Cafe Racer Thread - Page 11

Jeff Higgins · 12-02-2007, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by techweenie

My own photo isn't scanned, just an old Polaroid, but I had one of these for awhile back in the mid-90s...

The original factory 'cafe racer.'

Ah yes; I used to ride with a guy who had one of these. His no longer had the fairing, was all black, and had the "John Player Special" logo on the side covers. This was about '78 through '82 or so. My Sportster (the very same one pictured on the last page) could hang with him pretty well, or even pass him in the straights, but the corners were another matter entirely. Anyway, very cool bike there Tech. You shoulda hung onto it...

techweenie · techweenie's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

Ah yes; I used to ride with a guy who had one of these. His no longer had the fairing, was all black, and had the "John Player Special" logo on the side covers. This was about '78 through '82 or so. My Sportster (the very same one pictured on the last page) could hang with him pretty well, or even pass him in the straights, but the corners were another matter entirely. Anyway, very cool bike there Tech. You shoulda hung onto it...

Yeah, shoulda held on to the GT350 and the '55 Nomad, too. Ah well.

Jay Leno is the only other guy I new who had one. The Norton Owner's Club went out to his place and I mentioned I had the same bike. He said: "It's kind of like a transvestite. You see it from a ways off and get real excited, but then you get on and say 'hey, something's not right here'." Made me laugh out loud. He was right. It's just a plain old 850 Commando with fancy dress.

Jeff Higgins · 12-02-2007, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by techweenie

Yeah, shoulda held on to the GT350 and the '55 Nomad, too. Ah well.

Jay Leno is the only other guy I new who had one. The Norton Owner's Club went out to his place and I mentioned I had the same bike. He said: "It's kind of like a transvestite. You see it from a ways off and get real excited, but then you get on and say 'hey, something's not right here'." Made me laugh out loud. He was right. It's just a plain old 850 Commando with fancy dress.

Yeah, pretty much. To make matters worse, my buddie's was a first year 850 with all the problems that went along with those. I think it was the clutch, or the tranny, but it's been awhile. I just remember it made me feel better about my Sporty 'cause I could actually keep up, and his broke down more than mine. Kinda the same way the old Bonnies made me feel better; they were the only machines that actually leaked more than Harleys. The guys on the 750 Hondas and 900 Kaws just laughed at all of us by then. "The good ol' days" of motorcycling really weren't, but the bikes are still pretty cool. As long as you don't have to rely on them, and they are no more than toys. Wish I had a few of them (on top of the Sporty I hang onto).

porsche930dude · porsche930dude's Garage

I dont know what this one is but i like it

Jared at Pelican Parts · 01-15-2008, 03:42 PM

porsche930dude · porsche930dude's Garage

porsche930dude · porsche930dude's Garage

Buckterrier · 01-15-2008, 05:26 PM

wish I never got rid of her

Chocaholic · 01-15-2008, 05:58 PM

Jeff...don't dream of cutting up that Sporty! Looks like a 72 XLH from my past that brings back many fond memories...

Flatbutt1 · 01-15-2008, 06:08 PM

this is the one HD I'd love to have

johndglynn · johndglynn's Garage

Recently bought this: 2000 M750 with twin front discs (carbs not FI).

Rode it today for the first time: well and truly fast enough for me and it is so much lighter than my last bike (Bandit 600 six years ago). Turns and rides totally different - I love it.