago. Thank you my friend for your comment. :) Cheers.
@@RACER_TV
I think I had mine over 15 years. I traded a R1100S for it. 😀
Biggest mistake most builders make is fitting a stupidly huge front tyre. This slows down your steering & flickability in tight turns. NONE of the original cafe racer boys at the Ace Cafe had large section front or rear tyres. I know, I was around then & still have a 66 Triumph Bonneville caff.
Welcome to Racer TV📺
Royal enfield has a cafe racer 2 seater option in their new continental.
So how does it work? We get a removable cowl or the seat is designed in that shape?
wow... microsoft sam has come a long way xD
Thank you. Unfortunately, things are more complicated than most people may think. I use this "robotic" voice created by software, because i'm Portuguese, and my bad english accent (and voice), can ruin the documentary character that i like for my videos. I already tried a real american voice in one of my videos, but things didn't worked as i expected. Curiously, the robotic voice sounds very good for all non english natives. Cheers.
When You say the words "WELCOME TO RACER-TV", it sounds like a preacher in a cathedral, holy magic on two wheels... 😉
Lol. The pauses between words, only gives more importance to the meaning of the sentences. In other words, you are really very welcome every time you watch one o my videos. :) Cheers.
Yes, we'll meet again... 😉 And thank You for the cool vids, I like them! 🏍...
LOVE YOUR VIDEOS MY FRIEND. THE INFORMATION IN YOUR VIDEOS IS JUST GREAT. 👍🏽✌️🏽🤓
Is my Kawasaki ZX10r perfect for every day city riding? absolutely YES!
Thank you my friend for sharing your perspective. :) Cheers.
Come to thailand bro
I am glad that these are the myths
Your channel is art. Actually made me realising a Yamaha Sr 400 cafe racer/brat was missing in my life ;) Not anymore!!!
And I use it for work daily and long trips. No problem. If I was only after comfort I would take my car.
Thank you my friend for all your kind words. I appreciate your support. :) Cheers.
I had suzuki gs150 a commercial simple bike. I made some changes like seat, handle bars etc just for the comfort cuz I traveled 3000 kms in 5 days and it was hell of a ride I mean after riding for two or three hours we would rest for 10mins you are right we should use our minds while customizing the bike. Very great video. Efforts appreciated. 🙋You've earned my subscription xd
Thank you my friend for sharing your personal perspective. :) I appreciate your support. Cheers.
Since my accident two years ago I went through the logical stages, the last one was weight gain, both due to the impossibility of exercising daily, as I had done all my life. Eleven fractures create their own dynamic, both physically and mentally. No more, with the help of a nutritionist, my doctor and a physical trainer, I have several months of having started in the morning my daily routine of running six kilometers, doing 13 exercises of twenty repetitions since five in the morning, the time used to watch videos on youtube. My left arm, with the Osteosynthesis in the humerus has been strengthened and has more mobility, which is serving me a lot in the handling of my motorcycle. That's why it took me a while to broadcast my brazen opinions, I will say however, that this is one of the most necessary videos for those of us who love the café-racer style. Myths are myths that confuse and make it more difficult to make decisions when starting a project to modify a motorcycle. But a motorcycle with a style that if you do not do a correct job, can result in a complete failure, both aesthetically, and from the point of view of safety. The five points treated seem to meet all the requirements of reliability on issues that concern us to those who are immersed in the construction of a motorcycle that makes our heart move with passion. By the way, I have already dropped eight kilograms and I feel very happy, when I ride my motorcycle on the road. Saludos
I am very happy for your my dear friend. Congratulations for your effort. You really deserve all the happiness. :) I wish you the best. Saludos.
Cafe racer is a fashion design motorcycle, because not of all people like the sports bike, or motocross bike, same us people. Not all would like to wear hip hop style or rocker looks, other people they like to be simple but with fashion , and for me i like classic fashion, and i like cafe racer type or harley type :D
now my first bike will only be a cafe racer
untill the first rain falls
always wondered what a cafe racer mind set is, then i read the comments, explains everything...
5:42 is awesome. Very classic and wise idea.
I'm glad you liked my friend. The bike is a Honda CB 125 Twin. Known as "Spark". There is a video about it on youtube. :) Cheers.
6:27 (old tyres) I am sorry but I have to disagree here, old tyres look amazing but when it comes to grip and all around drivability they might not be the best choice, it's not only a matter of shape or tread design but also compound. Personally I am a fan of the Bridgestone battlax bt 45 it's a good all around tyre it doesn't get amazing mileage but it's perfect from warm to chill weather and drives pretty good on wet roads. I get that probably not everyone decides to use his bike daily or on the twisties but if you do I would ditch the old tyres
Yes, You are right. Classic tires will never be as good as modern tires. But some classic tires are not as bad as most people say. I think it is a question of compromise. But Thank you my friend for sharing your opinion. :) Cheers.
