Cafe Racer Thread

[CurtEgerer]

[ERH]

Ace Cafe pictures:

http://www.caferace.com/cafepix.html

Ed

[}{arlequin]

[MotoSook]

Excellent attempt to revive the Norton name...it's a crying shame the guy couldn't pull it off.

There is was a black one of those in Cycle World and it looked worthy of my money.

[JavaBrewer]

Just WOW!

Originally posted by Drago

[}{arlequin]

yeah, i have pics of the black one somewhere... very hot stuff but i'd have a hard time picking between that one and the 'new' modern vincent

[Jeff Higgins]

Whatever happened to the new Nortons? I remember Vintage Restorations in Oregon building Comandos from NOS and used parts on their own frames, then getting new parts made off original drawings, then designing their own motor. They were supposed to have set up for production in Georgia or something. Did that fall through? I've seen their bikes at the International Motorcycle Show in Seattle in the past, but not for a couple of years. They had one in Portland at the ALMS races two years ago, but not last year. What's up with them?

[}{arlequin]

i heard about that too but i guess it ended stillborn...

these will do nicely though:
http://www.vincentmotors.com/BIK/

[MotoSook]

Originally posted by Jeff Higgins
Whatever happened to the new Nortons? I remember Vintage Restorations in Oregon building Comandos from NOS and used parts on their own frames, then getting new parts made off original drawings, then designing their own motor. They were supposed to have set up for production in Georgia or something. Did that fall through? I've seen their bikes at the International Motorcycle Show in Seattle in the past, but not for a couple of years. They had one in Portland at the ALMS races two years ago, but not last year. What's up with them?

There was a blurp about in Cycle World a few months back. IIRC, the guy lost funding (capital vultures pulled out or didn't want to dump more $ into the project). The blurp about Norton was that it was a shame, and if you go to the website, it featured cheapo Chinese made pocket bikes with a Norton sticker on the tank...a plastichrome tank!

[MotoSook]

Here's what was on Wiki:

[edit] Replica revival
During the 1990's, Kenny Dreer of Oregon evolved from restoring and upgrading Commandos to producing whole machines. He modernised the design and in the early 2000's went into series production, but then suspended operations in April 2006.



I just went to the site and it's back up:

http://www.nortonmotorcycles.com/

Maybe there was some reconciliation between the parties.

[MotoSook]

It's spring time, and the bikes are getting some $$$ thrown at them, so I figured I'd inspire some of you (and myself!)...here's the direction I'm headed in.

[Rot 911]

Souk those are some nice mods you have made. Unfortunately for me, unlike that models ass, mine just can't handle a cafe racer ride anymore. At least not more than a few miles or so.

As an aside, where the hell you been? We don't see you around these parts much anymore. We miss you. Stick around we love you long, long time.

[Nostril Cheese]

This needed another appearance

[MotoSook]

Originally posted by Kurt V
Souk those are some nice mods you have made. Unfortunately for me, unlike that models ass, mine just can't handle a cafe racer ride anymore. At least not more than a few miles or so.

As an aside, where the hell you been? We don't see you around these parts much anymore. We miss you. Stick around we love you long, long time.

Kurt those pictures of the Ducs are from a site I found where the owners have the same sense I do about what a Ducati 900SS should look like I've been planning something for the 900 since I bought it. The "sphagetti" exhaust will get a "Souk" fusion. I've got a stock header that I'm cutting and will weld it up for a single outlet in the tail, just like that first picture. Funny thing is that I could sell the Duc, but I know I won't find one as nice later, so instead of recouping my money, I'm throwing money at it! Smart huh?

Anyhow, I've been busy with work and home life, so I'm rarely on line these days. I check in now and then, mostly late at night, but can't keep up with the posts. Glad to know you've noticed.

[Eric 951]

Nice work Souk.

Don't know how I missed this thread the first go around. Tonight will be the first ride for me this summer--got the bike ready this past weekend--a few oil leaks, the electric start died,a nd I still have some minor carb issues--but what can one expect from a 27 year old bike--especially when it went from this:


To this:

[scottmandue]

Originally posted by }{arlequin
i heard about that too but i guess it ended stillborn...

these will do nicely though:
http://www.vincentmotors.com/BIK/

Hmmm... quote from website:

"Q. When will these bikes be available and how many models will you be in production?
A. Vincent Motors has completed four pre-production prototypes. The next phase will include building prototypes for Design Validation and Production Validation level performance, handling, as well as EPA and DOT testing. We anticipate that process will be complete and production will begin in late 2004."

2004?

[Rick Lee]

Pretty close to sealing the deal on a BMW 1200GS, but this thread is making me reconsider.

[MotoSook]

Here you go Rick.

[Rick Lee]

Nah, the K1200's aren't my cup of tea. Previous owner of my roadster got a K1200 as a replacement and doesn't like it either. Never heard of anyone who didn't love their GS though.

[Jim Bremner]

bump for some bike porn