Cafe Racers


Book Description

DIVIn Café Racers, master photographer Michael Lichter and motorcycle culture expert Paul d’Orléans visually trace café racer motorcycles from their origins in the mid-twentieth century all the way into modern times. /div




Ton Up!


Book Description

Ton Up! A Century of Café Racer Speed and Style focuses on the story of the ton-up boys and their café racers. But it's much more than just that. Illustrated with historic and modern photos and featuring a text by one of the world’s motorcycle historians, it's really the story of motorcycle speed and style evolved from the early 1900s right through today. Cafe racers are most associated with the young, rebellious rock-and-rollers of 1960s Britain. These riders created the quintessential café racers—fast motorcycles customized to resemble the racing bikes of the period. They were called “café racers” because their riders raced on public roads, from one café to the next. The goal was to do “the ton” (exceed 100 miles per hour) on these runs, which led to their designation as “ton-up boys.” Today, ton-up culture is more popular than ever and recognized worldwide with a following of young and long-time riders alike.With Ton Up!, enjoy a scenic ride through the history of this vibrant scene.




Café Racers


Book Description

A nostalgic look at the coffee-bar motorcycle culture of the 1950s and 60s. The book features photographs of souped-up BSAs, Triumphs, Nortons and Ducatis with technical analyses of some of the best bikes produced, from the Triumph Bonneville to the Harris Moto Guzzi.




How to Build a Café Racer


Book Description

What's old is new again, and the newest trend on the block is Cafe Racers. Written by well-known motorcycle and automotive author Doug Mitchel, How to Build a Café Racer starts with a history lesson. While those first bikes were built in the UK for racing from cafe to cafe, the current rage for Cafe Racers has definitely spread to the US. Converting a stock motorcycle to a Cafe Racer requires more than a fairing and a few decals. The book starts with chapters on planning and choosing an appropriate bike, followed by chapters that detail the modifications that will likely be embraced by anyone converting a stocker to a rocker. From shocks and tires to engine modifications, Doug's book lays out each type of modification and how it's best carried through. The center of the book holds a gallery of finished bikes. These are not just Triumphs or Nortons, but nearly every brand imaginable from Japan, Italy, the UK, and Germany. The final chapters include two, start-to-finish cafe builds. This is the chance for the reader to see how professional shops take a stock Honda, Triumph, or Ducati and convert it into a fast, sexy, and functional Cafe Racer, ready to race from cafe to cafe on Saturday night, or around the race track on Sunday afternoon.




Cafe Racers


Book Description

A fascinating expose of the culture of the cafe racer - a motorcycle culture which emerged from WWII in the UK and the USA. Today, it's in the midst of a huge restrspective.




The Racer Within


Book Description

The Racer Within is a global compilation of the custom motorcycle industry's most influential builders, photographers, events and riders, featuring some beautiful stories and quotes of their inspiring journeys. Compiled with bold and striking photography that showcases the lifestyle and culture of the custom cafe racer community of today, The Racer Within is more than just a motorcycle coffee table book, it's a celebration of the pieces of art we build, ride and love.




Café Racer


Book Description

During the 1950s, metal, grease, oil, leathers, and attitude bucked tradition and sprouted a revolution in machine masculinity. Owning and riding a café racer was about elemental emotions, where the relationship between man and machine was visceral, born out of intuition and a unique vision that was thoughtful, intuitive, and insightful. It was at the dawn of rock 'n' roll, when café racers grew to become a symbol of the lifestyle, and launched perhaps the most influential motorcycle movement the world has ever seen. Today, thanks to the retro boom, shed mechanics and professional engineers the world over act as conduits for yet further experimentation and aesthetic innovation. And just like before, the world is sitting up and taking notice. Café Racer provides a fresh canvas for bikers, builders, and bike customizers that make up the rich tapestry that is the epitome of casual coolness.




Popular Mechanics


Book Description

Popular Mechanics inspires, instructs and influences readers to help them master the modern world. Whether it’s practical DIY home-improvement tips, gadgets and digital technology, information on the newest cars or the latest breakthroughs in science -- PM is the ultimate guide to our high-tech lifestyle.




Cafe Racer Guide


Book Description

Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of Cafe Racers? Look no further! The "Cafe Racer Guide" is your ultimate companion in crafting the bike of your dreams. This comprehensive guide takes you on a thrilling ride from concept to creation. Whether you're a seasoned builder or a passionate enthusiast, this book unveils the secrets of Cafe Racer design, customization, and craftsmanship. Inside, you'll discover: Chapter 1: What is a cafe racer? - Immerse yourself in the world of Cafe Racers and learn what makes these bikes true icons of speed and style. Chapter 2: The History of Cafe Racers - Explore the rich history and evolution of Cafe Racers, from their rebellious origins to their enduring appeal. Chapter 3: The criteria for a bike to be a cafe racer - Dive into the essential elements that define a Cafe Racer, ensuring your build captures the true spirit of this legendary style. Chapter 4: How to choose a donor bike - Master the art of selecting the perfect base for your Cafe Racer project, transforming it into a masterpiece. Chapter 5: The best and easiest bikes to transform into cafe racers - Discover the top bikes ripe for customization and easy transformation into stunning Cafe Racers. Chapter 6: How to plan a cafe racer build - Prepare for your journey with expert tips on research, budgeting, and timeline management. Chapter 7: Budget - Gain valuable insights into budgeting, cost breakdowns, and smart spending for your project. Chapter 8: How to strip down the bike - Roll up your sleeves and learn the art of stripping down your donor bike to its bare essence, ready for transformation. Chapter 9: How to modify the frame - Dive into the world of frame modifications, where you'll reshape your bike's identity and stance. Chapter 10: How to choose the right parts for your cafe racer - Navigate the vast world of components to build a Cafe Racer that reflects your unique style and vision. Chapter 11: Parts installation guide - Follow step-by-step instructions for installing crucial parts like front forks, rear shocks, lights, and gauges. Chapter 12: Painting - Discover the magic of paint as you transform your bike's appearance. Explore classic monochrome and retro styles. Chapter 13: 10 Essential tools for building a cafe racer at home - Equip yourself with the tools of the trade and create a workspace that fuels your passion. Crafted by experts and enthusiasts, this guide is packed with invaluable advice, real-world examples, and stunning visuals. Whether you're a seasoned builder or just starting your Cafe Racer journey, this book is your roadmap to creating a machine that turns heads and captures hearts. Join the global community of Cafe Racer aficionados who have unlocked the secrets of design, customization, and craftsmanship. Embrace the passion, unleash your creativity, and ride your dream Cafe Racer into the sunset.




The Complete Idiot's Guide to Motorcycles


Book Description

Covers everything from how to choose and maintain a motorcycle and how to buy appropriate gear to how to ride safely, and how to make the most out of trips on the open road. It also discusses motorcycle history and the timeless motorcycle mystique.