Michele, that's what happens when you put aesthetics before usability and the real cafés were all about grip in curves, up to the point that the first transformation was to fit the best tyres you could afford. So no, that's for poseurs starbuck-racers, not real cafés... :-)
Cafe racer's can't wheelie,
One more myth.....
Fake myth
Don't know why you don't have more subs... Your videos are just superb and so relaxing
Lol. Well, that is what happens when we are dealing with a niche of
market. But it is growing fast. Thank you my friend for your support.
Cheers.
@@RACER_TV thank you for giving us such a great done job. Glad to know the community keeps growing.
Thinking about making a 2020 Honda Rebel 500 into a cafe racer. This is inspiring thanks 🙏🏻
I have just got a cb500 custom cafe racer and its one of the best bikes iv owned and iv owned alot of sports bikes and the cafe racer puts a smile on my face everytime i go out too ride plus a lot of looks
1:24 Holy moly, what a nice seat!
Real cafe racers were cobbled together from classic British bikes. The "cafes" in question were basically truck stops along the ring roads around major British cities. Anything else is just STYLED like a cafe racer.
Tire wear flat spots can be mitigated and exacerbated by air pressure. Found that out after getting spit off and sliding across the pavement from a low side with 15 psi in the rear tire. Pumped it up to 40 psi and it felt more unstable. 32 psi felt amazing and rock solid on my '05 Sportster and Pirelli Night Dragons...
Thank you my friend for sharing your perspective. :) Cheers.
Another comment: At 1:48 -- Triumph bike; Triumph tattoo. That's dedication!
Indeed. :)
American cafe racers. Phuh, not a teeny, tiny, micro patch on a REAL cafe racer built in BRITAIN during the 50's and 60's, and later on.
Finally somebody who's not a hipster and knows the real thing...
Thank you sir, because I was feeling like a dinosaur in Jurrasic Park... :-)
The whole "Cafe Racer" thing has me baffled. Seems to me it's some Hipster thing. I'm old enough to remember "Cafe" racers from the 50's and 60's. Cafe racer will always be (to me, anyway) Norton Manx, a Dunstall my Triumph Daytona and even a couple of Yamaha RD's, Ducati singles, etc. These folks are more poseurs than riders and seemingly love to cut up some decent bikes, mostly just for a "look" rather than function. I've seen some with ridiculous home brewed pipes too. We built a "Cafe Racer" primarily for performance and anything that wasn't useful or fully functional got left off. 68 years old and still riding and racing. I see more of these things parked than I pass on the freeways or in the twisties. I am, so far, able to blow by them on a canyon road even while riding an 800+ pound HD Road King. And that's sad. Whoever carved up that Beemer on the opener should be beaten. JMO.
Fantastic video and cafe racer breakdown. I am a huge cafe racer fan and look forward to building my own in the near future.
Thank you. I'm glad you liked my friend. :) Cheers.
Cafe racers to go all the way!! I have had a super sports bike and then i shifted to a cafe racer and i used it as my daily driver for office and stuff for a whole year and it worked like a charm. Now i am making my new cafe racer with a bigger engine the previous one. Imo cafe racers look badass with less body and all muscle as compared to other bikes.
Thank you my friend for sharing your perspective. :) Cheers.
I am sorry mate, but you are wrong, Cafe racer CANNOT be comfortable, its defying the name and purpose of the bike. There are two sorts of bikes in Cafe racer area, Cafe racers and Cafe racer styled bikes. Real Cafe racer has comfort just for a trip from two destinations around same town, and here the comfort is kinda wrong word.
Today there is no Cafe racer in production, all are just Cafe racer styled bikes and do have nothing in common with old Cafe racers. Since the looks of the Cafe racer is very popular among millennials and Hipsters most of the producers offer Cafe racer esque bikes, like the Thruxton for example. But those are not Cafe racers in any way. Hipsters are to soft to ride on something from 70s...
Well, i see that you are a cafe racer purest.
But when i say "comfortable", i mean comfortable enough for 1 hour trip.
Thank you my friend for sharing your opinion. :) Cheers.
tnx for a kind answer, Cheers mate.
I drive my 2018 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber every day. Love it!
Thank you my friend for sharing your opinion. :) Cheers
If that Honda is yours than you have a very beautifull bike sir. What a work. Those retro letters and lines are bomb.
Thank you my friend for your kind comment. :) Cheers.
Great video as always. Beautiful photography.
Thank you my friend for your kind comment. :) Cheers.